My Cousin's Lies Almost Cost Me Everything

Start Reading

My vacation home. At the dinner table, the elders in my family started asking about my job in the city.

Just running a small business, I answered casually.

Hearing that, my cousin, Tiffany, sitting across from me, let out a snort.

So, selling yourself counts as a business now?

I even saw your price list online. Quite the menu of services youve got there.

After getting everyones attention, she feigned magnanimity. Every job has its dignity. We wouldnt look down on you just because your profession is humble.

Egging them on, she turned me into the target of everyones accusations.

Without missing a beat, I pulled out my phone and made a call. Pull the funding. I want her completely bankrupt.

Every time I came home for the holidays, I had to face another interrogation from my relatives.

Ive never liked sharing details about my life, so when Aunt Sarah asked about my job in Metropolis City, I just brushed her off. Oh, just running a small business in the city.

A business? Thats great! Not like your cousin Leo, who works for someone else, pulling all-nighters just to make a few grand.

Ashley, youre so capable, why dont you help your cousins find jobs?

I felt a wave of awkwardness.

But my dad jumped in before I could speak. No problem! Leave it all to Ashley!

I immediately put down my forks, just about to explain that my "business" was just selling stuff at a flea market, when Tiffany, who had been quietly scrolling on her phone across the table, suddenly burst into laughter. Seriously, the world is falling apart. Anyone can claim to be a businesswoman now. By that logic, back in the day, wouldnt all the call girls have been entrepreneurs?

Tiffany, what are you implying?

How can you compare your cousin to well, to *that*? Thats so disrespectful, apologize to Ashley.

I thought the elders were reasonable, that they would side with me.

But I quickly realized I was wrong.

Im not making things up. Im not the one selling myself in the city, so why should I apologize?

Tiffany said, opening a photo and shoving it in front of Uncle Robert, who had spoken up for me. Uncle Robert, look, isnt this Ashley Miller in the picture?

I couldn't see what was on the photo, but the sudden, strange looks from everyone made me realize the seriousness of the situation.

The phone started passing from Uncle Roberts hand, to Aunt Emily, then to Aunt Carol, and finally landed in my dads hands.

Before I could say a word, a stinging slap landed on my face. My dad pointed at me, spitting as he yelled, You shameless brat!

Dont hit our daughter!

My mom rushed to shield me, but no sooner had she spoken than my dad handed her the phone. See for yourself what Ashley Miller is doing out there!

My mom took the phone, skepticism on her face, but her expression instantly turned serious, then morphed into fury.

If I hadnt ducked quickly, the cup in my moms hand would have shattered against my head.

Slapped and almost hit with a cup for no reason, and then publicly cursed out by so many relatives, I was still completely bewildered.

It wasn't until Tiffany feigned concern, stepping forward to intervene, and said, covering her mouth, Im so sorry, so sorry. Its all my fault for speaking up. I just assumed you all knew about Ashleys activities.

What activities?!

Dont pretend. Ive seen your price list.

Tiffany glanced at me, then finally handed me the photo.

[57+ Milf, Cool & Elegant Vibe, Sweet & Sassy]

[Online Chat Companion: $80/hour (Text/FaceTime)]

[Overnight Escort: $250/night (Local, by appointment)]

[Full-day Companion: $500/day (Includes city outings, overnight additional)]

[Special requests and long-term arrangements by DM. Serious inquiries only.]

[Contact: 132xxxxxxxxxx (State purpose, direct price inquiries will be blocked)]

Looking at the content on the poster, I was dumbfounded, especially when I saw the sexy swimsuit photo in the upper right corner. A surge of confusion washed over me.

This wasn't me.

Ashley, Im not trying to criticize you, but theres no shame in struggling when youre out on your own. However, a girl should cherish her body. This line of work youve chosen is just too far out.

But hey, every job has its stars, right?

We wont look down on you just because youre selling yourself. To each their own, I guess.

Noticing the confusion on my face, Tiffany continued to fan the flames, explaining where she supposedly got the poster.

When my boyfriend and I were out for dinner, someone slipped a little card into our car. I didnt pay attention at first, but then I saw the photo, and I immediately recognized you.

I only scanned the QR code out of concern, and I never expected it was actually you offering these services.

The more Tiffany spoke, the uglier my parents faces became, especially my dads. He turned beet red with rage, grabbed a chair, and was about to throw it at me, only to be held back by the other curious relatives.

The relatives and elders who had greeted me warmly upon my return were now standing with their hands on their hips, sneering at me.

Such a disgrace. And to think you even finished grad school. You just wasted all that education.

I dont know how David raised his daughter. So shameless for money, she became a prostitute.

Some werent satisfied just yelling at me. Taking advantage of the noisy crowd, someone intentionally reached out and pushed me, making me lose my balance and fall to the floor.

When I looked up, I met Tiffanys smug gaze.

She and I had been at odds since we were kids.

Being around the same age, we were always compared. I was a straight-A student, always in the top three of my class, while she consistently scraped by, ending up in the worst schools. She always felt she couldn't measure up to me, and she was desperate to catch up.

The constant comparisons had driven her crazy; she started seeing me as her sole rival.

Two years ago, it was because I started a job at a financial company in Metropolis City that she quit her job back home and rushed there herself.

That poster has nothing to do with me! The person in that photo isnt me!

I yelled with all my might, but no one listened. Not even my parents wanted to hear my explanation, they were too busy fawning over Tiffany with the other relatives.

Tiffany, I heard your boyfriend is a big company CEO. He must be super rich, right?

We always knew Tiffany was capable and successful. She really is the most impressive girl in our family, unlike Ashley Miller, whos just disgracing us.

Tiffany basked in the attention, and her parents joined in, laughing heartily with their hands on their hips.

I got up and took my moms hand. Mom, believe me, its all fake.

But she forcefully pulled away from me, then turned and clasped Tiffanys hand. Tiffany, your cousin has gone down the wrong path. Please, give her a hand, help her find a decent job.

Then, my mom yanked me hard. Come here, get on your knees and apologize to your cousin, beg her to find you a job.

Me?

Kneel to *her*?

Aunt Karen, its not that I dont want to, but Ashley graduated with a masters degree. She wouldnt look at any job that pays less than six figures. Otherwise, she wouldnt have taken shortcuts.

Tiffany Brooks, why are you spreading these lies everywhere? I pushed past a few relatives and confronted her directly. Youre spreading baseless rumors with a photo from who knows where. Dont you know thats illegal?

Tiffany just gave me a helpless look.

She sighed. Ashley, why are you still so stubborn? You did it, whats the point in denying it?

To be honest, I have a lot more evidence. You know Im in sales; I meet a lot of people. And it just so happens that some of them are your clients.

You really werent careful, letting people take photos while you were working.

If those photos from your bed got out, who would ever marry you then?

Tiffanys words immediately turned the tide again. The judgmental elders started spewing insults at me, each one righteous in their anger.

But I wasnt a lamb to be slaughtered. When someone reached out to push me again, I shoved them back. They hadnt expected me to retaliate, stumbled, and hit a chair behind them, letting out a cry of pain.

That really stirred up a hornets nest.

Aunt Emily shrieked, Shes out of control! Doing disgraceful things and now hitting people?!

Uncle John pointed his finger at my nose, about to start yelling, but I cut him off.

If you say you have evidence, then show it to me. I looked at Tiffany. But if you cant, then its defamation, and I will pursue legal action.

Tiffany clearly hadnt expected me to say that; a hint of shock flashed across her face, but she quickly recovered with a smile. Since you have no shame, then Ill find them and let everyone judge for themselves.

She turned and sat on the sofa, pulling out her phone and scrolling through it.

But after nearly ten minutes, she found nothing.

Well? Cant find it, can you?

Finding stuff takes time!

Others also started defending Tiffany. I was about to snatch her phone when I was interrupted by a commotion at the door. My brother, Ben, rushed in, looking disheveled, and after a quick scan of the room, walked straight toward me.

I hadnt even gotten out a "Ben" before his hand swung, connecting with my cheek.

We paid for your education all these years, and you have no shame left?! Your damn promotional poster even got sent to my phone! Are you that desperate for money?!

My cheek stung, but seeing the look on my brothers face at that moment, I felt an even colder pang in my heart.

No one believed me.

Im saying it again, that has nothing to do with me. Its all malicious photo manipulation and rumors.

Then are you going to claim this is fake too? Tiffany sneered, walking over. Who wants to see photos of Ashley Miller with her clients? But Ill warn you, some of them are pretty explicit, so any elders who dont want to see should look away.

Filled with anger, I snatched the phone from her hand and immediately saw the offensive images on the screen.

A naked woman, her hair disheveled, lay on a bed. The background was blurry, but her face was clearly visible, and it was mine.

My great-aunt leaned over to look, then recoiled with a disgusted expression. Thats disgusting, Ashley! You actually do that kind of stuff!

Enough!

I roared, taking a step back.

But I quickly composed myself, showing no anger, only a relieved smile.

I pulled out my phone, slowly tapping the numbers on the dial pad, and after connecting, I spoke clearly for everyone to hear, Hello, Id like to report a crime.

Someone maliciously Photoshopped my image to spread explicit rumors about me. Could you please send officers over?

As I called the police, everyone else looked at me with expressions of utter disbelief, perhaps thinking, *Why would she call the police when shes the one who did something wrong?*

Only Tiffanys eyes began to flicker nervously.

She suddenly spoke up, trying to smooth things over. Its fine, its fine, its not a big deal. Everyone makes their own choices, you know. Aunt Karen, Uncle David, please dont scold Ashley anymore. Shes not stealing or doing anything truly harmful; as long as she can support herself in the big city, thats all that matters.

How grandly she spoke, without considering who started this whole mess.

Tiffany is so sensible, unlike Ashley. Not only is her behavior immoral, but she stubbornly refuses to admit her mistakes.

How respectable is Tiffanys profession? Can Ashley even compare? Shes a professor at Commonwealth University, you know!

I had been furious at my relatives words, but hearing that, my interest was suddenly piqued.

A professor at Commonwealth University?

I turned to Tiffany. Commonwealth University is one of the top-ranked universities in the country. Its professors usually have at least a Masters or a Ph.D. Even with relaxed requirements, theyd be specialized talents, often from abroad. Tiffany Brooks, which of those criteria do you meet?

I Tiffany choked, but still insisted on her story. Why do you care so much about my business? You havent even sorted out your own mess!

The others also chimed in to support Tiffany, until I proposed:

Commonwealth Universitys official website lists all faculty and staff information. Since youre officially employed there, your name should be searchable on the website, right?

Tiffany tried to stop me, but her mom and other elders held her back. Just let her search. We have a clear conscience, after all.

Really?

I opened the Commonwealth University website, browsed for two minutes, then showed them the blank search results page. How come theres nothing?

Huh, whats going on? Didnt Tiffany say shes been teaching at Commonwealth University for two years now?

Yeah, she even sent me photos from her classes. Could it all be a lie?

I knew the truth: shed spun a massive lie just to save face. But Tiffany still wouldnt admit it. Instead, she put on a conflicted expression, then lowered her head and shyly began, Actually, I didnt want to say anything, but since Ashley has pushed me to this point, I have no choice but to admit it. Im not an official full-time professor at Commonwealth University because

Because my boyfriend pulled some strings to get me in. My boyfriend is an entrepreneur, the sole heir of the Stone Group. He just wanted me to have an easy job.

At this, the relatives suddenly burst into laughter, but it wasn't mocking laughter; it was full of fawning.

They crowded around Tiffany and her mom, showering them with compliments. We knew Tiffanys boyfriend was successful, but we never knew he was *that* powerful! The Stone Group! Thats a huge company! Tiffany, youre truly bringing honor to our family.

Tiffany deliberately looked at me, saying proudly, Even though my boyfriend is influential, I dont want to depend on him. I just want to focus on my career and be a strong, independent woman. How long can you bank on your youth to make money, right, Ashley?

Before I could speak, she continued her tirade.

We are sisters, after all, and we grew up together. I cant bear to see you debase yourself.

How about this: you cancel the police report, and Ill have my boyfriend find you a job. Whether its cleaning toilets or sweeping floors at the corporation, its still much more respectable than selling yourself.

As soon as my parents heard Tiffanys offer, they lunged for my phone.

I dodged, but my brother charged forward with all his might and shoved me. While I was on the ground, he snatched the phone.

He fumbled with it and said to me, Are you calling the police because you think your reputation isnt bad enough? Im not asking you to find a good job, but please, stop disgracing yourself.

Just at that critical moment, the private room door was opened by the police.

Who called the police?