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Shocked $1M Lottery Winner Hopes To Keep Secret From Vacationing Wife

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —  The California Lottery's newest millionaire is very excited about his win but is trying to keep it a secret — from his wife.

Pablo Chavez, 55, a storeroom clerk, won after buying a 50X the Cash Scratchers ticket.

Chavez said his family was floored when he won. "They got more scared than me. I could not believe what I saw," Chavez said. "I was in shock. I couldn't believe it."

The winner's wife is out of the country on a vacation.

Chavez hopes to keep the win a secret from his wife of 18 years until she gets home.

"I'm afraid to tell her," Chavez said. "I'm gonna tell her to sit down. I think she's gonna be nervous."

The new millionaire wants to help out some family members and buy a house with his winnings.

Does he really think he can keep the win a secret from the Mrs until she get home?

"I told the [family] not to say (anything)," Chavez said.

Chavez bought his ticket at Bunny's Mini Mart in Compton. The retailer will receive a bonus of $5,000 for selling that winner.

A few days ago, a 20-year-old man claimed a $1 million prize on a 50X the Cash ticket sold in Anaheim.

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