Imagine how it will affect you if your partner of 50 years suddenly passes away. The impact to you won’t be good, right? It’s devastating! It can create a hole that no person ever can fill. It’s like a part of you suddenly left and you can’t do anything about it.
This is also the same feeling that Charlotte had when her husband John passes away. However, John didn’t just pass away and leave Charlotte broken from what happened. John also left a mysterious cryptic message to his wife.
According to it, there is a secret hidden in one of the paintings that John gave Charlotte years ago. Who would have thought that when Charlotte discovered the secret message behind the thick layer of varnish, it changed everything he knew about John. What is the message that Charlotte discovered?
A Woman Removes Paint Varnish And Discovers Her Husband’s 50-Year-Old Secret
Someone Called Her Phone
Charlotte knew that she needs to do something about it.
The phone suddenly rang and she knew that this is it. Is she ready to unveil the long-time secret of her husband? She already knew who’s on the other line. She’s ready about anything.
Someone Called Her Phone
She needs to know the truth and that is her mission right now. He answered the phone, it was him.
What’s Behind The Varnish?
She answered the phone and heard the voice of a man.
He told Charlotte that she should visit him as soon as possible to discuss a very important thing. The man discovered something behind the layers of varnish, and he wanted to let Charlotte know in person.
What’s Behind The Varnish?
On the other line was the person who is responsible and finding the mystery behind the painting.
The Hidden Code
Charlotte immediately visited the man. She knew exactly what it meant.
The man has no idea about what it is, but Charlotte immediately understands it. What is the meaning of the code? We need to have a glimpse of their story to know more and understand what it meant.
The Hidden Code
The man told her that he had discovered a sort of code hidden under the layers of varnished.
Charlotte
Charlotte is a widowed woman. He’s been a nurse her whole life before she retired.
She and John had 3 beautiful children throughout their marriage, and ever since John passed away, she’s been alone. Forgetting him was a hard task for Charlotte because of all the time they spent together, all the memories they shared, and all the things they’ve been through.
Charlotte
Forgetting a husband is never easy especially with the special bond that Charlotte and John had.
Meeting John
The love story of Charlotte and John started when they are in their early 20’s.
It was in a bar when they hang out with a different groups of friends, and for them, it was love at first sight. However, during that time, Charlotte didn’t know the secrets that John have.
Meeting John
The moment they saw each other, they knew exactly that they are meant to be together.
A Mysterious Guy
Charlotte is very much aware that her late husband is a very mysterious guy.
When he was still alive, he was often away and had very good explanations about it when his wife asks her. Again, Charlotte wasn’t bothered about these signs.
A Mysterious Guy
John is very secretive when it comes to his past or youth. It doesn’t really bother Charlotte.
Life Of A Mother
John is still often away even after two children.
However, after years of being together and having 2 children, Charlotte did start to become curious about her husband. Nothing has changed, still away and without proper reasons.
Life Of A Mother
Charlotte is very much in love with John and it’s apparently the main reason why she let those mysterious things pass.
Secrets
Charlotte started to panic and became very curious. Is John hiding something from her? Same reasons, every single time.
She decided to ask her more often as well but John still insisted on the same information he always gave. He always told Charlotte that it was job-related and it’s not worth explaining.
Secrets
A Good Husband
Charlotte was convinced that she needs to accept and believe the explanations that her late husband had. She’s in love and she wanted to stay that way.
John was never a bad husband or a bad father to her children. He’s still a good man after all, and Charlotte doesn’t want to leaver her husband.
A Good Husband
Life is Okay
Charlotte and John’s life with their children isn’t grand. They don’t have a lot of money, but that doesn’t stop them from being happy.
It was a life worth being contented. However, Charlotte can’t take off what John is probably doing from her mind. It bothers her, and she wanted answers. One day, she decided to take action.
Stalking John
One day, when John told her that he is going to ‘work’, she immediately created a harsh plan to follow John.
She knows the risk, but Charlotte is desperate for answers. She wanted to know if John is telling the truth. This is the only way she can think of.
Stalking John
Is He Cheating?
Charlotte followed John to a beautiful restaurant on the edge of town.
She began forwarding her plan, she waited outside for a while before she decided to take a peek on the window. She was devastated and cannot believe her eyes. Why is John cheating on her?
Is He Cheating?
She was surprised at what she saw. She saw John having dinner with a pretty young woman.
It’s Just Work
It’s ‘work-related. John quickly defended himself with his used explanation.
The woman he was having dinner with was very quick to back him up. There was little hesitation in their response. Charlotte felt angry but could not prove that John was lying.
It’s Just Work
A Private Person
When Charlotte and John went home, they had a very strong talk about ‘trust’.
John described himself as a very private person but promised that he will try his best to be more open to Charlotte. He doesn’t want to talk anything about business openly with his wife, this is his definition of being a private person.
A Private Person
A Secret Drawer?
One of the mysteries in John’s room was centered around a drawer that Charlotte could never peek into.
Once, he was gone for a few days but never discovered the key she had tried to seek for. She finally abandoned the search for confirmation and chastised herself for being so skeptical.
A Secret Drawer?
Loyalty
Although Charlotte constantly doubted his honesty, she never ceased to love him.
Charlotte could just not live without him and never leave him, even if he was unfaithful.
Loyalty
Health Problems
John was diagnosed with a rare illness when he retired a few years ago.
He had long-standing health concerns but was always too reluctant to go to the doctor or hospital. When it really could not go on like this at a certain point, he finally went to the doctor and got the bad news.
Health Problems
No Cure
His disease was little understood, and treatment had not yet been identified for it.
The doctor informed him he didn’t have much longer to live, and they couldn’t do anything for him.
No cure
911 Emergency
After dinner, a few days earlier, John suddenly got quite uncomfortable, and Charlotte quickly had to contact the emergency number.
He had to be hospitalized in severe conditions, and he worsened quickly. The physician said that he has only one or 2 days remained to live.
911 Emergency
Goodbye…
They came to the hospital.
Following the awful news, Charlotte contacted their two sons immediately, so they could say goodbye to their darling father.
Goodbye
A Beautiful Life
Charlotte stayed alone with him up to the end after his boys had bid farewell to their father.
They talked about the memories they had had together over their years. Then he began to tell about the marriage present that John had given for her 50 years ago.
A Beautiful Life
The Special One
Charlotte often received gifts from her spouse over the years, lovely and unusual gifts.
But there was a unique gift that she really appreciated. But soon, she would learn that it wasn’t what she expected to.
The Special One
Creative And Passionate
His great love was painting, and John was always a creative guy.
He wanted to produce a lovely picture for his wife after doing several paintings and drawings. He informed him that she could never get rid of it when he presented it to Charlotte, stating his heart would shatter.
Creative And Passionate
Last Words
The situation of John deteriorated rapidly, and his time had sadly arrived.
He told his wife Charlotte with his last breath that the painting was not ordinary. To uncover the truth in art, she must have looked closely at the picture.
Last Words
Time Goes By…
She saw his eyes closed before John could ask what he meant. For the last time, they closed.
For several days, Charlotte shouted out and forgot John’s dying words. For days she was overcome with feelings.
Time Goes By…
Clueless
She didn’t know what her spouse meant but chose nonetheless to look. Something must be there for a purpose, her spouse stated it.
She looked through the artwork on all sides but couldn’t see anything unusual. She came up with an idea after searching for a little longer.
Clueless
The Restorer
Charlotte has an old acquaintance who had restored paintings for a living.
There was only one problem, she didn’t know if the man was still alive, so she attempted to look at him straight away. It would be him if there were someone to aid her with the painting.
The Restorer
The Thick Varnish
Charlotte had finally located her old acquaintance after some struggle, and luckily, he is still alive.
He began work on the painting immediately. He soon saw that the picture appeared to have a remarkably thick top layer. John never made a mistake with his previous artwork.
The Thick Varnish
The Hidden Message
If something was concealed in this artwork, it was hidden behind this additional thick layer and should be carefully removed.
The Hidden Message
Meeting An Old Friend
She hurried swiftly to his workplace to check at what he had just found.
He informed her that underneath the top layer of the artwork, there was a cryptic message.
Meeting An Old Friend
The Codes
Charlotte could not believe her eyes when she came to the workshop and gazed at the painting. But not everything was that.
There was a code address put on it, and it was obviously the handwriting of her spouse.
The Codes
The Local Bank
She immediately recognized the location because it was from a local bank where she and John also have an account.
But it wasn’t about the coding. She didn’t really know if this was another bank number or perhaps a box number of the security deposit.
The Local Bank
The Surprising Truth
With the painting restorer, she immediately went to the local bank.
She asked one of the banking staff if they could discover any additional information about the code.
The Surprising Truth
Unopened For 50 Years
The employee at the bank was astonished since he immediately recognized the code. It’s finally been the day today.
It was one of the bank’s oldest safes, and nobody in 50 years opened it. Sometimes, everybody at the bank worried if someone would arrive for it.
Unopened For 50 Years
Safety Bank Protocol
He contacted security immediately after the bank’s officials found out. This is to make sure Charlotte was secure.
According to the bank, she feels that something was wrong, but it was for her own protection.
Safety Bank Protocol
Walking For Hours
Charlotte walked with the bank teller and the security guard into the chamber where the safe is located.
It seemed as though her heart pounded more quickly with every step she took.
Walking For Hours
A Box And Satin Gloves
She opened her mouth as soon as she entered the room. She always believed places like these were for the affluent.
She noticed safes wherever she looked and an oversized marble table that laid down a pair of satin gloves and a box of black in the center of the room.
A Box And Satin Gloves
Is It Money?
Charlotte began to suspect that she was likely to uncover some money John had kept stashed away throughout the process.
Especially after finding that John was trying to take her to a bank. Why did he do this, though? And how would he ever have received the money?
Is It Money?
What Was It?
Charlotte was even more bewildered about this whole room. But why all this effort is made to disguise a tiny amount?
It was inconceivable in her view that John would hide from her a great deal of money. Was it really money?
What Was It?
Closing The Door
Charlotte had to sign numerous paperwork before she was permitted to enter the safe.
A few minutes later, someone entered and locked the door with an extra security guard. The banker put the satin gloves on and opened the black box on the table when the door was shut.
Closing The Door
A Tiny Device
She noticed something she had never seen before when Charlotte took a glance inside the package.
A tiny gadget with flashing lights was taken out by the bank staff. It appeared as though it had been directly from a science fiction film.
A Tiny Device
A Special Tool
The banker told her that the gadget was used for scanning fingerprints.
Only a few extremely special safes, like John’s safe, were prevalent. They could finally unlock the safe when she had put her finger on it, and the light went green.
A Special Tool
The Revelation
The thoughts of Charlotte went to some worst-case scenarios immediately. But her spouse could never have received all much money.
She saw more money than she had ever seen when she opened her safe. But this didn’t end here since money wasn’t the only object in the secure storage.
The Revelation
Top Secret
There was an envelope next to the money, and it seemed like a letter to Charlotte was enclosed.
She became ever more impressed that her spouse kept her a great secret. The mail was opened, and the handwriting was instantly recognized.
Top Secret
The Letter
Her husband John, over 50 years ago, wrote the letter in the safe.
The message was highly emotional, and while Charlotte was already totally amazed before finding the letter, it wasn’t anything like the sensation she would have after reading the message.
The Letter
A Teary Moment
Charlotte requested the bank staff and security officers whether they would for a minute allow her some privacy.
She started reading the letter while alone in the room and quickly found her fears verified. She had tears in her eyes sitting in the room.
A Teary Moment
An Inheritance
His uncle was a successful businessman and finally took care of him when John’s dad died when he was 4.
John wrote to Charlotte in his passionate letter that he had inherited a significant amount of money from his uncle as a child.
An Inheritance
A Tragic Accident
This led to a lovely friendship between John and his uncle. Charlotte knew about the uncle, but not the relationship they had.
In a terrible accident, John’s father died; his mother could not provide financial assistance to her children, so he was raised in part by his uncle.
A Tragic Accident
Love and Respect
He also revealed why he never told Charlotte about the enormous amount of money that he had.
He wanted people to appreciate him for his personality and respect him. He never truly cared about money, and throughout his life, he didn’t desire those who did.
Love And Respect
The Rich Uncle
Since his wealthy uncle reared him as his son, he knew how others wanted his uncle’s money.
From an early age, he observed that his uncle had been treated differently as soon as they realized he was affluent, and he did not want to pass himself through it.
The Rich Uncle
The Emotional End
He was also very grateful for Charlotte’s affection and respect for all these years together.
In the closing section of the sad letter, he wrote that Charlotte and the children have all the inheritance money to do for their rest.
The Emotional End
The Tribute
Charlotte was very moved and saddened by the beautiful words of John and wanted to pay him the last homage.
She found it hard to accomplish, and she didn’t want to do it on her own. But she wanted to do something for her husband, and so she came up with an idea.
The Tribute
World Trip
Charlotte and her two children took the money and went on a vacation across the world.
It was an extraordinarily emotional and lovely journey in remembering her wonderful husband, John. When Charlotte came back, she began to think about what she might do with the rest of the legacy.
World Trip
A Sober Life
She didn’t know what to do with so much money because she had lived frugally with John her whole lifetime.
For years, she’d lived a manner and felt that she wouldn’t have changed this.
A Sober Life
The Best Legacy
She didn’t really need the money herself.
Her kids were already quite successful and ultimately safe, so she chose to be exceedingly charitable. She gave a large chunk of the money to a fund investigating John’s condition.
The Best Legacy
A New Idea
But that is not all. She wanted to offer John personally something with the remaining money.
Since he always had a passion for painting, and painting had transformed her life for their wedding, she made an idea. However, it wouldn’t be simple.
A New Idea
The Local Museum
To pay tribute to John, she contacted a friend of hers who worked at a local museum.
She arranged for John’s paintings to hang here in exchange for a donation. It was always John’s dream to hang in a museum with his art and now it will finally come true.
The Local Museum
No Hate Feelings
Although Charlotte had been misled throughout her life, she had no grudge.
For a reasonable cause, she realized why he had done this, and she understood him as well. She was sure that they would meet in paradise again and could say that it wasn’t very much what he had done.
*This is a made-up story for entertainment purposes. The photo’ that have been used are Stockphoto’s.
No Hate Feelings
