I worked late shifts, skipped every party, and saved nearly $4,000 to surprise my mom, Jade, who’d just beaten cancer, with a trip to the ocean. But my Aunt Viola swooped in with fake promises and stole my entire year’s effort. She thought she’d gotten away with it. Karma had other plans.I’m Vera, 17, and my world revolves around my mom. When Dad walked out six years ago, leaving us with nothing, Mom became both parents. She worked herself to the bone, taking two jobs to support us.

“Vera, dinner’s ready!” she’d call from the kitchen, exhaustion in her voice.I knew how hard she worked, so when cancer hit, I swore I’d give her something beautiful. She survived, and I made a promise to take her to the ocean—seven days of sunshine, seafood, and peace.I started working double shifts at Rosie’s Diner and writing essays for classmates. I skipped hanging out with friends. Slowly, I saved up. After 11 months of sacrifice, I finally had enough—$3,765.

I was going to surprise her.Then Aunt Viola stepped in, pretending to help. She convinced me she could book everything since I was still a minor. Trusting her, I handed over every penny.Days went by without any updates. When I finally showed up at her apartment, she admitted she’d spent the money on a down payment for a new car.You’ll save again,” she said, brushing me off.I was crushed. Eleven months of hard work down the drain.

But then, a message came from Marcus, her boyfriend. He wanted to meet.At Penny’s Coffee Shop, Marcus handed me an envelope with $4,000 in cash. “I overheard what happened,” he said. “You deserve this trip. Your mom deserves this trip.”I couldn’t believe it. Marcus explained that Viola was about to face the consequences of her actions.A week later, at a fancy dinner with Viola expecting a proposal, Marcus publicly exposed her betrayal to everyone. Viola was humiliated as Marcus told the room what she’d done.

I didn’t feel satisfaction, just relief. My mom and I went on that trip to Seaview Bay, just like I had dreamed. I realized that some betrayals lead to deeper lessons. Marcus showed me that integrity exists in unexpected places, and Mom showed me that love means sacrifice.As for Aunt Viola? Her life fell apart. The car was repossessed, and she vanished, trying to outrun the consequences.Now, as I sit in our oceanfront suite, I know that sometimes, justice comes when you least expect it—and love has a way of fixing even the worst betrayals.