Miya's POV

After that disastrous dinner, I expected Zaire’s mother to lash out even more, but instead, there was silence. It wasn’t the comforting kind of silence either—it was the kind that felt like the calm before a storm.

Zaire dropped me off at my place after dinner, promising to check in the next day. As I sat in my living room, replaying everything in my head, I couldn’t help but wonder what Kate’s next move would be. Women like her didn’t just back down without a fight, and I had a gut feeling that she wasn’t done yet.

The next morning, Zaire showed up unannounced. He had that serious look on his face, the one he wore when he was focused and ready to tackle something head-on.

“Come on,” he said as he grabbed my hand.

“Where are we going?” I asked, confused.

“To set some boundaries,” he replied firmly.

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Zaire’s POV

I wasn’t going to let my mother’s antics mess up what I had with Miyah. She had crossed the line, and it was time for me to make things crystal clear.

I drove us to my mother’s house. Miyah was quiet beside me, probably wondering if this was a good idea. But I couldn’t keep letting my mom disrespect her.

When we got there, I walked in without knocking. Kate was in the living room, sipping tea like nothing had happened. When she saw us, her expression shifted, but I didn’t give her time to speak.

“We need to talk,” I said, my tone sharp.

Kate set her cup down and crossed her arms. “If this is about last night—”

“It is,” I interrupted. “Mom, I’ve had enough. I love you, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but you’ve got to stop trying to control my life. Miyah is who I’ve chosen, and if you can’t accept that, then we have a problem.”

Her eyes flicked to Miyah, and I could see the tension between them. “Zaire, I’m only looking out for you. You don’t understand how important it is to have someone by your side who—”

“Who what?” Miyah cut in, her voice steady but sharp. “Who meets your standards? Who fits into your idea of what’s right for him? Newsflash, Mrs. Kingston: Zaire is a grown man. He doesn’t need you to choose for him.”

Kate’s lips thinned, but before she could respond, I stepped in.

“Mom, this is the last time we’re having this conversation. If you can’t respect Miyah and treat her with the same dignity you’d expect for yourself, then we’re done. No dinners, no meetings, no relationship. I’m not going to let you ruin this for me.”

The room fell silent. Kate looked at me like I’d just slapped her, but I didn’t back down.

“Do you mean that?” she finally asked, her voice soft but laced with disbelief.

“I do,” I said firmly. “And I hope you can understand that.”

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Kate’s POV

As I watched my son stand there, defending Miyah with such conviction, I realized I’d underestimated their relationship. It wasn’t just a fling or a passing phase. He was serious about her—serious enough to risk our relationship over it.

I wanted to argue, to make him see reason, but deep down, I knew I’d already lost.

“I hear you,” I said finally, my voice tight. “I’ll try.”

Zaire gave me a long look as if he was trying to gauge if I was being sincere. I wasn’t sure if I could keep my promise, but for now, it was enough to get him out the door.

As they left, I sat back down and stared at my untouched tea.

Maybe it was time to let go.

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Miya's POV

When we got back to Zaire’s car, I finally let out the breath I’d been holding.

“Do you think she meant it?” I asked him.

He shrugged, his jaw tight. “Time will tell. But either way, I’m not letting her or anyone else come between us.”

I reached over and squeezed his hand. “Thank you, Zaire. For everything.”

He looked at me, his eyes softening. “You don’t have to thank me, baby. You’re worth it.”

As we drove off, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. For the first time, it felt like we were truly on the same page, ready to face whatever came our way.

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