The moment the bill landed on the table, Jack barely glanced at it before shoving it straight into Lora’s hands.

“Your turn, babe.”

Lora’s fingers clenched around the folder, her face draining of color.

“I won’t pay this time,” she said, her voice trembling. “Jack, I’m serious.”

Jack just laughed.

Sure, babe. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”

Lora’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the bill, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

And that’s when I, Melanie the waitress, decided enough was enough.

I’ve been working at this high-end restaurant for ten years. You see all kinds of people—the lovebirds, the business sharks, and the occasional jerk who thinks the world revolves around him.

Jack was one of those.

When he and Lora first started coming in, they were adorable. They split the bill, they stole glances over dessert, they laughed.

But lately? Something had changed.

Jack had turned into a big spender—on Lora’s dime. He’d order the finest steaks, the most expensive wine, the extravagant appetizers—while she quietly footed the bill.

Jack rolled in with eight of his rowdy friends, all swagger and bravado.

“This one’s on me, boys!” he boomed, slapping a hand on the table.

And guess who walked in ten minutes later, looking exhausted and defeated?

Her eyes were red-rimmed, her steps hesitant—as if she already knew how the night would end.

Jack barely acknowledged her.

I watched, biting my tongue, as he and his friends feasted like kings—steaks, lobster, bottles of the finest wine.

By the time the bill arrived?

$827.64.

She excused herself, tears brimming, and rushed to the restroom.

I followed, heart pounding.

When I reached the door, I heard her voice—broken, desperate.

“I can’t keep doing this, Mom,” she sobbed into the phone. “Jack expects me to pay for everything. Everything. It’s not fair.”

My jaw clenched.

This wasn’t just about money.

This was control. This was humiliation.

And I wasn’t going to let Jack win.

The plan hit me like lightning.

When Lora emerged, still wiping her eyes, I stopped her.

“Lora,” I whispered. “Do you trust me?”

She blinked at me in confusion. “What?”

“I need you to do something. When I come back to the table, pretend you got an urgent call. Say you have to leave. Don’t pay.”

Her eyes widened. “But—”

“Just trust me,” I insisted.

And for the first time that night, she smiled.

I walked back to Jack’s table with a sweet, professional smile.

“Excuse me, sir,” I said brightly. “There’s been a mix-up with your reservation.”

Jack frowned. “What do you mean?”

I leaned in, lowering my voice for effect.

“Well, sir… this table was actually double-booked. Another large party is on their way, and unfortunately, we need this space.”

Jack’s entire face changed.

His friends stopped laughing.

“But—” he stammered, looking at the mountain of food still on the table. “We’ve been here for hours!”

I gave him a sympathetic shrug. “I understand, sir. But the other party is VIP.”

Jack visibly paled.

His friends started shifting, grumbling about going somewhere else.

And then, Lora stood up dramatically.

“Oh my God,” she gasped. “I completely forgot! I have an important client meeting! I have to leave right away!”

Jack gaped at her. “Wait—what?”

She leaned over, kissed his cheek, and bolted.

And just like that, Jack’s safety net was gone.

One by one, his “buddies” bailed too.

“Sorry, man. I gotta go.”

“I forgot my wallet, dude.”

“I’ll hit you back next time.”

Until finally—Jack was alone.

With a bill for $827.64.

His panic was priceless.

He flagged me down, sputtering.

“But— but— Lora always pays!”

I tilted my head. “Not tonight.”

His face turned red.

“You can’t expect me to pay for ALL of this!”

I slid the bill closer. “It’s in your name.”

Jack gawked at me.

“You— you set this up, didn’t you?”

I shrugged, smiling.

And with no other option, he begrudgingly handed over his credit card.

I swiped it.

And Jack officially paid for his own damn night out.

The next day, Lora walked into the restaurant.

She found me immediately, eyes shining with gratitude.

“Melanie,” she said, gripping my hands. “I just wanted to thank you. You saved me.”

I grinned. “So… what are you gonna do with all the money you saved last night?”

Lora’s eyes sparkled.

“Oh,” she said, laughing. “I think I’ll treat myself to a spa day.”

Jack lost a free meal.

Lora gained her freedom.

And I?

I got the greatest satisfaction of my life.

Because some people deserve their karma served on a silver platter.