CHAPTER 65

"Times have changed father."Alejandro said."My wife can do whatever makes her happy she has a right to her own free will and I wouldn't change that for anything."

"You've changed...for her."Vicente said."You must love her immensely."

"Of course he does."Mariana jumped in."They make one another happy isn't that important."

"It is."Her husband agreed."So is trust."

"If father has something to say then I would suggest father say it."Alejandro told him.Abby knew where this was going and was afraid of how Alejandro will act if he can hear what his father has done."I trust my wife."Abby didn't know that he surely doesn't act that way.

"Has Abigail told you I came by your house this morning."Alejandro glared at her."I assume she hasn't."His father continued.

"I was gonna tell you."She told him.

"We had quite an interesting conversation.She and I,honestly son I didn't think Abigail was the right woman for you."

"Father now isn't the time nor the place."Abby could hear the coldness in his tone.

"Let me finish."Vicente told him."I was under the impression she was after your money and the comfort and security you can provide for her.Let's be honest here that's what most women are after a man's bank balance,his status and socialite circle."

"Abigail isn't that kind of woman one of many reasons why I married her." Alejandro defended his wife and Abby felt grateful that he's standing up for her.

"I offered your wife ten million dollars to divorce you."

Everyone went quiet around the table at the same time Abby could feel the tension radiating of Alejandro's body,he had stiffen at hearing his father's words."Who gave father the right to try and buy my wife off."

"Vicente.Why did you do that."It was Mariana who spoke.

"I had to make sure she married you for all the right reasons."Vicente argued.

"You've gone too far this time."Alejandro said,anger clear in his voice."My private life isn't anyone's business and who ever dares to hurt my wife in any way will have me to deal with.I think I made myself clear,father if you still cannot accept my wife then there's no place for us here."He stood up and pushed his chair back."Abigail it's time for us to go.Go fetch Alejandra.Mother thank you for dinner."

"Alejandro don't go."Mariana said."Stay."

"So your husband can insult my wife even further."

"Your mother is right Alejandro."His father said."Stay.I apologise Abigail if I said anything to offend you as a father I only want what's best for my children. I had to see what my son sees in you,why he was prepared to lay down his life for you and talking to you this morning showed me.Can you sit down so I can explain why I did what I did."

"We won't be staying for much longer say whatever father want to say."

"She didn't accept my offer she also gave me a piece of her mind too.A woman that doesn't stand or take anyone's nonsense,you chose well she's the right one for you.She loves you beyond measure,more than herself,before I die I have to make sure the three of you are in good hands.Abigail will take care of you I don't doubt that her love for you knows no bounds just like you she'll sacrifice herself to see you happy and content.Abigail I'm sorry for my behaviour and I apologise to you too Jack and Kate please forgive me."

"There's no need to apologise Mr Alvarez as a parent myself I understand." Abby said.

"Abigail-..."Alejandro began.

"He's your father Alejandro see things from his point of view."She reasoned. "His son was about to sacrifice everything he's worked so hard for all for a woman he barely knew,he loves you and has your best interest at heart.I don't blame him neither should you,wouldn't you do anything for Alejandra."He didn't answer."Please let it go."

"Alejandro as your father all I want is for you to be happy and I accept that Abigail makes you happy I've seen that.Take care of her,love her unconditionally.I'm happy for you and Abigail welcome to the family.Care to give a old man a hug."Abby did."I'm extremely sorry for my behavior."

"I have to say Vicente I'm not happy about what you did to my daughter."Kate said."But I'm only letting it go because my daughter has forgiven you next time I won't be so forgiving."

"I'm sorry Abigail for my husband's behavior."Mariana added.

"Please there's no need to apologise.Let's put it behind us and enjoy this evening."Abby met her husband's eyes he was still upset that angry glare said it all.

"Father I'd like a word please."He said.

Abby stalked over to him pulling him aside she said."No harm was done.Please don't be mad at your father and I don't believe he had any bad intentions."

"You cannot seriously expect me to let this matter go and pretend all is well when he literally insulted and degraded you by trying to buy you off just so you can divorce me.He might be my father but that doesn't mean he had a right to do what he did and what kind of a husband would I be if I don't defend you and your honor."

"Thank you for standing by my side,you have no idea what that means to me but please just for tonight let's enjoy this night.I'm begging you."

"We will after I've talked to my father."He walked off leaving her to stare after him.

"How can father do such a thing."Alejandro said the second he closed the study door he was trying very hard to control his anger,he can't believe what his father has done."She's my wife.And what makes father think that I would've divorced her if she did ask for one."

"I don't,and I admit my actions were a bit extreme but it was necessary."

Alejandro gave a bitter laugh."Necessary.For whom actually?For father."

"You have alot to lose Alejandro."

"Yes I have alot to lose!"He admitted."And that's her and my daughter nothing else matters except for them.I don't care if she wants my money which I know she doesn't,I love her-..."Alejandro stopped mid-sentence when he heard himself,this is the first time he's actually admitted out loud that he loves Abigail the realisation was staggering yes he loves her always had and probably always will he just hadn't realise how strong his love for her was that it literally shook the ground under his feet he can't picture a life without her. "I love her father."He continued."Nothing else matters and I will not stand by and let anyone including father disrespect my wife in any way."

"You truly love this woman I made the mistake of underestimating how much. I apologise Alejandro."

"I hope we won't have this discussion again.If Abigail isn't welcome or accepted into this family then there's no place for me either.I love my family but I love my wife more."

"I wouldn't want to lose you son especially after everything you've done for me and this family when I couldn't.I'm proud of what you've achieved,Abigail is a woman who knows what she wants,she'll stand by you and love you in spite of your faults I've wanted you to have a strong woman by your side and you do never let her go.She's a gem and you know gems are rare to find.Shall we?" Alejandro followed his father out,the automatic wheelchair they've bought for him seems to work perfectly for his father he can easily move around the house except go upstairs,all his stuff including his mother's had been moved downstairs he was glad his father was making a good recovery.When they joined the others he saw all the women weren't there.

"Where's Abigail?"He asked Arturo.

"Upstairs with Andrea they checking on Alejandra and Bella.Mom and Kate are outside on the patio."

"I'll be right back."He told his brother and headed up the steps he heard them talking in Bella's nursery.