Over the course of 25 years, the two brothers were inseparable, sharing the same milestones, helping one another through difficult times, and even purchasing weekly lottery tickets. The two men had a simple agreement in case their numbers came up, they would divide the winnings equally, no how much.
When the impossibly came to pass, the promises were broken. Their numbers were chosen to match the lottery draw, which made the winners millionaires in a matter of minutes. Instead of celebrating with their friends One of the friends took off on his own to claim the winnings. In silence afterward, he snatched the cheque and smiled at cameras then disappeared from the city.
Another friend was only able to discover the shocking reality when his television turned to the news and saw the appearance of his former friend who was proudly clutching the large check for the lottery. This betrayal was more devastating than any loss in money. It ended a relationship that was founded on trust for decades.
Friends and neighbors expressed shock. “They were like brothers,” someone said. “No one thought money could come between them.” Reactions from social media were flooded in some calling the action “heartless” and a reminder of the ways greed can sour even bonds that are close.
Legal experts say that the cheating partner could file a suit in the event that the agreement is proven. However, even with a settlement it is possible that the emotional harm will not be fully repaired. “Friendship and trust are priceless,” psychologists have said. “Once shattered, they’re almost impossible to rebuild.”
A life-changing experience has turned into an cautionary tale, a reminder that, sometimes, having a lottery win can result in much more than just the amount of money.
