I’m Nikki, and I’d like to tell a story on how karma can need a little poking from time to time. When I saw my ex-fiance, Mark, with another woman in an upscale restaurant, I couldn’t help but turn a typical night into the perfect opportunity for retribution.

Five years ago, Mark called off our engagement, claiming that I “wasn’t good enough” after his promotion. He was hoping for someone with more culture. I persevered despite the pain.

Now, fast forward to last Saturday. Mark is 35 years old, unmarried, and doing well. I spotted him in a new restaurant. I took the opportunity to make a joke. “To Mark, who always settles for second best,” was scrawled on the bottle of champagne I asked the waiter to bring over. His date looked bewildered as his face reddened.

He is allergic to appetizers, so I sent one along with a message that read, “Just a reminder of what you can’t have.” Mark found it difficult to communicate to his increasingly upset date.

I called my pal Sarah for the final act. How is your fiancee doing? She asked loudly, claiming to recognize Mark. Did she eventually agree to the relationship being open? Clara, Mark’s date, was shocked and left.

I couldn’t help but approach Mark’s table and offer him a nice smile. Hello, Mark. I suppose I wasn’t really “not good enough” after all. I strode proudly out of the restaurant.

A few days later, I learnt that Clara and Mark had split up. Yes, getting even can be nice, especially if there’s some shame involved. Thank you for reading!