MEANT TO BE SOLELY MINE

CHAPTER 8 (PART 1)

BE MINE

Alejandro sat on the porch outside his home, staring out at the modest compound. His earlier outing had been futile. The port officials wouldn’t budge, giving him no valuable explanation as to why his goods had been confiscated. He sat there, weighed down by frustration, wondering why these troubles kept crossing his path. First, Esmeralda lost her job. Then, his goods were confiscated. And now, there was the ongoing problem with Oscar.

Lost in thought, Alejandro didn’t notice when Estelle and Rafael walked in.

“Papá, you are back!” Estelle said, rushing to hug him.

“Uncle, how did it go?” Rafael asked.

Before Alejandro could respond, Camila stepped out from inside. “They refused to release the goods,” she stated. Then, turning to Estelle, she asked, “How did your lunch date go?”

“Mamá, Rafael is the perfect gentleman. He took me to a very expensive restaurant,” Estelle replied, clinging to Rafael with a smile. Rafael’s chest swelled at her praise.

“That’s good,” Camila nodded approvingly. “I know my son-in-law is capable.”

Alejandro stayed silent. From the first day he met Rafael, he hadn’t approved of him. There was something about Rafael that felt wrong—perhaps a wolf in sheep’s clothing. And besides, he was prideful, so very prideful. Yet, Alejandro held his peace; he wanted Estelle to be happy.

“Uncle, I have already spoken with my boss,” Rafael added. “He said you could come by tomorrow morning to see him.”

Alejandro’s eyes narrowed. “I thought I made it clear that you shouldn’t go to Mr. Salvador concerning this issue!” he snapped, his patience finally worn thin. What kind of son-in-law did he plan on becoming, one who doesn’t even listen to him? He would never allow it.

Rafael flinched, visibly shaken. This was the first time Alejandro had raised his voice at him.

Camila noticed Alejandro’s irritation and quickly stepped in to defend Rafael. “Mi amor, he is only trying to help. Why are you yelling at him?” she said firmly. “Besides, he has already spoken with his boss. You have no choice but to go—refusing would seem disrespectful. Hence, incurring Mr. Salvador's wrath and that is the last thing we need. You know Oscar is breathing down our necks. Just so you are aware, I have no intention of my daughter and I ending up working in a brothel,” she snapped, her voice tight with frustration.

“Yes, Papa, please listen to him,” Estelle added softly, standing by Rafael’s side.

Alejandro looked at his wife, a little surprised by her blunt words and the support from his daughter. He considered it for a moment before sighing. “It seems I don’t have a choice then.”

A collective smile of relief spread across their faces as he agreed, but Rafael hesitated before speaking again. “Uncle… there is just one condition.”

Alejandro’s brow lifted. “And what is that?”

Rafael paused, glancing at Estelle. “He said… he would like you to bring Estelle along.”

“¡Qué el joder! (What the fuck!) No way!” Estelle protested immediately, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Alejandro frowned, caught off guard. “Why?” he asked, genuinely puzzled. This was far from the condition he had expected.

“I don’t know, Uncle,” Rafael replied, shifting uncomfortably.

“I don’t want to go, Papá. Lorenzo Salvador is…” Estelle hesitated, searching for the right words. “He is mean, heartless, and, most of all, ruthless. I am honestly afraid of him, so I don’t want to go,” she said, unwillingly.

“Cotton candy, it’s not up to me,” Alejandro responded firmly. “You heard your mother, and you already agreed. So, we are going.”

“Estelle, just think of it as escorting your dad,” Camila added gently. “Please, do it for me—for us.”

Estelle looked around at their expectant faces and sighed, finally nodding obediently. Rafael smiled inwardly, satisfied that he had managed to convince the family.