It all started with will – something I never expected will change everything.
My father was always a quiet, thoughtful type, never caused a stir. But when he died, his will revealed the shocking truth that changed my life upside down.
My sister, who was barely present in our family for years, inherited the house in which we lived together, while I, his closest companion, stayed with anything other than his old watch.
I knew a little that this watch would become the key to revealing a hidden fortune and a network of secrets that my father was careful about.
This was followed by a chain of events that let me question everything I thought I knew about my family, loyalty and betrayal.
Before my father went through, it was just the three who lived in his house – Me, my dad and my older sister (35). To be honest, but barely it was around. The house did not feel like a home; It was just somewhere to collapse.
Two weeks ago my father died. He and I have always been incredibly close, unlike my sister, who kept a distance.
Then came the reading of the will.
In the lawyer’s office, we learned that my father had left the house on my sister. As for me? I stayed with his old watch.
I almost collapsed when I held it. It seemed to me to hold a piece. We stayed under the same roof for a few days, but then, from blue, my sister told me, “It’s time to go in our independent ways. I need you to leave.”
I just got back from work. My things? Already wrapped and thrown away.
I panicked and called our lawyer for advice.
But instead of sympathy I met with a laugh.
“You won’t believe that, but everything happens exactly as your father predicted. Come to my office tomorrow. I have something for you.”
He offered to organize a motel or bed and breakfast for me for the night. Within minutes, I came to raise my car and get me to a cozy bed and breakfast.
“You’re going here, Madam,” the driver said, taking my luggage in.
When I unpacked, the owner knocked on the door with a warm meal from Mathew, a lawyer. Mac and cheese and salad.
I was surprised how well Matthew took care of me, even though I didn’t know him very well.
I barely slept that night.
The following morning, exhausted and dull, I went to Matthew’s office. He greeted me with a warm smile and showed that I was sitting.
“Sit down, boy,” he said. “You’ll want to sit on it.”
“What’s the matter?” I asked confused.
Matthew slipped the folder over the table.
“Your dad was a smart man, Dawn. He knew Charlotte would probably kick you as soon as he had control of the house.”
“Did he know?” I was dripping down.
Matthew nodded. “That’s why he had it pulled out.”
Opened the folder.
“Seven years ago, your father inherited a large amount of money – almost two million dollars. It came from a distant relative who had no children, but your father took care of her when she needed help.”
“What?” I was impressed.
“Yeah, he never said about it, but he had his reasons. But here’s the catch: He divided the money between you and Charlotte.”
“Will he get a share?” I asked and sank my heart.
“Yes. But there’s a condition – Charlotte has to share the house with you the same way.”
I sat down more straight. In the end, there was a road from this nightmare.
“If he refuses, he won’t get anything.”
“There’s more,” Matthew continued. “Your father left you too.”
He moved the letter over the table. It was in my father’s manuscript.
Dawn, my darling,
I know Charlotte. I know what he will do. But you’re smarter than her. You’ve always been. Money is in the security box. Use it wisely, my girl. I love you more than anything else.
-Dad
I stared at the letter.
“I don’t know the code on the safe,” I whispered.
Matthew smiled. “Watch.”
I took my father’s watch from my wrist and turned it. There were small scratches on the back – inventive but visible.
Code!
Matthew grinned. “Your dad was a genius, dawn.”
For the first time since his graduation I laughed.
Charlotte had a house, but also inherited all the debt. And she was throwing one person who could save her from the loss of everything.
A few days later, when I was still on my bed and breakfast, Charlotte called me. I let it ring, then I picked it up after a few moments.
“Hi?” I said sweetly.
“Did you know, did you?” She spit.
“Did he know what?” I asked.
“House,” she gave up. “The lawyer just called me. There’s a debt. A lot of it. Thousands of dollars. If it’s not worth it, the house will be taken. And you …” “Do you have money, right?”
I kept turning my father’s watch on my wrist.
“I could have money,” I said. “But we don’t have exactly a good history, right? You dug me out.”
There was silence.
“You have to help me!” She said almost a request.
I smiled.
“I’d help you, Charlotte,” I said. “If you were more kind to me when you grew up. Maybe I would feel bad.”
I hung the phone.
Matthew helped me look for a small furnished apartment.
“Something simple will be perfect,” he said. “You have a few months to go to college, Dawn. No need to be tied to a large house. The apartment is a way to go. And soon you will be eighteen – you can do whatever you want. For now, focus on school.”
“Thank you for helping me,” I said. “I would be lost without you.”
“Dawn, your father told me everything about you – especially how hard your sister has made your life after your mom left. I promised him to help you go back to your feet.”
A few weeks later I was in my cozy small studio apartment in the art district. I loved it.
I don’t know what happened to Charlotte, but when I went by one evening at the house, I saw pre -sale.
I probably should feel bad, but no. The house did not feel at home without my father.
At least I knew he was still looking for me – even though it was over Matthew.
In the end, I found a feeling of peace I didn’t expect. The loss of my father was heartbreaking and the tension with my sister worsened. But despite the unexpected twists and turns of will, I realized that my father had planned for this moment all the time. He knew the nature of my sister and made sure I would be fine, even if it means entering the world I wasn’t ready for.
With Matthew, I found a new beginning in a small apartment that felt like my own space, without the toxic dynamics I grew up with. As for Charlotte, her choice was her to live. House, debt – all disintegrated when they least expected it. But for me I had the future I was looking forward to, something I could build on my own. My father may not be here, but his love and wisdom still led me and reminded me that no matter that I was stronger than I thought.
And as far as my sister is concerned, she would have to find her own consequences of her actions. As for me, I could finally move forward, with my wrist clock as a reminder of a man who always had his back, even after he was gone.