Chapter 156
The White family's wedding arrangements were utterly disgraceful.
Jack White and his wife had cut every corner to save money, failing to provide even a single decent dowry item for their daughter. The bundles contained nothing but Maya White's old clothes. Though the quilts were new, there wasn't a single respectable belonging among them.
Frank Harris arrived for the bride in high spirits. But at the gate, Ethan White and Bai Zhuang blocked his path, demanding red envelopes. While wedding gate-crashing was customary, they refused to let him pass, complaining the envelopes contained too little money. When Frank finally entered, his heart sank at the sight of the empty tractor.
"Two hundred in bride price plus three major appliances, and all I get are these shabby bundles?" Frank's face darkened like storm clouds.
Maya's rouged cheeks looked lovely, but Frank barely contained his anger, reminding himself this was supposed to be a joyous occasion. As he led Maya toward the tractor, Bai Zhuang blocked them again.
"No ten-dollar red envelope? Then I won't send off the bride!" Bai Zhuang crossed his arms like a petty thug.
Frank finally snapped. He shoved Maya's hand away. "Marry or don't marry! If not, return my bride price!"
The scene froze.
Jack flushed with humiliation. Backing down would shame him forever in the village. But if the wedding fell through, what would happen to the bride price he'd already pocketed?
Spotting Iris White and her husband Henry Cooper in the crowd, Jack desperately signaled for them to intervene.
But the gentle couple only drew Frank's wrath. Enraged, Frank swung his fist at Henry.
"Stop!"
The command cracked like thunder.
Frank turned, ready to curse, but froze when he saw Luna White. He'd thought this demon had left for university. The memory of their last encounter sent shivers down his spine.
"Who... who are you?" Frank blustered, though his eyes kept darting to Luna's hands.
Ethan White stepped forward, knocking Frank back with a single shoulder check.
"Oof!" Clutching his chest, Frank's voice shrank when he saw Ethan's military uniform. "Comrade Soldier, you—"
Jack scurried over. "Ethan, look at this groom! Hitting his in-laws before the wedding's even done! What will happen later?"
Frank protested, "Father-in-law, be fair! What family gives no dowry? My bride price was substantial! And now her brother demands ten dollars—this is robbery!"
Villagers whispered, their disdainful glances stinging.
Jack forced a laugh. "Frank, Bai Zhuang was just joking..."
With village elders mediating, Frank grudgingly controlled his temper. He wanted nothing more than to escape Luna's presence.
"Wait." Ethan's voice turned glacial.
Frank's back stiffened. "C-Comrade Soldier, anything else?"
Ethan pointed to Iris's bruised face. "You're done. Now we settle our account."
Iris tugged her brother's sleeve. "Please, it's a happy occasion..."
Clara White added, "We're family now. Don't give outsiders a show."
Frank forced a smile. "My apologies, brother and sister-in-law! I'll make it right tomorrow!" He scrambled toward the tractor.
As one foot touched the vehicle, Ethan spoke again: "Did I say you could leave?"