Chapter 156: The Ward Family's Wedding Arrangements Were Utterly Disgraceful

The Ward family's wedding arrangements were utterly disgraceful.

Calvin Ward 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 Vanessa Ward's old clothes. Though the quilts were new, there wasn't a single respectable belonging among them.

Derek Harlan arrived for the bride in high spirits. But at the gate, Daniel Ward and Caleb Ward blocked his path, demanding gift envelopes. While wedding gate-crashing was customary, they refused to let him pass, complaining the envelopes contained too little money. When Derek 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?" Derek's face darkened like storm clouds.

Vanessa's rouged cheeks looked lovely, but Derek barely contained his anger, reminding himself this was supposed to be a joyous occasion. As he led Vanessa toward the tractor, Caleb Ward blocked them again.

"No ten-dollar gift envelope? Then I won't send off the bride!" Caleb Ward crossed his arms like a petty thug.

Derek finally snapped. He shoved Vanessa's hand away. "Marry or don't marry! If not, return my bride price!"

The scene froze.

Calvin 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 Grace Cooper and her husband Henry Cooper in the crowd, Calvin desperately signaled for them to intervene.

But the gentle couple only drew Derek's wrath. Enraged, Derek swung his fist at Henry.

"Stop!"

The command cracked like thunder.

Derek turned, ready to curse, but froze when he saw Elena Ward. He'd thought this demon had left for university. The memory of their last encounter sent shivers down his spine.

"Who... who are you?" Derek blustered, though his eyes kept darting to Elena's hands.

Daniel Ward stepped forward, knocking Derek back with a single shoulder check.

"Oof!" Clutching his chest, Derek's voice shrank when he saw Daniel's military uniform. "Soldier, you—"

Calvin scurried over. "Daniel, look at this groom! Hitting his in-laws before the wedding's even done! What will happen later?"

Derek 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.

Calvin forced a laugh. "Derek, Caleb Ward was just joking..."

With village elders mediating, Derek grudgingly controlled his temper. He wanted nothing more than to escape Elena's presence.

"Wait." Daniel's voice turned glacial.

Derek's back stiffened. "C-Soldier, anything else?"

Daniel pointed to Grace's bruised face. "You're done. Now we settle our account."

Grace tugged her brother's sleeve. "Please, it's a happy occasion..."

Agnes Ward added, "We're family now. Don't give outsiders a show."

Derek 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, Daniel spoke again: "Did I say you could leave?"