Living with someone can reveal secrets you never imagined. My mother-in-law, Cordelia, moved in with us after her husband passed away. She claimed she couldn’t handle being alone, but something felt off. Every Thursday, she’d disappear early in the morning and return late, her clothes reeking of decay. My curiosity grew, and one day, I decided to follow her.

What I found was shocking. Instead of meeting friends as she claimed, Cordelia was gambling at an illegal casino, risking everything she had left. I watched from the shadows, my heart sinking as she lost money hand after hand, her face etched with desperation.

The next morning, I confronted her. She broke down, admitting she was ashamed and had nowhere else to go. My husband, Xander, and I knew we had to act. We devised a plan: I gave her a large sum of money and tipped off the police. That evening, Cordelia was caught in a raid, leading to her arrest and a court-mandated rehab sentence.

Months later, Cordelia returned, a shadow of her former self. She was remorseful, begging for a second chance. We agreed, but on our terms: a modest apartment nearby, with us covering the rent only if she attended support group meetings.

As she walked away to start over, I felt a mix of hope and fear. We’d done all we could; now it was up to her. Only time would tell if Cordelia could truly change and leave her gambling addiction behind.