That night, my mother-in-law hid a rattlesnake under my pillow after discovering my $25 million life insurance policy. She smiled at me and said, “Go get some rest, I made your bed.” I didn’t argue. I took a blanket and gave the bedroom to my husband. Hours later, her desperate scream woke up the entire house… but the real secret was only beginning to come out.

He said nothing.

Then I knew.

Money.

The house.

Lifestyle.

Security.

I looked at him.

“Was it my money?”

“No.”

The answer came too quickly.

I laughed.

“Edgar.”

“I loved you.”

“Loved?”

“I love you.”

“No.”

“You loved comfort.”

“That’s not fair.”

I stared.

“Fair?”

“Your mother just tried to put a rattlesnake in my bed after learning you would inherit twenty-five million dollars.”

“And she mentioned the woman you had an affair with and your secret son.”

“Tell me what part of my conclusion is unfair.”

He had no answer.

Then I asked the question that mattered most.

“Did you know what she planned?”

His head snapped up.

“No.”

“Did you know about the policy?”

“Not the amount.”

“You were the beneficiary.”

“I knew there was coverage.”

“Did your mother talk about it?”

“No.”

“Did she ever say she wanted me gone?”

He hesitated.

My blood chilled.

“What did she say?”

“Nora.”

“What did she say?”

He whispered.

“That things would be easier if you weren’t in the way.”

I felt sick.

“When?”

“After Heather had the baby.”

“And?”

“I told her to stop.”

“Did she ever mention money?”

“Not directly.”

“Did she ever suggest I might die?”

He closed his eyes.

That was enough.

“When?”

“Last year.”

“What did she say?”

“She said accidents happen on highways.”