I’ve always tried to keep peace with my sister-in-law Melissa, though I’ll admit it isn’t easy. She’s dramatic, entitled, and has a way of draining everyone around her. But since she’s married to my brother Brandon, I’ve always tried to look past her behavior for his sake.
The truth is, Melissa has been a manipulator since day one. She’s the type of person who expects the world to hand her things without ever lifting a finger. Brandon either doesn’t notice or doesn’t want to admit it, but I’ve seen it all too clearly.
Last month, just before her birthday, Melissa invited me on what she called a “fun grocery trip.” She suggested we go to her favorite high-end store, the kind that sells imported chocolates, overpriced candles, and bottles of wine that cost more than my weekly grocery budget.
At first, I thought it might be nice to spend some time together, maybe even pick out a birthday gift while we were there. I didn’t realize she had a scheme in mind.
We spent hours roaming the aisles. She loaded the cart with luxury items, chatting happily as though the total didn’t matter. By the time we reached the checkout, the cashier announced a jaw-dropping total of $1,470.
I was stunned but figured it was her money, her choice—until she suddenly gasped.
“Oh no! I forgot my wallet at home. Hannah, would you mind covering this? I’ll pay you back as soon as we get home.”
I hesitated, pointing out that the total was outrageous. But she insisted it was all for her birthday party. Against my better judgment, I paid. She smiled, promised I’d be reimbursed, and drove off without another word.
Days passed. Then a week. At a family brunch, I finally asked Melissa about the money. She laughed in my face.
“Don’t be greedy. Consider it my birthday gift. You can afford it.”
I sat there in disbelief, realizing she had never planned to pay me back. That was the moment I decided Melissa needed a lesson she wouldn’t forget.
I knew she had her eye on a luxury car Brandon was supposed to co-sign for since her own credit was terrible. So, I discreetly tipped off the dealership, warning them to double-check everything. The process stalled, paperwork piled up, and Melissa fumed while Brandon grew annoyed with her endless complaints.
Then I called in a favor at a bakery where Melissa had ordered an extravagant custom cake. I told my friend to insist on upfront payment, knowing Melissa hated being forced to pay before getting what she wanted. Sure enough, she raged at Brandon about “unfair business practices,” even though she had the money.
Next, I struck where it would really sting—her online shopping. Using Brandon’s permission, I logged into his Amazon account and quietly changed the password. Later that evening, Melissa tried shopping on her tablet and was locked out. She spent hours ranting about useless customer service, never suspecting it was me who blocked her spree.
The final act came on her birthday. At the party, I made sure family and friends knew how she had tricked me into paying her $1,470 bill and refused to return the money. Slowly, one by one, guests slipped out, leaving Melissa with barely anyone to celebrate with.
Her face fell when she realized the room was nearly empty. She turned to Brandon, asking where everyone had gone. He had no answer.
Then I handed her my “gift”—a birthday card with a $14.70 gift card inside.
“Here’s something for your next shopping trip,” I wrote.
The humiliation on her face was priceless.
Later, Brandon called me, sounding exhausted. “I don’t know what to do,” he admitted. “Melissa’s behavior is out of control, and now with everything you’ve told everyone, I can’t keep pretending anymore.”
I apologized for embarrassing him but reminded him that Melissa’s manipulation couldn’t go unchecked forever. For once, he agreed. He even admitted divorce might be on the table if she didn’t change.
I don’t know what will happen to their marriage, but I do know Melissa finally faced the consequences of her selfishness. And for me? That $1,470 turned into the best lesson I’ve ever given her.