The Enigma Called Greg

Chapter 10

Scott’s hands clenched at his sides, knuckles white, his face twisted with disbelief and rage.

“Do you realize what you’ve done, Alina? You’ve married a man who—by every measure—is a loser! No status, no wealth, no connections! Have you thought about the social consequences of this… this disaster?”

Deg laughed, a sharp, derisive sound that cut through the room. “Seriously? This is your husband? Look at him! His clothes wouldn’t even hit five hundred dollars, he has the demeanor of… of a clerk! Alina, what on earth were you thinking?”

Laura, barely holding back her giggle, added, “He looks like someone scraping by day to day, not someone who could ever lift our family’s standing. You’re… throwing yourself away!”

Melissa, their grandmother, narrowed her eyes behind her spectacles, shaking her head with audible disdain. “This is a disgrace, child. Do you understand the scandal you’ve invited? Marrying beneath yourself, beneath this family? It’s… shameful.”

Alina’s hands trembled slightly, but she held Greg’s arm firmly, her spine straight, her gaze unwavering.

“I know what you all think,” she said, her voice rising, crisp and clear. “You believe he is ordinary, that he is not enough for me. But none of that matters. Greg saved me. He protected me when I was in danger. He is brave, honorable, and he loves me.”

Claire’s lips curled in exasperated disbelief. “Love? Love doesn’t pay bills, Alina! Love doesn’t secure your future! You could have married a man with wealth, with influence—someone who could elevate this family, provide connections, ensure security. And instead… you chose this?” She gestured at Greg with contempt.

Scott slammed his hand against the marble table, rattling the silverware. “Exactly! You’ve undermined everything—our social standing, our reputation—with this… this foolishness! Look at him! What could he possibly bring to the table?”

Greg stepped forward, his calm, commanding presence cutting through the noise. “If I may,” he said smoothly, his tone unwavering, almost silk over steel. “I understand your concerns. But let me make something very clear: I am not here to impress you with appearances, titles, or social rank. I am here because I love Alina, because I am committed to her, and because I intend to honor the promises I made to her.”

Deg sneered, exchanging a glance with Laura. “Promises? What promises could a man like him possibly keep?”

Greg’s gaze swept the room, steady and unflinching. “I can secure major business opportunities for this family—ventures that could elevate your enterprises far beyond anything you currently imagine. My resources, my connections, my knowledge—they are all at your disposal if you accept me as your daughter’s husband. I do not boast. I simply state facts. I am capable, and I intend to provide a future for Alina that is safe, prosperous, and secure.”

Claire’s hand flew to her mouth, eyes wide. Scott’s jaw tightened, disbelief flickering across his face. “You… you could do that?” he asked, incredulous.

Greg nodded, calm and unwavering. “Yes. I am fully capable. But understand this: Alina chose me not for wealth, not for status, not for appearances. She chose me for who I am—and I will honor that choice every single day.”

Scott’s face reddened, veins throbbing in his neck. “Will you keep the hell quiet?! Who do you think you’re fooling? Everyone can see through your little act. Only a blind man—or a fool—would believe you capable of what you just claimed. You lie to win our approval. Pathetic. Desperate!”

Alina’s heart swelled, and she stepped closer to Greg, fingers tightening around his hand. “You see him as ordinary, unworthy—but he saved my life. He stood by me when no one else would. I love him—not for wealth, not for appearances, but for his courage, his loyalty, and his heart. That is why I married him.”

Deg sneered, lips curling with disdain. “Ridiculous. You’re throwing away years of social advantage for… a man who can barely stand on his own!”

Alina lifted her chin, eyes blazing, gripping Greg’s hand like a lifeline. “You don’t understand him yet. You think you know what’s best for me—but I do. I chose him, and I will stand by him. I am proud to be his wife, and nothing you say will change that!"