Chapter 552

Every word Tyler spat out felt like a dagger to May's heart, leaving her torn and bleeding inside.

She wanted to slap him, tell him to shove his self-righteousness where the sun don't shine, and get the hell out of her life. She didn't give a damn about him. But she was too pissed to even get a word out.

Tyler saw her face turn red and felt a twisted sense of satisfaction.

Who did she think she was, acting all high and mighty, making it so damn hard for him to win her over? His exes, all from top-notch backgrounds, had practically thrown themselves at him. Even when he was single, he had no shortage of young, hot women chasing after him. He'd put up with a lot from May, and now he was finally letting it all out.

Tyler sneered, "May, get real. Everything I'm saying is the cold, hard truth. The only reason you're even in my life is because your sister played matchmaker. Without her, you wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell of marrying someone like me."

"Yeah, I like to mess around. With my background, it's par for the course. Anyway, you don't love me for me; you're just into my status. So this marriage can still work."

"I can keep up the nice-guy act, but you better turn a blind eye to my affairs. You'll be the bank president's wife everyone envies, living the high life without a care in the world. Plus, my future with Caleb is looking bright. When I make it big, you do too. Isn't that a win-win?"

"This is what marriage is really about-putting interests first. At your age, you should know better than to believe in fairy tales. Even if Cinderella stories were real, Cinderella would be young and hot, not a woman pushing thirty with a bad attitude and a knack for faking it. I've said my piece; now it's up to you. Make your choice."

"But let me remind you, if we're gonna keep this marriage going, you can't be all up in my business. Stop stalking me; it's creepy!" Tyler snapped before storming off.

May's nose started to tingle, and before she knew it, she was bawling her eyes out.

Two days later.

At the entrance of Luxe Haven Hotel.

Tyler parked the car and shot a disgusted look at May in the passenger seat. "I told you, we're here to see my parents, not attend a funeral. Why do you look like crap? What are my parents gonna think when they see you like this?"

"And seriously, can't you dress up a bit and slap on some makeup? Are you trying to make me look bad? You look plain as hell and don't even bother to dress up. Do you think you're still some young hottie?" Tyler added.

"If I'm such an embarrassment, then don't take me up there," May shot back coldly.

"May, get it through your head. I'm not begging you to marry me; this is a win-win deal. Don't you wanna be the bank president's wife? Lose that sour face," Tyler said impatiently as he got out of the car.

May's eyes welled up again. She'd been in a fog these past two days, not knowing what the hell she was doing.

Sure, she wanted to snag a successful guy, but her relationship with Tyler had turned into such a mess. Was it even worth it to keep going?

How long could she put up with being with a snobbish jerk who despised her and used her?

She just wanted to stab him a few times right now.

But he was right; she probably couldn't find someone with such a good mix of qualities again.

Even though she was fuming at Tyler's constant belittling, her self-esteem had taken such a hit that she felt utterly worthless.

"Why are you still sitting there like a bump on a log? Get out of the car," Tyler barked.

May took a deep breath and opened the door.

Just before they entered the private room, Tyler wrapped his arm around her waist. "Can't you at least try to smile?"

"I can't."

"Well, you better. My parents didn't fly over ten hours to see your sour face."

Inside the private room sat a distinguished couple. The middle-aged man was in a sharp suit, and the woman wore a Chanel outfit, her strict demeanor filling the room with tension.

"Dad, Mom, this is May, my girlfriend," Tyler introduced with a beaming smile.

May felt like a puppet being yanked around, completely unwilling.

"Say hello," Tyler urged.

"Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Thompson," May greeted reluctantly.

Tyler frowned and whispered in her ear, "I told you to smile."

"You must be tired from the long flight. May, pour some tea," Tyler said, pinching her waist.

May, like a marionette, stood up slowly and numbly poured the tea.

"Are you free tomorrow night? Let's have dinner with May's parents," Tyler asked.

"No need, I don't think we need to meet," Tyler's mother, Leah, said curtly. "I don't agree with your marriage."

May's hand trembled, spilling the tea.

Even though she didn't want to be there, Leah's words cut deep.

"Mom, what are you saying? Didn't you agree?" Tyler was taken aback.

"I didn't agree; I just said I'd come back and take a look. Tyler, I know you want to marry this woman to connect with Caleb. Though I was already against it, I decided to come back and see. It's worse than I thought. She's almost thirty, looks unappealing, and has no manners, showing a sour face to her elders as if we owe her something. Clearly, she should be trying hard to please us for her social climbing. What kind of attitude is this? Should we tolerate her?"

"Mom, no, May is very nice. We just had a fight, so she's a bit emotional," Tyler explained.

"You don't need to lie for her. I'm a diplomat; haven't I seen enough people? I can see what kind of person she is at a glance. Besides, her overall quality doesn't match yours at all. I'm not satisfied, period," Leah said coldly. "She's almost thirty, and her fertility can't compare to younger girls. In a couple of years, who knows if she can even have children."

"Mom, you know I..."

"I know, you want to use Caleb's connections to run for the bank president next year. I've already arranged for you to meet the Mystara diplomat's daughter. She's only 24, young and beautiful, and her uncle is the president of the World Bank. With his help, you can secure the position."

Tyler's eyes lit up, "Really?"

"Of course, I'll make the arrangements for you. You don't have to marry such a woman for your future. She doesn't match the Thompson family at all. She will only lower our family's status."

May couldn't take it anymore. She grabbed the teapot and smashed it into pieces.

Leah was startled by her violent action, "What are you doing? Throwing a tantrum?"

May laughed angrily, her eyes wide with a terrifying expression, "Throwing a tantrum? Diplomat? You're just an old witch, an old shrew!"