After My Husband’s Death, My MIL Started Living a Luxurious Life—Until I Found Out Where Her Money Came From

My son and I were devastated by my husband’s passing. Losing the family I believed we had, however, was an other type of suffering. We were totally cut out of his mother’s life. I saw her covered in wealth she had never experienced before, months later. Something didn’t feel right. What was the source of the funds? I was astonished to learn the reality.

Despite having little, Zach and I were content. incredibly joyful. When we heard his deep laugh mixed with our kid Benny’s squeals, our room in his family’s home felt like a palace.

On occasion, I would watch them construct Lego towers on the living room floor while standing at the kitchen doorway. This is everything, I would suppose.

Then an April rainy Tuesday arrived.

My phone rang when I was cutting vegetables for supper. At the table, our 7-year-old Benny was coloring while humming softly.

“Ms. Tiana?The voice of a man stated. “This is the county police department’s Officer Ramirez.”

I froze my hand in mid-air.

“An accident has occurred.”

The blade dropped to the ground. Benny raised his head, holding a crayon.

“Mom? What’s the matter?”

How do you let your child know that his dad won’t be returning home? That Daddy took a wrong turn too quickly and was gone forever in his haste to get to movie night?

“Your dad,” I said, trembling as I knelt next to him. “Your father was in an accident.”

He crumpled his small face. “However, he assured us that we would see the new superhero film tonight.”

I held him tight and whispered, “I know, baby.” “I am certain that he did.”

A haze of black attire and hollow sympathies characterized the funeral. Doris, my mother-in-law, stood across the grave with a grim expression on her face. I had never been liked by her.

She approached us with cautious, unhurried steps after the last person had left.

“You know, he would still be alive if he hadn’t been running home to you two.”

It felt like someone slapped you. Benny gave my hand a squeeze.

I tried to remain composed as I said, “That’s not fair, Doris.” “He cherished us.”

We don’t want you in the house any longer. “And look where that got him.” She looked at Benny and then back at me. You have robbed this family enough.

After three days, I packed our belongings. As I put Benny’s clothes into a suitcase, Zach’s dad looked on from the doorway.

Where will we go, Grandpa?Holding his teddy bear, which Zach had given him, Benny inquired.

Without responding, his grandfather turned away.

I forced a smile as I said to Benny, “We’ll find our own place.” “Just me and you.”

We took up residence in a tiny cottage. In its small backyard, Benny could play. Watching him chase butterflies was worth everything, even though the rent consumed half of my waitressing earnings.

When I could, I worked double shifts. Benny was usually waiting for me on the couch, sleeping, when I returned home with painful feet. After carrying him to bed, I would fall down next to him.

I saw Doris again three months after Zach’s passing.

A gleaming black car parked in the premium spot as I was leaving the bargain grocery store, wondering if I would have enough cash for Benny’s school supplies and the energy bill.

Doris emerged as the door opened, carrying shopping bags from pricey places and sporting a stylish coat and large sunglasses.

I nearly dropped my goods. This woman had worked as a cashier for twenty years, meticulously calculating each penny. She now had the appearance of someone from a fashion magazine.

Before I could resist, I approached her.

“Doris?”

After a moment of hesitation, she straightened.

“How did you pay for all of this?I gestured to her clothes and automobile. “When Zach was alive, you didn’t have these things. You work as a cashier. How did you manage to pay for this?”

She squinted. “That isn’t your concern!She yelled and climbed into her vehicle.

As she drove off, I stood in the exhaust fumes, my suspicions rising.

“Gramma, wasn’t that her?Benny inquired. Why is she no longer interested in seeing us?”

I made an effort to grin. “Honey, some people simply don’t know how to deal with sadness.”

Although working at the Rusty Nail Bar wasn’t my ideal job, the late hours allowed me to be home when Benny got home from school, and the tips were good.

I was cleaning tables one sluggish Tuesday night when I could feel Zach’s absence weighing down on my chest.

I grabbed the picture of him from my wallet, the one from our lake anniversary. In the sunlight, he was chuckling.

Hey, that guy is someone I know.

I raised my head. The bartender, Max, was bending over.

“You do?”

Yes, he did occasionally visit. Hold on, you’re his wife? Tiana? He was often talking about you.

I got a lump in my throat. Did he?”

Max sat across from me and nodded, saying, “He was proud of you and your child.” His expression darkened. “Always showed us pictures.” “I was informed of what transpired. I apologize.

I murmured, “Thanks,” and put the picture away.

“So, did his mother give you the money?”

I gazed at him. “How much money?”

Max’s expression shifted from pity to perplexity.
“The money. Zach’s funds. He kept it at his mother’s house and said that some past debts made it better to keep it hidden. He leaned in closer. “Over the years, he must have saved close to $100,000.”

It seemed as though the room moved. “One hundred thousand dollars? And it’s with his mother?”

In her basement, indeed. Once, while we were hanging around, Zach showed me. One day, he added, it would be for you and Benny.

In the worst possible way, Doris’s unexpected affluence, the sports vehicle, and her fancy clothes all made sense.

I grabbed my jacket and said, “I have to go.” “Will you cover for me?”

Max nodded, his expression full of dread. “Will you be alright?”

I stopped at the entrance. “No. However, I will take what is rightfully mine.

As he stood between Doris and me in her immaculate living room, Officer Sanders, who was identified by his badge, appeared uncomfortable.

“Ma’am, there isn’t much we can do unless we have evidence that the money is yours or your son’s,” he said.

With a smug expression on her face, Doris folded her arms.

I countered, “But it was my husband’s money.” “He kept it safe for us.”

“Hearsay,” Doris interrupted. “I never heard anything like that from Zach.”

Officer Sanders let out a sigh. “Ms. I apologize, Tiana, but in situations like this, possession is nine-tenths of ownership according to the law.

At last, his younger partner said something. He addressed Doris, saying, “Ma’am, I think it’s odd that you used your son’s savings to buy expensive clothing and sports cars rather than helping your daughter-in-law and grandson.”

Doris winced, the color fading from her face.

“Leave,” she yelled. “Everyone.”

I saw a picture of Zach’s family on the wall as we were leaving. His smile seemed to follow me to the door since it was so similar to Benny’s.

As we arrived at the patrol cruiser, Officer Sanders apologized. “The law doesn’t always align with what’s right.”

I gave a nod. “I appreciate your effort.”

That evening, I cuddled Benny while we sat on our old couch while our used TV played a kid-friendly film.

Why are you giving me such a tight squeeze, Mommy?He inquired.

I relaxed a bit. I’m sorry, my love. I simply adore you.

Is it because Daddy is on your mind?He inquired.

Sort of. Can you make me a promise, Benny?”

“What?”

“Assure me that money won’t ever alter who you are. Be kind at all times, even when it’s difficult.

His expression became solemn. Like how Daddy usually gave the homeless man in the park his sandwich?”

My eyes welled up with tears. “Exactly.”

“I swear,” he said, before continuing, “but can we still occasionally purchase ice cream even if we don’t have a lot of money?”

Despite my tears, I laughed. “Yes, sweetheart. Ice cream is still available.

Two days later, we were eating mac and cheese for breakfast when there was a knock.

I saw a dozen neighbors when I opened the door; some I knew well, while others I knew just vaguely.

Next door, Mrs. Patel came forward. “We heard about your mother-in-law’s situation, Tiana.”

The retired teacher across the street, Mr. Greene, was behind her, holding an envelope. Small-town rumors spread quickly. Her actions were improper.

“We started a collection,” another person stated. “Not much, but…”

I was given a big envelope by Mrs. Patel. Here, we take care of one another. We resemble family.

I couldn’t speak. From behind me, Benny peered out.

I tried to give it back by saying, “I can’t accept this.” “It’s excessive.”

Mr. Greene remarked, “Nonsense.” “Everyone has experienced hardships.”

Mrs. Patel added quietly, “Please.” “For the boy.”

For the first time since Zach’s passing, I felt something inside of me relax as I looked at their sweet faces.

Do you want to join us for tea?I stepped aside and asked. We have cookies, don’t we, Benny?”

He smiled. I can also show them my collection of dinosaurs!”

Before long, laughing and voices filled the house. “You’re not alone,” Mrs. Patel murmured, catching my attention. Keep it in mind.

With tears in my eyes, I said, “Thank you.”

Another knock came a week later.

Doris was standing there carrying a big luggage. She appeared smaller in some way since she wore basic clothing rather than high-end labels.

“What are you looking for?I asked icily.

“May I enter?”

After hesitating, I stepped aside.

She surveyed the tiny living area, which had walls painted by Benny and me and used furniture.

She said that someone had uploaded a picture of her with her new vehicle. called me a monster for stealing money from the family of my deceased son. It spread all around.

I said nothing.

She pushed the suitcase toward me and went on, “I sold the car and other things. It’s not everything Zach saved, but it should have been yours.”

I gazed at her. “What made you do it? He was your son.

Her voice broke. Since I was upset. as you were more important to him than I was. Because I am a self-centered elderly woman who is incapable of handling sadness.

She turned to go. “I would like to know my grandson, if you will ever pardon me.”

She left before I could respond.

Comfort and security can be purchased with money, but time and trust cannot be bought. We did gain a new beginning as a result.

To show our gratitude to our neighbors, we tidied up our small house and invited them over for dinner. In order to get my degree, I began taking night classes. Indeed, Benny and I had an abundance of ice cream.

I may never be able to forgive Doris, but I’m not ready to do so yet.

I occasionally sense Zach’s presence when I’m doing clothes or assisting Benny with his schoolwork. Benny’s giggle and head tilt resemble his father’s, but not in a ghostly way.

That’s when I learned Zach’s true gift wasn’t cash stashed away in a basement. When we most needed it, that love was powerful enough to unite an entire community.

And that could never be replaced by any sports car in the world.