Page 10 of The Billionaire's Marriage Dare

Chapter Three

Employee Appreciation Day

AMC’s Grand Amphitheater

Life sucks. The words echoed in Jane’s mind even as she kept a smile plastered on her face as she watched Merry ascend the stage to accept her fourth consecutive win of Ms. Beautiful, a crown – literally - that no one had so far been able to steal ever since Merry had started working at AMC.

“It seems we’re fated to worship her,” the company’s vice-president said with a chuckle.

A couple of minutes later, and Jane’s name was called out.

“Congratulations, Jane! You’re this year’s Most Hardworking Employee, and for those who don’t know, this is Jane’s fifth consecutive win. Everyone should learn from her!”

Jane obediently took her place on the stage and put on a happy face. Ever since Merry had started working for AMC, she couldn’t help comparing her life to the other woman’s, and with every year that passed, she found herself increasingly dismayed.

Was she being selfish and vain to want more?

She was already recognized for her diligence. Was it bad that she wanted...was it bad that she wanted to experience, even just once, her own Disney moment? She just wished that there could be a day she would feel more beautiful than any woman—-

The words sounded ludicrous even to her ears.

Okay, Jane. If you really need an answer then yes, you’re being selfish and vain! So will you please—-

Her thoughts were interrupted by Merry, who had sidled up next to her while the vice-president called out the third awardee.

“This is just crazy, isn’t it? We’re always winning these awards.”

As always, the other woman’s striking height made Jane want to shrink even more. “Just lucky, I suppose.” She hated how she had to crane her neck just to meet the other woman’s gaze, but she had no choice. It was that or be at eye-level with Merry’s boobs.

The vice-president then called out all awardees to move forward for an official photo, and Jane said in relief, “Let’s go.” But she didn’t bother waiting for an answer, instead hurrying away to put as much distance between Merry and her.

But Merry seemed bent on sticking to Jane like glue, with the other woman standing behind Merry, their positions highlighting the difference between their heights.

Great. Just great.

The photographer asked them to make funny faces, and while Jane dutifully contorted her facial expression, she saw Merry simply blow a kiss at the camera—-

She suddenly had an epiphany.

That was the key to having one’s Disney moment.

Being one’s self.

And Merry, for all her flaws, was always herself.

When the photo session was over and they started descending the stage, Merry caught up with Jane, asking, “Did you bring your plus one with you? I’d love to meet him.”

In her mind, she could hear Jaike and Derek, who had now swapped their horns for halos, advising her piously, Be yourself.

Jane took a deep breath.

“He wanted to make it, but he’s tied up at work.”

Sorry guys.

“I see.”

When Merry’s gaze went straight to her neck, Jane’s hand automatically went to that part of her anatomy, as if covering a hickey. “Oh no. Did you see it?” She pinched herself as she spoke. “I told him he should stop it, but...” She lifted her hand. “Is it still visible?”

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