It was Aunt Hannah. “Soren met your cousin and realized she’s a better fit,” she said, her voice smug and cruel. “She’s prettier, more talented. She can play the piano, dance. What do you have? You're a doctor crawling around in scrubs, covered in sweat and other people’s fluids. Soren’s just being kind not to mention the risk of catching something from someone like you.”
Every word was a slap to the face.
I had never been ashamed of my job. I saved lives. I worked hard. Soren wasn’t this shallow. He couldn’t be.
“Shut up!” I snapped, voice trembling. “I want to hear it from him.”
“She’s right, Fran. I’m the only son of the Armitage family. My future wife has to carry herself with grace, know how to handle herself in public. Your cousin’s more polished, more charming and if I had to choose between you two, of course I have to choose the best.”
He paused.
“But hey, at least we haven’ done it. Don’t hate me, okay, Fran? Who knows, we might still be family someday.”
Screw that! Soren and his entire family can burn in hell for all I care. I hung up, floored the gas pedal and let the road blur beneath my tears.