Rivals Redemption

chapter 82 : A glimmer of hope

Tina Diaz

After the dinner debacle, I could still feel the warmth of Rowan's kiss lingering on my lips, despite the embarrassment that had crept up my cheeks in front of everyone. I knew it was bold and reckless, especially in front of my father, but a part of me had enjoyed it-his confidence, the way he proclaimed his love for me. I just wished it wouldn't stir up any more trouble between my dad and him.

Once the dishes were cleared and everyone had dispersed, I found my parents in the living room. My heart raced a little, knowing I needed to talk to my dad about everything. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for what was to come.

"Mom, Dad, can we talk?" I asked, my voice steady despite my nerves. They nodded, and I gestured for them to sit down.

My dad settled into his chair, and I took a spot across from him, my mom sitting beside him, her hand resting reassuringly on his arm.

"About Rowan..." I began, glancing between my parents. "I know things have been difficult between you two, but I really want you to understand him better. He loves me, Dad. He really does."

Victor sighed heavily, rubbing his temples as if trying to ease the tension that had settled there. "Tina, you know my history with Reginald Cortez. It's not easy for me to separate him from his son."

"I get that," I said, trying to keep my tone calm. "But Rowan isn't his father. He's his own person. You saw how passionate he was tonight-how he stood up for himself and for us."

Victor looked thoughtful for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "He's persistent, that's for sure. I'll give him that," he admitted begrudgingly. "But just because he can stand up to me doesn't mean he's right for you."

"Dad," I pressed gently, "he's doing everything he can to prove himself. He took a job at your company, didn't he? He's not doing it just to challenge you; he wants to show you that he can provide for me."

Victor leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "I appreciate that he's trying, but it takes more than just a job to win my approval. This is my daughter we're talking about."

"I know that, and I respect you for it," I replied, feeling a surge of determination. "But you need to understand that love is about more than what you think is suitable or acceptable. It's about support and being there for each other. Rowan is that for me. I just wish you could see that."

My mom chimed in, her voice soft but steady. "Victor, maybe it's time to let go of the past a little. You've carried that weight for so long. If you can find it in yourself to forgive Reginald, perhaps you can also make room for Rowan in your heart."

Victor looked at my mom, his expression shifting. "I've spent years resenting Reginald for what I thought he did to me, but I think I can find a way to forgive him," he admitted slowly. "I'll never forget what happened, but I realize that holding onto that anger isn't helping anyone, least of all Tina."

A flicker of hope ignited in my chest. "So, you're willing to at least try?" I asked cautiously.

"I can try, yes," Victor replied, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "It doesn't mean I'm fully on board yet, but I see that Rowan is determined to make this work. I respect that he hasn't given up on you."

"Thank you, Dad," I said, my heart swelling with gratitude. "That means more to me than you know. I just want us all to be a family."

Victor nodded, looking more relaxed than he had earlier. "I want you to be happy, Tina. And if Rowan makes you happy, then I guess it's time I tried to understand him better. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders."

Mom smiled warmly at my dad, squeezing his hand. "You've made a good step tonight. I'm proud of you, Victor."

"I'll make an effort," he conceded, but I could see the determination in his eyes, a willingness to accept this new chapter, even if it wasn't fully there yet.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, we were finally moving in the right direction. I couldn't wait to tell Rowan about this conversation. It felt like a breakthrough, a crack in the wall that had been built between our families. As I sat there, surrounded by my parents, I felt hopeful about our future.