Jenna's fingers clenched under the table, her nails nearly digging into her palms.

Jake Varley shoved a piece of braised pork into his mouth, mumbling with his mouth full, "What kind of woman can't even cook? My mom always says a woman who can't cook is just a useless decoration in the house."

Stella's face instantly paled.

"Oh?" Jenna let out a cold laugh. "Did your mom also teach you what to call a man who can't earn money?"

Jake paused mid-bite, then retorted with conviction, "We're in modern times now. Gender equality, ever heard of it? Why should men be the only ones making money?"

Jenna nearly snapped her chopsticks in half.

"So you're saying you won't do housework or earn a living?" She narrowed her eyes. "Planning to sustain yourself through photosynthesis?"

Jake shrugged indifferently. "Stella's got it covered. She makes plenty."

Stella's head jerked up, her eyes red-rimmed.

"I see." Jenna suddenly laughed. "You're just looking for a free maid and ATM in one."

Jake frowned. "That's a disgusting way to put it. Marriage is about mutual support. She handles the finances, I handle being eye candy. Sounds fair to me."

Jenna almost choked on her food.

"Jake Varley," she enunciated each word, "your face must be made of reinforced concrete."

Stella finally snapped. "Enough!"

She stood on trembling legs, tears welling in her eyes. "Jake, I must've been blind to ever like someone like you!"

Jake looked genuinely baffled. "What's your problem? What did I say wrong?"

Jenna dabbed her lips with a napkin, calm as ever. "Stella, it's not too late to cut your losses. A man like this isn't even worth keeping around as holiday decor."

Only then did Jake realize what was happening. He slammed his hands on the table and shot to his feet. "Jenna! You're sabotaging us!"

Jenna rose, looking down at him with icy disdain. "If I were you, I'd leave now. Unless—" She waved her phone. "You'd like your brilliant philosophy shared online for public judgment."

Jake's face cycled through several shades before settling on fury. He shot Stella a venomous glare. "You'll regret this!"

The door slammed shut with enough force to rattle the walls.

Stella finally broke down into sobs.

Jenna pulled her into a gentle embrace. "Don't waste tears on trash like that."

"I spent so much money on him..." Stella hiccuped.

"Consider it tuition." Jenna's smile was razor-sharp. "At least now you can spot garbage from a mile away."

Her gaze fell on the half-eaten meal, and sudden nausea twisted her stomach.

Men like Jake didn't deserve even the food she cooked.