Chapter 39 " Dad , have you no shame ? " Emma couldn't believe how far her father was willing to go . They'd always been a regular middle - class family - nothing extravagant . Six figures ? Did her parents even have that much in savings after all these years ? Her father's face turned red with anger . " Who do you think you're talking to ? You ungrateful brat ! " " That's right ! I'm rude ! No one ever taught me to go around begging with no self - respect- " A loud slap cut her off . He'd raised his hand to hit her , but Theodore stepped between them in a flash , shielding Emma with his arms . The blow landed squarely on Theodore's shoulder . " You little witch ! Can't you see this is supposed to be a good day for me ? Are you deliberately trying to ruin it ? I swear , I'll beat some sense into you ! " Theodore turned , keeping Emma behind him as he faced her father head - on . Instantly , her father's bluster melted away . He forced a smile for Theodore . " Son , you know how it is . My daughter , she doesn't know how to behave . Sorry you had to see that . " Theodore replied coolly , " Julian , Emma's been having a tough time lately . I hope you can be a little more understanding . " There was no mistaking the message : This is my wife . You don't get to lay a hand on her . Emma looked up at Theodore , who stood a full head taller than she was , shielding her from her own father . The bitterness welled up inside her . He was defending her - but so what ? it didn't matter anymore how her family treated her . What stung most was that when she'd truly needed Theodore to step in , where had he been ? He always knew how to keep his boundaries . Sure , he wouldn't let her father hit her - but what if the person picking a fight with her today had been his brother ? Or Cecilia ? Her mother , sensing the tension had gotten out of hand , hurried over with a forced smile , trying to smooth things over . " Why are you all still standing ? Come , sit down . I 12 Chapter 39 just went to make some tea . Julian , honestly , you never even think to ask them to sit . " Julian Bennett seized the opportunity to save face and sat down . Gabriella Lynch handed a cup of tea to Theodore . " What's gotten into Emma ? Why's she in such a mood ? " Theodore took a seat , resting his hand gently on Emma's shoulder , glancing at her . " Is she mad at me ? Or does she just think I'm not good enough ? I'm not sure . Maybe she's met someone better ? " Gabriella scoffed at the very idea . " How could she possibly meet anyone better? She's got a limp - who'd want her besides you ? " Emma's heart sank . She wasn't even surprised anymore . It was what everyone - including her own family - believed : Who else would marry a cripple except Theodore ? Her father , fiddling with his fishing gear , chimed in even more bluntly . " You couldn't ask for a better man than Theodore . If you ever dare do him wrong , I'll break your other leg myself ! " " You'd- " Emma shot up , ready to snap back , but Theodore pressed her back into her seat , cutting her off . " Emma , that's enough ." Then he turned to Julian , his voice calm . " Julian , want to try out the new fishing rod ? " Julian's mood instantly brightened . " Of course ! Come on , son ! " " I'll go fishing with Julian . Why don't you stay in and chat with Gabriella ? " Theodore leaned down , his words soft as he tucked a stray strand of Emma's hair behind her ear . " Come on , let's go ! " Julian called impatiently. Theodore got up and followed him outside . Gabriella closed the door behind them and immediately launched into a tirade . " Honestly , Emma , what is wrong with you ? Do you have any idea how lucky you are to have someone like Theodore ? You ought to be treating him like gold , not sulking and snapping at him . Women would kill to have a husband like that . You lucked out , and instead of being grateful , you're trying to drive him away . If you mess this up , where are you ever going to find a husband as wealthy as him ? " Emma scoffed . " You mean , where are you ever going to find a sucker like him for a 2/3 11:53 Chapter 39 son - in - law ? " Her mother's face instantly darkened . " Ungrateful , that's what you are . Let me tell you , if you push him away , don't bother coming back here . Useless girl - can't even keep a man happy ! " Emma sneered inwardly . If only you knew - I'm planning to divorce him .