My MIL was never satisfied with me. She made a million remarks every time we met. But that day, her usual nitpicking crossed the line. Gertrude declared that I wasn’t beautiful enough for her son. That was the last straw, so I entered a beauty contest! But even there, she continued to sabotage me.
David and I had recently returned from our honeymoon, and our life together was filled with love and happiness. However, my mother-in-law, Gertrude, never took me seriously.
She criticized me constantly, no matter what I did. Even that evening, during dinner, she found faults in everything.
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“Grace, dear, have you ever tried seasoning the soup with thyme? It would improve the flavor significantly,” Gertrude’s tone dripping with condescension.
I forced a smile. “I’ll keep that in mind, Gertrude.”
David, oblivious to the tension, looked up from his plate and said, “I think the soup is perfect, Grace.”
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Gertrude’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“The presentation of the food on the plates could be more refined. And that lipstick, my dear, it really doesn’t suit your skin tone.”
I bit my lip, trying to maintain my composure.
“I’ll consider that next time,” I murmured, feeling my cheeks flush.
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David, as usual, didn’t notice the tension. He was often lost in his business thoughts.
“Sorry, ladies, I have to check my email. I’m expecting an important letter,” he added, apologizing as he left.
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Once he was gone, Gertrude turned to me, her smile vanishing.
“Grace, you must understand. You’re not beautiful enough for my son.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt a lump form in my throat but managed to nod.
Without saying a word, I left the hose and retreated to my small atelier, a place that brought me immense joy.
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Designing and sewing clothes was my passion, but even this, Gertrude belittled, considering it an undignified occupation for someone in her family.
As I sat there, feeling dejected, I noticed an invitation from a friend to a beauty contest she was organizing. I picked it up, reading the details.
Despite my doubts, I decided to enter. I needed to prove my worth, not just to Gertrude, but to myself.
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***
The following weeks were a whirlwind of activity. When I first told David about entering the beauty contest, he was incredibly supportive.
“Grace, I think it’s a great idea,” he said, holding my hands. “You should do it for yourself.”
His encouragement gave me the strength I needed to go through with it. I underwent intensive training, attended workshops, and participated in rehearsals.
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All the contestants lived together in a hotel, cut off from their families, only interacting with each other. Many of the girls were envious and willing to do anything to win, like Chloe, who often sabotaged others.
One morning, I saw Chloe “accidentally” knock over a fellow contestant’s makeup bag, scattering its contents everywhere.
“Oops, sorry!”
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Despite this, I quickly made friends and impressed everyone with my kindness.
“Grace, you’re a lifesaver,” said Emma, another contestant, as I helped her fix a ripped dress.
“It’s nothing, really,” I replied with a smile. “We’re all in this together, right?”
During a rehearsal, I had a heartfelt conversation with Katie, a contestant I had befriended. We sat in a quiet corner of the auditorium, watching others practice. Chloe was listening as always.
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“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Katie asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.
“I think so,” I replied. “I’m going to present a clothing collection I designed. It’s created for everyday wear.”
“That’s amazing, Grace. You’re not just competing; you’re making a difference.”
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“Thanks, Katie. What about you? What’s your talent performance?”
“I’m going to sing,” she said with a shy smile. “I’ve always loved singing, but I’ve never performed in front of such a large audience before.”
“You’ll be great,” I assured her. “You’ve got an incredible voice.”
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***
Later that evening, I was in my hotel room, organizing my outfits for the next day, when there was a knock on the door. It was my friend, Lily, who had invited me to the contest.
“Hey, Grace,” she said, glancing around the room. “How are you doing? How’s the preparation going?”
“Hi! I’m a bit nervous, but everything is coming together. Thanks again, Lily, for inviting me to this contest. It means a lot.”
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“I’m sure you’ll do great,” she said warmly. “Actually, I need you to sign some documents regarding your participation. Do you have a pen?”
“Sure, let me find one for you,” I said, turning to my desk.
When I turned back, I saw Lily quickly stepping away from my wardrobe, trying to act casual.
“Here you go.”
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“Thanks,” she took a pen, her eyes avoiding mine. She handed me the documents, and I noticed her hands trembling slightly.
I decided not to comment on her actions. Instead, I took the documents and signed them politely.
“All done,” I said, handing them back to her.
“Great,” she said, forcing a smile. “Good luck tomorrow, Grace. I know you’ll shine.”
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“Thanks,” I replied. “I appreciate your support.”
We exchanged pleasantries, and she left the room quickly. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, but I had no time to dwell on it.
I hung the garment bag with my dress in the wardrobe and decided to get some rest. As I lay in bed, thoughts of the contest swirled in my mind.
I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.
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***
The day of the contest arrived, and everything was going well. The air buzzed with excitement as contestants performed their talents, singing, dancing, and displaying their unique skills.
When my turn came, I presented my clothing collection, each piece crafted with care and dedication. I took a moment to steady my nerves and began to speak.
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“Good evening, everyone. My name is Grace, and I have a deep love for designing and sewing clothes. Tonight, I want to share with you a collection that is very close to my heart.”
I gestured to the models wearing my designs as they walked across the stage. Each outfit was unique, showcasing my skills and creativity. The audience watched intently, their eyes following every detail.
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“I have always believed that fashion should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances,” I continued.
“That’s why my dream is to use my talent to help those in need. I want to create beautiful, affordable clothing for families who cannot afford high-end fashion. These clothes you’re seeing tonight are part of that vision.”
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The audience began to murmur, clearly moved by my words. I pressed on.
“Every piece in this collection will be donated to families who need them the most. It’s my way of giving back to the community and making a difference, one stitch at a time. Fashion is not just about looking good; it’s about knowing that someone cares.”
As I finished speaking, the models lined up for a final walk. The audience stood up, clapping and cheering, and my heart swelled with pride and joy.
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David and Gertrude came to congratulate me. David handed me a beautiful bouquet of pink peonies.
“You were amazing, Grace,” he said, giving me a warm hug.
“Thanks, David.”
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Gertrude, however, leaned in and whispered in my ear:
“Don’t celebrate too soon. This contest isn’t meant for someone like you.”
Her words stung, but I forced a smile and thanked them both.
Backstage, the emotions of the day caught up with me. But I couldn’t let Gertrude’s words break me. I pulled myself together.
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Suddenly, the organizer ran up to me, looking frantic.
“Grace, we have a problem. That’s about your dress.”
“What do you mean?”
“You need to see it for yourself,” she said, leading me to the dressing area.
I opened the garment bag. My breath caught in my throat when I realized it was Katie’s dress that had been spoiled. The fabric was torn, and the seams were ripped apart.
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Katie, who had been standing nearby, burst into tears.
“What am I going to do now? This contest is so important for my future.”
Everyone suspected Chloe, who had boasted about doing anything to win, but I had a different suspicion. I took a deep breath and put my arm around Katie.
“It’s going to be okay. We’ll figure something out.”
“But how?” Katie sobbed.
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I thought for a moment, then made a decision.
“Katie, you take my dress for the final runway.”
Katie looked at me, shocked. “But what about you? What will you wear?”
“You need this more than I do. I can wear something else.”
“Grace, I can’t believe you would do this for me. Thank you so much.”
I smiled and handed her the dress. “Go get ready. You deserve to shine.”
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As Katie hurried off to prepare, I found a simple dress I had made earlier. It wasn’t as glamorous as the one I had planned to wear, but it would do.
I changed quickly and took a moment to steady myself.
Back on stage, all the contestants appeared in stunning gowns. Katie wore my dress and looked absolutely radiant.
The audience murmured, noticing the contrast between my simple dress and the glamorous outfits around me. But I held my head high, knowing I had made the right choice.
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When it was my turn to speak about my future plans, I stated that I intended to be an ordinary woman who supported others, not chasing fame.
Once again, the audience gave me a standing ovation.
I caught a glimpse of Gertrude’s face, her eyes narrowing with frustration. It was obvious that she had orchestrated all that.
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Chloe wouldn’t have had the cunning to pull off something so intricate—it was clear now who was behind it all.
The moment of truth was approaching, and soon, I would finally be able to dictate my own rules in this game with my mother-in-law.
***
The judges declared Katie the winner, and I received the People’s Choice award.
As I stood on the stage, holding my trophy. The audience cheered and applauded.
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After the contest, David found me backstage. His eyes were shining with pride and love.
“Grace, you were incredible. You don’t need beauty contests to prove your worth. You’ve already shown your inner beauty and deserve all the respect and love in the world.”
“Thanks, David,” I said, feeling a warmth spread through me. “That means a lot.”
The support from the audience, especially David, made me remember who I am.
But there was one more thing I needed to do. I approached Gertrude, who was standing near the exit and barely concealed her frustration.
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“Gertrude, I know you were behind the sabotage. You bribed the organizer, my former friend. She confessed everything.”
Gertrude quickly masked her surprise with a cold smile.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Grace.”
“Enough. This ends now. You tried to undermine me, but it didn’t work. I’ve shown my worth, and no amount of sabotage can change that.”
David stepped forward as he finally understood the situation.
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“Mother, Grace is right. It’s time you accept her for who she is. She deserves respect and love, and I won’t tolerate any more of your schemes.”
Gertrude opened her mouth to argue but then closed it, her face turning red with anger and embarrassment. She realized she had been caught and had no more excuses to hide behind.
“We’re leaving now,” David said, taking my hand.
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“We’re going to celebrate our victory and love. You can join us if you choose to accept Grace and treat her with the respect she deserves.”
Gertrude remained silent. David and I turned and walked away, leaving her behind.
The moment of truth had arrived, and I had finally stood up to Gertrude. David squeezed my hand, and I looked up at him, feeling a deep sense of gratitude.
“Let’s go celebrate,” he said with a smile.
“Let’s do that.”
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I brought my new boyfriend to a family dinner, upon seeing him, my dad instantly dialed the police
When Alice introduced her new boyfriend, Kevin, to her parents, she was excited about a cozy family dinner. However, the evening turned into chaos when her father locked Kevin in the basement and called the police, shattering Alice’s sense of safety and trust.
Alice had eagerly awaited this day. Kevin, a mechanic, often put off meeting her family, claiming he was too busy with work. But today was different; he had taken time off, and Alice couldn’t wait to share a meal with her loved ones. On the way to her parents’ home, Alice told Kevin about her mother’s famous lasagna, which he seemed excited to try. He looked nice and calm but was clearly a bit nervous about the meeting.
When they arrived at her parents’ cozy house, her dad stood by the door looking serious. Alice had always known him to be protective, but she didn’t expect what happened next. As soon as they entered, her dad’s expression changed. He looked at Kevin with suspicion.
Alice introduced Kevin, but her dad barely acknowledged him. After a tense moment, he shook Kevin’s hand but seemed on edge. Inside, her mom welcomed Kevin warmly, but her dad quickly suggested showing him the basement.
Confused, Alice felt something was off, but her dad reassured her. He led Kevin downstairs while Alice was instructed to stay behind. As they went down, Alice’s unease grew. After a few minutes, she heard a loud noise and rushed to the basement door. She called out for them, but suddenly, the door slammed shut, and she heard the lock click. Panic set in as she pounded on the door, demanding to know what was happening.
Her dad shouted that she should call the police because he believed Kevin was a danger. Shocked and terrified, Alice grabbed her phone and called for help, explaining that her father had locked her boyfriend in the basement.
Kevin’s desperate shouts echoed from below, insisting that it was a mistake. Her mom rushed in, visibly confused and worried. Alice explained that her dad thought Kevin was dangerous, and they anxiously waited for the police to arrive.
The tension was unbearable. They could hear muffled voices from the basement, one stern and the other pleading. Alice felt her heart racing with fear and uncertainty. Her mom comforted her, but Alice could see the worry in her eyes.
As they waited, Alice wondered who Kevin really was and what her dad knew. Memories of happier times flashed through her mind, and she felt crushed that this dinner had turned into a nightmare. Suddenly, they heard a loud crash from the basement. Alice screamed for her dad, and he shouted back that Kevin was breaking a window. Glass shattered, and Alice realized Kevin was escaping.
As Kevin fled, the sound of sirens filled the air. The police arrived just in time but found that Kevin had already disappeared into the night. They rushed to the basement to assess the situation while Alice’s dad emerged looking grim.
Alice demanded to know why her dad had locked Kevin up. He took a deep breath and explained that two years ago, a man had conned his business partner’s daughter by promising to marry her and then disappearing with all her money. He revealed that he recognized Kevin as that man, whose real name was Ryan.
Alice was stunned. Her dad described how Ryan had manipulated the woman, and he couldn’t allow that to happen to Alice. The police began to gather information and search the area, but it seemed Ryan had vanished.
Determined to find him, Alice suggested they look for clues. As they searched the room, she noticed something near the broken window: Kevin’s fitness bracelet. She picked it up, realizing it had GPS tracking.
Her dad examined the bracelet with renewed hope. They showed it to the police, who quickly began tracking its signal. The officers located Ryan at an old warehouse on the outskirts of town and surrounded the building. When they saw Ryan trying to escape through a back door, the police called for him to stop. Realizing he was caught, he surrendered and was taken into custody.
Alice felt a wave of relief wash over her as they headed to the police station. There, she witnessed Ryan being led inside, defeated. The truth had come out; he had been lying to her all along. Anger and betrayal surged within her, but she also felt grateful for her dad’s protection.
At the station, the police confirmed that Ryan was indeed the con man her dad had warned her about. As they left, Alice thanked her father for saving her from a terrible mistake. He reassured her that all he wanted was her safety.
With her mom joining the embrace, Alice felt the warmth of her family’s love, which strengthened her resolve. They returned home to the cold lasagna, which now symbolized a difficult but memorable evening.
As they sat down to eat, Alice couldn’t believe the chaos that had unfolded. Her mom squeezed her hand, reassuring her that they were just relieved she was safe. Her dad nodded, reminding them all to be cautious about the people they let into their lives. The experience had shaken Alice, but it also brought her family closer. She felt thankful for their love and vowed never to take it for granted again.
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