ManyWriters

On my birthday, my best friend claimed she was a bit short on cash and gave me a lottery ticket as a gift.
I didn't mind at all. In fact, I secretly helped her out financially quite a bit and even introduced her to a new job opportunity.
Later, I discovered the lottery ticket had won three million dollars, and I generously gave all of the winnings to her.
Little did I know, she conspired with my husband. They snuck into my house and stabbed me frantically seven or eight times, all while raving madly.
"If you could give me three million, you must have won much more. How could it possibly be only three million!"
When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day she gave me that birthday gift.

A Lottery Ticket That Bought Freedom

Looking at the high-end shopping center, Vienna seemed to have second thoughts.


"Rosalie, this mall is so upscale. Won't it be really expensive?"


I smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, Mason has a VIP card for this mall. We get 20% off at all the stores."


"Wow." There was obvious envy in her eyes, which I had never noticed before.


"Mason is not only wealthy but also treats you so well. What a perfect husband!"


I just smiled, pretending not to hear the jealousy in her voice.


Damn it, I was the one who gave Mason that card. Thinking about it now, it's such a loss. I'll cancel his card first thing tomorrow.


Despite my inner grumbling, I didn't let it show on my face at all.


As luck would have it, the store manager was there.


She recognized me, and the moment she saw me, she started to say, "Ma'am-"


I quickly made a "shush" gesture to her. Vienna looked at me curiously.


"Nothing, I just told her we don't need a sales assistant. We'll look around ourselves."


Vienna didn't hesitate at all, trying on whatever caught her eye.As I entered the fitting room, I approached the store manager and spoke in a low voice:


"Later, please inform the manager's group chat that when I give the signal, have an employee come to ring up all the items my female companion has chosen today."


"I'll send you a message when the time is right. Please keep an eye out."


Although it wasn't according to policy, I did have some say over our own merchandise.


Still, I was causing them a bit of trouble.


"I apologize for the inconvenience. I'll make sure to patronize all the stores I shop at today more frequently this year."


The manager's face lit up with delight. "Certainly, Miss."


While I was conversing with the manager, Vienna had already selected her clothes.


She was so pleased that her voice unconsciously went up a pitch.


She tilted her chin up, gesturing for me to go pay.


The manager, quick to read the situation, said, "Miss, our mall settles all purchases together at the end. You don't need to pay for each item separately."


Vienna didn't suspect a thing and happily continued shopping.


It wasn't until both our arms were too full to carry even one more item that we finally prepared to head back.


By this time, it was already afternoon, the busiest time of day.


I made an excuse to use the restroom and left Vienna.


"It's time. Let's do this."I turned and headed up to the second floor after sending a message to the manager. Standing by the clear glass railing, I prepared to enjoy the show that was about to unfold.


Chapter 4