Kate’s POV

Control. That’s what I’d always prided myself on—being the woman who knew how to keep her family in line, her world perfectly ordered. But lately, everything felt like it was slipping through my fingers, no matter how hard I tried to hold on.

Zaire, my brilliant, stubborn son, refused to see the bigger picture. He thought this “love” with Miyah was some fairytale, but I saw the cracks. She wasn’t right for him. She wasn’t one of us.

Sitting in my parlor with a glass of wine, I replayed the dinner fiasco in my mind. Miyah’s audacity still shocked me. No woman had ever spoken to me like that, especially not someone from her background.

But it wasn’t just Miyah that was the problem. Zaire’s insistence on defending her, Giovanni’s quiet rebellion, and even Zoey and Ashley aligning themselves with her—it was like my entire family had turned against me.

I sighed, staring out the window at the sprawling garden. My phone buzzed on the table, breaking my thoughts. It was Tessa, my oldest and most trusted friend.

“Kate, darling,” Tessa’s voice was light, but I could hear the concern beneath it. “How’s everything going? Did Zaire finally come to his senses?”

I grimaced. “Not yet, but I’m working on it. These things take time.”

Tessa sighed. “Well, you can’t let that girl drag him down. Have you spoken to Alicia about the situation?”

I hesitated. Alicia, Tessa’s daughter, was everything I wanted for Zaire—poised, elegant, from a good family. But Zaire barely gave her the time of day. “I’m planning another dinner,” I said, trying to sound confident. “Something smaller, more intimate. Maybe without all the distractions, Zaire will finally see sense.”

Tessa hummed in agreement. “Good. It’s time he remembers who he is—and where he comes from.”

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Zaire’s POV

I leaned back in my office chair, the weight of the world on my shoulders. Between Miyah, Amanda, and now my mother, I felt like I was constantly putting out fires.

When I got a text from her asking me to dinner—again—I already knew what it was about.

“She not goin’ stop, yuh know,” Miyah said as she walked into the room, reading my expression. She perched on the edge of my desk, her dark eyes full of knowing.

“Yuh think mi nuh know dat?” I muttered, running a hand over my face.

Miyah smirked. “Yuh mother’s stubborn, Zaire. But she nuh more stubborn than me.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. That was one of the things I loved about her—her confidence, her fire. “Yuh sure? She been at this ting longer than yuh been alive.”

Miyah leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Let har try. Mi nuh fraid ah Kate.”

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Kate’s POV

The night of the dinner arrived, and I had everything planned to perfection. The dining room was set with my finest china, and the guest list was carefully curated. Just a small gathering—Zaire, Miyah (unfortunately), Alicia, Tessa, and myself.

When Zaire and Miyah arrived, I kept my expression neutral, but I could feel my blood boil as Miyah walked in with her head held high, dressed in a stunning gown that almost outshone Alicia’s. Almost.

“Mother,” Zaire greeted, kissing me on the cheek.

“Miyah,” I said coolly, offering her a tight smile.

“Kate,” she replied, her voice calm but firm.

As the evening went on, I did everything I could to highlight Alicia’s qualities. Her accomplishments, her poise, her grace. But Zaire barely paid her any attention. His focus was entirely on Miyah.

It was infuriating.

“So, Miyah,” I said, my tone sharp, “tell me, what exactly is it you do again?”

Miyah didn’t flinch. “I run a boutique and manage a growing online brand.”

“How…interesting,” I said, letting the condescension drip from my words. “And that’s enough to keep up with Zaire’s lifestyle?”

Zaire shot me a warning look, but Miyah didn’t need his protection.

“Mi nuh need fi keep up with his lifestyle, Miss Kate. Mi create mi own,” she said, her voice steady but pointed.

The room fell silent. Even Alicia looked taken aback.

“Miyah—” Zaire started, but she held up a hand, silencing him.

“With all due respect, Miss Kate,” Miyah continued, her gaze locking on mine, “I love yuh son, but mi nuh goin’ tolerate di disrespect. Mi nuh care weh mi come from—mi know who mi is, and dat nuh goin’ change.”

Zaire reached for her hand, his expression full of pride. “Mi did tell yuh already, Mom. If yuh cyaah accept Miyah, den mi cyaah keep dis relationship wid yuh.”

“Zaire, don’t be ridiculous,” I said, my voice rising.

“Mi serious,” he said firmly. “Dis foolishness affi stop.”

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Miyah’s POV

As we left the dinner, I could feel Zaire’s tension easing, but I knew this wasn’t over. Kate wouldn’t give up that easily.

“You didn’t have to defend me like that,” I said softly as we got into the car.

“Yes, mi did,” Zaire replied, his voice resolute. “Mi nuh goin’ let anyone, not even mi mother, come between we.”

I leaned back in my seat, a small smile playing on my lips. For the first time in a long time, I felt like we were truly untouchable.

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