Five years ago, my ex-fiancé Mark ended our engagement, claiming I “wasn’t good enough.” He’d just gotten promoted and decided I didn’t match his new image. I was devastated broken by his shallow words and cruel dismissal. It took years to rebuild my confidence and peace.

Last weekend, I treated myself to dinner at a fancy new spot. As I walked in, I saw Mark on a date with a stunning woman. Something inside me sparked this was my moment. I wasn’t going to cry or hide. I was going to act.

I teamed up with a clever waiter for some harmless revenge. First, I sent Mark a champagne bottle with a note: “To Mark, who always settles for second best.” Then came an appetizer he was allergic to, with another note: “Just a reminder of what you can’t have.” He squirmed.

For the finale, my friend Sarah pretended to recognize Mark from a dating seminar. Loudly, she asked, “Did your fiancée agree to the open relationship?” His date stormed out in fury. I walked over, smiled, and said, “Guess I was good enough.” I left, lighter than I’ve felt in years.