Mama, I can feel how much this hurt you, and my heart goes out to you talaga, reading private chats is never the answer, but I understand why you did it, and please don't beat yourself up more than you already are. The thing is, teenagers are brutal and say terrible things to their friends about the people closest to them (I've caught my own kids doing it), so while those words are real, they don't define who you are or how much you've given them over 7 years, that matters more than you think right now. What I'd really suggest is talking to your partner about what you found, maybe even with a family counselor, because this needs healing that's bigger than just you apologizing or them understanding; stepmom dynamics are honestly tricky, and someone trained can help you all find your footing again without the resentment building up like this. You stopped your career, you show up every day, you study how to be better, that's not a devil, mama, that's someone who genuinely cares, even if it doesn't feel that way today.