My MIL Said I Wasn’t Beautiful Enough for Her Son, So I Won a Beauty Contest – Story of the Day

My MIL Thought I Was Not Beautiful Enough for Her Son, So I Entered a Beauty Contest to Win the Crown — Story of the Day

My mother-in-law was never happy with me. Every time we met, she had a million things to say. But on that particular day, her typical criticism went too far. It was Gertrude who said I was too ugly for her son. That was my breaking point, so I entered a beauty pageant! But she was still undermining me there.

David and I had just returned from our honeymoon, and we were living a happy and loving life together. But Gertrude, my mother-in-law, never really believed me.

She was always critical of me, regardless of what I did. She was finding flaws in everything, even throughout dinner that night.

“Grace, sweetheart, have you ever tried adding thyme to the soup to season it? It would greatly enhance the flavor,” Gertrude said in a tone rife with snobbery.

I feigned a laugh. “I’ll keep that in mind, Gertrude.”

Ignoring the tension, David lifted his dish and replied, “I think the soup is perfect, Grace.”

Gertrude’s eyes grew a little narrower.

“There is room for improvement in the way the food is presented on the dishes. Furthermore, that lipstick definitely doesn’t go with your skin tone, my dear.”

Trying to keep my cool, I bit my lip.

“I’ll take that into consideration the next time,” I muttered as my cheeks started to flush.

As usual, David was oblivious to the tension. He was frequently preoccupied with business ideas.

I apologize, ladies, but I need to check my email. He said, “I’m expecting a very important letter,” and then he left with an apology.

Gertrude turned to face me after he left, her smile disappearing.

Grace, you have to get this. You are too unattractive for my son.”

Her remarks felt like a kick to the stomach. Even though I had a knot in my throat, I was still able to nod.

I quietly withdrew from the hose and went back to my tiny atelier, which gave me great pleasure.

My passion was designing and making garments, but Gertrude denigrated even that, thinking it was an unworthy profession for a member of her family.

I was sitting there feeling sad until I saw a friend’s invitation to a beauty pageant that she was hosting. I took it up and studied the information.

My misgivings aside, I made the decision to go in. Not only did I have to establish my value to Gertrude, but also to myself.

The next few weeks were packed with events. David was really encouraging when I informed him I was going to the beauty pageant.

“I think it’s a great idea, Grace,” he remarked, taking both of my hands. “You should do it for yourself.”

His support gave me the willpower I required to follow through. I participated in rehearsals, attended workshops, and received extensive training.

All of the competitors shared a hotel room, were estranged from their families, and only spoke to one another. Many of the girls, like Chloe, who frequently undermined other girls, were jealous and would stop at nothing to succeed.

I witnessed Chloe “accidentally” toss a competitor’s beauty bag one morning, strewing the contents all over the place.

“Oops, sorry!”

In spite of this, I made friends fast and won everyone over with my generosity.

Another competitor, Emma, remarked, “Grace, you’re a lifesaver,” as I assisted her in mending a torn dress.

“Really, it’s nothing,” I smiled in response. “We’re all in this together, right?”

I had a sincere talk with one of the contestants I had become friends with, Katie, during a rehearsal. While we watched others rehearse, we were seated in a quiet area of the auditorium. As usual, Chloe was paying attention.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Katie questioned, a hint of fear in her voice.

With a “I think so,” I answered. “I’m going to showcase a line of clothes that I designed. It’s designed to be worn every day.”

“Grace, it is incredible. You’re changing things, not only competing.”

“I’m grateful, Katie. How about you? How do you perform with your talent?”

“I’m going to sing,” she added, smiling shyly. “I’ve always loved singing, but I’ve never performed in front of such a large audience before.”

“You’re going to do great,” I told her. “You’ve got an incredible voice.”

There was a tap on the door later that evening when I was getting ready for the next day in my hotel room. I had received the invitation to the contest from my buddy Lily.

She glanced around the room and said, “Hey, Grace.” “How are things going with you? How are things getting ready?

“Hello! Even though I’m a little anxious, everything is working well. Once more, I want to thank Lily for encouraging me to enter this contest. It has great significance.”

Her words, “I’m sure you’ll do great,” were kind. Actually, there are several paperwork that I need you to sign in order for you to participate. Are you holding a pen?”

I turned to face my desk and said, “Sure, let me find one for you.”

I turned around to see Lily hurriedly backing away from my clothes while attempting to project a laid-back vibe.

“Here you go.”

She took a pen and said, “Thanks,” avoiding my gaze. Her hands trembled a little as she handed me the documents.

I chose not to respond to whatever she did. Rather, I accepted the paperwork and signed them with grace.

“Everything completed,” I murmured, returning them to her.

“Excellent,” she grinned artificially. “Grace, good luck with tomorrow. You’ll shine, I’m sure.”

“Gratitude,” I answered. “I appreciate your support.”

After exchanging pleasantries, she hurried out of the room. I had no time to think about it, yet I couldn’t get rid of the uneasy feeling.

After hanging my dress in the wardrobe bag, I made the decision to take a nap. I was thinking about the competition while I lay in bed.

I wanted to demonstrate to myself that I was capable.

When the contest day finally arrived, everything was proceeding as planned. Excitement was in the air as the competitors showcased their skills, singing, dancing, and showcasing their individual abilities.

When it was my turn, I displayed my assortment of clothes, each item expertly made with love and attention to detail. After a moment to collect myself, I started talking.

“Good evening to all of you. My name is Grace, and I absolutely adore creating and making clothing. I want to share a compilation that is very dear to my heart with you tonight.”

As the models walked across the stage, I made gestures to them in the clothes I designed. Every ensemble was different, displaying my abilities and originality. The spectators kept a close eye on every aspect as they watched.

“I have always believed that fashion should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances,” I went on.

“For this reason, I want to use my talent to assist people who are in need. For families that cannot afford high-end apparel, I want to make lovely yet reasonably priced clothing. This evening’s attire is a component of that goal.

My statements definitely touched the audience, as they started to murmur. I continued.

“Every item in this collection will be given to the most deserving households. One stitch at a time, that’s how I make a difference and give back to the community. Fashion is more than just looking good—it’s about feeling loved and appreciated.”

After I concluded my speech, the models formed a line for their last walk. My heart grew full of pride and happiness as the audience stood up and applauded.

Gertrude and David came over to congratulate me. David sent me a gorgeous pink peony bouquet.

He hugged me and said, “Grace, you were amazing.”

“Many thanks, David.”

But Gertrude drew close to me and said a whisper:

“Avoid celebrating too quickly. This isn’t the right contest for someone like you.

I faked a grin and thanked them both, even though her words hurt.

I was overcome by the day’s emotions backstage. I couldn’t allow Gertrude’s remarks to break me, though. I composed myself.

Abruptly, the coordinator approached me, appearing anxious.

“Grace, there’s an issue. That relates to your attire.”

“What do you mean?”

She led me to the dressing area and said, “You need to see it for yourself.”

I took the clothes bag off. Realizing it was Katie’s outfit that was ruined, my breath seized in my throat. The seams were ripped away, and the fabric was tattered.

Katie, who had been watching from close by, started crying.

“Now what should I do? This competition is crucial to my future.”

I had a different suspicion, though, than everyone else, especially Chloe, who had boasted about doing anything to win. I wrapped my arm around Katie and inhaled deeply.

“Everything will work out. We’ll work things out.”

“But how?” Katie started to cry.

After giving it some thought, I decided.

“Katie, you take my dress for the final runway.”

Katie gave me a startled expression. “How about you, though? What are you going to wear?

I don’t need this as much as you do. I have other clothes on.”

“Grace, it amazes me that you would take care of this for me. Many thanks for it.”

Grinning, I gave her the dress. “Go prepare yourselves. You are deserving of success.”

I discovered a straightforward dress I had previously sewn while Katie ran out to get ready. It was adequate; it just wasn’t as fancy as the one I had intended to wear.

I made a rapid adjustment and paused to regain my balance.

When they returned to the stage, each competitor looked gorgeous in a gown. When Katie wore my dress, she looked stunning.

Observing the contrast between my plain clothes and the glitzy attire surrounding me, the audience murmured. I knew I had made the correct decision, though, so I held my head high.

When it was my turn to talk about what I wanted to do with my life, I said that I wanted to be a regular lady who helped other people instead than pursuing stardom.

I received a standing ovation from the audience once more.

I saw Gertrude’s expression, her eyes tightening in annoyance. It was clear that she had planned everything.

Now that it was all evident, Chloe wouldn’t have had the deviousness to pull off something this complicated.

It was almost time for the moment of truth to arrive, when I could at last set my own rules for this game with my mother-in-law.

Katie was crowned the winner by the judges, and I was given the People’s Choice trophy.

had my award in hand as I stood on the stage. The audience gave a round of applause.

Backstage, David found me after the competition. His pride and affection shone in his eyes.

“Grace, you truly were amazing. Beauty pageants are not necessary to establish your value. You deserve all the love and respect in the world since you have already demonstrated your inner beauty.”

I said, “Thanks, David,” as a sensation of warmth washed over me. “That means a lot.”

David’s and the audience’s encouragement helped me to recall who I am.

However, I had one more task to complete. Gertrude was standing close to the exit, hardly masking her irritation, when I walked up to her.

“I know you were responsible for the sabotage, Gertrude. You bought off the coordinator, my old friend. She gave her whole confession.”

Gertrude smiled coldly, immediately masking her surprise.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Grace.”

“Enough is enough. This concludes now. You attempted to discredit me, but it was unsuccessful. No amount of sabotage can undo what I’ve demonstrated to be worth.”

When David realized what was going on, he stood up.

“Grace is correct, mother. It’s time for you to embrace her as she is. She deserves love and respect, and I will not put up with any more of your dirty tricks.”

With a flush of shame and rage, Gertrude parted her lips in an attempt to argue. She became aware that she had been discovered and had run out of cover.

David took my hand and said, “We’re heading out now.”

“We will rejoice in our win and our love. If you decide to accept Grace and show her the decency she merits, you are welcome to come along.”

Gertrude said nothing. After turning around, David and I departed from her.

Now that the time had come, I had at last confronted Gertrude. With a profound sense of thankfulness, I gazed up at David as he squeezed my hand.

“Let’s go have some fun and celebrate,” he smiled.

“Let’s do that.”

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