Chapter 2
I gripped the ticket tighter, my stomach sinking.[]
How stupid was I to think money could change the way they saw me?[]
“Kneel!” Mom jabbed a finger at my face, then turned to steady Aunt Karen like she was about to faint.[]
“Look what you’ve done–about to give your aunt a heart attack! I should beat you to death!“]
The taste of blood spread in my mouth as I glanced at Dad.[]
As always–blank stare, nothing.
jlet 1 let out a bitter laugh. []
“You can’t cash a winning ticket unless the winner shows up in person.“[]
“If you kill me, nobody gets the money.“]]
Uncle Jake gave Aunt Karen a look.
“Alright, sis, she’s still a kid. Don’t take it too far.“[]
“You should’ve been drowned at birth, you mooch!” []
Liam shouted, spitting everywhere, a perfect copy of his father.[]
I didn’t say another word. I locked myself in my room.[]
In the dark, I hugged my knees and cried.[]
Mom had always been obsessed with her brother. []
She’d drop everything to help him, even quit her job to babysit his kid.]
If Liam wanted a $2,000 remote–control car, she’d buy it without blinking.
Meanwhile, I was still wearing my high school T–shirts in college, and every day I heard what a waste of space I was.]
I decided I’d pick up the prize tomorrow and go stay with my sister.[]
But in the middle of the night, the ticket was gone.[]
“You little thief!” Uncle Jake’s voice came through the door. []
“I looked it up–anyone holding the ticket can cash it.“[]
“And you were gonna keep it all for yourself!“]]
Nom 1 Haram Good Coude You Love Me Now?
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Mom shook with fury.
“I raised nothing but ungrateful brats.“]
“What’s a single girl need a house for?” ]]
Aunt Karen’s voice was syrupy and cruel. []
“You’ll just hand it over to your husband one day.“]]
“We’ve fed you and clothed you for over twenty years, and you can’t even share one ticket with your own family?“]
I pressed my ear to the door, heart pounding, as the house went quiet.[]
Ten minutes later, they tied me up and drove me out to the middle of nowhere.]
fought against the ropes, my voice breaking. []
“Mom, I’m sorry! I won’t ask for anything ever again! Please don’t leave me out here!“]
I was sobbing so hard I couldn’t breathe, on my knees clutching at her legs.]
It didn’t matter.
