Meant to be. Book 2. (COMPLETED.)

TWENTY. argument./reassured.

Selena positioned herself at a corner of the backyard, her gaze fixed directly on him. Ricardo, crossing his arms over his chest, couldn't help but smirk at his daughter's eye roll in response.

It was hard for her to fathom that he was standing right there, considering everything he had done to the woman she loved. He had never approved of Eugenia and had never made an effort to get to know her.

He had always assumed the worst about Eugenia, unjustly blaming her for the demise of their marriage. But Selena knew his perception was completely wrong.

"About what?" She asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Your relationship with your ex-wife," He stated, his tone firm.

"Don't you like her?" Selena questioned, her voice tinged with skepticism.

"I'm just trying to help you out, sweetie," Ricardo replied, his intentions seemingly genuine.

"You're not really helping me at this moment, Dad. Nothing will change my mind about how I feel for her, but you can try to sway my opinion," Selena asserted, her determination evident.

"Please listen to what I have to say." He said.

"Then start talking," Selena challenged, her eyes locked onto his.

"I know you love her, but why did you decide to get back together with her? There must be a reason why you got divorced in the first place," He suggested, his concern evident.

"I have grown and matured over the past few years since our marriage ended. I know exactly what I am doing this time around," Selena responded, running a hand through her hair and exhaling deeply.

"I want you to be careful that's all." He replied burying his hands into his pockets.

"I'll be careful," She assured him, her voice filled with determination.

"Find out more about the threat she received," He pondered aloud, his curiosity piqued.

"Wait, what?" She questioned, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"Oh, it's nothing," He dismissed her concern with a wave of his hand, concealing his worry.

Their eyes met, a silent battle of wills unfolding between father and daughter. Selena stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. Ricardo exhaled, holding his ground without wavering.

"I won't let you ruin my relationship with her this time around. I will make sure that neither you nor anyone else tries to sabotage what we have. I promise you, I won't lose her because of someone else's opinions, just like what happened before," Selena declared, her determination shining through.

"I'm only looking out for you," He protested, his voice tinged with concern.

"I appreciate your concern, but this is my life. I can handle it," Selena responded, her voice filled with conviction.

"I'll stay out of your way." He promised crossing his finger behind his back.

With a nod of her head, she gracefully spun on her heels and made her way towards the house. A radiant smile adorning her face.

As she sat on the couch, Selena gently pulled Gracie onto her lap, wrapping her arms around her. The soft touch of her sister's cheek against her own made Selena's heart melt.