For years, I worked as a maid in the city, scrubbing floors and washing dishes while saving every penny for my husband’s medicine back in the village. Life wasn’t kind, but I endured it quietly, because love gives you strength you don’t know you have.
Then one morning, my worst fear came true—my husband’s condition had worsened. My hands went cold as I read the message. Without thinking twice, I went straight to my employer and begged her for leave so I could return home to care for him.
To my shock, tears welled in her eyes. She took my hands and said softly, “You’ve worked so hard. Take this—it’s $7,000. Consider it a gift. Buy medicine… maybe even start a small business.”
Seven thousand dollars. My breath caught in my throat. It was more money than I had ever seen in my life. I tried to refuse, but she insisted until tears blurred my vision. I packed my small suitcase, tucked the envelope safely inside, and boarded the bus home—my heart full of gratitude and hope.
But moments later, everything fell apart.
Before the bus could even pull out, police sirens wailed. Officers swarmed aboard, shouting for everyone to stay still. They began checking each passenger’s luggage—then came to mine.
When they pulled out the envelope, my stomach dropped.
“No! This isn’t mine—I swear, I don’t know anything about it!” I cried, trembling.
Every head turned. Some passengers looked at me with pity, others with suspicion. My heart pounded so loudly I could barely hear their voices.
And then my old cellphone buzzed.
I picked it up with shaking hands, and when I saw the message on the screen, the blood drained from my face.
“I’m sorry, Linda. I had no choice. The $7,000 in your suitcase is evidence from my husband’s embezzlement. I needed someone else to carry the blame. When the police arrive, they’ll think you’re the courier. I couldn’t think of another way…”
I stared at the screen, my world collapsing. The woman I had trusted—who I believed was kind—had used me as a scapegoat.
“No… no! I’m just a housekeeper! Please, I don’t know anything!” I screamed as the officers sealed my suitcase and led me away.
At the station, I sobbed until I fainted. When I finally gathered the strength to speak, I showed them the message. The officers read it carefully, their faces darkening. An investigation was launched immediately.
The truth unraveled fast: my employer’s husband had been running a large embezzlement scheme. They had planned to dump the evidence on me, hoping I’d take the fall.
That single message saved me. I was cleared of all suspicion, while they were both arrested and now face years behind bars.
When I finally returned home, I sat beside my frail husband on our bamboo bed and held his trembling hand.
“My love,” I whispered, tears spilling down my cheeks, “I almost became a criminal. But God had mercy on us.”
The money was gone, but I had learned something priceless—wealth can vanish in an instant, but honor and love endure forever.
