Having a unique talent can be a tremendous asset that serves you well throughout life, but sometimes it may come with challenges, especially during childhood. Kids can often be unkind to those who stand out, and this was the case for Tiffany Mulder, a renowned violinist whose musical journey began in middle school. While she mastered her craft, she also faced bullying from one particular classmate who couldn’t appreciate her talents at the time.

Tiffany’s talent blossomed early on, and she became an exceptional violinist. But during those awkward middle school years, there was always someone ready to tear her down. One girl, in particular, made it her mission to bully Tiffany. Years later, however, that same bully came back into Tiffany’s life with a surprising request—one that would reveal how far Tiffany had come and how little some people ever truly change.

It started with a message from her former bully: “Hey! Long time no see,” the woman began. “I’m getting married, and I would absolutely love for you to play the violin at my wedding in October. It would be a great gift, and you could even use the photos and videos to showcase your talent! Win-win!” The bride-to-be seemed to believe that offering exposure would be enough to convince Tiffany to perform at her wedding, thinking Tiffany would jump at the opportunity to build her portfolio.

What she didn’t realize, however, was that Tiffany no longer needed the exposure. By this point, Tiffany had already established a successful career as a violinist, receiving accolades from major wedding industry platforms such as The Knot and Wedding Wire for several years running.

Tiffany’s response was polite but firm: “Hi there! It’s quite bold of you to ask for a $2,500 service as a gift. You might remember that you used to bully me in middle school because I was in the orchestra. As for building my portfolio, I’ve already been recognized by The Knot and Wedding Wire for six consecutive years.” Tiffany wasn’t interested in giving her former bully any free services, and she certainly didn’t need her wedding to boost her career. After all, she’d been working in the wedding industry for nearly two decades, having built her portfolio starting at the age of twelve.

The former bully, however, didn’t take the rejection well. She criticized Tiffany’s prices and continued pressing for a discount, even suggesting that they rekindle a friendship. Tiffany, seeing through her insincerity, declined. She explained that she already had a supportive circle of friends and wasn’t interested in rekindling a relationship based on past negativity.

Still, the bride-to-be persisted. She desperately wanted Tiffany to play the violin at her wedding, even offering $1,000 as payment for her services. But Tiffany wasn’t swayed. In fact, she couldn’t resist pointing out the irony that her former bully was getting married on “Mean Girls Day,” a reference to the popular movie that explores the dynamics of high school bullying. Tiffany turned down the $1,000 offer and firmly declined to work for exposure, something many creatives are often pressured to do.

In a final humorous jab, Tiffany suggested that the bride ask her wedding guests to chip in five dollars each as an entertainment fee to help cover her performance expenses. With that, Tiffany got her long-awaited revenge—one that felt both satisfying and entirely justified.

Her former bully had brought this situation upon herself, and Tiffany, who had risen above the negativity of the past, walked away with her dignity intact and her career thriving.