She leaned forward, her tone dropping to something almost conspiratorial. “You think this is love, but it’s not. It’s guilt. You’re trying to convince yourself that by staying by her side, you’re proving something. To her? To yourself? I don’t know. But let me remind you of something if you have forgotten, her family disowned her because of you, or have you conveniently forgotten that part? They never approved of you, of this sham of a wedding, and they’re not even here right now. Where are they, Diego?”
Diego’s chest tightened, his breath coming faster. He didn’t want to admit it, but her words struck a nerve. Esmeralda’s family had always been distant, disapproving of their relationship from the start. It was one of the many challenges they had faced together, but it had never mattered
