I Was Just a Caregiver for an Elderly Lady Until She Revealed Her Plan to Rewrite the Will — Story of the Day

I believed I was simply a caregiver for Mrs. Blackwood, a sharp-tongued, private woman, until her plan to alter her will in my favor, excluding her children, drew me into a web of family secrets.

I was young, without a job, full of uncertainty. I held a nursing diploma but had no employment prospects. Living in the city for higher education felt like an unfair joke. Several rejected interview attempts left me anxious, staring at a bleak future.

Then, I noticed a small advertisement in the paper:

“Nanny needed for an elderly lady unable to walk. Live-in position.”

It seemed like a chance for a new start. So, I went to the interview.

When I arrived at the large, slightly worn house, a young man, probably in his early twenties, opened the door.

“You must be here for the nanny job,” he said politely, smiling. “I’m Edward.”

Before I could reply, a young woman appeared behind him.

“And I’m Emily. Grandma’s expecting you,” she added, her voice friendly but reserved, as if she was just doing her duty.

They kindly showed me inside, but I sensed they were pretending to be welcoming.

“Grandma's upstairs,” Edward indicated toward the staircase. “We’ll let her handle the rest.”

They moved down the hall, leaving me with an impression that they were more like housemates than dutiful grandchildren.

Mrs. Blackwood greeted me with a confident smile. She was in bed but radiated command. Her hair was perfectly styled, her nails well-kept, and her laughter surprisingly hearty.

“Ah, you must be Mia,” she said warmly, with authority. “Come in, dear. Sit down.”

I hesitated. She seemed stronger than the fragile, helpless image I had prepared for.

“Don’t just stand there,” she teased, patting the bed’s edge. “Sit! Have a doughnut. No one should face the day hungry.”

“Thank you,” I replied, carefully taking one from her nightstand plate.

Her eyes twinkled, as if she already knew my story.

“So,” she asked, leaning back slightly, “why do you want this position?”

“I need it. And I believe I can assist you,” I said, trying to stay modest.

She nodded. “Honesty—that’s rare now. Well, Mia, you’re hired.”

This is how my time in Mrs. Blackwood’s house began.

At first, the days went smoothly. I followed her routine, listened to her many stories, and thought it might stay simple. But then, strange things started happening.

One morning, a book from her shelf moved near her bed.

“Did you read this last night, Mrs. Blackwood?” I asked, holding up the book.

“I don’t sleepwalk, dear,” she replied, smiling in amusement.

Later, I noticed the curtain I had left open was closed upon return, and the flowers I saw watered weren't touched by me.

“Are your grandchildren coming to say goodnight?” I asked casually.

“Oh, no,” she laughed softly. “Edward and Emily have been here since their parents left, but they rarely check on me before bed.”

“But… someone’s moving things,” I pressed.

“They’ll come when the will is read,” she added, dismissing my concern.

Her words felt disconnected, like a puzzle piece that didn’t fit. I sensed she was hiding something, even from her own grandchildren.

Each day revealed more secrets. I made small changes to make her more comfortable and add normalcy. Instead of eating alone in her room, I set a proper dinner in the living room.

“Nothing beats a proper dinner table,” I said, adjusting the silverware. “It feels livelier, don’t you think?”

Mrs. Blackwood raised an eyebrow but faintly smiled.

“You’re full of ideas, aren’t you, Mia?”

“And you’ll like this one,” I winked, moving her wheelchair close to the table.

I covered her with a blanket and put a pillow behind her back.

Edward and Emily weren’t thrilled. The first night, they entered the room with wide eyes, as if they had entered a strange new world.

“What’s this?” Emily frowned at the set table.

“Dinner,” I replied cheerfully. “It’s nicer to eat together, don’t you think?”

Edward hesitated. “But Grandma always eats in her room.”

“No more,” I said firmly, pulling out a chair for him. “She deserves company, don’t you agree?”

They exchanged uncertain looks but sat down.

Later, I suggested reading nights twice a week.

“It’s simple,” I explained one evening. “Each of us reads a chapter aloud. We can talk about it afterward. It’ll be fun and give us something to share.”

Mrs. Blackwood enjoyed it, laughing as we stumbled through old stories and light novels.

But after a few weeks, Edward and Emily found reasons to avoid those nights. Their absences increased, leaving only Mrs. Blackwood and me at the table.

One night, the four of us ate together.

“I’m glad you joined us tonight,” Mrs. Blackwood said warmly.

Edward looked at Emily. “Actually, Grandma, we need to talk.”

“We’ve decided… It’s best if Edward and I move out. You’ll still have Mia to care for you,” she said.

Mrs. Blackwood tilted her head. “Move out? Where?”

“Downtown,” Edward explained quickly. “But we need a bit of help with the deposit and rent.”

Silence filled the room. Then, Mrs. Blackwood smiled slowly, her expression sharp.

“Well, that’s convenient,” she said softly, with a hint of mischief. “Since we’re sharing news, I have some of my own.”

Edward frowned. “What news?”

Mrs. Blackwood leaned forward, eyes gleaming.

“Next week, my lawyer will come to update my will.”

Emily froze, half-raising her fork. “Changes?”

“Yes,” she replied calmly. “Everything will go to Mia.”

“You’re joking!” Emily exclaimed.

“I’m serious,” Mrs. Blackwood said quietly. “Mia has shown me care and respect I haven’t seen from you two in years. She’s earned it.”

“But we’re your grandchildren!” Edward shouted.

“Then start acting like it,” she retorted. “Now, dinner’s getting cold. Excuse me.”

Overnight, Edward and Emily’s behavior shifted dramatically. Suddenly, they acted as devoted grandchildren, vying for her attention. The shift was almost laughable.

One morning, I saw Edward placing a bright bouquet of tulips on the table.

“Flowers for you, Grandma,” he said cheerfully. “I remember how much you love tulips.”

Mrs. Blackwood looked at the flowers. “Do you? I actually prefer orchids.”

Shortly after, Emily appeared with tea and biscuits.

“Breakfast in the living room today—thought you’d enjoy a change,” she said.

Mrs. Blackwood sipped her tea. “Well, aren’t you two just angels? Too bad you didn’t think of this earlier.”

Their efforts were endless, almost comical. Meanwhile, I barely lifted a finger.

But she remained firm. One evening after a fancy dinner Emily made, Mrs. Blackwood declared:

“My decision is final. No flowers or fancy meals will change it.”

The smiles vanished, replaced by whispers behind closed doors.

The next day, Edward approached me.

“We’ve decided you’re no longer needed. We can take care of Grandma ourselves.”

His words seemed rehearsed, but tension revealed their true intent.

“Alright,” I said. “I’ll gather my things.”

Before I left, Mrs. Blackwood called me into her room. She gave me an envelope filled with money.

“It’s time for you to act. Rent a car, park it near the house at midnight, and wait in the garden after dark. Be prepared.”

I was taken aback. “What’s going to happen?”

She smiled. “Trust me. You’ll see soon enough.”

I rented the car, following her instructions. That night, I parked it a few streets away, hidden in the shadows.

Taking a breath, I slipped into the garden, crouching behind a hedge with a clear view of the house. Time slowed as I waited anxiously.

Then, all at once, the house lights went out.

My heart raced. I stared at the windows, muscles tense. Shadows moved in the darkness, not visible before.

Suddenly, the back door creaked open, and a figure in a dark cloak stepped out. The face was illuminated by the moon.

“Mrs. Blackwood?” I whispered, unsure.

“Come,” she whispered, moving swiftly with confidence.

I hurried after, struggling to keep up as she moved across the garden like someone much younger. When we reached the jeep, she slid into the driver’s seat.

“You can drive?” I asked, stunned.

“Of course,” she said with a smile. “Did you think I spent all my time in bed for fun?”

As she expertly drove away, she explained everything—the objects moved, the staged helplessness—all part of her plan.

“My grandchildren have waited their entire lives for things they didn’t earn. Mia, you showed me true effort. It’s time they learn to stand on their own,” she said.

True to her word, she rewrote her will, leaving her grandchildren nothing and leaving me a large gift. She donated most to charity. Her grandchildren were given a choice: earn their support or lose it.

I found a place to live, returned to my hospital internship, and carried glowing recommendations from Mrs. Blackwood. That experience gave me a special friendship, and she taught me the importance of self-respect.