After Husband Dies, Widow Inherits Cheap Pendant and Lady She Never Met Inherits His Property – Story of the Day

When my husband, Richard, died, he left all his property to someone I'd never met, and I only got a worthless old pendant. But then, Richard's strange heir introduced herself.

Richard and I met in college and later settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was raised. We had hoped for a large family, but it wasn't meant to be. After numerous unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy, we decided to focus on enjoying life together.

After reading an article about women opting out of motherhood for careers, I thought to myself, "That sounds like me. I’m a career woman, not a mom." Richard, too, seemed at peace with our situation, although he always enjoyed the company of our neighbors' children during Halloween.

Our farm, located quite a distance from the nearest neighbor, provided us with plenty of work and fulfillment. As years passed, the idea of not having children didn't bother us. We were deeply in love and content with our farm life.

However, as we aged, managing the farm became challenging, prompting us to hire help and eventually move to a suburban area in Milwaukee to enjoy our retirement. Unfortunately, Richard suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away, leaving me to mourn his loss.

Despite the grief, I was grateful for the incredible life we had shared. Then, one day, our lawyer, Mr. Perkins, contacted me about Richard's will.

Confused, I asked, "Why, Mr. Perkins? We didn’t have children or any extended family. Why do we need to read the will?"

"Please, Mrs. Chambers. Let’s meet up tomorrow in my office," Mr. Perkins insisted, a sense of formality in his voice. So, I agreed, although it was still puzzling.

At the meeting, I was introduced to a middle-aged woman, Ms. Raymond, whom I had never met before. Her first name was Sue.

Mr. Perkins began reading the will. "I, Richard Chambers, of sound mind and body, hereby give all my property and what remains in my bank accounts to Ms. Raymond," the lawyer said, making my jaw drop, as he continued. "...to my wife of many years, I give my mother’s turquoise pendant."

"I don’t understand, Mr. Perkins. Who is this woman? Why didn’t I know any of this?" I asked, still shocked.

"Mrs. Chambers, your husband wanted you to meet Sue," Mr. Perkins explained, turning his attention to the woman beside me. "And that’s why I called you here. I'll let you two have a chat," he added before leaving us alone in his office.

I turned to this strange. "So, you're Sue. Why would my husband leave you his fortune?" I asked.

Sue, at least, had the decency to look chagrined. "A few months back, I found your husband on social media," she started. "Turns out, he's my father. We confirmed it with a DNA test. I'm Sophie's daughter."

"Sophie," I whispered, the name striking a chord. Richard had mentioned her, his first love, long before we met. "But I don’t understand. Richard would’ve never abandoned Sophie with a baby."

"My mom never told him about the pregnancy," Sue explained. "She left Milwaukee, deciding not to tell him. She always said my father was a one-night stand. Curiosity led me to some old love letters, and... here we are."

"You wrote to my husband... I can’t believe he didn’t tell me," I said, feeling inexplicably sad that Richard didn't get to experience parenthood. I would have supported them reconnecting. "So, now, you inherit our house, the farm, everything?"

She raised her hands defensively. "I never wanted anything from him," Sue said. "But with two daughters, a secure home is beyond my dreams. Still, I'm willing to split it with you."

"No," I decided. "Richard left his will clear. You keep everything but this pendant."

My attitude was perhaps a little petulant, but I needed time to process this, to pack up my life and memories. Back home, I started packing, set to move to a condo in Tampa, Florida, which I had inherited from my parents before Richard and I got married.

As I packed, I mused about joining the ranks of retired seniors in Florida. I'm such a cliché. I got tired quickly, so I sat down and examined the turquoise pendant from Richard's mother for a while. It wasn't worth anything. He had only kept it for its sentimental value.

Looking at Richard's photo, I shook my head. "After all these years, you chose a stranger over me," I whispered into the empty room.

The more I thought about it, the angrier I became, and in a moment of rage, I threw the pendant to the floor. “Ugh! Ugly thing!” I yelled, releasing all my frustration. The jewelry made a subtle sound against the hardwood, but it also opened.

I had no idea it was a locket. Inside, there was a tiny note: "Agatha, look in the study under the table."

Curious, I found a key and a letter taped underneath his desk. I couldn't believe what I was reading.

"Agatha, I know you probably hate me. But this is the key to the safe hidden beneath the Milwaukee landscape painting. All of its contents are yours. I know me having a daughter was probably shocking, but I didn’t know how to tell you.

We always dreamed of children but settled wonderfully into our lives without them. I didn’t help raise her, and she’s going through financial difficulties, that’s why I left her almost everything. But our mutual savings are in that safe.

I didn’t know if Sue would have other intentions and try to take those savings from you if I left them in the bank. So I closed that account and cashed all that money. I bought a few gold bars too. That’s all yours and not part of the will at all. I hope you can forgive me.

Our life together was wonderful. I never regretted not having children. But I felt guilty for not knowing about Sue. I hope you can understand. But let me be clear. You were the best wife anyone could’ve asked for.

All my love, Richard.”

Tears streamed down my face as I finished reading. It seemed ridiculous. Mr. Perkins could have easily drafted something to protect that money from Sue. But when I asked about it, our lawyer had no idea Richard had done this.

“All I know is what Mr. Chambers wanted me to include in his will. Regardless, Sue can’t touch anything in your accounts, Mrs. Chambers, because they were in your name anyway,” Mr. Perkins had explained. That provided some relief.

With the money and gold bars safely in my possession, I finalized my packing and paid the movers in cash.

"Florida, here I come!" I exclaimed, embarking on a new chapter.

Florida welcomed me with its warmth and friendly community. Sue even reached out on Facebook, sharing photos of her daughters on the farm. Looking at those images, I felt a sense of peace, knowing Richard had made the right choice.

From my balcony, overlooking the beach, I couldn't help but think life took me exactly where I was meant to be.

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