I gave up my job and sold all my jewelry to look after my mother-in-law for nine long years. But when her will was read, my name wasn’t mentioned once—I was left with nothing. Then I uncovered her bank account, and what I saw left me completely speechless.

I didn’t think much of it, assuming there wasn’t much to distribute. The will stated that the elder son would receive the family home, and we would get only a passbook containing 35,000 dollars, “to help the younger children with the final rituals.”

The room fell silent. I lowered my head and said nothing, fighting back tears. Nine years of sacrifice, selling everything I had—only to receive this. But I didn’t complain. Perhaps my mother-in-law wanted to maintain peace in the family. I held her hand and whispered, “Mom, I understand. Please rest.”

A week later, she passed away.

The funeral was simple but dignified. I handled the coffin, flowers, and rituals. The elder son delivered a short eulogy, took a few photos, and left. When I prepared to lower the coffin, he said, “You keep the passbook. We won’t touch it.”

I gave a small smile. “It’s fine. It’s not worth much.”

Three days later, dressed in simple clothes, I took the passbook to the bank—the one where my mother-in-law had opened the account. My plan was to withdraw the money to cover the 40-day prayer ceremony and finally close this painful chapter.

The receptionist led me to a private room. I was confused. “I just want to withdraw the money…”

The woman smiled gently.

“Yes, you are Mrs. Eleanor Parker’s heir, correct? Please come to the private room. This is a special account.”

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