When my husband mocked my homemade lasagna behind my back, I teamed up with my mother-in-law to serve him a taste of his own medicine. What followed was a dinner he wouldn’t forget, teaching him a lesson in appreciation and respect.
My husband, Dave, and I have been married for about three years. I pride myself on my cooking skills. I’m no gourmet chef, but I’ve never had any complaints — until recently.
Happy couple | Source: Midjourney
Last Friday, I decided to make one of my favorite recipes: homemade lasagna. I spent hours preparing it, making sure everything was perfect. When it was finally ready, I served it up with a smile. I expected at least a ‘thank you’ from Dave.
Instead, he took one bite, made a face, and pulled out his phone. I thought he just took the photo because he photographs everything around. But in a second, I heard the sound of a text message arriving. Curious, I peeked over his shoulder and my heart sank.
Unpleased Dave with lasagna | Source: Midjourney
The message read, ‘Look at what she made tonight. It’s barely edible. I miss Mom’s cooking.’
My blood boiled. “Dave, what the heck is this?” I asked, my voice shaking.
He looked up, startled. “What? Oh, nothing,” he stammered, trying to hide his phone.
Close-up portrait of his he nice attractive funny confused brunet bearded guy wearing pink tshirt waiting news biting lip isolated over violet purple lilac pastel color background | Source: Getty Images
“Nothing? You just texted someone that my lasagna is barely edible and you miss your mom’s cooking!” I snapped.
Dave sighed. “Look, I didn’t mean it like that. I was just… I don’t know, venting. It’s not a big deal.”
“Not a big deal?” I couldn’t believe my ears. “Do you have any idea how much effort I put into this? If you didn’t like it, you could have just told me.”
Man texting on his phone | Source: Unsplash
“I didn’t want to hurt your feelings,” he said defensively.
“By telling me to my face, or by texting someone behind my back?” I shot back. “Because I think this is way worse.”
Dave rubbed his temples. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry. It was a dumb thing to do.”
Sad elderly woman | Source: Pexels
I wasn’t satisfied with his half-hearted apology, but I decided to drop it for the night. The next day, I had a different plan.
I told Dave that I had a work event and would be home late. In reality, I went to his mom’s house. She was a wonderful woman and I wanted to ask her for advice. When I arrived, she welcomed me in with open arms.
“Hey, sweetie! What brings you here?” she asked, giving me a hug.
Mother-in-law | Source: Midjourney
I sighed. “It’s about Dave. He did something really hurtful yesterday.”
She frowned. “What happened?”
I told her about the lasagna incident and showed her the message Dave had sent. She was shocked and immediately agreed to help me.
Mother-in-law comforts the woman | Source: Midjourney
“Oh God! I never brought him up to be such a brat. Hon, he’ll learn a lesson. I have a plan.”
My mother-in-law offered to cook up a storm in her kitchen. She made all of Dave’s favorite dishes, but with a twist. She over-seasoned, undercooked, and generally made sure everything tasted awful.
Then she plated it all up beautifully, knowing Dave wouldn’t be able to resist taking a picture. Then she called him and invited him for dinner.
A slice of lasagna garnished with basil | Source: Pexels
The house smelled delicious, even if I knew better. As she worked, she explained the plan in detail, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
“I’ll make the mashed potatoes too salty, the green beans half-cooked, and the chicken dry as a bone. He’ll be so excited when he sees the spread, and then… well, let’s just see what happens.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You really think this will work?”
Elderly woman with a cup | Source: Pexels
She winked. “Oh, honey, I know it will. Dave has always been a bit too sure of himself when it comes to food. This will be a wake-up call.”
As we set the table, my nerves started to ease. This was going to be interesting.
When Dave arrived, his eyes lit up at the sight of the delicious spread. He eagerly dug in, but with each bite, his face started changing. He looked confused and a bit scared.
Scared man | Source: Pexels
With a smirk on her face, his mom asked sweetly, “Is everything okay?”
He stammered, “Uh, yeah, it’s just… not what I expected.”
She smiled and said, “Hmmm, strange, I thought you missed my cooking?”
Mother-in-law tells Lily the story | Source: Midjourney
Dave went pale as the realization hit him. He turned to me, standing in the kitchen doorway, and I said, “I saw your message, Dave. If you have something to say about my cooking, say it to my face. I hope you enjoyed tonight’s meal as much as I enjoyed making it.”
Dave was speechless, and his mom chimed in, “I didn’t raise you to be disrespectful. You owe your wife an apology.”
Elderly lady with a laptop | Source: Pexels
He mumbled, “I’m sorry.”
But I wasn’t done. I pulled out my phone and said, “You know, Dave, I think I’ll send a picture of tonight’s meal to the boys’ chat, just like you did with my lasagna. Maybe they’ll appreciate a taste of your favorite dishes, ‘Mom’s style.’”
Senior woman and young woman sitting at dining table holding hands | Source: Getty Images
His eyes widened in horror as he realized what I was about to do. “No, please don’t!” he pleaded.
I gave him a stern look. “Maybe next time, you’ll think twice before mocking someone’s hard work.”
From that day on, Dave never complained about my cooking again, at least not behind my back. Whenever I cooked, he made sure to show his appreciation.
Senior woman in her 80s looks away, seeming confused and anxious | Source: Getty Images
His mom looked at him sternly. “Dave, you need to understand how hurtful your words can be. Your wife put in a lot of effort to make that meal. She deserves your respect.”
Dave nodded, looking ashamed. “I know, Mom. I’m really sorry.”
“Actions speak louder than words,” she replied. “You need to show her that you appreciate what she does.”
Senior Caucasian woman with chin in hands | Source: Getty Images
Dave looked at me, his eyes full of regret. “I really am sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
I crossed my arms and said, “Well, now you know how it feels to have your hard work disrespected.”
He nodded vigorously. “I promise, I’ll never do it again. I’ll be more appreciative from now on.”
Portrait of serious mature businessman wearing glasses in office | Source: Getty Images
His mom chimed in, “Good. Now, why don’t we all clean up together? It’ll give you a chance to show some of that appreciation.”
Dave quickly agreed, “Yes, Mom. Let’s clean up.”
As we worked together to clean the kitchen, Dave kept apologizing and thanking me for the meal. I could see he was genuinely sorry, and it felt good to know that he had learned his lesson.
Thankful Dave | Source: Midjourney
Later that night, as we were getting ready for bed, Dave turned to me and said, “I really am sorry for what I did. I was being an idiot, and I hurt you. I never want to do that again.”
I sighed, feeling some of my anger melt away. “I appreciate the apology, Dave. But you need to remember that words can hurt. Next time, just be honest with me. We can work on things together.”
Woman hugging boyfriend | Source: Getty Images
He nodded. “I will. Thank you for giving me another chance.”
“Just don’t mess it up,” I replied, giving him a small smile.
The next morning, Dave made breakfast as a gesture of goodwill. He served me a plate of pancakes with a shy smile. “I hope these are okay.”
Man makes pancakes | Source: Pexels
I took a bite and smiled. “They’re perfect.”
Dave beamed, looking relieved. “I’m glad you like them.”
From that day on, Dave made a real effort to show his appreciation for my cooking. He never complained again, and our relationship grew stronger because of it.
Pancakes | Source: Pexels
The lesson here? Don’t bite the hand that feeds you, especially when that hand can serve up a dish of well-deserved revenge. Sometimes, a little creativity and teamwork with a great MIL are all you need to teach someone a valuable lesson.
I Returned Home from a 12-Hour Work Shift Just to Find Pizza Crusts Left for Me by My Husband as Dinner
My husband was so comfortable with not working that he wasn’t making an effort to find employment. One day he did something that broke the camel’s back and I finally lost it! I set about getting revenge on him in a way that forced him to change his ways completely.
A frustrated and drained woman holding folders | Source: Pexels
Hi everyone, my name is Amanda and I am a 45-year-old married woman. I am not into handouts and have been working tirelessly. I’ve been juggling a full-time job and all the household chores. All the while my husband, Dave, 47, lounges around at home, doing the bare minimum.
Last week, he pushed me to my breaking point, and I decided it was time for some petty revenge! Grab some popcorn, because this one’s a good one! Before I get ahead of myself, let me start with a little background.
A woman cleaning her house | Source: Pexels
I am a nurse by profession and that means I work 12-hour shifts. My job, which I love and wouldn’t change for anything in the world, is physically and emotionally demanding. Meanwhile, Dave’s been unemployed for over a year.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Dad of 4 Living in Tent Gives Last $2 to Stranger at Gas Station, Wakes up Owning a Big Company — Story of the Day
A homeless and poor Brandon offers his last $2 to an elderly man in need at the gas station store and inherits his company the next day. Brandon thinks this is the start of a new life for his family.
Brandon clutched his paper cup with change as he shuffled into the gas station store. He was near an aisle when a loud voice distracted him. He saw a queue of angry shoppers waiting behind an elderly man who had difficulty hearing.
“I’m sorry, what did you say about the water being funny?” the elderly man asked the cashier.
“Money!” she groaned. “I said you don’t have enough money, sir!”
“Yes, it was a sunny day!” replied the man with a frown.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“You need more cash! For the water!” A younger guy standing behind the man grabbed him by the shoulder and yelled into his ears.
Brandon noticed everything. He was tempted to step in, but he didn’t want to attract the shoppers’ ire. Meanwhile, the elderly man explained he didn’t have enough cash, asking if he could get a smaller bottle of water as he needed to take his pills.
“If you can’t afford to pay, you’ll have to go!” shouted the cashier.
“I can go?” He smiled and turned to leave, but the cashier snatched the water bottle from his hand. “Just get out, old man!” she hissed. “You’re way too much trouble!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
The elderly man requested that he needed to take his pills, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
Brandon had had enough. He marched to the cashier and offered to pay for the old guy.
“Have a heart, lady,” he said and emptied his cup on the counter. The woman looked at him in distaste before she counted the money.
“That’ll cover it,” she said, taking all the money, including his last $2. “Now step aside. You’re holding the line.”
Brandon abandoned his can of beans on the counter as he offered the water to the older man.
“Here you go, sir. I got you water,” he spoke slowly and clearly, ensuring the man could see his face if he needed to lip-read. And the man thanked him. They left the store together, and Brandon headed to his tent on the bare patch of ground adjacent to the station, but the man stopped him.
“Wait!”
Brandon turned around.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Why did you help me when you obviously needed the money?” asked the older man.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being homeless, sir,” said Brandon, “it’s that the world works when people are kind to each other.”
“But what are your kids going to eat? You left the beans on the counter.”
“We have the last of yesterday’s bread,” Brandon replied. “We’ll get by.”
The man walked away but with a frown. Brandon noticed he got in a gleaming SUV and wondered why a man like him couldn’t afford a bottle of water.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
The next day, while Brandon was dividing cold fries among his kids, a silver sedan pulled up near his tent. A man in a fancy suit approached.
“Morning, sir. Mr. Grives’s last wish was for me to deliver this to you,” he said, extending an envelope.
Brandon wiped his hands and took it. There was a letter inside.
“Dear sir,
Yesterday, you proved yourself to be a man of good character when you spent your last few dollars for me. Your kindness and belief in doing good for others have inspired me to repay your goodness with the greatest gift I can give you: my business.
My time in this world is coming to an end. I have recently become apprehensive about leaving my company to my son, as I’ve come to see that he is a selfish man with a heart of stone. It would greatly ease my conscience if you inherited the company instead. All I ask is that you ensure my son is taken care of and can continue to live a safe, comfortable life.”
“Is this a joke?” Brandon looked up at the man.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
The man produced a stack of printed papers and a pen. “Mr. Grives was quite serious. And the moment you sign these papers, it’ll be official.”
“But I just met the guy yesterday. And now he’s dead and leaving me everything?” Brandon asked as he studied the documents.
“I understand your concerns, sir, but these papers were drawn by the finest lawyers. All we need to do is fill in your name, and the lawyers will proceed with the rest.”
This was his chance to provide his kids, so Brandon signed it. Then, the man drove him and the children to their new home.
As they arrived, Brandon stared up at the massive mansion.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
Brandon could barely believe it himself. But the moment he pushed the double doors open, he sensed something was wrong. The house was a mess—a table lay on its side in the hallway, and a closet had been toppled over.
Brandon dumped the luggage, ran after the car, and told the driver to call 911. A few hours later, he stood among slashed sofas and broken furniture, speaking to the cops.
“We’ve examined the entire house and found no sign of forced entry, sir,” the officer said. “This, combined with the fact that the security system appears to have been overridden using the correct code, suggests that whoever vandalized this place had a legitimate means of gaining entry.”
“Like a key? So, the person who did this just walked in here?”
“I’d suggest you change the locks, sir,” the officer nodded.
As the cops left, Brandon suspected the elderly man’s son.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
The next day, Mr. Grives’s secretary arrived early. She took Brandon shopping and got him cleaned up at a barber before taking him to the company. In the office that once belonged to Mr. Grives, Brandon was about to go through the files on the computer when the doors burst open.
“You must be Brandon!” A middle-aged man in a dark suit entered the office. “I’m Christopher, one of Mr. Grives’s former business partners, and I’m here to save you from a whole heap of trouble.”
“I’m sorry?” Brandon asked.
Christopher explained he handled the sales for one of Mr. Grives’s ‘specific’ businesses. Brandon quickly understood it was something illegal. He refused to continue it, but Christopher was having none of it.
“Listen up, you moron! Grives owed me $2 million for handling the illicit side of his business! You’re now responsible for that,” he snarled. “And if you don’t pay up, I’ll go to the police and tell them everything. Furthermore, as the company’s owner, you will be liable for all damages. So, I’ll be expecting my $2 million by Saturday.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“What? This is extortion! You can’t be serious!” Brandon retorted.
“Yes, it is. And just in case you think I’m not deadly serious…” Christopher pushed back his suit jacket and placed his hand on the butt of a gun holstered at his side. “…rest assured that if you cross me, Brandon, I’ll make you disappear.”
Brandon said nothing and agreed to Christopher’s demands. But he wondered if Christopher was scamming him. So Brandon searched for any hints of this illicit side of the business.
By that evening, after reviewing the data from all the other departments, Brandon was convinced Christopher was lying. But then, he noticed the filing cabinet tucked into a corner of the room. Brandon unlocked it with the keys he’d found earlier on his desk. And the first thing he noticed was an old-fashioned file box tucked into the drawer.
Inside it was a ledger with entries written in some kind of shorthand, and Brandon realized Christopher wasn’t lying. In despair, he opened a drawer to find some bottles of scotch handy, and found nothing but a photo.
It showed Mr. Grives standing with…a younger guy. Brandon’s eyes bulged in horror when he realized how similar they looked. The young man was Christopher, Mr. Grives’s son!
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Things started making sense to Brandon. He couldn’t believe a kind man like Mr. Grives would be involved in illegal business practices. So, most likely, Christopher was using his own shady dealing to blackmail him, Brandon reasoned.
A stroke of luck and a terrible twist that threatened to take it all away – everything was happening way too fast. Luckily, Brandon was not unfamiliar with the whirlwinds of the business world.
That Saturday, Brandon met Christopher in the underground parking lot but with a counteroffer.
“I’ve got to keep my word to your old man,” Brandon said, “so I’ll give you 49 percent of the company while I keep the remaining 51 percent. That’ll be enough for you to live lavishly, right? And I’ll reserve the right to manage the company like your father wanted.”
But Christopher refused. “I’m not a fool! I deserved all of it, not some token! Let’s talk when you come to your senses!” he hissed and left.
Brandon went back to the office. He decided to pay Christopher his $2 million and be done with this but found the company’s money was tied up in assets or allocated to monthly expenses. Brandon was helpless.
He returned home, dejected, where another trouble awaited him. As he opened the front door, he found his kids’ nanny tied to a chair and gagged.
“He took the kids! He said to tell you that this should be your wake-up call!” she cried as he freed her, and Brandon knew who she was talking about.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Brandon called Christopher and agreed to hand over the company, begging him not to hurt the children. They decided to meet at noon. But Brandon also called the police, and in the next half an hour, he was sitting with an FBI agent.
“Just follow my instructions, and we’ll have your kids back…” Agent Bates assured him.
That noon, Christopher was chilling by the poolside of a hotel he’d rented out. He’d locked Brandon’s kids in a closet and dismissed all hotel staff except the manager, whom he had paid handsomely.
“Excuse me, sir,” the manager interrupted him. “You have a package.”
When Christopher checked the envelope, he grinned. He strode to his room and signed the paperwork he found inside the envelope. The company was finally his! Then, he freed Brandon’s children. “I’m sure a bunch of ragamuffins like you four can find your way. Now, get lost!”
]Christopher finished getting ready. Suddenly, he heard a click behind him. Although soft, Christopher instantly recognized the sound of a gun’s safety selector.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“FBI! Put your hands in the air! You’re under arrest.”
Meanwhile, Brandon held his children close on the sidewalk. Thanks to Agent Bates’s idea of putting a tracker in the documents, Christopher was caught.
Brandon took the children home, ready to make everything right. And when the FBI’s fraud division showed up with a warrant, he handed over the evidence—the copy of the company’s records and the ledger he’d found in his office—to the agents, knowing that by the time the investigation was over, he wouldn’t have a penny to his name. But he’d be free.
“Daddy, are we going to leave our home…just when Mommy died?” Kelly asked him.
Brandon got down on one knee and hugged his kids.
“Listen, you four, we’re going to be okay. You want to know why?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Kids looked at him earnestly and nodded.
“It’s because the most valuable thing we have is right here, in my arms. So long as we stick together, we’ll always be rich in the most important way: love.”
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