Divorced After the Jackpot,My Mother-in-Law Stole My Winning TicketChapter 1
I bit into a lucky dumpling during our New Year's Eve dinner—and my teeth clinked against a coin.
The table erupted in cheers.
Last year, my sister-in-law had won. My in-laws gave her $100,000 to buy a car.
The year before that, my nephew won. He got a computer, a tablet, and a gaming console.
So I sat there, heart racing with anticipation, as my mother-in-law beamed at me and made her announcement.
"This year, we're changing the rules. The winner gives everyone at the table a $50,000 red envelope. That's twenty people."
I froze.
Since when was winning a punishment?
And here's the thing—I had exactly one million dollars. Not a penny more, not a penny less.
——
My mother-in-law cleared her throat.
"Everyone, let's congratulate Cassandra Weiss on winning the 'Family Contribution Award.'"
She started clapping. The whole table joined in, applause thundering around me.
Family Contribution Award?
So I was supposed to contribute my money to the family?
What a joke.
My sister-in-law was the first to do the math.
"Mom, how much is that exactly?"
"One million dollars."
My mother-in-law's gaze settled on me, calm as still water.
"Cassandra is blessed with such good fortune."
Ice crawled down my spine.
Three days ago, I'd won the lottery. One million dollars after taxes.
I'd told exactly one person.
My husband, Abner Fletcher.
And he'd told his mother. Who had apparently decided my money was hers to distribute.
"No."
I set down my chopsticks. My voice didn't waver.
The smile froze on my mother-in-law's face.
"What did you say?"
"I said no. I'm not following this rule."
I looked at every face around that table.
"Last year, the winner got a reward. The year before that, a reward. But when I win, suddenly I'm the one paying out? How does that work?"
"The rules change every year." Abner tugged at my sleeve under the table, voice low and pleading. "Mom decides."
"Why does she get to decide?"
I shook off his hand.
"Why did everyone else win money, but I'm supposed to lose money? Is this your idea of fair?"
"Watch your mouth!" My father-in-law slammed his palm on the table. "It's New Year's Eve! Stop bringing bad luck to this family!"
"I'm the bad luck here?"
I laughed.
"Not the person who rigged the game against me?"
My mother-in-law's face went gray.