A cunning guy named Derek tricked his wife, Francesca, and mother-in-law, Jasmine, into giving over their money in a peaceful suburban area. Then he disappeared, not realizing that Jasmine was considerably more crafty than he thought.
Mom, don’t worry. Following her father’s death, Francesca told her mother Jasmine, “You’re going to live with us from now on.” “This large mansion won’t be your alone place.”
Does Derek think that’s okay? Concerned for her son-in-law’s sentiments, Jasmine questioned, “Your husband should have a say in that decision.”
It is imperative that Derek supports this. Francesca answered, “My family is the most important thing to me, and it’ll be nice to have you around again.” Derek, though, did not think this arrangement was ideal.
“Fran, you need to have discussed it with me sooner. “No guy in the world wants their mother-in-law to move in,” Francesca said Derek that evening when she revealed that Jasmine would be coming in the following day.
“Derek, please show some empathy. After my father passed away, I’m having trouble. My mom’s condition has gotten worse. Together is what we must do. Furthermore, Francesca said, “I was hoping you could help with the estate arrangements and set up my mother’s retirement.”
“It’s not my—” Derek started to object, but he quickly altered his tone. “Oh, OK. That’s alright. Yes, I ought to assist your mother. My bank has some really cool settings, so I should have no trouble finishing it.
Francesca was blind to Derek’s abrupt change in attitude. All she could feel was relief that he had agreed to assist. However, Derek was already plotting about the money his father-in-law had left and the potential income from Jasmine’s future work.
Managing such accounts might be very beneficial to him as a banker. He was already planning how he was going to use that money without his mother-in-law and wife knowing.
Jasmine moved in with Francesca and Derek the next day. Things appeared normal at first, but Jasmine soon saw Derek acting strangely. He frequently answered calls late into the night, which kept her awake.
Additionally, despite the fact that their town’s bank closes at 4 p.m., he regularly arrived home from work late. Francesca accepted his reasons without inquiry, appearing to be unaware of them. Jasmine expressed her worries, and Francesca reassured her that Derek was typical in this situation.
But Jasmine couldn’t get rid of the uneasy feeling she had about her son-in-law. She waited for the ideal opportunity, determined to find out the truth. Derek became less circumspect one weekend when Francesca claimed she was going on a business trip, and Jasmine took the chance to look into it.
“No, sweetheart. It’s alright. When the old witch is fast sleeping, I will depart. Jasmine overheard Derek saying on the phone, “She won’t notice at all.” Even though it was unethical to listen in, Jasmine felt justified because of her suspicions.
This “baby” was who? She silently trailed Derek out of the house that evening. He made his way a few blocks and knocked on the door of another home. A woman came to him and gave him a passionate kiss. Derek lived close to his lover, who he was cheating on Francesca with!
When Francesca returned, Jasmine approached her, shocked. Francesca couldn’t think Derek would turn on her, though, so she was living in denial. She didn’t see his flaws since she was in love.
Derek, who was unaware of their chat, overheard it and felt he had to take immediate action. Now that Jasmine’s house had been sold, he found the thought of a nursing home to be more enticing.
Although Francesca had first opposed the proposal, Derek was adamant that she would reconsider. “Dear Derek, I’m not sure. “I am unable to send my mother to any of those locations,” she remarked.
Alright, Fran. I apologize, but I can’t stay with my mother-in-law indefinitely. I believe she despises me without cause. He countered, “She could even be attempting to split us up.
Francesca had mixed feelings. Jasmine did appear to be bitter toward Derek, especially when she accused him of being unfaithful. One night, the simmering tension burst into a furious confrontation.
“Francesca, I can’t stand this anymore. You must get rid of this man right away since he is cheating on you with a woman nearby. Jasmine let out a scream.
“Mum! That is untrue. That is not the type of man Derek is! Don’t lie, please, Francesca begged.
Observe? Derek smirked and said, “This is what I’ve been telling you, sweetie. “She harbors animosity toward me.” She could want to keep you all to herself. But even though I know Francesca would support him, I can’t live with someone like that in my own house anymore,” he said.
“You’re lying! There is no one like you in the entire world! This will not get away from you! Jasmine screamed out of annoyance.
“Mom, give up! This is also forbidden in my home. Francesca severely remarked, “I’m going to have to ask you to go. Francesca was unmoved by Jasmine’s fervent attempts to persuade her daughter of the truth, so she consigned her mother to a nursing facility.
Jasmine adjusted and made friends fast in the exclusive facility. Despite her awareness of Derek’s actual character, she continued to worry about Francesca. Luckily, she encountered Mr. Erickson, a gentleman with a background in finance.
Francesca returned home a few months later to discover a message from Derek. He had stolen all of their funds, including Jasmine’s money, and fled with his lover. “Don’t try to find me,” was the note’s brutal conclusion. I didn’t love you at all.
Francesca broke the terrible news to her mother over the phone, distraught. “Mom, I should have trusted you. “I’m such a fool,” she cried.
“Alright, darling, don’t worry. Remarkably composed, Jasmine remarked, “There are lots of nice guys out there, and you’ll get over that cheating slob soon enough.”
“Mom, he stole your money and all of ours!” Francesca shouted.
“Oh no, it wasn’t him. Here is Mr. Erickson, a wonderful man I met. The bank where your spouse works is owned by him. Or should I say that it “worked,” disclosed Jasmine.
“I don’t comprehend. “Worked”—what do you mean? Perplexed, Francesca inquired.
“I requested that Mr. Erickson watch Derek closely. Derek’s every action was observed by his staff, and your spouse resigned from his position yesterday. Jasmine said, “Mr. Erickson recommended freezing both his and my accounts since I suspected something was up.
“So, is the money secure?” Hopeful, Francesca asked.
Furthermore. The bank has started looking into this. Derek has worked with several customers in “creative accounting.” He is currently without access to any money, and an arrest is probably imminent. As we speak, I guess he’s stuck at the airport,” Jasmine said.
Francesca was incredibly appreciative of Mr. Erickson’s assistance and her mother’s thinking. Derek’s fraudulent actions led to his imprisonment shortly after. After a speedy divorce, Francesca began dating Mr. Erickson’s son and finally found happiness again.
Takeaways from This Tale
Not Everyone Is Mean: Francesca was oblivious to Derek’s dishonesty because of her naive faith in him. It’s important to pay attention to those who actually love you.
Watch Out for Warning Signs: Often, early indicators of dishonesty go unrecognized. Avoiding grief can be achieved by being aware of tiny indications.