As soon as I stepped out of my car, Jessica was waiting, seated on the patio like it was her personal throne, sipping coffee as if my whole life hadn’t just been tossed across the lawn. The wind scattered the boxes I’d painstakingly packed, spreading memories of my parents—Mom’s old recipes, Dad’s worn quilt, family photos—all around. My heart pounded as I took in the scene.
“Jessica… What is this? Why are my things all over the yard?” I asked, my voice trembling with shock and anger.
Jessica lowered her designer sunglasses, a smug grin spreading across her face. “I’m just doing what’s necessary,” she said dismissively, waving a manicured hand. “This is my house now.”
A chill ran through me. “Your house? Jessica, what are you talking about?”
“Guess you should’ve attended the will reading,” she sneered, holding up a document with my father’s signature at the bottom. “Turns out, he left the house to me.”
It felt like the ground was yanked out from under me. Dad never liked Jessica, and I couldn’t believe he’d leave her his beloved home. Just then, Matt’s truck pulled up, and he climbed out, his face darkening as he took in the mess on the lawn and the smug look on Jessica’s face.
“Jessica, what’s going on? First, you leave the lawyer’s office in a hurry, then I get this strange text. Now, my mom’s things are on the lawn?” he asked, his voice barely controlled.
Jessica stood up slowly, crossing her arms. “Like I said, I’m making some necessary changes, honey,” she said with a sickly sweet smile. “And while we’re at it, I want a divorce.”
Matt looked stunned, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to process her words. “You can’t be serious, Jessica!”
“Oh, I’m very serious,” she snapped, a bitter laugh escaping her. “I’ve spent years putting up with this family’s judgment. Well, now I’m getting what I deserve.”
My shock turned to anger. “You’re throwing my life onto the lawn because you think you ‘deserve’ this house?” I demanded.
She laughed, rolling her eyes. “Oh, save it, Hattie. You never wanted me here. You always looked down on me because I didn’t come from money. Well, guess what? I finally have what I deserve, and it doesn’t involve you or your son.”
Matt’s face hardened as he turned to her, fists clenched. “All those years my family warned me about you, I should’ve listened,” he said, his voice trembling with rage. “You’re nothing but a greedy, selfish woman.”
“And you’re a pathetic mama’s boy!” she shot back, pointing a finger at him. “Always running to her defense. It’s disgusting.”
Before I could respond, she sneered at both of us. “You better start packing, or I’ll call the cops and have you both removed.”
I was numb, watching the scene unfold, feeling like I was in a nightmare. With shaky hands, I pulled out my phone and called Dad’s lawyer. “Please, tell me this isn’t true. Dad would never give the house to her.”
On the other end, the lawyer’s voice was calm and reassuring. “Hattie, I was just about to call you. The document Jessica has… it was part of your dad’s plan. A test, to show her true colors.”
The relief that washed over me was overwhelming. I laughed, tears filling my eyes, a laugh so deep it surprised me. Jessica noticed, her confidence faltering. “What’s so funny?” she demanded.
“Oh, Jessica,” I said, trying to control my laughter, “you should’ve waited for the real will reading.”
Her face paled. “What?”
I held her gaze, the satisfaction in my voice undeniable. “Dad never left you the house. It was a fake document, a test. And you failed.”
Matt looked at her with disappointment and anger. “Grandpa’s plan worked,” he said, his voice cold.
Realization hit her like a brick. She reached out to Matt, voice trembling, “Matt—baby, please. I didn’t mean any of it. I was just upset. You know I love you.”
Matt shook his head. “Save it, Jessica. You want a divorce? You got one.”
As Jessica stomped off, her heels sinking into the grass, I felt a calm settle over me. Dad’s wisdom and love had once again protected our family. Matt and I gathered the scattered pieces of my life from the lawn, and I realized that the true inheritance Dad left behind wasn’t the house—it was the lesson of knowing who really belonged in our lives.
Dad would’ve been proud.
What do you think of the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
