Rushing to the hospital, I offered to use the lottery money for Mom’s treatment, but Jasmine quickly reminded me of the deal. As I left to get the money, something felt off, so I returned to Mom’s house and overheard a conversation revealing that Mom wasn’t actually sick, and Jasmine had faked her pregnancy to manipulate me for money.

Confronting them, I made it clear that I was done enabling their behavior. The lottery money would still go to them, but with conditions. Jasmine would have to work and earn, while Mom would attend financial literacy classes. For the first time, I felt empowered, setting boundaries and taking control of my life.