On my birthday my husband gave me an empty phone box, and my mother-in-law filmed my reaction on her new iPhone — he thought it was funny until I put him in his place 

On my birthday my husband gave me an empty phone box, and my mother-in-law filmed my reaction on her new iPhone — he thought it was funny until I put him in his place 

I was celebrating my 40th birthday. An important date I had been preparing for a long time.

I decorated the house, set the table and invited relatives and friends. The evening started beautifully — laughter, music, toasts and memories. Everyone congratulated me, hugged me and wished me happiness.

I was truly happy… until a certain moment.

When it came time for gifts, I was more excited than usual. Deep down I was hoping my husband would buy me a new phone — mine had recently fallen into the sink because of our little girl.

And then he came up to me with a big smile and handed me the treasured orange box. It had the logo of a famous brand on it. I could hardly believe it.

“Go on, open it,” he said, barely holding back his laughter.

With trembling hands I lifted the lid… and froze. It was empty inside. No phone, no manual, not even a charger. Just an empty box.

My husband stood beside me laughing his head off, while my mother-in-law filmed my reaction with her brand-new iPhone — exactly the one that should have been in the box.

“Funny, isn’t it?” my husband said, barely able to breathe from laughing.

The guests went quiet. An awkward silence fell. I felt a lump rise in my throat. But I didn’t want to make a scene. I forced a smile and thanked him for the “original” gift. Inside, I was boiling.

When the party ended, my husband, pleased with himself, went outside to see the guests off. That’s when I began to put my revenge plan into action.

I did something that made him stop laughing 

I quietly gathered a few of his things: his toothbrush, some shirts, a charger, a razor. I put them all in a bag and left it by the door. I locked the door from the inside and turned off the lights.

A few minutes later he knocked. “Open up, what’s going on? I forgot my keys!” he called, still amused.

I walked calmly to the door and replied: “You can stay at your mother’s. It’s an iPhone, it’s funny and she’s filming you. Meanwhile, I’m thinking whether I need a clown in the house.”

He stayed outside, not believing I was serious.

I sat down on the sofa, poured myself a glass of champagne, and for the first time that evening, I truly smiled.

Sometimes the best gift is to remind someone that jokes have consequences.