My cousin married a wealthy second-generation rich guy who had a six-month-old son. The child's biological mother died from amniotic fluid embolism during childbirth, and my cousin promised to care for the child as if he were her own.

I visited their home once, and that child only drank distilled water, ate only organic vegetables and imported poultry and seafood from abroad. My cousin was exceptionally patient with the child—she never hit or scolded him when he misbehaved, only gently reasoned with him.

Everyone praised her for being such a good stepmother. Unfortunately, this didn't last long. When the child turned three, he suddenly developed leukemia and passed away.

The following year, my cousin gave birth to her own biological child. She disciplined him as needed—hitting and scolding when necessary—showing none of the gentleness she had displayed as a stepmother.