My Ex's Lottery Ticket Won Five Million

Mike Allen handed me a piece of paper, his eyes cold. It was an itemized list of every cent he'd spent on me during our year-long relationship.The list was ridiculous in its detail. Movie tickets, Starbucks coffees, even a $2 lottery ticket from gas station – it was all there.The priciest item? A MAC lipstick that, as it turned out, was a cheap knockoff from a street vendor.Now that we were splitting up, he wanted me to reimburse him for everything and return all his gifts.I stared at the man in front of me, unable to hide my contempt. Just days ago, I'd been dreaming about our future together. Now, looking at his smug face, all I felt was revulsion.As I mentally added up the total, Mike spoke up, trying to sound generous. "Look, just pay me back for the dinners and stuff. For the gifts – used or not – just give 'em all back. That's fair, right?"How magnanimous of him.I let out a bitter laugh and pulled out my phone, quickly transferring him $2,000 through Venmo – mor

But when I bought him gifts, he never said a word and happily accepted them.I used to take pride in my appearance. After being with him, I turned into a slob.The funny thing is, I took his words as gospel.Now that we've broken up, he can't control me anymore.But Mike still couldn't stand it and came to confront me, looking stern."Shirley, I know you're still mad at me, but you can't let yourself go like this!"Yes, you've come into some money now, but that's no reason to waste it."He started lecturing me again about learning to live frugally and not splurging for momentary happiness.He urged me to return everything I'd bought."If there are no tags, find quality issues. If they won't take it back, file a complaint!" he said forcefully."When we get married, these will be our shared assets. You can't spend so recklessly."I grabbed my latte from the table and splashed it on his head."It's my own money, I'll buy whatever I want. It's none of your business!"We're alr

Mike never would have guessed that the Mr. Leedon rumored to be my "sugar daddy" was actually my father.I had gone to the hotel with the bouquet, not for a date, but to celebrate my parents' wedding anniversary.When I was born, there were complications during my mom's delivery, so my devastated dad had me take her last name. Even after more than a year at the Leedon Group, no one suspected my real identity.When I was with Mike, I never planned to tell him.Back then, I worried that knowing who I was might put unnecessary pressure on him. Looking back now, if he had known from the start, he wouldn't have been so stingy. Instead, he would have behaved like he is now—groveling—making it harder for me to see his true colors."Shirley, why didn't you tell me about your relationship to Mr. Leedon sooner? All those crazy rumors spread around the office, and you didn't think to clear them up?"In an unexpected show of attention, Mike brought me a box of Sprinkles cupcakes and a Starbu

"Mr. Allen developed genuine feelings for you and even bought you several gifts, including a lottery ticket. Yet after the breakup, you did not return the original ticket to him," the lawyer said.I rolled my eyes. Here we go again about the lottery ticket.If I hadn't already consulted a lawyer, who confirmed that the ticket counted as a gift and that I didn't need to return the winnings, I might have actually fallen for this."Additionally, Mr. Allen recently attempted suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, which he claims you incited. Though the outcome wasn't fatal, he still suffered serious harm as a result."He pulled out his phone and played a recording where I'd told Mike to go ahead and die—twice.We'd been together for a year, during which he'd manipulated me in every way possible. It seemed he'd even remembered my usual phrases. He'd baited me into saying it, recorded it, and now handed it to his lawyer as evidence for his case against me.The lawyer suggested that if t