"You set the wedding venue at a crematorium—and you're worried about embarrassment?"
Before he could respond, Serena spoke over him, looking down at me.
"What would a bumpkin like you understand? Holding it here shows a thrifty side to the leaders. Wins a good impression. You think everyone's like you—all bark, no brain?"
"There's a piece of land in Linport City going up for bidding soon. Once Ethan takes it, his net worth multiplies. A bumpkin like you was never worthy of him."
The entourage piled on immediately.
"Exactly. Our Ethan's about to head a publicly traded company. A country woman like you isn't fit to carry his shoes."
"If Ethan wasn't so kind-hearted—if he hadn't felt obligated after three years together—you think you'd be marrying him?"
"Honestly, only a beauty like Serena matches Ethan's status now. A woman like Alex? If she ate my fruit platter at a nightclub, I'd still slap her around."
Laughter erupted.
Ethan looked at me coldly, eyes full of disgust.
"Alex, if we hadn't been together for three years—if I hadn't promised to marry you—do you think I'd ever marry a country woman like you? You've never helped my career. All you do is embarrass me."