A woman who pretended to be her dead twin for five years finally told her grandmother the truth as she lay on her death bed and has now shared the heartbreaking consequences.
Annie Niu, a lifestyle influencer, made the revelation in a viral TikTok video that has since amassed over 4.4 million views.
In the clip, Niu wrote: “POV: You finally told your family that your twin sister passed away five years ago, and they took down every single family photo that had her in it.”
In a follow-up video, Niu explained the unusual decision to keep her sister’s death a secret was her father’s idea.
Her twin had tragically passed away from viral meningitis five years earlier.
“I think it’s because he didn’t want to withhold this information but he also didn’t want to cause them any heartbreak,” she said. “And God forbid, they are 92 and something happens.”
Niu detailed how, during every family holiday, she assumed the identity of her twin to maintain the illusion for her grandparents.
The ruse was finally revealed this year, just as her grandmother was on her deathbed. However, her grandfather remains unaware of the truth.
The news didn’t sit well with all family members. According to Niu, her aunts made the decision to remove all family photos featuring her twin sister after learning of her death.
“My aunts apparently made the decision to take down every single photo that contained my sister,” Niu shared. “Imagine my surprise when I took my kids to go visit my grandpa, and I look on the walls and none of our photos are there.”
Niu admitted the situation left her feeling heartbroken, adding: “It makes me feel sad.”
The videos drew mixed reactions, with some understanding Niu's position.
"I understand why you didn’t tell them, I have elderly grandparents too, and we’ve done the same thing. I’m sorry for your loss, I would love to hear some stories about her when you’re ready," one person wrote.
A second added: "I had a similar experience with my mom's passing. My grandparents didn't know for a few years because the heartbreak would've been too much for them to handle at their age/health."
Others expressed disbelief at the family’s decision to conceal such a significant loss.
“The strangest thing ever is learning people don’t tell family/parents of a loved one’s passing,” one commenter wrote. “I’ve NEVER heard of that in 27 years.”
Another questioned the logistics of the secret: “Didn’t they ask where she was for five years? I’m so sorry and so confused.”
