“Yeah, with that cheap, shabby vibe, she definitely passes for the maid.”
I jerked my hand away from hers. "Enough. I’ve already had some herbal tea this morning. I don’t need any more green tea."
Taking advantage of the moment, Rowena flopped dramatically. "Oh, Elara, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know you couldn’t take a joke. I didn’t want Desmond to be put in an awkward position. I thought if we were good friends, he’d be happy."
Desmond rushed forward to support Rowena.
"Rowena, are you okay?"
Rowena shook her head, but when she saw the hard look on Desmond’s face, she quickly grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
"Don’t get mad, Desmond. Elara is your bride. It’s totally normal for her to feel embarrassed today, especially since she rode a bike to save money."
Then, as if she’d thought of something, she reached into her clutch and pulled out a necklace.
Rowena walked up to me, smiling sweetly.
"Your wedding dress would look so much better with a necklace. I picked this one out just for you. Let me help you put it on. This necklace is worth a million, so be careful with it."
I glanced at the glass necklace, unable to hold back a scoff. "Really? Your glass is worth a million? A glass necklace costing that much?"
Someone quickly jumped to Rowena’s defense. "What would you know, you poor thing? Apologize to Rowena right now!"
Desmond chimed in, "No matter how upset you are, you need to be reasonable. Apologize to Rowena right now!"
I looked at him, pointing to the scrapes on my body—scratches from falling off my bike in my wedding dress.
"Look at me. Do you still not understand why I’m upset?"
He glanced at my disheveled appearance, his expression tense.
Then, remembering Rowena’s words, Desmond's face darkened.
"Quickly, go change into something else. Aren’t you embarrassed enough already? If someone gets a photo, the PR team at Hawke Enterprises will have to step in and explain."
He turned to Rowena. "You’ve always been so well-behaved. Once the wedding is over, I’ll make sure she apologizes properly.”
Rowena bit her lip and nodded demurely. "Forget it, I’ll be in the country from now on. I’ll take some time to teach her some manners. I’m really worried she’ll embarrass herself at the wedding."
I couldn’t hold back a bitter laugh. "Whether I embarrass myself at my own wedding is none of your business."
Desmond’s patience snapped, his voice ringing out like a whip.
“Enough, Elara! Where are your manners? You’ve turned crude and impossible. I’m done putting up with it. If you don’t apologize to Rowena right now, this wedding’s off!”
I stared at him, disbelief written all over my face. "You’re going to cancel the wedding? What does that have to do with me? I’m not marrying you."
