When Dad died, my sister Lara got the house. I was left with an old chessboard. At first, I thought it was Dad’s final insult a hollow gesture while Lara walked away with everything.But then, while handling the chess pieces, I heard something rattling inside. There was more to that chessboard than met the eye.At the will reading, Lara sneered, “A house for me, a game for you.”

Later, she challenged me to a game in the park, mocking the chessboard’s significance. She smashed the pieces in frustration, but I found the strange noise inside one of them a hidden secret Dad left behind.Lara invited me to a family dinner, pretending peace and civility. But the tension was palpable. Our mother sided with Lara, pressing me to leave. I stayed silent, knowing the real game was just beginning.

Later that night, I caught Lara trying to pry open the chess pieces. She found a pouch with sparkling stones and claimed Dad’s “real gift.” But I revealed her prize was a fake glass beads swapped by me after the funeral. The real stones, and Dad’s true will, were safely locked away in my name.

Dad’s hidden letter explained the chessboard was a test Lara had the house and freedom, but I, who stayed and cared for him, was entrusted with the real legacy. If we could be honest, we’d share peace. If not, everything belonged to me. I looked at Lara and said quietly, “Checkmate.”