People Relate Their Most Memorable Instances of Instant Justice

Whether it’s a cheating spouse, an entitled individual, or a selfish family member, karma spares no one. These five stories showcase how it serves justice even when things seem like they’ve gone out of control.

Karma, the cosmic force of cause and effect, often works in mysterious ways. But sometimes, it strikes with immediate and undeniable impact.

In this collection, we present five stories where wrongdoers faced instant consequences, reminding us that what goes around truly does come around.

1. My Sister Threw Our Grandpa a Birthday Party but Demanded That He Pay for It When the Bill Came — Karma Retaliated
When my younger sister Ariel offered to plan Grandpa’s 90th birthday, I knew things would go awry, but I didn’t expect this. The first odd thing I noticed was the party venue.

Ariel chose a sushi restaurant for the party knowing well that Grandpa didn’t like sushi. To make matters worse, the guests were mostly her loud university friends. Grandpa’s friends and relatives? She didn’t even invite them.

When I confronted her during the party, she brushed off my concerns saying Grandpa was “happy to hang out with the youth” when he was clearly feeling out of place.

It seemed like Ariel had thrown a party for her friends while Grandpa just sat in a corner. I felt so terrible for him.

Then, just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, Ariel handed the bill to Grandpa.

“Here you go, Gramps! Happy birthday! Time to pay up!” she laughed, oblivious to the disaster.

I couldn’t stay quiet.

“Ariel, what are you doing? Gramps shouldn’t pay for his own birthday!”

I snatched the bill, but Gramps, always the peacekeeper, offered to pay.

“It’s alright, Jocelyn. I can handle it,” he said.

I wasn’t letting that happen.

“Let me take care of this, Gramps,” I smiled. “You’ve done enough for all of us.”

Then, as Ariel went back to her friends, I asked the bartender for the aux cable. I pretended I wanted to play a special song for Grandpa.

Instead, I plugged the cable into my phone and played Ariel’s voice messages where she was ranting about her friends. The same friends who were sitting right there.

“I can’t stand my roommate!” her voice echoed across the room. “She’s always in my space, and her boyfriend is the worst. He’s such a slob, and she’s just as bad!”

I watched in silence as Ariel’s jaw dropped open and her friends looked at her with wide eyes. Soon, all of her friends left, and she just sat there in silence.

Ariel knew why I’d played the audio, and didn’t have the guts to confront me.

That’s when Gramps, ever wise, looked at Ariel and said, “Ariel, you need to take responsibility for your actions. This isn’t how we treat family or friends.”

“I’m sorry, Grandpa,” Ariel apologized.

Grandpa and I didn’t have to say a lot to make her realize how wrong it was to invite her friends to Grandpa’s birthday party, and then ask him to pay the bill. Karma had done its job, and I was sure Ariel wouldn’t dare do such an immature thing again.

2. Man in Walmart Demanded That I Give up My Wheelchair for His Tired Wife – Karma Got Him before I Could
I was rolling through Walmart in my wheelchair when Mr. Entitled blocked my path.

“My wife’s tired. Give her your wheelchair,” he demanded, gesturing to the woman behind him.

I blinked, thinking it was some weird joke. “Uh, sorry, what?”

“You heard me,” he snapped. “She’s been on her feet all day. You’re young, you can walk.”

“I can’t walk,” I explained. “That’s why I need this chair.”

But he wasn’t buying it.

“You’re faking it!” he barked, his face growing red.

Things escalated quickly as a Walmart employee, Miguel, intervened.

“Sir, we can’t ask someone to give up a mobility aid,” Miguel said calmly.

But Mr. Entitled kept yelling, demanding a manager and ranting about my supposed “fraud.” Just as he stepped back, karma struck. LITERALLY.

He stumbled into a display of canned vegetables, crashing to the floor as cans rolled everywhere.

His wife rushed over, while Mr. Entitled tried to get up, only to slip on another can and fall again.

The whole store was watching at that point, and I couldn’t suppress a laugh. Miguel tried his best to help him, but Mr. Entitled ranted about suing the store before his wife hurried him out.

I still wonder what would’ve happened next if she wasn’t there.

3. I Came Home to See My Furniture Put up for Grabs — My Ex-husband’s Petty Revenge Backfired Spectacularly
After about four years of marriage, Brendan and I decided to split. I won’t go into the details behind it, but all I knew was he had become so much bitter after this decision. It was getting too unbearable to stay with him in the same house.

As a result, I went to my parents’ house to clear my mind one weekend. But when I returned, I found all my furniture scattered across the lawn.

A large, hand-painted sign that read “Free Stuff!” stood proudly in front of the chaos, inviting anyone passing by to help themselves to my belongings.

Furious, I kicked the sign over and immediately called Brendan.

“Why is my furniture on the lawn?” I demanded.

“You were going to sue for all my money anyway,” he said. “I heard you on the phone with someone. I know that you wanted everything. Or at least half of everything! So, you might as well know how it feels to lose what’s yours.”

Sure, I had thought about taking him for a ride and having my share of his money, but the weekend away with my parents taught me to just let it go.

“You’re absolutely unbelievable,” I yelled. “You think this is going to solve anything? You’re just making things worse for yourself.”

“Whatever. It’s your problem now,” he replied. “Maybe you should charge people for your things instead of letting them take it for free.”

I was speechless. I knew arguing with him was pointless, so I hung up.

I looked around at the furniture, thinking if I could ask a friend to store these things until I found a new place. That’s when my gaze landed on the bedside table, and I remembered what was there inside the drawer.

It was Brendan’s father’s prized watch.

It was a family heirloom that Brendan cherished, but now I had it hostage.

A few hours later, I was at a friend’s place who had helped me store the furniture in her garage and offered me a place to stay. We were having pizza when Brendan called, realizing he’d left the watch in the drawer.

“Please, Gina, I need the watch back,” he pleaded.

“The neighbors took the bedside tables,” I lied. “You might have to buy it back from them.”

After making him sweat, he eventually offered $500 to “buy it back.”

The next morning, he handed me an envelope, while I handed over the watch. I can never forget the defeated look on his face!

4. My Parents Spent All My College Fund Inheritance from Grandpa, but Karma Struck Back

After my grandfather passed, he left his entire inheritance to me for college, but the money was kept in my parents’ account until I turned 18.

When I checked at 19, the account was empty.

Furious, I confronted my parents and learned the truth: they had drained the funds to bail out my brother, who had squandered his finances on a luxury car and debts. Worse, they used the remaining money for a lavish house.

“How could you sacrifice my future for his mistakes?” I demanded, devastated by their betrayal.

My parents offered weak excuses, prioritizing my brother over my dreams. I can’t explain how abandoned and betrayed I felt.

As a result, I cut off contact with them and worked toward my career. I got a job, found a grant, and enrolled in another university. As years passed, I became financially stable and even started paying for my own house.

Then, karma struck.

I was in my office when I received a call from my brother.

“Can we meet?” he asked. “Please don’t say no.”

I hesitated, but curiosity got the better of me. When we finally met, he was unexpectedly warm, still, I remained skeptical. It wasn’t long before he asked me for money to help our parents.

It turned out that my parents’ house investment had collapsed, leaving them in debt. I knew this was karma doing its job, but I didn’t feel good. I felt bad because they were my parents, and I still loved them.

So, I decided to visit them. I still remember how they broke down in tears and begged for forgiveness. They had realized what they had done, so I forgave them.

5. My Husband Cheated on Me With Secretary, Then Karma Crushed Him Back

My husband Brody and I met at work, and we continued with the same jobs after our wedding. I always thought working with him in the same office was so cool until I caught him cheating with his secretary, Lila.

I still remember how I couldn’t even move when I caught him caressing her legs in front of everyone at the office. My heart sank as I realized how publicly he was flaunting his affair.

“Brody, what’s going on here?” I confronted him.

He didn’t even flinch.

“We’re discussing work,” he said, with Lila smirking beside him.

“By putting your hands up her skirt?” I asked, looking straight into his eyes. “In front of everyone?”

“Don’t make a scene, Shirley,” he snapped. “You should be grateful I’m still coming home. But I’m done. I’m filing for divorce, and I’ll take the house. You deserve nothing.”

I was too shocked to react. I just quietly watched him walk away with Lila.

That night, I didn’t have the guts to go home. Instead, I sat in a cheap hotel room, crying and questioning everything.

Was this really my life? I thought. How did I let it get this bad?

The next morning, I dragged myself to work, dreading the looks I knew I’d get from my coworkers. Sure enough, their gazes were filled with pity.

I wanted to disappear, to resign and leave it all behind. But I couldn’t.

The thought of not finding another job scared me. I had bills to pay, and starting over wasn’t something I could afford. Little did I know that fate would soon turn my life in a better direction.

A few days later, the company hired a new boss, Mr. Anderson. Word spread fast that he was sharp, no-nonsense, and talented. As a result, everyone kept their head down and focused on work.

Then came the bombshell. Brody was fired.

It turned out he had been skimming money from the company for months, manipulating the finances in ways he thought no one would ever notice. But Mr. Anderson spotted the discrepancies almost immediately.

Brody’s arrogance had finally caught up with him, and the man who flaunted his affair so proudly was now out of a job.

I won’t lie, I felt a small sense of satisfaction. Karma had done its job, and I hadn’t even lifted a finger. But the story doesn’t end here.

Brody showed up at my door a few weeks after that. He mumbled something about making mistakes and how he missed me. He wanted back into my life, but I stood firm.

“No, Brody,” I said sternly. “You made your choices, and now you have to live with them. I’m done.”

And with that, I closed the door in his face, feeling stronger than I had in years.

My Future Brother-in-Law Was Always a Pain, but He Went Too Far at Our Wedding and That Was the Last Straw for My Fiancé and Me — Story of the Day

My future brother-in-law was always a problem—rude, arrogant, and always pushing boundaries. But on my wedding day, he crossed a line we could never forgive. He humiliated me in front of everyone, turning my perfect day into a nightmare. That was the last straw, and my fiancé finally had enough.

When Michael and I first started dating, everything felt like a fairy tale. Not the perfect kind, but the kind with unexpected twists.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Yes, I cried on our first date because I was late. I rushed into the restaurant, breathless and embarrassed.

My eyes welled up as I tried to explain—traffic, spilled coffee, a broken shoe. Michael sat there, silent, clearly unsure of what to do.

We made it through dinner, but he didn’t call me for a week. I assumed I had scared him off.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Then we ran into each other at a mutual friend’s party. I explained myself, saying I was just an emotional person. To my surprise, he understood and admitted he was the same.

That party was six years ago, and we had been inseparable ever since. I was no longer crying alone over movies where animals died—Michael cried with me. He was my soulmate, and I knew he felt the same.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Our relationship moved quickly. After just three months, we moved in together, and that’s how we lived for six years.

But somehow, we never got around to planning a wedding. There was always something—either I had a crisis, or Michael did—so we kept postponing it.

Then, eight months ago, Michael proposed. He planned everything so well that I didn’t suspect a thing, making the moment even more special. Not that I needed a proposal to know I wanted to spend my life with him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

But, like with any couple, there was one problem. His family. More specifically—his brother, Jordan.

Jordan was awful. Rude, arrogant, and full of himself. He thought he was better than everyone, including Michael.

He was only three years older but never missed a chance to remind Michael that he was the older brother.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I still remember our first meeting. Michael took me to meet his parents, and since Jordan still lived with them—yes, even as an adult—he was there too. So much for being as “amazing” as he thought he was.

At first, everything seemed fine. We had a polite conversation. But when I stepped away to use the bathroom, Jordan was waiting by the door.

“Bored yet?” Jordan asked, his voice low and smug.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stiffened. “No, I’m fine,” I replied, keeping my tone polite but firm.

He chuckled. “Come on, let’s go have some fun,” he suggested, stepping closer.

I took a small step back. “No, really, I’m good,” I said cautiously. A strange feeling crept up my spine.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Jordan tilted his head. “Oh, come on. My brother doesn’t deserve someone like you.

You’d have a much better time with me,” he said. His voice was smooth, but his eyes held something cold.

Before I could react, he grabbed me by the waist. His hand slid lower, pressing against my backside.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Get off me!” I shouted, shoving him away. My heart pounded as I rushed back to the dining room, my breath shaky.

Michael looked up as I approached. I placed a hand on my stomach, forcing a weak smile. “I don’t feel great. Can we leave?”

Michael stood immediately. “Of course.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

His parents looked concerned. “It was so nice to meet you, Danica,” they said as we hugged goodbye.

Once we were in the car, Michael glanced at me. “Are you okay? Did you eat something bad?”

I took a deep breath. “Jordan hit on me,” I said.

Michael’s hands tightened on the wheel. “What? That jerk!” His jaw clenched. “I’m going to talk to him.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Michael did talk to Jordan, but Jordan laughed it off. He claimed he was just “testing me” as Michael’s older brother, as if that excused his behavior. I didn’t believe him for a second, but Michael didn’t push back.

Sometimes, I wondered if he was afraid of Jordan. Growing up, Jordan had bullied and teased him constantly.

He always found ways to make Michael feel small, like he was less than him. Their relationship had never been close, but Michael still tried to keep the peace.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

But when Jordan wouldn’t stop, even Michael had to admit it wasn’t a joke anymore.

Then the messages started. Inappropriate texts. Unwanted pictures. Disgusting words. I blocked his number.

When I told Michael I didn’t want Jordan at our wedding, he agreed right away.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

One evening, Michael came home looking drained. He sighed and dropped onto the couch beside me, his shoulders heavy with tension.

“What happened?” I asked, noticing the way his shoulders slumped.

He rubbed his face and let out a long breath. “I talked to my parents. They said if Jordan isn’t invited to the wedding, they won’t come either.” His voice was quiet, heavy with frustration.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I felt a sharp sting in my chest. “That’s not fair!” I said, my hands tightening into fists.

“I know,” Michael murmured, staring at the floor.

“The way he treats me is reason enough for me not to want him there. He harassed me, sent disgusting messages. Why does that not matter to them?” My voice wavered.

Michael didn’t answer. He just sat there, looking lost.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I exhaled, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Fine. We’ll invite Jordan,” I said, my voice tight.

Michael lifted his head. “Are you sure?”

“Not that we have much of a choice. But your parents need to make sure I don’t have to see him,” I said firmly.

Michael wrapped his arms around me. “You’re the best,” he whispered.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The wedding day finally arrived. My heart was so full I thought it might burst.

I had dreamed about this moment for years, and now it was finally here. I was marrying the man I loved more than anything, and nothing could ruin my day. Not stress, not nerves, not even Jordan.

Or so I thought.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I was in the bridal room at the church, standing in front of the mirror as my bridesmaids helped me with the final touches.

The dress was perfect. Everything was perfect. Then, there was a knock at the door.

Smiling, I turned to open it. My breath caught when I saw Jordan standing there.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What are you—” Before I could finish, he lifted a bucket and, in one swift motion, dumped its contents over me. Cold, sticky liquid drenched my dress, my skin, my hair.

“This is for rejecting me, witch,” he sneered.

I gasped. The smell of paint hit me first. Bright green dripped from my arms. My beautiful white gown was ruined.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Are you insane?!” I screamed, my voice shaking.

Jordan only laughed, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction, then slammed the door in my face.

My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the chair, sobbing. My bridesmaids rushed in, their faces horrified.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Oh my God,” one of them whispered.

“We need water,” another said, grabbing a towel.

They scrubbed at my dress, but the paint had already soaked in. There was no saving it.

Stacy grabbed my shoulders. “Stay here. I’ll find a white dress—anything.” She ran out before I could answer.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I wiped my face, but more tears came. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

I couldn’t stop crying. I had spent months picking out my wedding dress, searching for the perfect one, imagining how I would look walking down the aisle.

Now, I’d have to wear something I had never even seen before. My hair was completely green, streaks of paint clinging to the strands. My bridesmaids worked quickly, pinning it up and covering it with my veil.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“It’ll be okay,” one of them whispered.

“We’ll wash it after the ceremony,” another promised.

The ceremony was already supposed to have started, but Stacy was still missing.

The minutes dragged on, each one heavier than the last. My bridesmaids paced, checking the time, whispering in worried tones.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Finally, the door burst open. Stacy came running into the room, breathless, her face flushed. In her hands, she held a surprisingly beautiful dress.

“Jordan told everyone you ran away. Michael is freaking out,” she blurted.

I froze. My stomach twisted.

“HE DID WHAT?!” I screamed, my voice echoing off the walls.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Stacy nodded. “People are whispering. Michael looks like he’s about to pass out.”

I clenched my fists. My chest burned with anger. “That’s it. I’ve had enough.”

I reached up, ripped off my veil, and let my green-streaked hair fall loose. Gasps filled the room. My bridesmaids stared, wide-eyed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Without another word, I stormed out. My dress stuck to my skin, the paint dry in some places, still dripping in others.

As I stepped into the church, heads turned. People whispered. My heart pounded, but I pushed forward.

Michael stood at the altar, his hands clenched, his face pale. He looked devastated.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I didn’t run away!” I shouted. My voice cut through the murmurs.

Michael’s head snapped up. “Danica?” He rushed down the aisle and pulled me into his arms.

Tears stung my eyes, but I forced them back. “Jordan poured green paint on me,” I said, stepping back and gesturing to my ruined dress. “Then he lied and told everyone I left!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Michael’s jaw tightened. He turned, scanning the room. “Jordan! Care to explain?!” His voice was sharp.

Jordan leaned back in his chair, smirking. “It was just a harmless joke,” he said, shrugging.

“That’s not a joke! No one is laughing! We’re all on edge as it is!” Michael snapped.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Whoa, little brother, calm down,” Jordan said, his tone mocking.

Michael squared his shoulders. “I’m not five anymore. You don’t have control over me.”

Jordan chuckled. “Yet here I am, at your wedding.”

“Get out!” I shouted, my voice shaking with rage.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Jordan raised an eyebrow. “I was invited. I’m not leaving.”

Michael took a step forward. “Get out!” he repeated, his voice firm. “Or I’ll throw you out myself.”

“Michael, he’s your brother,” his mother interjected, standing abruptly.

Michael turned to her. “If you support what he did, you can leave too,” he said without hesitation.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

His mother’s face paled. “But Michael—” she started.

“Out!” Michael commanded. His voice was final.

A tense silence filled the church. His parents exchanged a glance, then grabbed Jordan and walked out without another word.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Michael turned back to me, his eyes softening. He pulled me close, resting his forehead against mine. “I was so scared,” he whispered.

I exhaled, feeling the weight of everything lift. “Thank you for standing up for me,” I said, my voice steady.

“From now on, always,” he promised.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I thought marriage would bring us closer, but instead, we drifted apart. Silence filled our mornings, distance grew between us. Then, one day, a forgotten phone and a single message shattered my world: “Hi, Daddy.” A name I didn’t recognize. A word that changed everything. I had to know the truth—no matter the cost.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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