No Parole for You in This Life

Winning eight million dollars in the lottery, the first thing I did was rush to the hospital to pay for my sons surgery and treatment.

But then, a call came from my colleague.

Theres an emergency at the office. You need to get back here right now and handle it!

My wife took the card from my hand, her voice dripping with false understanding.

Just give me the PIN. Ill go pay for our sons surgery. You go take care of work.

In my past life, I trusted her without a second thought and hurried back to the office.

I never saw my son get his surgery. Instead, I got a summons from the police.

It turned out my wife and my colleague had conspired to frame me, pinning his embezzlement of company funds on me.

My son died in the hospital, unable to afford treatment. My parents, overwhelmed by grief, both died of heart attacks. And I, consumed by hatred, killed myself in prison.

After death, my soul drifted to the Maldives where my wife was vacationing. I heard her say to my colleague with my own ears:

That idiot won all that money and the only thing he could think to do was waste it on that pathetic little weakling. He was just dragging me down into a life of misery!

But now, the deaths of his entire family have bought us a lifetime of luxury. Consider it compensation from that fool, hahaha!

When I opened my eyes again, I was back at that exact momentmy wife taking the bank card from my hand.

This time, I still gave her the PIN.

Honey, you can leave things at the hospital to me. Hurry to the office, dont let work be delayed.

My wife, Jenna, clutched the bank card containing the eight million dollars. Her words were a perfect mask of support, but her eyes gleamed with the thrill of a successfully laid trap.

In my last life, I had given her my absolute trust.

It never occurred to me that she would take the money meant to save our sons life and conspire with my colleague, Mike, to frame me for embezzling company funds.

I was sentenced to ten years in prison. My son, without the money for his surgery, died in the hospital.

Even my parents, crushed by the series of blows, suffered fatal heart attacks and were left to die on the street like stray dogs.

Freshly reborn, a storm of hatred raged within me, a primal urge to strangle the life out of this venomous woman who would sacrifice her own husband and child.

But that would just land me back in prison, a tragedy I wouldn't repeat. It wasn't worth it.

I would find another way. I would make Jenna and Mike, that treacherous pair, pay the price they deserved.

I squeezed her wrist, my voice laced with meaning.

Then Ill leave this to you. This is for our sons life. Make sure you dont transfer it to the wrong account.

After all, in my last life, Jenna hadnt transferred the money to the hospital. Shed sent it to a separate account Mike had set up.

A flicker of unease crossed her face. Dont worry, she said, her voice a little too quick. I wont be that careless.

I smiled. Good.

I turned and left, the smile vanishing from my face the second my back was to her.

Once outside the hospital, I let out a cold laugh and dialed 911.

Officer, I need to report a crime!

Just two minutes ago, I was the victim of fraud. Eight million dollars was just transferred out of my account. I need your help to track the funds immediately!

What? Eight million dollars!?

The officer on the other end heard the amount, and his tone became instantly serious. He began filing a report.

The transfer just happened. Its good you called so quickly. Well do everything we can to recover the funds. If you have any new information, you must let us know immediately!

My voice was thick with manufactured panic.

Yes, of course! That money was for my sons life-saving surgery. Please, you have to help me!

Hanging up, a slow, grim smile spread across my face.

I wasn't worried about getting the money back. I knew that in a short while, it would be transferred right back into one of my own accounts.

This was the very trap they had set for me in my last life.

But this time, they were the ones about to learn what it means to be too clever for your own good.

My phone buzzed violently. Mikes name flashed on the screen.

I let it ring.

I knew exactly why he was calling. He was rushing me back to the office, eager for the lamb to walk into the slaughter.

With a cold smirk, I hailed a cab. But I wasn't going to the office. I was heading to the State Lottery Commission.

Hello, Im the winner of this mornings eight-million-dollar prize. I need to have my win officially certified.

In my previous life, I was in such a rush to pay for my son's surgery that I never bothered to get the win authenticated.

Later, after I was framed, I tried to get proof, but Jenna and Mike had already bribed someone at the commission.

They had altered the winner's information, making it impossible for me to prove the eight million was legitimate lottery winnings.

After getting the official certification, I also had the staff print out a detailed statement showing the eight-million-dollar deposit into my account.

This time, I would leave Jenna and Mike no loopholes, no openings, no chance to succeed.

My phone rang again. Mike.

I swiped to answer.

Alex, where are you? Dont you know something huge has happened at the office? Its its about you. The general manager wants you back here, now!

Mikes voice was urgent, but he was deliberately vague, trying to keep me in the dark about the details.

I knew his game. He wanted me confused and anxious, to walk into his trap completely unprepared.

Alright, I said, my voice deliberately slow. Im on my way.

I arrived at the office at my own pace. Mike greeted me with a look of profound disappointment, his brow furrowed.

Alex, how could you do something like this? What were you thinking?

I met his gaze evenly.

Stop playing games, Mike. Just say what you have to say.

He fought to suppress a triumphant grin, raising his voice for the benefit of the entire office.

Theres no use pretending, Alex. The company knows youve been embezzling tens of millions of dollars!

His words dropped like a bomb. Heads popped up over cubicle walls. The office, once humming with work, fell silent, then erupted in shocked whispers.

Oh my god, Alex? He always seemed so quiet and hardworking. He has that kind of nerve!?

The company found discrepancies last week, didn't they? I cant believe it was him!

Goes to show you never really know someone. He looks so honest on the outside, but he's a greedy bastard in secret!

What would he even do with that much money? Is he supporting a second family behind his wifes back?

Who knows? I heard his son is really sick, needs an expensive surgery. Maybe he got desperate.

A surgery doesnt cost tens of millions. This is pure greed, plain and simple.

Whatever the reason, embezzling company funds is a crime. People like him deserve to rot in jail. Well just wait and see him get whats coming to him.

The scornful glances of my colleagues felt like needles. Their whispers buzzed in my ears.

Mikes lips curled into a subtle, smug smile.

My expression remained unchanged. It wasn't me, I said calmly. I didn't do it.

The evidence is right here, Alex, and you still have the nerve to lie!

The general manager, Mr. Henderson, stormed out of his office, his face purple with rage. He slammed a thick file onto my desk.

I trusted you! I was going to promote you next week! Is this how you repay the company!?

I picked up the papers. They were records from the companys financial system, showing a series of abnormal fund transfers. The operator was listed under my name and employee ID.

And the most recent entry, dated just ten minutes ago, showed a transfer of eight million dollars from the companys system to a bank account in my name.

I pulled out my phone and logged into my banking app. Sure enough, one of my accounts had received an eight-million-dollar deposit ten minutes prior.

Well, Alex? Mr. Henderson roared. What do you have to say for yourself now!

The looks from my coworkers turned from suspicion to outright contempt.

The proof is right there in black and white! Hows he going to talk his way out of this? Just call the police and have them drag him away!

We bust our asses here for a fixed salary, and this guy just helps himself to millions? What gives him the right!

The anger in the room was palpable. We were all just working stiffs, and the idea that one of us had cheated the system to get rich quick was infuriating.

Seeing this, Mikes eyes filled with the undisguised glee of a successful schemer.

I looked at him, a long, meaningful stare, but my words were for Mr. Henderson.

Sir, dont you find the timing a little too convenient?

I arrived at the office building ten minutes ago, and at that exact moment, eight million dollars lands in my account? Im guessing it was Mike who brought this evidence to you, wasnt it?

Mikes face tightened.

So what if I did? We may be colleagues, but I wont stand by and watch a scumbag like you destroy this company. I reported you to Mr. Henderson for the good of everyone here!

I let out a cold laugh.

Im not the only one with access to the financial system. And my password? You made a point of leaning over my shoulder the last time I logged in. Im sure you saw it.

How do I know you didnt log in as me, transfer the money to my account, and frame me for all of this?

Mr. Henderson seemed to consider this. The situation was indeed too coincidental. The investigation into the missing funds had started last week, and my name had never come up.

Yet today, suddenly, all roads led to me.

He frowned, turning his gaze toward Mike.

Mikes composure faltered, a flicker of panic in his eyes before he quickly masked it.

Sir, dont listen to his excuses! Its not just the system records. I have a witness!

Thats right. I can testify!

A collective gasp filled the office. Everyone turned, stunned, to see my wife, Jenna, standing at the entrance.

Isnt that Alexs wife? Oh my god!

If even his wife is saying it, it must be true!

Mike beamed. Well, Alex? Your own wife is here to report you. Whats your explanation now?

I wasnt surprised to see her.

In my past life, it was Jenna who appeared at my darkest moment, when the entire company had turned against me, and delivered the final, fatal blow.

She was a brilliant actress. Her eyes reddened in an instant.

Alex, I didnt want to expose you, but my conscience wont let me stay silent!

A cold smirk touched my lips.

Jenna, if you had a conscience, youd be at the hospital with our son right now, not here conspiring with Mike to slander me.

A guilty flash crossed her eyes, but she quickly recovered, her voice rising with righteous indignation.

Im doing this for our son! I dont want to see you make a mistake you cant take back!

Having a criminal for a father will only bring him shame in front of his friends! If you continue down this path, youll ruin our sons future!

Her words were sharp and self-righteous.

Alex, its not too late to confess. Youll just go to prison. Thats the punishment you deserve for breaking the law!

Mike chimed in. Your wife is right, Alex. You should just turn yourself in. You might even get a reduced sentence.

Yeah, the cats out of the bag. Being stubborn wont help. Just confess.

If you take what isn't yours, you have to be ready to pay the price. Go on, Alex, turn yourself in!

In an instant, everyone was convinced of my guilt. Their voices swirled around me, a chorus urging me to admit my crime.

The triumphant excitement in Jenna and Mike's eyes was impossible to hide.

But there wasn't a trace of panic on my face. I just spoke calmly.

Youre lying, Jenna. If I had been secretly embezzling money, our son would have had his surgery and been cured long ago.

I won eight million dollars today. I handed you the card myself and told you to go pay for his surgery.

And the first thing you do is come here and claim that eight million is stolen money? Jenna, how can you face our son, whos lying in a hospital bed right now?

Even at the mention of our son, her expression didn't soften. She shot back, her voice ringing with conviction.

Im not lying! What good would lying do me?

Yes, our son needs that money to live, but we cant use your dirty money! It would only bring him shame and contempt from others!

I stared her down, speaking each word with deliberate weight.

Jenna, Jamie is your only son. To frame me, are you really willing to abandon him to die?

Her eyes were cold and empty, but her words were a performance of motherly concern.

Alex, Im doing this for our son!

Stop being so stubborn and turn yourself in. Ill find another way to pay for the surgery. Our son and I will wait for you. When you get out of prison, we can be a family again!

Her heartfelt performance won over the crowd.

It sounds like his wife is telling the truth. What mother would risk her own sons life just to frame her husband?

Exactly. I heard they only have the one son. She wouldnt want him to go without the surgery, but she cant use stolen money, no matter what.

Shes being rational. If they cant afford it, starting an online fundraiser would be better than embezzlement!

Besides, the company is missing tens of millions. The surgery doesnt cost that much. Alex was just using his sons illness as an excuse to embezzle money for himself!

Jenna and Mike stood together, looking at me with smug satisfaction.

I stood there, expressionless, but a question churned in my mind.

Jenna had always resented our son for being sick, for draining the money that she felt should be spent on her own lifestyle.

But now, I had eight million dollars. With that money, Jamie could be cured instantly, with plenty left over.

I was also on the verge of a promotion and a raise. Our lives were about to get better. So why was she so determined to betray me with Mike?

Mike was already married, for Gods sake. What made Jenna think she could win against his wife and build a life with him?

Seeing my silence, Jenna must have thought I was out of options.

She subconsciously touched her stomach, her voice softening into a mask of reason.

Alex, youve already broken the law. Theres no escaping it.

Just think of it as setting a good example for our son. Turn yourself in. I promise you, Ill make sure Jamie gets his treatment. Okay?

My eyes locked onto hers, and in a flash of terrible insight, I understood. There was another reason, besides the money, that she had to betray me.

Just then, Mr. Hendersons patience snapped. Thats it! Call the police!

I glanced at my phone and a small smile played on my lips.

No need. The police are already on their way up.

As the words left my mouth, several police officers walked into the office.

Jenna and Mikes faces lit up with manic joy. They pointed at me.

Officers, thats him! Thats Alex! Cuff him and take him away!

The officers glanced at me, gave a slight nod, and then turned to the room.

Which one of you is Mike?

Jenna and Mike froze.

A nervous tremor entered Mikes voice.

Im Mike. Do you need me to act as a witness against Alex for the embezzlement?

The officer shook his head.

No.

Mike, you are a person of interest in a bank card fraud and theft case. You need to come with us to the station for questioning.

The color drained from Mikes face.

Jenna rushed forward, frantic.

Thats impossible! Youve made a mistake! The person you should be arresting is Alex!

The entire office was in shock. Even Mr. Henderson spoke up.

Officers, are you sure you havent made a mistake?

The person who illegally embezzled our companys funds is Alex. Just a short while ago, eight million dollars was transferred from our company account to his personal account. We have the records right here.

He handed the transaction record to the police.

The lead officer looked at it, his expression grim.

We received a report from Mr. Alex earlier today, stating that eight million dollars was fraudulently transferred from his bank card. We have been tracking the movement of these funds in real-time.

Our investigation shows the money was first transferred from Mr. Alex's account to an account belonging to Mike. It was then routed through your companys financial system before being deposited back into a different account belonging to Mr. Alex.

Mr. Henderson stood stunned for a moment before the pieces clicked into place.

He whirled on Mike, his face contorted with fury.

The investigative team we set up initially identified you as the prime suspect, Mike. How is it that today, all the evidence suddenly points to Alex?

So it was you all along! You embezzled the money and then orchestrated this entire charade to frame him! Were you playing me, playing this entire company, for a fool?

Mikes face was ashen, but he continued to deny it.

It wasnt me, it was Alex! Hes the one who staged this whole thing! Hes trying to frame me!

He glared at me, grinding his teeth, refusing to admit his guilt.

I just looked at him calmly. What possible motive would I have to frame you out of the blue?

Mike blurted out desperately, How should I know? Maybe youre jealous of me! Maybe youre just a psycho who gets a kick out of ruining peoples lives!

I scoffed.

What would I have to be jealous of? Youre second-best to me in every aspect of our job. Im the one getting the promotion next week. Sounds to me like youre the one whos jealous.

Mikes face went from white to red with rage.

I could see some of my colleagues still looked skeptical.

So I pulled out the official lottery certification and the bank statements from that morning, showing the eight-million-dollar prize deposit.

See for yourselves. That eight million dollars is from a lottery ticket I bought. Its my legitimate winnings! The person embezzling from the company has always been Mike!

He knew the investigation was closing in on him, so he used my lottery winnings as a tool. He laundered the money through the company system and back into my account.

He was planning to use this one transaction record to pin all the previous embezzlements on me, to make me his scapegoat!

I shot Mike a cold, predatory smile.

Once I was out of the way, youd be free to spend the tens of millions you already stole, and youd even snatch my promotion. Kill two birds with one stone. Not a bad plan, Mike. Youre quite the strategist.

Mikes legs gave out. He stood there, trembling, his lips moving but no sound coming out except for a weak denial.

No I didnt youre framing me!

I smiled. Well see about that. Once the police get you down to the station, the truth will come out.

Did you really think you could embezzle tens of millions of dollars over time and not leave a single trace?

The last of the color drained from Mikes face. He was shaking uncontrollably, barely able to stand.

Anyone looking at him now could see the truth.

So it was Mike all along! What a snake!

I was wondering why he was so eager to report Alex this morning. It was all a setup!

Officers, get this greedy scumbag out of here!

As the police moved toward a defeated and terrified Mike, ready to take him away, my voice cut through the silence.

Wait. He has an accomplice.