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That bright red name sent a chill down my spine.
The boss grinned." Emma, your luck's insane! You're gonna have a big year!"
"The company's counting on you!"
He shoved a stack of cash into my hands.
The money everyone coveted felt like a death sentence.
Death loomed closer.
I stared at Lauren in the crowd. Her face was alight with glee—not because of my win, but as if she knew exactly what was coming.
Back when Lauren lost her job, she begged me to recommend her to our company.
I knew she wasn't qualified, but I pushed for her anyway.
As expected, her first week, her supervisor tore into her for shoddy work.
If I hadn't begged the boss for leniency and secretly taken on most of her tasks, she'd have been fired.
But after half a month, Lauren showed no improvement, and helping her dragged down my own work.
One day, she asked me to handle an urgent task for her.
While I slaved away, she munched snacks and streamed shows.
My pent-up anger exploded.
"Lauren! For half a month, I've worked like a dog for you, and you're chilling like it's a spa day? If you want to stay, do your job!"
Her eyes reddened."Emma, I only asked you because you're my best friend."
"Don't worry, I'll split my paycheck with you at the end of the month. Fair?"
I laughed bitterly. I did double the work for one-and-a-half pay, like she was doing me a favor.
She turned back to her show, ignoring me.
It felt like punching cotton. Seeing her shameless attitude, I sighed heavily.
I stopped helping. Her choice, her consequences.
But a month later, slacking Lauren passed the company's review!
Below, she stood, shouting," Emma, you're a lucky charm!"
Facing the crowd, she rallied," Everyone, Emma's on a roll! Shouldn't we share her luck?"
"Yes!"
"So, shouldn't Emma use her bonus to treat us tonight?"
"Absolutely!"
The noise was deafening, and my vision blurred.
I blurted out," The bonus isn't enough. Paying for everyone would cost me out of pocket!"
"If that's the deal, whoever wants this bonus can have it!"
The excited crowd fell silent.
