Money has been called the root of all evil, but these lifeless pieces of paper don’t change anyone; they change on their own. In the following stories, people showed their true nature when faced with large amounts of money. One of the three people in the following tales tried to monopolize her husband’s life and money by kicking his son out, while another tried to bring a feuding family together using finances. A third got a life insurance policy and pretended to be dead. Read on.
Returning from work, I was wiped out. College classes by day, gaming store shifts by night… it was endless. I never wanted this part-time job, especially since Dad’s income could cover my expenses. But my stepmom, Karen, insisted, claiming it’d “teach him responsibility.” When I walked in, my father and stepmom were on my case. Karen was on me immediately, asking, “Why are you late? You were supposed to clean today! “I tried to keep calm.
“I had a long day. I’ll clean tomorrow.” My stepmom folded her arms, her voice sharp as she questioned, “Tomorrow? That’s not how responsibility works, Marcus.” I couldn’t hold back. “You’re home all day. Is cleaning really that hard?”
Her face flushed red. “How dare YOU speak to ME like that!” Just then, Dad entered the room, looking between us. “What’s going on?” “Marcus refuses to clean,” Karen said, crossing her arms. Dad sighed, glancing at Karen. “He’ll do it tomorrow. Let’s leave it at that.” Relieved, I turned toward my room, but Dad stopped me. “Don’t go anywhere tonight, son. We have news to share.” Nodding, I headed upstairs.
When Dad came to get me later, I dragged myself down to the table, where a cold plate of leftovers waited. As I picked at my food, I felt Karen’s and Dad’s eyes on me. Dad shared a quick look with Karen. “We’re pregnant!” they announced together. I froze, almost choking. “Uh… congratulations,” I managed, forcing a smile. Dad looked thrilled, but Karen’s expression stayed cold. Turning somber, he started, “Son, I don’t know how to say this… but…”
“Actually, Marcus,” Karen began, cutting my dad off, “YOU need to move out.” “What? Dad, what is she talking about?!” I stammered, looking at Dad, shocked. Karen’s look didn’t waver. “My baby is on the way, and we need to prepare the house for it, maybe do renovations. You’ll just be a burden and in the way. We need space for our child.” “Dad? Where will I go? I can’t afford rent… I work part-time and study! And… God, this is my home too! Dad, say something! Please!” I looked at him, feeling a wave of betrayal.
Dad shifted uncomfortably, looking at me and back at Karen, but stayed silent. Realizing I was on my own, I said, “You know what? You two can go to hell!” before storming off to my room and slamming the door! That night, I lay there, feeling lost and abandoned. They couldn’t just toss me out like this, I thought desperately. As their muffled voices drifted through the door, I pressed my ear against it.