I went on, counting on my fingers. “We’ve had endless coughing, a movie blasting without headphones, crumbs all over me, and now…” I pointed to Vespera on Torin’s lap, “this nonsense.”

Torin’s face turned red. “We’re newlyweds!” he protested. “We just want to sit together.”

The stewardess’s polite mask slipped, showing a hint of irritation. “I understand you’re celebrating, but there are rules.”

Vespera batted her eyes. “Can’t you make an exception? It’s our special day.”

I couldn’t resist. “It’s been their ‘special day’ for the last hour,” I said dryly.

The stewardess straightened. “I’m sorry, but it’s against policy for an adult to sit on another’s lap. It’s a safety issue.”

Torin’s smug grin faded. “But—”

“No buts,” she cut him off. “And since you didn’t pay for this upgraded seat, you need to follow the rules.”

I bit my lip to hide a smile. This was getting good.

The stewardess turned to Vespera. “Ma’am, please return to your original seat.”

Vespera’s eyes widened. “You’re serious? We’re married!”

“Congratulations,” the stewardess said, her tone final. “But marriage doesn’t exempt you from safety rules. Back to your seat.”

Torin tried again. “We’re sorry if we disturbed anyone. We’ll be quiet, promise.”

She shook her head. “Not enough. Due to your behavior, you both need to move to economy.”

Torin’s face paled. “Both of us? But I paid—”

“You were upgraded as a courtesy,” she interrupted. “A courtesy you’ve misused. Gather your things.”

As Torin and Vespera grabbed their belongings, I heard them whispering angrily.

“This is your fault,” Vespera hissed.

“My fault? You’re the one who—” Torin started.

“Enough,” the stewardess said. “Move to the back.”

As they shuffled past, avoiding my eyes, I couldn’t resist. “Enjoy your honeymoon,” I said, giving a little wave.

Torin’s glare could’ve burned a hole through me, but I just smiled and settled into my seat, now blissfully quiet.

The stewardess turned to me. “Anything else you need, ma’am?”

I smiled, feeling like I’d won a small victory. “Just some peace. Maybe a drink to celebrate?”

She nodded and walked off, and I felt a twinge of guilt. Had I been too harsh? No, they’d earned this.

The man across the aisle gave me a thumbs-up. “Nicely done,” he chuckled. “Reminds me of my first marriage. We were young and foolish, but we knew how to act in public.”

I laughed. “Thanks. I thought I was in some prank show for a minute.”

His wife leaned over. “You did us all a favor, dear. I was ready to shove those pretzels down that boy’s throat myself.”

We all chuckled, the tension easing. It felt good to have allies.

The stewardess returned with a mini bottle of whiskey and cola. “On the house,” she winked. “Thanks for your patience.”

I raised the bottle. “To peaceful flights and a bit of justice,” I said, loud enough for nearby passengers to hear. They chimed in with “Hear, hear!”

As I sipped my drink, I wondered about Torin and Vespera. Were they plotting revenge in the back? Or had they realized how ridiculous they’d been?

The captain’s voice broke my thoughts. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re expecting turbulence. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts.”

I smiled to myself. More turbulence? After all this?

The plane shook, and I heard a yelp from the back. I glanced over to see Torin struggling to keep his drink from spilling.

I turned back, sipping my whiskey and cola. “Karma’s a funny thing,” I muttered.

The flight settled into a peaceful rhythm. Then, a commotion erupted from the rear.