Two Strained Evils

Chapter 18

**Charlotte's POV - A Mother's Fury**

Fury coursed through my veins as I watched Carlos dismiss our daughter's feelings so easily. How could he act so cruel to Isabella? Love was universal; it knew no gender. It was a force that connected people, and yet here he was, trying to tear apart what made her happy.

Carlos, how can you say these things? I demanded, my voice shaking with emotion. Isabella deserves our support, not your judgment! You're her father. You should be proud of her for standing up for herself, not trying to crush her spirit! He turned to me, his face filled with a mixture of confusion and anger. "Proud? How can I be proud when she's making choices that could lead her into danger? You're not thinking clearly!"

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**Carlos's POV - Defiance and Denial**

I felt the heat of my own frustration rising. This isn't just about acceptance, Charlotte! This is about her safety! Heidi is not someone who will protect her; she's part of the chaos! I could see the fire in Charlotte's eyes, a fierce determination that both scared and intrigued me. "You're being blind to your own daughter's reality! You think keeping her away from Heidi is protecting her? You're pushing her right into danger by denying the love she feels!"

Denying? I shot back, my voice rising. I'm trying to keep her safe! You think I want to see her hurt? I won't let that happen!

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**Charlotte's POV - The Breaking Point**

Carlos, you are being a coward! I yelled, my heart pounding in my chest. You're so caught up in your own fears that you can't even see how deeply Isabella loves Heidi! You're tearing this family apart with your stubbornness! In a surge of emotion, I stepped closer, and before I could think twice, I slapped him hard across the face. The sound echoed in the chaotic atmosphere of our argument. Snap out of it! I shouted. You need to listen to me!

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**Carlos's POV - Shock and Realization**

I stood still, momentarily stunned by the force of her slap. The sting on my cheek faded quickly, replaced by the realization of how far we had spiraled. You think slapping me will change my mind? This is about protecting our daughter! "Protecting her?" Charlotte's voice was sharp as a knife. "You're not protecting her; you're suffocating her! Do you even remember what happened the day of the shootout? It was Heidi who saved her life! She's the reason Isabella is still here!"

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**Charlotte's POV - Fighting for Our Daughter**

I could see the flicker of memory in his eyes, the moment when Isabella was in danger and Heidi had stepped in without hesitation. Heidi fought to protect her! She was brave when it mattered most! You're refusing to accept the truth because it's uncomfortable for you! LCharlotte, this is different," Carlos replied, his voice faltering slightly. "Heidi is part of a dangerous world. I just—"

Just what? I interrupted, my heart racing. You want to keep Isabella in a bubble? That's not love! Love is about trust and acceptance, even when it's hard to understand. You need to face reality!

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**Carlos's POV - The Weight of Truth**

Charlotte's words hit me like a tidal wave. I could see the memories of that day flooding back—the chaos, the fear, and the way Heidi had charged in, fearless and determined. I just don't want to see her hurt, I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "By denying her love?" Charlotte pressed, her voice fierce yet filled with love for our daughter. "You're hurting her more than you know. She needs us to stand by her side, not to fight against her. Can't you see that?"