“Bro, did you swim through a sewer? Walking around looking busted like that–where’s your dignity?“[]


    “Dude, your girl’s really going all out for this wedding. First time I’ve seen a bride roll up on a Citi Bike.“[]


    “That dress is totally wrecked! What, you ripped it up just to pedal here? Zero shame, hahaha.“[]


    Aria’s in some couture mini that screams main character energy–more bridal than me, the actual bride.[]


    She’s got Ethan’s arm in a death grip, dramatically covering her nose:]


    “OMG Sloane, you look rough! Should’ve just sent a car for you. This is totally my fault for getting car sick.“]]


    But like… couldn’t you change first? You’re not seriously getting married looking like that?“[]


    I’m clenched: “Your handiwork.”


    She reaches for my hand. I yank away. Her eyes get all watery:]]


    “Sloane, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know you literally couldn’t afford an Uber<b>! </b>It’s like five bucks–why go this hard on saving money? Doesn’t Ethan give you an allowance?“]


    “Rolling up like this with paps everywhere—what if they snap pics? Ethan’s gonna look like a joke to his business contacts. Babe, if you’re marrying up<b>, </b>maybe try not to tank his rep?“]


    She leans in close, whispers in my ear:[]


    “Sloane, trash like you marrying into the Matthews family? In your dreams. I’m gonna be the next Mrs. Matthews.“[]


    Then she grabs my hand with her long red nails digging into my skin, beaming at Ethan and his crew: “Ethan, don’t we look like we’re twinning?”


    His friends crack up: “Twinning? More likedy and her maid!“[]


    “She’s got that broke vibe, totally looks like the help!“]


    I shake her off: “Enough. Already had coffee–don’t need your fake sweetness.“]


    Aria stumbles back dramatically:


    “Ow! Sloane, I’m sorry, I didn’t know you couldn’t take a joke! I just wanted to help Ethan out, thought if we were friends he’d be happy.”


    Ethan rushes to steady <b>her</b>: “Aria, you okay?“]


    Aria shakes her head, grabbing Ethan before he cane at me:}


    “Don’t be mad at her. She’s the bride, and she biked here to save money–of course she’s embarrassed.“}}


    She pulls out a ne from her purse:]]


    “Your dress needs a ne toplete the look. I picked this out specially for you. Let me put it on.“[]


    “This ne is worth a million, so be careful.”


    I nce at the cheap ss thing and snort:]


    “What, your family selling ss for a mil now? That’s some markup.”


    His friend jumps in: “You broke ass wouldn’t know real jewelry. Apologize to Aria!”[]


    Ethan’s ice cold: “I don’t care how pissed you are–show some respect. Apologize. Now.“]


    I stared at him, pointing to my road rash: “Look at me. You really don’t get why I’m pissed?”


    He sees my torn dress and cuts, looks worried for a split second, then remembers Aria’s words and his face hardens:[]


    “Go change. You look like a mess. If the press gets photos, our PR team’s gonna have to clean this up.“]


    Then to Aria: “You’re always so sweet. After the wedding, I’ll make her apologize to you properly.“[]


    Aria goes full innocent:


    “It’s fine. I’ll be back in the country now anyway<b>–</b><b>I </b>can teach her some etiquette. I’m just worried she’ll embarrass herself during the ceremony.“]]


    Iugh coldly: “Whether I embarrass myself at MY wedding is none of your business.”


    Ethan snaps: “Enough, Sloane! Where’d your manners go? You’re acting like trailer trash.“[]


    “I’m not putting up with this attitude forever.]]


    Apologize to Aria right NOW or the wedding’s off!”


    I stare at him.[]


    “Cancel your wedding then.What’s that got to do with me?” []


    “I’m not marrying YOU anyway.”