hey there you looking kind of cute don't forget to subscribe and check out my other socials for more enjoy Carl adjusting the Hem of His floral dress his calloused hands more accustomed to wielding power tools than delicate Fabrics fumbled with the zipper a sigh escaped his lips as he surveyed his reflection stubble carefully concealed beneath layers of foundation eyebrows plucked into feminine arches and lips painted a soft pink you've really done it this time old boy he muttered to himself shaking his head it had all started innocently enough Carl and Mara's relationship had always been
fueled by a competitive streak each constantly trying to outdo the other in various aspects of life from who could make the best lasagna to who could parallel park in the tightest spot their marriage was a never-ending series of challenges and contests but this latest competition dreamed up by Mara's metalsome mother Elanor had taken things to an entirely new level a best wife contest of all things Carl had scoffed at first certain that Marlo would dominate in such a traditionally feminine Arena but then a spark of defiance ignited within him why shouldn't he compete he was
just as capable as Mara in household tasks perhaps even more so I'll show them all he had declared much to Mara's amusement and Eleanor's barely concealed disdain now weeks into the contest Carl was beginning to question his decision the competition had started innocently enough cooking challenges laundry folding races and the like but as the days wore on the tasks became increasingly demanding and well feminine Carl's mind wandered back to the previous week's challenge a Cutthroat Bake Off judged by Eleanor's Bridge Club he had spent hours perfecting his red velvet cupcakes complete with delicate cream cheese
frosting rosettes the memory of piping those tiny flowers onto each cake his large hands cramping from the unfamiliar motions still made him winse but he had triumphed the looks of shock on the faces of Eleanor's cronies when they bid into his moist flavorful Creations had been worth every moment of frustration Mara had been less than pleased her own lemon bars receiving only polite nods from the judges a knock at the bedroom door jolted Carl back to the present you almost ready in there honey Mara's voice dripped with sacarin sweetness Mom's waiting downstairs Carl gritted his
teeth just a minute dear he called back pitching his voice higher than usual he gave himself one last critical look in the mirror smoothing down the front of his dress and adjusting the padded bra he wore underneath the things he did for victory taking a deep deep breath he opened the door and stepped into the hallway Mara stood there looking effortlessly feminine in a simple sundress and sandals her eyebrows shot up as she took in Carl's appearance well well she said a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth don't you look pretty Carl resisted
the urge to roll his eyes thank you darling he replied matching her tone shall we they descended the stairs together Carl taking careful steps in his low heels Eleanor waited in the living room her shrewd eyes narrowing as she assessed Carl's outfit well isn't this a sight she remarked her tone as dry as the martini she clutched in her Beed hand Carl dear you've certainly embraced the spirit of the competition Carl forced a smile thank you Elanor I believe in giving my all to any challenge I take Eleanor's lips thinned indeed well let's get on
with today's task shall we she produced a list from her purse clearing her throat dramatically before reading aloud today's challenge is all about Grace and Poise you'll be attending my garden club's annual tea party points will be awarded for etiquette conversation skills and overall ladylike Behavior Carl's stomach dropped a tea party with Eleanor's gaggle of gossiping friends he glanced at Mara who looked equally unenthused oh and one more thing elanar added her eyes glinting with Mischief you'll each be required to give a brief presentation on flower arranging I hope you've been studying Carl's mind raced
flower arranging he knew next to nothing about the subject but he'd be damned if he'd let that stop him now sounds Del ful he lied through his teeth when do we leave the drive to the Garden Club was tense with Mara and Carl both lost in thought mentally preparing for the afternoon ahead Carl's mind Whirled with half-remembered facts about flower stems and color coordination he'd frantically Googled the night before as they pulled up to the quaint Victorian house that housed the Garden Club Carl's Palms began to sweat he wiped them surreptitiously on his dress taking
care not to smudge his freshly painted nails ready darling Mara asked her voice sickly sweet Carl nodded stealing himself Born Ready they made their way up the path the sound of genal laughter and clinking China growing louder as they approached elanar led the way pushing open the ornate front door without knocking the scene that greeted them was like something out of a period drama elderly women in pastel suits and elaborate hats sat around tables Laden with delicate teacups and teared platters of finger sandwiches and p4s the air was thick with the scent of roses and
Earl gry all conversation ceased as the trio entered every pair of eyes turning to fix on Carl he felt his cheeks flush beneath his makeup but forced himself to Stand Tall channeling every ounce of Grace he could muster ladies elanar announced her voice carrying across the hushed room you remember my da Marlo of course and this is Carl a murmur rippled through the assembled women some tittering behind gloved hands others openly staring Carl plastered on his most winning smile how lovely to meet you all he said his voice higher than usual what a beautiful Gathering
slowly the chatter resumed though Carl could feel curious glances still being cast his way he and Mara were directed to Separate Tables a move Carl suspected was elener doing to prevent them from comparing notes or assisting each other Carl found himself seated between a woman with steel gray hair piled a top her head like a beehive and another whose floral perfume was so strong it made his eyes water he delicately arranged his skirt as he sat remembering at the last second to cross his ankles instead of his legs well aren't you a unique addition to
our little Suare the gray-haired woman remarked eyeing Carl over the rim of her teacup Carl summoned his most charming smile thank you so much for having me I must say your hat is absolutely stunning is that a hand painted silk flower the woman's eyebrows shot up clearly surprised by Carl's knowledge why yes it is how observant of you Carl silently thanked the hours he'd spent pouring over fashion magazines in preparation for this day the craftsmanship is exquisite you know I've always been fascinated by the art of millonary as he launched into a discussion about hat
making techniques Carl could see the women at his table warming to him out of the corner of his eye he spotted Mara at her own table her smile looking a bit strained as she nodded along to whatever conversation was happening there the afternoon progressed in a whirl of tea tiny sandwiches and increasingly Arcane discussions about gardening techniques Carl found himself drawing on reserves of charm and knowledge he didn't know he possessed peppering his conversation with tidbits about Rose cultivation and the language of flowers finally it was time for the presentations on flower arranging Mara went
first her Arrangement a perfectly acceptable but somewhat uninspired collection of roses and babies breath she spoke competently about balance and color theory earning polite Applause from the assembled ladies then it was Carl's turn he approached the front of the room his heart pounding beneath his padded bra this was it the moment that could make or break his performance at the Tea Party ladies he began his voice clear and confident today I'd like to demonstrate a technique that combines traditional Japanese kabana with modern Western sensibilities a ripple of Interest passed through the room Carl took a
deep breath and began to work his large hands moving with surprising delicacy as he selected stems and positioned them in the vas as he worked he spoke about the principles of kabana the importance of negative space the representation of Heaven Earth and Humanity in the arrangement he wo in anecdotes about famous kabana Masters and the historical significance of certain flowers in Japanese Culture by the time he placed the final stem a single perfect Orchid the room was silent all eyes fixed on his creation it was an unconventional arrangement to be sure but undeniably striking in
its Simplicity and balance and there you have it Carl concluded stepping back from his work a fusion of East and West Tradition and modernity much like the diverse and beautiful Gathering we have here today for a moment there was silence then slowly Applause began to build soon the whole room was clapping enthusiastically several women even rising to their feet for a standing ovation Carl caught Mara's eye across the room her expression was a mix of shock admiration and just a hint of resentment elanar standing near the back looked as though she'd SW swallowed a lemon
as the Tea Party wound down and goodbyes were exchanged Carl found himself surrounded by a cluster of ladies all clamoring to compliment his arrangement and ask for gardening advice he fielded their questions with Grace making mental notes to research their more obscure inquiries later finally they were in the car heading home the silence between Carl and Mara was thick with unspoken words well Mara said at last her voice tight you certainly made an impression Carl allowed himself a small smile I suppose I did where did you learn all that about kabana and milliner and everything
else Carl Shrugged wincing slightly as the motion made his shapewear dig into his ribs oh you know here and there a little research goes a long way Mara's grip tightened on the steering wheel this isn't over you know there are still more challenges to come I wouldn't expect anything L dear Carl replied his voice sweet but his eyes glinting with determination as they pulled into their driveway Carl couldn't help but feel a surge of Triumph he'd more than held his own at the Tea Party possibly even pulling ahead in the overall competition but as he
gingerly climbed out of the car his feet aching in their confining heels a small voice in the back of his mind wondered just how far he was willing to go to win this contest the next morning Carl awoke to the sound of Mara's alarm blaring he groaned rolling over to bury his face in the pillow his muscles achd from maintaining perfect posture throughout yesterday's tea party and the faint scent of nail polish remover still clung to his fingers rise and shine darling Mara chirped her voice far too cheerful for the early hour we've got a
big day ahead of us Carl cracked open an eye regarding his wife suspiciously what do you mean big day it's Saturday Mara's smile was all teeth as she perched on the edge of the bed oh didn't mother tell you today's challenge is all about maintaining a beautiful home we're hosting a dinner party tonight for my boss and his wife Carl sat bolt upright sleep forgotten what but I have to work today I took the liberty of calling in for you Mara said her eyes glinting told them you weren't feeling well after all a good wife's
priority should be the home shouldn't it Carl's mind raced he had an important presentation on Monday one he'd been planning to fine-tune today but he couldn't back down from The Challenge not when he'd come so far fine he gritted out what time are they coming 7:00 sharp Mara replied already heading for the door oh and Carl don't forget a good Hostess always dresses to impress with that Parting Shot she was gone leaving Carl to contemplate the daunting task ahead he dragged himself out of bed wincing at his reflection in the mirror the remnants of yesterday's
makeup left dark smudges under his eyes and his chest hair was starting to Peak through the neckline of his night gown pull yourself together man he muttered splashing cold water on his face it's just one dinner party how hard can it be as it turned out very hard indeed the day passed in a whirlwind of cleaning cooking and frantic trips to the store for forgotten ingredients and table decorations Carl found himself longing for the relative Simplicity of his day job as he wrestled with the complexities of creating a gourmet four course meal by 6:30 the
house was spotless the table was set with their best China and a mouthwatering Aroma wafted from the kitchen Carl stood in front of the bedroom mirror once again this time adjusting the fit of a sleek black cocktail dress he'd opted for a more subtle makeup look tonight with just a hint of smoky eyes Shadow and a deep red lipstick you can do this he told his reflection squaring his shoulders just Channel your inner Donna Reed the doorbell timed at precisely 7:00 Carl took a deep breath and plastered on his most welcoming Smile as he went
to answer it welcome he greeted Mara's boss Richard and his wife Patricia we're so delighted you could join us this evening Richard's eyebrows shot up as he took in Carl's appearance but to his credit he recovered quickly Carl you're looking different how nice of you and Mara to have us over Patricia meanwhile was eyeing Carl's outfit with undisguised interest my my Carl that dress is simply stunning Valentino isn't it Carl nodded silently thanking the fashion gods for his last minute Splurge at the designer consignment store good ey Patricia please come in can I offer you
a drink as he ushered them into the living room Carl caught sight of Mara descending the stairs she wore a fitted red dress that hugged her curves her hair and makeup flawless their eyes met and Carl saw the challenge there gameon the evening progressed in a haze of polite conversation and perfectly timed courses Carl flitted between the kitchen and the dining room keeping glasses filled and serving dishes replenished he found himself drawing on reserves of charm and Hostess skills he didn't know he possessed regaling their guests with anecdotes and ensuring the conversation never lagged as
he served the main course a perfectly roasted duck with a orange glaze Carl couldn't help but feel a surge of Pride he'd pulled this off despite the short notice and his complete lack of experience in oat Cuisine Mara he noted with satisfaction looked slightly put out by the lavish praise Richard and Patricia were heaping on the food Carl this is simply Divine Patricia gushed taking another bite of duck you simply must give me the recipe oh it's just a little something I threw together Carl de his cheeks flushing with pleasure beneath his foundation the secret
is in the marinade you know as the evening wore on Carl found himself relaxing into his role as the perfect Hostess he topped up wine glasses with a flourish laughed at Richard's increasingly off-color jokes and even managed to bond with Patricia over a shared love of vintage broaches finally as the Clock Struck 11 Richard and Patricia made their goodbyes both effusive in their Praise of the evening Carl Mara thank you for a wonderful night Richard said clapping Carl on the shoulder you know we should do this more often in fact he paused a considering look
in his eye Carl how would you like to head up our new client relations department I think you'd be perfect for it you clearly have a knack for entertaining and making people feel at ease Carl blinked taken a back I well that's very kind of you to Richard I'd certainly be interested in discussing it further excellent Richard beamed we'll talk more on Monday Mara you've got some competition in the office now H Mara's smile was brittle as she bid the couple goodbye as soon as the door closed behind them she rounded on Carl what was
that she hissed her eyes flashing you're supposed to be playing at being a housewife not angling for a promotion Carl raised an eyebrow feeling a surge of defiance I was just being a good host dear isn't that what this challenge is all about Marla opened her mouth to retort but was cut off by the chime of her phone she glanced at the screen her expression darkening it's mother she said her voice clipped she wants to see us both now the drive to Ellen's house was tense with neither Carl nor Mara speaking Carl's mind Whirled with
the events of the evening had he gone too far was this whole competition spiraling out of control ellar answered the door in a silk robe a martini already in hand despite the late hour well well she said eyeing them both critically come in you two we need to talk they followed her into the living room perching awkwardly on the edge of an overstuffed sofa elanar settled into her favorite armchair fixing them with a Steely gaze I've been hearing some interesting things about tonight's dinner party she began swirling her Martini it seems our Carl here made
quite an impression Mara shifted uncomfortably mother I can explain elanar held up a hand silencing her no need dear I think it's clear what's happening here she turned her gaze to Carl you're taking this competition very seriously aren't you Carl Carl nodded unsure where this was going I always give my all to any challenge I undertake Elanor you know that a slow smile spread across Eleanor's face indeed you do which is why I've decided to up the ante Carl and Mara exchanged wary glances what do you mean Mara asked elanar leaned forward her eyes glinting
the final challenge the ultimate test of who can be the best wife for the next month you'll both live as fulltime time Homemakers no work no outside commitments just pure unadulterated Domesticity Carl felt his stomach drop a month but his job his projects his entire life outside of this crazy competition and to make things interesting Eleanor continued the winner will receive a substantial cash prize let's say $50,000 the room fell silent Carl's mind raced 50 ,000 could pay off their mortgage fund the home renovations they'd been putting off for years but at what cost you
can't be serious Mara sputtered mother this is insane we have jobs responsibilities all of which can be put on hold for a month elanar interrupted smoothly unless of course you're not up to the challenge The Gauntlet had been thrown down Carl looked at Mara saw the fierce determination in her eyes that mirrored his own they were in too deep to back out now I'm in Carl said his voice firm Mara nodded her jaw set me too Ellen's smile was triumphant excellent the challenge begins tomorrow May the best wife win as they drove home in silence
Carl's mind Whirled with the implications of what they just agreed to a month of full-time homem making a month of maintaining his feminine facade 247 a month of competing against Mara in every aspect of domestic life what had he gotten himself into the next morning dawned bright and early the sun's Rays peeking through the curtains to Rouse Carl from a fitful sleep he blinked groggy reaching for his phone out of habit to check his work emails then reality crashed over him like a cold wave no work no emails nothing but the challenge ahead with a
groan he hauled him himself out of bed wincing at the unfamiliar sensation of silky pajamas against his skin he'd have to get used to this he realized this was his life now at least for the next month in the bathroom he stared at his reflection in the mirror stubble was already beginning to darken his jaw and his chest hair was visible above the neckline of his night gown with a sigh he reached for his razor and the bottle of hair removal cream he'd purchased in preparation for this day an hour later freshly shaved and depilated
Carl stood in front of his closet surveying his options the rack was now filled with dresses skirts and blouses a far cry from his usual array of suits and casual wear he selected a floral sundress and a pair of low heels stealing himself for the day ahead downstairs he found Mara already in the kitchen looking annoyingly put together in a gingham dress and frilly apron the smell smell of bacon and coffee filled the air good morning darling Mara chirped her voice syrupy sweet I hope you slept well I've made breakfast Carl forced a smile how
thoughtful of you dear it smells wonderful they ate in Silence the only sound the clink of Cutlery against plates and the ticking of the kitchen clock Carl's mind raced trying to plan out his day what would Elanor consider proper Homemaker activities cleaning cooking gardening as if reading his thoughts Mara spoke up mother called earlier she's given us our first task for the day Carl raised an eyebrow oh and what might that be Mara's smile was all teeth spring cleaning the entire house top to bottom she'll be inspecting this evening Carl's heart sank the thought of
spending hours scrubbing and dusting in his new outfit was less than appealing but he couldn't let Mara see his dismay wonderful he said matching her tone I'll start upstairs shall I the day passed in a blur of cleaning products and aching muscles Carl found himself contorting into positions he never thought possible as he scrubbed baseboards dusted ceiling fans and vacuumed under furniture that hadn't been moved in years by midafternoon his perfectly quaffed hair was plas Ed to his forehead with sweat and his manicured nails were chipped from scrubbing but he pressed on determined not to
let Mara outdo him as he was polishing the hallway mirror for what felt like the H hundredth time the doorbell rang Carl froze suddenly acutely aware of his disheveled appearance I'll get it Mara called from downstairs her voice suspiciously chipper Carl heard the murmur of voices then footsteps on the stairs he turned to see Mara ascending followed by his boss Carl his boss Mr Thompson exclaimed his eyes widening as he took in Carl's appearance I uh I just came by to check on you Mara said you weren't feeling well Carl felt his face flush beneath
his makeup Mr Thompson I this isn't I mean Mr Thompson held up a hand looking deeply uncomfortable no need to explain car Carl what you do in your personal time is your business I just wanted to make sure you'd be back for the presentation on Monday Carl opened his mouth then closed it again how could he explain that he wouldn't be back on Monday that he was locked into this ridiculous competition for a whole month Mara sensing his distress smoothly interjected I'm afraid Carl's condition is more serious than we initially thought Mr Thompson the doctors
ordered complete rest for at least a month isn't that right dear Carl nodded mutely unable to meet his boss's eyes Mr Thompson's brow furrowed a month but the Anderson account well I suppose we'll have to make do take care of yourself Carl we'll uh we'll be in touch as Mr Thompson beat a hasty Retreat Carl rounded on Marla what was that about you told him I was sick Mara Shrugged a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth well you can hardly go to work dressed like that can you besides we agreed to commit to
this challenge fully no outside distractions Carl felt a surge of panic his job his projects his professional reputation all potentially in Jeopardy because of this insane competition but before he could voice his concerns the sound of a car pulling into the driveway caught their attention that'll be mother Mara said smoothing down her dress ready for inspection Carl straightened his back lifting his chin defiantly Bring It On Eleanor's inspection was predictably thorough and merciless she ran white gloved fingers along every surface peered into every corner and even checked behind the toilet tanks Carl and Mara trailed
behind her holding their breath as she examined their handywork finally after what felt like hours elanar turned to face them her expression was inscrutable as she removed her gloves with deliberate slowness well she said at last I must say I'm impressed you've both done an admirable job however Carl's heart sank there was always a however with Elanor there can only be one winner for today's task she continued and I'm afraid Mara deer that your efforts in the guest bathroom were somewhat lacking Mara's face fell while Carl felt a surge of Triumph he'd spent nearly an
hour on that bathroom alone scrubbing every tile until it gleamed therefore Elanor announced today's winner is Carl congratulations dear you've proven yourself quite the domestic goddess Carl beamed while Mara's expression darkened Eleanor seemingly oblivious to the tension clapped her hands together now then who's ready for tomorrow's challenge I hope you both know how to can preserves as elanar swept out of the house leaving behind the scent of expensive perfume and the promise of more trials to come Carl and Mara faced each other in the Spotless foyer this isn't over Mara hissed her eyes flashing not
by a long shot Carl Met Her gaze steadily I wouldn't have it any other way dear as he watched Mara stalk off to the kitchen Carl couldn't shake the feeling that this competition was spiraling out of control but with his job potentially on the line and $50,000 at stake he had no choice but to see it through to The Bitter End he just hoped he'd recognize himself when it was all over the days blurred together in a whirlwind of domestic challenges and increasingly elaborate costumes Carl found himself mastering skills he'd never imagined needing from creating
elaborate table settings to crafting homemade pop Perri each day brought a new task a new outfit a new opportunity to prove himself the superior wife but as the competition wore on Carl began to notice changes in himself that went beyond the superficial his hands once calloused from working with tools were now soft and smooth from constant use of moisturizer his gate had changed to accommodate the near constant wearing of heels even his voice had taken on a slightly higher pitch the result of weeks of conscious modul it wasn't just physical changes either Carl found himself
genuinely enjoying some aspects of his new role the satisfaction of a perfectly executed sule the pride in a beautifully arranged flower bed he caught himself humming as he folded laundry taking genuine pleasure in the crisp clean scent of freshly ironed shirts these realizations unsettled him was he losing himself in this charade or was he discovering a part of himself that had always been there buried beneath layers of societal expectations Mara too seemed to be struggling with the intensity of the competition Carl often caught her staring off into space a wistful expression on her face once
he overheard her on the phone with her office trying to keep up with work matters in secret The Strain was beginning to show on both of them as they entered the final week of the challenge the tasks became even more demanding Eleanor it seemed was determined to push them to their limits today she announced one morning sweeping into their kitchen unannounced you'll be hosting a charity luncheon for the local Garden Club 12 guests three courses and it all needs to be perfect oh and you'll need to give a presentation on the latest trends in sustainable
gardening Carl and Mara exchanged panicked glances they had less than 5 hours to prepare a gourmet meal transform their home into a suitable venue and become instant experts on eco-friendly gardening techniques Ready set go elanar trilled settling herself at the kitchen island with a mimosa to watch the chaos unfold What followed was a frenzy of activity that would have put any reality TV cooking show to shame Carl and Mara moved around each other in a complicated dance chopping vegetables setting tables and frantically Googling gardening facts by some miracle they managed to pull it off as
the last guest departed full of praise for the delicious meal and informative presentation Carl and Mara collapsed onto the sofa exhausted well done both of you elanar said a hint of genuine approval in her voice I must say you've both exceeded my expectations but remember there can only be one One winner and we still have one final challenge ahead Carl and Mara groaned in unison what more could elanar possibly have in store for them don't look so glum Elanor chided this last task is simple really all you have to do is throw a dinner party
for your colleagues impress them with your homemaking skills your charm and of course your new personas Carl felt his blood run cold his colleagues the same people he'd been working alongside for years who knew him as a decidedly masculine career focused individual but he began his voice cracking slightly I I can't can't what dear Eleanor asked her tone deceptively sweet can't face your co-workers can't maintain this sherad any longer if that's the case you're welcome to Forfeit the competition of course that would mean Mara wins by default Carl glanced at Mara saw the mixture of
of apprehension and determination in her eyes he knew she was struggling just as much as he was but neither of them was willing to back down not when they'd come this far no he said firmly squaring his shoulders I can do it we both can Eleanor's smile was triumphant excellent the dinner party will be this Saturday I suggest you start planning now as elanar left Carl and Mara sat in stunned silence finally Mara spoke her voice small and uncertain Carl are we taking this too far Carl sigh running a hand through his now shoulder length
hair extensions of course another concession to the competition probably but what choice do we have We're In Too Deep to back out now Mara nodded slowly I suppose you're right May the best wife win then may the best wife win Carl agreed trying to ignore the knot of anxiety forming in his stomach thanks for watching don't forget to check out my other socials if you want more wonderful content Early Access behind the scenes and more all links down below