At our family reunion, my brother-in-law Tom, a successful but arrogant lawyer, belittled my husband David, a dedicated teacher. Days later, karma struck when Tom’s Ferrari broke down, leading him to a humbling encounter on a crowded bus that changed his perspective on success and respect.
My name is Sarah, and I’m 37 years old. Every year, my family holds a reunion at my parents’ house, a tradition that brings us all together for a weekend of catching up and reminiscing. This year was no different, except for the usual grand entrance of my brother-in-law, Tom.
Young woman | Source: Pexels
Tom is a successful corporate lawyer, known not just for his sharp legal mind but also for his penchant for flaunting his wealth. This time, he arrived fashionably late, driving a brand-new, flashy red Ferrari that screamed for attention.
As the family gathered in the front yard, Tom pulled up, revving the engine to announce his arrival. Everyone’s heads turned, and soon enough, they flocked around the car, admiring its sleek design and luxurious appeal.
Family dinner | Source: Pexels
Tom basked in the admiration, soaking up the compliments and boasting about his latest acquisition. He detailed the car’s top speed, its luxurious interior, and the extravagant price tag with a smug grin plastered across his face. As we sat around the dinner table, enjoying our meal and each other’s company, the conversation naturally shifted to careers and finances.
David, my husband, began sharing a touching story about one of his students who had overcome significant obstacles to succeed. The warmth and pride in David’s voice were evident, and for a moment, everyone was captivated by his story.
Family reunion | Source: Pexels
That is, until Tom seized the opportunity to interject. “You know,” he said, leaning back in his chair with a smug grin, “you’ll never own a car like mine on a teacher’s salary. You should have aimed higher.”
His words cut through the air, turning the atmosphere icy. Everyone around the table fell silent, the joy of the reunion momentarily shattered by Tom’s arrogance.
Arrogant man | Source: Pexels
Lisa, Tom’s wife and my sister, didn’t miss a beat. “Honestly, David,” she added, her tone dripping with entitlement, “why did you settle for such a mediocre job? If you had any ambition, you wouldn’t have to live such an ordinary life.”
David, ever the composed and kind-hearted man, simply smiled and shrugged. “I love what I do,” he replied calmly. “Teaching gives me a sense of purpose that money can’t buy.”
Woman at an outdoor family dinner | Source: Pexels
My parents exchanged worried glances, clearly distressed by the harsh words directed at David. My mom cleared her throat, attempting to change the subject. “So, Tom, how’s work been treating you lately?”
But Tom wasn’t done yet. “Oh, it’s been fantastic,” he boasted, ignoring the tension in the room. “Just closed another big deal last week. The bonus alone could buy two of these Ferraris.”
Man on the street | Source: Pexels
David tried to steer the conversation back. “You know, one of my students recently got a scholarship—”
Tom interrupted again. “That’s great, but really, David, you could do so much better for yourself. Teaching? Come on.”
Lisa nodded in agreement. “You deserve more than just scraping by, don’t you think, Sarah?”
Inside, I was seething. How could Tom and Lisa belittle David like that? I glanced at David, who met my gaze with a reassuring smile, but I could see the hurt in his eyes.
Family picnic | Source: Pexels
“David’s work is incredibly important,” I snapped, unable to hold back. “He’s changing lives every day.”
“Sure, Sarah,” Tom said dismissively. “But at what cost?”
I squeezed David’s hand under the table, my mind racing with anger and indignation. “You know, Tom,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, “not everyone measures success by the size of their bank account or the price tag of their car.”
Tom rolled his eyes. “Well, maybe they should.”
Man toasts | Source: Pexels
My dad tried again to diffuse the situation. “Let’s all just enjoy our meal. We’re here to spend time together, not to argue.”
But the damage was done. The rest of the family sat in uncomfortable silence, clearly affected by the tension.
As I sat there, fuming, I considered my options. Part of me wanted to lash out and put Tom and Lisa in their place, to defend David’s honor right then and there. But I knew that would only escalate the situation and create more tension at the reunion.
Angry woman | Source: Pexels
Instead, I took a deep breath and resolved to bide my time. Tom’s arrogance would catch up with him eventually, and I had faith that karma would find a way to teach him a lesson. For now, I focused on supporting David, squeezing his hand again to let him know I was on his side, no matter what.
Just a few days after the reunion, David came home with a story that brought a smile to my face. “You won’t believe what happened to Tom today,” he said, setting his bag down and sitting beside me.
Couple talks in bed | Source: Pexels
“What happened?” I asked, curious.
“Well, his Ferrari broke down on his way to a big meeting,” David began. “He was completely stranded and realized he had left his wallet at home, and his phone was nearly dead.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Karma?”
“Definitely,” David chuckled.
Tom’s day started disastrously when his Ferrari broke down on the way to an important meeting. Stranded and frustrated, he realized he had forgotten his wallet at home and his phone was nearly dead.
Man on a bus stop | Source: Pexels
With no other options, he reluctantly made his way to the nearest bus stop. His designer suit and polished shoes looked starkly out of place among the commuters.
As Tom boarded the crowded bus, he felt a wave of humiliation wash over him. The bus jolted as it pulled away from the stop, and he grabbed a pole to steady himself. Glancing around, he was horrified to see David, his brother-in-law, seated near the back, calmly reading a book.
Crowded bus | Source: Pexels
David looked up, a calm smile spreading across his face. He waved and motioned for Tom to join him. With no better option, Tom made his way through the packed bus, muttering apologies as he bumped into other passengers. He finally reached David and sat down, clearly uncomfortable.
“So, what brings you here?” David asked, his tone friendly but with a hint of irony.
“My car broke down,” Tom admitted, clearly embarrassed. “It’s in the shop for a few days.”
Car service | Source: Pexels
David nodded, his smile never fading. “Well, this is my daily commute. The bus isn’t so bad once you get used to it.”
As the bus continued its route, Tom struggled to maintain his composure. The bumpy ride and close quarters were getting to him. Suddenly, the bus hit a pothole, and Tom lost his grip, tumbling into the lap of a stern-looking elderly woman. She scolded him loudly, causing nearby passengers to laugh. Tom’s face turned beet red.
Man in a crowded bus | Source: Pexels
The bus came to an abrupt halt due to a mechanical issue. The driver announced they would have to wait for another bus, as this one couldn’t continue. Tom groaned in frustration, stepping off the bus into the rain.
To make matters worse, his phone rang. It was his boss, furious about the missed meeting. Tom’s excuses fell on deaf ears, and he was reprimanded harshly, losing an important client in the process.
Angry boss | Source: Pexels
When the replacement bus finally arrived, it was even more crowded. Tom found himself squeezed between two large, sweaty passengers, the broken air conditioning making the ride unbearably hot. By the time he reached his destination, his designer suit was soaked with sweat, and his expensive shoes were splattered with mud.
Stepping off the bus, Tom slipped on the wet pavement, landing in a puddle. As he struggled to his feet, David offered him a hand. “Rough day, huh?” David said, barely able to hide his amusement.
A dark bus | Source: Pexels
Tom looked up, defeated. “You have no idea.”
When Tom finally arrived at work, he was late, disheveled, and humiliated. His boss was waiting for him, unimpressed with his appearance and his excuses. He was promptly demoted, losing his prestigious office and being assigned to a cramped cubicle. The day had been a harsh lesson in humility and respect, one that Tom wouldn’t soon forget.
Sad man on a bench | Source: Pexels
At the next family gathering, the atmosphere was noticeably different. As we all gathered at my parents’ house, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Tom, usually the first to flaunt his latest achievements and acquisitions, seemed unusually quiet. He arrived on time, without his usual fanfare, and parked his now-repaired Ferrari discreetly down the street.
During dinner, Tom surprised everyone by speaking up in a humble tone. “David,” he began, looking directly at my husband, “I owe you an apology.” The room fell silent, all eyes on him.
A family get-together | Source: Pexels
David looked up, clearly taken aback. “For what, Tom?”
“For my behavior at the last reunion,” Tom continued. “I was out of line, and I belittled your career in a way that was completely unacceptable. I’ve realized that success isn’t about material possessions. It’s about making a difference, something you do every day as a teacher.”
David smiled warmly. “Thank you, Tom. That means a lot.”
Happy family | Source: Pexels
If you liked this story, you might enjoy checking out this one. Here, Belle thought she was receiving a precious family heirloom, but on Laura’s birthday, a jewelry appraisal revealed truths that would redefine their family ties. The truth about the fake ring ignited a confrontation that changed everything.
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.
Man Finds Out about His Bride’s Betrayal – He Goes to the Altar with a Remote Control in His Hands
Man Finds Out about His Bride’s Betrayal – He Goes to the Altar with a Remote Control in His Hands
Daphne is in the middle of her brother’s wedding. As a bridesmaid, she has an obligation to Denise. But when Liam surprises them all with a video revealing Denise’s ultimate secrets, Daphne has no choice but to choose her brother—even if what he did was humiliating for Denise.
As my brother’s wedding approached, excitement buzzed through the air, filling everyone with anticipation. My brother, the groom, was a notorious prankster, and his hints at a major surprise had us all on edge.
I thought he was just creating the drama for effect—Liam was that person.
A smiling man looking at the camera | Source: Pexels
Liam and his fiancée, Denise, had been dating for so long that it didn’t come as a surprise when she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids.
“Please, Daphne,” she asked, gifting me a box full of goodies. “I need you to be there with me on our big day—you’re not just Liam’s little sister, but mine, too.”
Two gift wrapped boxes | Source: Unsplash
Of course, I accepted. Denise did feel like a sister to me—in fact, she was the one who planned my 21st birthday party instead of the friends that I thought would do it.
So, when it came to wedding planning, I think Denise spent more time talking about their wedding to me than Liam.
Gold 21st foil balloons | Source: Unsplash
“I’m just wasting my time with Liam,” she said. “You can make notes for us. And we can do the wedding cake tasting.”
Liam, on the other hand, seemed like he was doing the bare minimum with the wedding—but the reality is that he was busy putting together a beautiful video for the wedding.
A wedding planner and notebooks | Source: Pexels
“I’m going to have it played just before we do our vows,” he said when I went to visit him.
He showed me a folder on his laptop where he was saving all his and Denise’s videos and photos, ready to create the video.
A man using a laptop | Source: Unsplash
“Do you think Liam has cold feet?” Denise asked me when we went wedding shopping.
“No,” I replied honestly. “He’s planning something for you, that’s taking all his time at the moment.”
“What?” she asked enthusiastically.
“I’m sworn to secrecy,” I said. “Now, go and try on dresses!”
A row of wedding dresses | Source: Unsplash
On the morning of the wedding, I got to the hotel suite early. I wanted to see Liam before getting ready with Denise and the other bridesmaids.
“You have no idea what’s coming,” he teased, sipping on a glass of champagne as he got ready.
“Oh boy,” I said. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve got planned.”
Two glasses of champagne | Source: Unsplash
The ceremony was perfect—and everything had gone exactly to plan as Denise wanted.
From the flowers to the music to the scented candles that perfumed the venue. It was all perfect.
When the time came for the vows, my brother told the priest to wait.
A couple kneeling before a priest | Source: Unsplash
“I have something to show you all,” he said. “This is Denise and my love story from the beginning to right now.”
He pulled a remote from his pocket with a flourish, while two of his groomsmen wheeled a TV screen to the middle of the altar, just in front of where Liam and Denise were standing.
“Watch this,” he said, stepping back to join his groomsmen. And then he pressed play.
A person holding a remote control | Source: Unsplash
The screen came alive with their love story—their first kiss, snippets from trips together, cozy nights in, dinners cooked together, and so on.
The montage tugged at heartstrings, and all the guests were enthralled.
A close-up of a couple | Source: Unsplash
But the real shock was still to come.
As the video ended, the priest went back to his position, ready to continue the ceremony from where he left off. He called for Denise and Liam to resume their positions, too.
He solemnly asked if anyone objected.
A couple at the altar | Source: Pexels
Before anyone knew what was happening, Liam dropped Denise’s hand and stepped away, back down the aisle.
“I do,” he declared.
“What?” Denise hissed. “Liam, this isn’t the time for one of your pranks.”
“This isn’t a prank,” he said.
Bride and groom at the altar | Source: Pexels
He held up the remote control again and pressed another button—the air was thick with tension as music began to fill the room.
This new video was a stark contrast—it showed his bride in their shared home, but Denise wasn’t alone.
Instead, she was wearing lingerie and depicted in a compromising situation with another man.
An intimate photo of a couple | Source: Pexels
The room fell deathly quiet, every eye glued to the screen, then slowly turning to gauge her reaction at my brother’s reveal.
Denise turned around slowly to face her guests, her face ghostly pale, her eyes wide with horror.
“This can’t be happening,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
Then, the same man from the video swore loudly—he was seated at the back of the venue, dressed in a suit.
A man in a suit | Source: Pexels
“This is why I won’t be marrying Denise today,” Liam said, his loud voice breaking the silence, his tone even but heavy with emotion.
“I couldn’t let us all be here, witnessing what was supposed to be love, without the truth being known.”
The ceremony was ground to a halt, and the festive atmosphere evaporated into a thick, awkward tension.
Denise staggered slightly, looking around as if seeking an escape or an ally. She kicked off her shoes and picked them up.
A bride holding her shoes | Source: Pexels
“It’s not what it looks like,” she said. “Liam, please, not here. Let’s talk about it outside.”
I wanted to be able to look at Denise and feel sorry for her—we had been so close for so many years. But the evidence had been in the video. As close as we were, she was just another cheater.
A woman who had hurt my brother.
She pleaded with Liam again, louder this time. Tears fell down her face.
But the damage was done. My brother’s gaze never wavered from the woman he was supposed to marry.
A crying bride | Source: Pexels
“How long?” he asked, his voice a low growl.
“Not long,” she managed to say, her composure breaking. “I’m so sorry, you were never supposed to know about it.”
“In our own home, though? Seriously, Denise?” my brother retorted sharply, his hurt palpable to all watching.
“You brought him into our home,” he said.
The crowd murmured, some guests shaking their heads, others unable to look away from the unfolding drama.
A couple lying in bed | Source: Pexels
The priest stepped back. I wondered if he was thinking about taking Liam and Denise in for couples’ counseling—something that they had refused when they booked the priest in the first place.
Liam walked out first, abandoning his wedding and all the guests he and Denise had chosen.
Denise ran out behind him, calling out to Liam, but he refused to acknowledge her presence. Her mother ran out behind her.
A bride running | Source: Unsplash
Later, I walked around the hotel to find my brother. I found him sitting at the bar, drinking his feelings away while eating a bowl of olives.
“Did you know?” he asked me.
“No, of course not,” I said quickly.
It turned out that when Liam was going through the videos and photos on his laptop, he ended up looking through Denise’s, too.
A hotel bar | Source: Pexels
“I just wanted to see if there was anything else that I could add to the video,” he said sadly.
I ordered myself a drink and got comfortable next to my brother—from the looks of it, we were going to be there for a long time.
“I went through the first folder,” he admitted. “And it was incredible because she had all these photos that I hadn’t seen before. But in the next folder, there was the video of Denise with that man. It wasn’t even a locked folder, Daphne,” he said.
A cocktail on a tray | Source: Unsplash
We were both silent for a while, and Liam gulped away his drink.
“Do you think I was wrong to expose her?” he asked.
“No,” I said honestly. “But maybe you should have spoken to her privately. There’s no knowing how this could wreck her. Or what she’ll do next.”
I sat back in my seat and helped myself to the bowl of pretzels that the bartender had left out for us.
“I have no intention of checking on her,” Liam said. “I don’t care.”
A bowl of pretzel sticks and nuts | Source: Unsplash
I didn’t have any intention of getting Liam to forgive Denise. There was no point in trying to get him to forgive her after what she had done—Liam had always been sure of one thing. Cheating was the absolute deal breaker in a relationship.
“Come,” he said. “Let’s go eat some wedding cake. That can’t go to waste, too.”
I followed my brother out to the dining room that had been set up for the wedding reception.
I knew that as much as I wanted to check on Denise—Liam needed me in his corner.
A white wedding cake with fruit | Source: Unsplash
What would you have done?
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