Hey everyone, I didn’t expect to be sharing this, but after what happened last week, I just had to. I’m Audrey, a 25-year-old woman who was forced to take matters into my own hands when circumstances called for it. Stick around because you won’t want to miss this story!
For context, my mom is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. She used to have a great job, but unfortunately, she had to quit due to cancer treatment.
A cancer patient | Source: Midjourney
Even though she’s in remission now, she needed to find work quickly to help with the bills, so she got a job as a waitress at a local café. She never complains and always wears a smile, even on her toughest days.
Growing up, it was just Mom and me against the world. We’ve always been close, sharing everything from our favorite books to late-night movie marathons.
Her strength and positivity are contagious, and I can’t imagine having a better role model. Seeing her struggle but never lose her spirit has been both heartbreaking and inspiring.
A smiling mother-daughter duo | Source: Midjourney
Enter the entitled woman, Karen. She started coming to the café every day, making snide comments and belittling my mom for no reason. Here are a few examples of her nastiness:
One day, during my lunch break, I decided to visit Mom at the café. I found her serving Karen, who was, unsurprisingly, in full diva mode.
“Excuse me,” Karen called out loudly, waving her hand dramatically as if summoning a servant. “I dropped my napkin. Be a dear and get me another one.”
An entitled woman having coffee in a café | Source: Freepik
Mom, always patient, smiled and retrieved a fresh napkin, handing it to Karen with grace. But Karen wasn’t done.
“Marilyn, is it?” Karen eyed my mom’s name tag on her uniform. “Next time, try not to be so slow. I don’t have all day,” she sneered, her voice dripping with condescension.
I clenched my fists under the table, but Mom just nodded, still smiling. “Of course, ma’am. Is there anything else you need?”
Karen ignored her, turning to her phone with a dismissive wave.
A woman checking her phone while sitting in a café | Source: Midjourney
Another time, I was there when Karen decided to criticize every little thing about the service. “This coffee is too hot!” she snapped. “And this pastry is cold. Did you even bother to check? And look at this table! It’s filthy!”
Mom apologized, “I’m so sorry, ma’am. I’ll get you a fresh pastry and clean the table right away.”
“Oh, and those flowers!” Karen continued. “They’re wilting. If you can’t keep fresh ones here, maybe you should bring some from your own garden.”
Mom’s face fell slightly, but she simply said, “I’ll see what I can do, ma’am.”
A vase with dried roses on a wooden table | Source: Pexels
The worst was when Karen made it personal. One afternoon, she looked Mom up and down and said loudly to a friend, “It’s such a shame when people don’t take care of themselves. Look at her, she looks exhausted all the time. I guess some people just aren’t cut out for success.”
Mom, being the angel she is, never wanted to complain or make a scene. But last week, things went too far.
A woman working as a waitress in a café | Source: Midjourney
Mom came home in tears, her uniform stained with coffee. It turned out Karen had thrown her coffee at my mom, claiming it was too cold. It broke my heart to see her like that.
“What happened?” I asked, gently wiping her tears.
“It’s nothing, Audrey. Just a bad day at work,” she tried to dismiss it, but I could see the pain in her eyes.
“Mom, please tell me,” I insisted.
She sighed. “Karen. She threw her coffee at me because it wasn’t hot enough. I tried to apologize, but she just screamed at me and stormed out.”
A waitress with coffee stains on her dress | Source: Midjourney
“Why does she hate you so much? What’s her problem?” I asked, my voice laced with both anger and concern.
“This isn’t just about a customer being mean to a waitress, Audrey. This goes way back,” Mom hesitated, then finally admitted, “Karen is a former classmate. She’s held a grudge against me ever since your father chose me over her back in the day.”
“That’s it!” I said, my voice shaking with anger. “I’m not letting her get away with this!”
“Audrey, please. I’ll handle it,” said my mom. Her tone was convincing, filled with pure love and concern for me.
A closeup shot of a pair of intertwined hands | Source: Pexels
I shook my head, trying not to worry my mom too much. But as we hugged, my mind immediately started plotting how to teach Karen a lesson she would never forget.
Having established that enough was enough, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Finding Karen online was easy peasy. A little stalking of her social media accounts revealed she was obsessed with her image. She bragged about her lavish lifestyle and her pristine appearance.
A woman using her laptop in bed | Source: Pexels
After doing my research, I concocted a brilliant plan. First, I set up a fake Instagram account, posing as a high-end beauty influencer, Lila Sanders. With a few paid followers and some bought engagement, the account was as good as real.
Then came the next step. I started interacting with Karen’s posts, complimenting her and gradually getting her to trust the fake account.
After a week of friendly exchanges, I sent her a message about an exclusive, invite-only beauty event happening in town, claiming I had an extra VIP ticket.
A young woman smiling while using her phone | Source: Midjourney
“Hi, Karen!
I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been loving your recent posts – your style is just impeccable!
I’m reaching out because I have an extra VIP ticket to an exclusive, invite-only beauty event happening in town next week. It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to network and enjoy some luxurious pampering. I thought you might be interested since you have such a passion for beauty and fashion.
Let me know if you’d like to join!
Best, Lila Sanders”
A happy woman using her smartphone | Source: Pexels
Karen jumped at the chance. “Oh my God, that sounds amazing! I’d love to go!” she texted back, her excitement practically jumping off the screen.
“The event’s at the Grand Hotel,” I told her. “The dress code is really strict, so make sure you look your best.”
She replied right away. “Absolutely! I can’t wait! Thanks so much for the invite!”
I smiled to myself, knowing that soon, Karen would regret ever messing with my mom.
A young woman smiling while holding her phone | Source: Midjourney
Karen showed up dressed to the nines, a smug smile on her face as she strutted into the hotel lobby. I watched from a distance as she approached the front desk, her confident demeanor slowly morphing into confusion.
The hotel manager, Mr. Daniels, was already waiting, looking rather displeased. I had called ahead, pretending to be Karen, and canceled her actual reservation for a spa day she had planned, explaining she was very ill and couldn’t make it.
“What do you mean my reservation is canceled?” Karen’s voice rose, attracting the attention of nearby guests. “I didn’t cancel anything!”
A very shocked and upset woman in an expensive dress | Source: Midjourney
Mr. Daniels shook his head. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but the reservation was canceled by someone claiming to be you. We’ve already charged the cancellation fee and other costs.”
Karen’s face turned bright red as she tried to explain herself. “This is ridiculous! I demand a refund!”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Mr. Daniels said firmly. “We had everything ready for your visit, and now it’s too late to rebook.”
A hotel manager | Source: Midjourney
Flustered and embarrassed, Karen had no choice but to pay up, drawing curious and judgmental looks from the other guests. I could see her eyes darting around, trying to avoid the stares as she fumbled for her credit card.
I couldn’t help but smile to myself. But I wasn’t done yet. Remember the fake beauty event? I had arranged for a delivery of cheap, sticky, glittery “beauty products” to be sent to Karen’s address, all packed in what looked like high-end packaging.
A woman holding a nicely-wrapped box | Source: Pexels
As I watched Karen leave the hotel, I imagined the scene unfolding at her home.
When Karen finally got home, she found the delivery waiting for her. Excited, she opened the packages, only to have glitter and sticky goo explode all over her expensive outfit and pristine living room.
“What the—?” she screamed, frantically trying to brush off the glitter that stuck to everything it touched. The mess was nearly impossible to clean up, and I knew it would take days to fully get rid of.
A mess caused by cheap, sticky, and glittery products spilled on the floor | Source: Midjourney
Karen’s social media posts took a nosedive as she frantically tried to salvage her image. Her once-perfect photos now showed a frazzled woman desperately trying to maintain her facade. She even had to take a break from her daily café visits, much to my mom’s relief.
But the final blow came when I decided to confront Karen directly. I walked into the café during one of her usual visits and calmly approached her table.
A woman in a café | Source: Midjourney
“Karen,” I began, my voice steady. “I know exactly who you are and what you’ve been doing. You think humiliating my mom makes you superior, but it only reveals your insecurities and bitterness. My mom survived cancer and continues to work hard every day, while you cling to petty grudges from high school. It’s time to grow up and move on because your actions are pathetic, and you’re only embarrassing yourself.”
An upset young woman talking to an older woman in a café | Source: Midjourney
Karen’s face turned beet red, and she was completely speechless. The other customers in the café, who had overheard our conversation, stared at her in silent judgment. She quickly gathered her things and left, her head bowed in shame. I haven’t seen her in the café since.
When my mom found out what I had done, she wasn’t exactly thrilled about the deceit. “Audrey, I appreciate you standing up for me, but was all that really necessary?” she asked, a blend of concern and amusement in her voice.
A woman talking to her daughter outside | Source: Pexels
“Mom, you’ve always been there for me, making endless sacrifices to ensure my happiness. This was nothing compared to what you’ve done for me,” I replied, squeezing her hand.
She sighed but couldn’t help smiling a little. “Justice in the most glittery, sticky way possible, huh?”
“Exactly,” I grinned. “Karen needed a taste of her own medicine.”
So Karen, if you happen to see this, I hope you reconsider before lashing out at someone who only wants to brighten your day. And Mom, you truly are the strongest person I know.
A happy mother-daughter duo holding coffee cups | Source: Pexels
What would you have done differently if you were in my shoes?
I Cut Short My Business Trip upon Learning My Wife Was in the ER – Found Another Man by Her Bed When I Arrived
Ethan’s world turns upside down when he rushes back from a business trip to find his wife in the ER. His heart races with worry, but nothing prepares him for the sight of another man sitting by her bed. The man’s revelation threatens to unravel everything Ethan thought he knew about his marriage. Who is this stranger, and what secrets does he hold?
Life seemed perfect.
A smiling man | Source: Pexels
I’d been married to Isabel for eight years. We had a beautiful home, and I thought we had an ideal life.
Every morning, I woke up early to head to work, making sure I did my best to provide for us. Isabel and I had built a comfortable life together, and I believed that my hard work kept her happy.
Isabel was more than just my wife; she was my best friend. We’d laugh together, share our dreams, and talk about our future. I tried to be a good husband, doing everything I could to make her feel cherished.
A cozy couple | Source: Pexels
One evening, as I sat on our porch, I watched the sunset and felt a wave of contentment.
“We really do have a great life, don’t we?” I said to Isabel as she joined me. She smiled and nodded, but there was something in her eyes I couldn’t quite read.
“Yeah, Ethan, it’s wonderful,” she replied softly.
Two people in love | Source: Pexels
I didn’t press her. I figured she was just tired from the day. We had our ups and downs, like any couple, but I always believed we’d work through anything together.
I was wrong.
I was about 40 miles out of town on a business trip, driving down the highway, when my phone rang.
A man driving a car | Source: Pexels
I didn’t recognize the number, but something told me to answer it. “Hello?”
“Is this Ethan?” a woman’s voice asked.
“Yes, who’s calling?”
“This is Nurse Karen from the local hospital. Your wife, Isabel, is in the ER. She’s unconscious.”
A nurse on a phone call | Source: Midjourney
My heart stopped. “What happened? Is she okay?”
“She was brought in a little while ago. I don’t have all the details yet, but you need to come to the hospital as soon as possible.”
Panic surged through me. “I’ll be there right away.”
A man on phone call | Source: Pexels
I hung up and immediately pulled off the road, my hands trembling as I tried to steady my breathing. Isabel was in the hospital, unconscious. My mind raced with worry. What could’ve happened? She was fine when I left this morning.
I turned the car around and started driving back to town, my foot heavy on the gas pedal. The usually scenic drive now felt like a nightmare. Every mile seemed longer than the last, my thoughts consumed with fear for Isabel.
A fast moving car | Source: Pexels
I kept imagining the worst-case scenarios, each one more terrifying than the last.
“Please be okay, Isabel,” I whispered to myself, gripping the steering wheel tightly. The road ahead blurred as tears welled up in my eyes. I wiped them away, trying to focus on getting back as quickly as possible.
A man crying | Source: Unsplash
I called the hospital again to get more information, but they could only tell me that she was still unconscious and being treated. The uncertainty was killing me. My thoughts kept jumping to what could’ve gone wrong. Was it an accident? A sudden illness?
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I reached the town limits. The hospital was just a few minutes away now. I prayed silently, hoping and begging for Isabel to be okay. I couldn’t lose her. Not like this.
A building with emergency sign | Source: Pexels
As soon as I arrived, I raced through the hospital doors, my heart pounding.
“Where is my wife?” I asked frantically at the nurse’s station. “Isabel Williams. I got a call that she’s here.”
The nurse looked puzzled. “That’s odd. I thought her husband brought her in. He’s with her now.”
A confident nurse | Source: Midjourney
My confusion grew. “I’m her husband,” I insisted, my voice rising with panic.
She pointed down the hall. “Room 12.”
I hurried to the ward, my mind spinning. When I entered the room, I saw a man sitting next to Isabel’s bed, holding her hand. He looked up as I approached.
A man sitting beside an unconscious woman | Source: Midjourney
“Who are you?” I demanded, my voice shaking with anger and fear.
“I’m Logan,” he replied calmly. “Her… lover. We’ve been dating for a year. We got into an accident while you were on your business trip. I brought her here and asked the nurse to call you.”
My fists clenched, and I felt a surge of anger. I wanted to hit him, to yell, to do something. But I forced myself to stay calm. “You’re her lover?” I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.
An angry man | Source: Midjourney
“Yes,” Logan said. “But I know she loves you. She just felt neglected because you were always so busy with work.”
I stood there, trying to process what he was saying.
Isabel had a lover? She felt neglected? I couldn’t believe it. I looked at her lying there, unconscious, and my heart ached.
An unconscious woman in hospital bed | Source: Midjourney
As we waited for Isabel to wake up, Logan continued to talk. “I care about her a lot, Ethan. But she always talked about you, how much she missed the way things used to be. She felt like you were drifting apart, and she didn’t know how to tell you.”
His words cut deep. I had been working so hard, thinking I was doing the right thing for our family. But I had been blind to Isabel’s feelings. I glanced at Logan, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, and felt a mixture of anger and guilt.
A sad man | Source: Unsplash
“Why didn’t she talk to me?” I asked, more to myself than to him.
Logan shrugged. “Maybe she was afraid. Maybe she thought you wouldn’t listen. I don’t know. But she’s here now, and she needs you.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. I had to focus on Isabel and getting her through this.
A sad man lost in thought | Source: Pexels
“She wanted attention and affection,” Logan confessed, his voice soft. “That’s why she cheated.”
A deep pain pierced my heart. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.
“I love her,” I said quietly, my voice barely a whisper. “I thought working hard was the best way to take care of her. I was wrong.”
“I get it, Ethan. You were doing what you thought was right. But she needed more than that.”
A man looking serious | Source: Unsplash
I looked at Isabel, lying there so still, and my heart ached. How had I missed it? How had I not seen what she needed? The guilt and sorrow weighed heavily on me.
Logan sighed. “I’m the one who told the nurse I was her husband. I didn’t want to complicate things when I brought her in. I’m sorry for the confusion.”
A man in a black leather jacket looking sad | Source: Unsplash
I shook my head, trying to process everything. “I appreciate that you brought her here,” I said, even though it was hard to get the words out. “But this is something Isabel and I need to face together.”
Logan nodded again. “I understand. I’ll step back. She needs you now.”
Suddenly, Isabel’s eyes flutter open, her gaze unfocused at first. Then, she looked around with confusion before her eyes settled on me.
A woman in the hospital bed | Source: Midjourney
“Ethan,” she said, smiling weakly. Relief washed over me.
“I’m here, Isabel,” I said, squeezing her hand gently.
She turned her head and saw Logan. “Who are you?” she asked, her voice soft.
Logan smiled gently. “I’m your husband’s work colleague,” he lied smoothly. Then, leaning close to me, he whispered, “Make her happy.”
A man in black coat | Source: Pexels
I nodded, appreciating his understanding. Logan gave Isabel one last look before leaving the room. His words echoed in my mind. Make her happy. It felt like a second chance, a fresh start.
I turned back to Isabel, who was watching me with a mix of confusion and trust.
“How are you feeling?” I asked softly.
“A bit disoriented,” she admitted, “but I’m okay. What happened?”
A woman sitting in a hospital bed | Source: Midjourney
“We’ll talk about it later,” I said, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. “Right now, just rest. I’m here with you.”
She nodded, her eyes closing again as she relaxed.
What should I do? Should I tell her the truth?
A man with a sad expression | Source: Midjourney
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