To Hate and To Hold
"Because it looks like you sold yourself to save the vineyard. It looks like you married some rich stranger for his money."
"Marco, stop," their father said, but his voice was weak.
Elena's hands trembled. She clasped them together, trying to stop the shaking. "Julian Thorne is my husband. We got married two months ago. And yes, he's the investor who saved the vineyard."
The silence that followed was deafening. Her father swayed slightly. Marco caught his arm, steadying him.
"Papa, sit down," Marco said, guiding him to a nearby bench.