1

589words2026-01-26 09:10

At the company gala, I won first prize—a $3,000 bonus.
The boss, in a grand gesture, doubled it, so I walked away with $6,000.
But my best friend and the boss egged me on to treat everyone to dinner, effectively making me pay for the company's gala meal.

When I refused, my friend threatened to cut off our friendship, and the boss dangled my job over my head.
Under pressure, I caved and paid, but it cost me an extra $50,000 out of pocket.
After settling the bill, they left me drunk and alone on the street. I froze to death that night. When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the gala day.
…
"Let's congratulate our first-prize winner—Emma Riley!"
Hearing the boss's familiar nasal voice, I realized I'd been reborn.

As my win was announced, colleagues cheered, and my best friend, Lauren Parker, hugged me tightly." Emma, your luck is unreal! I'm so jealous!"
But I couldn't muster any joy, haunted by the vivid memory of my past life's tragedy.
In my previous life, I'd been thrilled to claim the prize, planning to buy my mom a new phone.
But the boss suddenly announced that, due to my stellar performance last year, he'd doubled the bonus to $6,000.

Before I could celebrate, Lauren started a chant for me to treat everyone, and the boss threatened my job if I dampened the mood.
The gala dinner, which the boss had pre - booked, became my financial responsibility, costing me $50,000 on top of the bonus.
After I paid, Lauren and the boss, who'd promised to take care of me, walked away arm in arm, leaving me drunk and freezing on the street.
A chill ran through me. Remembering Lauren's vile hypocrisy, I instinctively shoved her away.
She didn't seem to mind, instead urging me to claim my prize.
The boss kept calling my name, so I dragged myself to the stage, dreading every step.
I never imagined I'd feel unhappy, even terrified, about winning a prize.
My feet felt like lead as I approached the podium.
The boss handed me a plaque with the prize amount. Noticing my glum expression, he joked, "I've never seen someone win and not crack a smile. Come on, Emma, give us a grin!"
The plaque in my hands felt like a death warrant. How could I smile? I forced a stiff, awkward one.
He kept joking," What, Emma thinks the bonus is too small?"
"This boss hasn't done enough.I'm doubling the first prize!"
The room erupted, colleagues shooting me envious, resentful looks, while Lauren clapped and cheered for me.
But I froze, speechless. If this continued, I'd relive my past life's nightmare.
Grabbing the mic, I stammered,"…I want to give this prize to someone else."
The room fell silent. The boss frowned, about to speak, when the crowd exploded.
"Emma, you're my hero!"
"Give it to me, Emma! My kid needs formula!"
"Emma, can I have it? I'm $6,000 short for the new iPhone!"
Ignoring them, I looked at Lauren, whose face had soured."I'm giving this prize to my best friend—Lauren Parker."
Her mouth twitched. She wasn't happy, and I sensed things were more complicated than I'd thought.
Lauren started to stand, but the boss snatched the mic back.
"Giving it away's not fair. How about we redraw instead?"
Before I could think, the room's enthusiastic cheers drowned out everything.
That was fine with me—I didn't think lightning would strike twice.
The big screen's lottery wheel spun."Three, two, one, stop…"