The day I won the lottery, my sister showed up crying, and my mom ended up in the hospital. It didn’t feel like coincidence—I realized someone was playing me.
I lived a simple life—wake up early, work, take care of my daughter, and repeat. No drama, no surprises. I did everything for her.
I raised my daughter alone, after her father disappeared. I didn’t even remember his name anymore. I worked hard, built my life, and followed my dad’s advice: “Earn everything yourself.”
Jasmine, my younger sister, lived differently. Her life was a series of boyfriends, Instagram selfies, and carefree posts. I focused on plans and savings, but Jasmine just lived in the moment… until things fell apart.
She crashed when the boyfriends left, and I helped her with money without questions. Mom, too, often called for help.
Then, one day, I bought a lottery ticket on a whim and won big.
At a family dinner the next night, I shared the news, saying I’d donate it to charity. Jasmine couldn’t believe it. I told her I didn’t believe in luck, only in hard work. Mom suggested I think of my daughter, but I had already planned for her future.
The next morning, Jasmine came over in tears, pregnant and desperate. She asked for a loan, but I offered her a place to stay instead. Then she asked for lottery money, and I agreed to split it—half for her, half for charity.
Just as I was about to finalize the lottery plans, I got a text from Mom—she was in the hospital. At the hospital, Mom admitted she faked being sick to get money from me for her debts. Jasmine had helped with the lie.
I confronted them both and decided to keep the money in the family—but not for luxury. Jasmine would work for her future, and Mom would learn how to manage her finances. I’d finally stopped being manipulated.
For the first time in a long time, I felt strong.
Leave a Reply