I always thought I’d just fade—lost in laundry, grocery lists, school calendars, married to a man who vanished more than he stayed.
I’m Delaney, 45, mother of two, working at a dental clinic. My husband, Caleb, has always chased the next “big opportunity,” while I held us together—until Gloria, his cold mother, died and everything changed.
At her will reading, Gloria left everything to me—our house, finances, even the lake house—on the condition I stay married to Caleb and live with him and his sister, Tessa, for 90 straight days. Shock turned to dread as Caleb and Tessa reacted with hostility; Tessa vanished, Caleb sank deeper into bad habits, and soon anonymous notes and accusations started at my work.
Tensions built until Caleb and Tessa practically conspired to undo me—there were whispers, false allegations, even an accusation of elder abuse. I found their plan in Caleb’s notebook: paint me as greedy.
But Gloria had left me one final surprise: a flash drive. In it, her recorded message revealed Caleb’s affair and Tessa’s dependence, but also her trust in me. She reminded them—and me—that I stayed out of love and belief.
Confronted with her words, my family paused. Next morning, Caleb left for work sober, Tessa enrolled in classes. We’re not fixed—but we’re trying. I leave the porch light on for Gloria’s memory—and for the family we’re becoming.