The Mother-in-Law Eagerly Awaited Her Father-in-Law’s Passing, Hoping for His Flat—But the Old Man Had a Plan All Along

I have been looking after my husbands grandfather for ten years. We lived in a rented flat with our children, while my husbands sister, Emily, was staying in Grandads flat at the time. No one seemed to be bothered about himnot his daughter-in-law, nor his grandchildren. My own life hadnt gone the way I wanted; I never finished university because I got pregnant, and I never managed to build a successful career.

Every day drifted into the next: juggling between caring for Grandad and raising my kids.

My husband resented the constant tension at home and often drowned his stress in drink. He wasnt interested in other women, since he had children and nowhere to live, so he always came back to me in the end. I forgave him, though I knew I no longer loved him. I did it for the sake of the children and Grandadand because he provided us with some money.

Emily hardly ever visited, and when she did, it was only to ask Grandad for his pension money or to complain about her finances. But really, her family didnt have it so bad. They didnt have to pay rent, so they could even afford holidays abroad.

Five years ago, Grandad left his flat to me in his will. You are dearer to me than anyone else in the family. My grandson is spinelesshed give the flat to his mother or his sister. Let your children, my great-grandchildren, live here instead. Its my way of repaying you for all youve done. I dont want you to curse me one day for letting life pass you by because of me.

But no one in the family knew about this. As soon as Grandads health began to fail, both his daughter and his granddaughter started visiting, suddenly showing a great deal of concern. Grandad, no fool, realised exactly why.

When the old man passed away, the family rushed to sort out the inheritance. My mother-in-law and Emily convinced my husband to hand over any claim to the flat, since Emily lived there. He agreed, but none of them knew about the will.

The very next day, my husband started packing his things. He told me he had met someone else and had only stayed with me so I could care for his grandfather. Then he left, and I felt like a weight had come off my shoulders. When the family heard about the will, all hell broke loosea full-on war of threats and accusations.

You listen to me, youre never getting that flat! I dont know how you looked after Grandad or tricked him into leaving you the place, but youre not getting it. Youre a real piece of work and well prove it in court. Leave my son with his kids, he finally has a lovely new girlfriend.

Do you know what I realised? I can afford to tell the lot of them to go away for good. So thats exactly what I did: Just go, and dont come back!

Their words didnt hurt me at all. I am certain I will finally get to live a normal life now. Ive found a job, my children and I have our own home, and most importantly, I no longer have to deal with that family.

What would you do if you were in my shoes?