Tank's jaw clenched. "What's the truth?" he barked.

"That she baby-trapped you," Darling said smoothly, arms crossed.

A sharp laugh left Tank's lips, but there was no humor in it. "She trapped me?"

Darling lifted her chin. "I mean, you always use condoms. So she must've poked holes in them to trap you."

Tank's smirk grew dark. He wanted to break her, just like she had just tried to break Kayla.

"See, that's where you're wrong," he said, voice laced with taunting amusement. "Kayla and I don't use condoms."

Darling's smirk faltered.

"We fuck raw every single time," Tank continued. "And I intentionally filled her up each time with my seed."

The color drained from Darling's face.

"But you used them with me," she whispered, her voice suddenly small.

Tank let out a cruel chuckle. "I didn't want a baby with you. I wanted a baby with Kayla. I want that baby in Kayla's belly." He took a step closer, towering over her. "If anything, I trapped her."

Darling's eyes welled with tears.

Tank smirked. "I fucked her every day, raw, until I knew she was pregnant."

Darling swallowed hard. Her lips trembled.

"What does she have that I don't?" she whimpered.

Tank didn't hesitate.

"Me."

Darling blinked rapidly as fresh tears slipped down her cheeks.

"She's real. She's down to earth. And she loves my country ass," he taunted.

Then, to put the nail in the coffin, he said, "And I love her."

Darling's breath hitched. "But—but I was your first everything," she stammered.

Tank shrugged, completely unaffected. "So? You think that matters to me? I don't love you, Darling. Maybe back then, but not now. Not ever." His voice was sharp, final. "I will never love you like I love Kayla. I'm in love with her."

Darling let out a choked sob. "Tank, please—"

She reached for his arm, desperate, but Tank yanked it away and walked off.

Darling wasn't about to give up.

She ran after him, crying. "Tank, why?! Why her and not me?!"

Dina suddenly stepped forward, trying to stop her sister. "Darling, stop. You're embarrassing yourself."

"No!" Darling wailed. "Tank—"

"Enough!" Sherri's sharp voice cut through the air.

The crowd hushed.

"You got my daughter crying at her own gender reveal over some puppy love relationship?" Sherri scolded, her eyes burning into Darling.

Darling tried to plead, "Miss Sherri—"

"No," Sherri snapped. "You've done enough."

Tank didn't stop. His heart was racing, his breath coming out in short bursts as he stormed toward the house. His mind was only on Kayla.

He shoved open the front door, his boots thudding heavily against the floor as he moved with urgency.

"Kayla!" he called, his voice thick with worry.

Silence.

His eyes darted around the living room before he heard it—muffled sobs coming from down the hall.

His stomach dropped.

He followed the sound, stopping at the bathroom door. His hands immediately went to the knob. Locked. His heart pounded harder.

Tank's hands were damn near trembling as he banged on the bathroom door. "Kayla, baby, please open up," he pleaded, his voice thick with frustration and worry. He could hear her muffled cries on the other side, and it was killing him. His chest tightened as he rattled the doorknob again, but it didn't budge.

"Tank, stop," Terrance Jr. grabbed his shoulder, trying to pull him back. "You gon' scare her more, bruh."

"My fiancée is cryin'! I need to check on her," Tank snapped, his voice cracking as his hands balled into fists. He could hear Kayla sobbing, and it made his whole body tense. His heart felt like it was about to beat out of his chest.

"Baby, talk to me," Tank pressed his forehead against the door, his voice softening. "Don't shut me out. I'm right here, okay? Please open up."

On the other side of the door, Kayla was curled up on the closed toilet seat, her arms wrapped around her stomach. She could still hear Darling's words ringing in her ears—words laced with venom, words meant to break her.

"You're trash." "You seduced your mother's husband." "You trapped Tank."

Her breathing was uneven, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to suppress her sobs. She knew Darling was lying, but the fact that she threw Vince in her face like that, knowing what he did to her, made her feel dirty all over again.

A fresh wave of tears spilled over, and she buried her face in her hands, unable to stop the ache in her chest.

"Kayla, baby, please," Tank called again, his voice thick with emotion. "I ain't gon' let nobody talk to you like that. I love you. Ain't no truth to what she said, and you know that."

More sobbing.

Tank's jaw clenched. His fiancée—his pregnant fiancée—was crying alone in that bathroom, and he needed to be in there with her.

"Kayla, please," he begged, knocking again.

Still nothing.

Panic clawed at his chest.

His fist pounded harder. "Kayla, open the damn door!" His voice cracked even more.

The family had started gathering near the hallway, watching in silence. Sherri's brows pulled together in concern.

Terrance Jr. stepped forward, trying to be the voice of reason. "Tank, stop, man. You're rattling the whole damn house."

Tank didn't care. His palm slammed against the door. "Kayla, please—"

No response. Just the sound of her soft, broken sobs.

Something inside him snapped.

"Fuck!" he barked, his voice raw as he yanked at the doorknob, trying to force his way in.

Sherri had seen her son angry before. He had always been hot-headed, always quick to throw hands when provoked. But this was different.

This wasn't just Tank mad.

This was Tank frantic and that scared her.

Tamera and Tanya all exchanged uneasy looks, watching as one of the toughest man they knew—Tank, their brother—was coming undone over a crying girl locked in the bathroom.

Darling had made Kayla cry, but now, Tank was the one looking like he was about to fall apart.

Sherri sighed deeply before stepping forward. "Move," she told Tank.

Tank's breathing was ragged as he turned to his mother, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He was trying so damn hard to keep himself together, but he needed to see Kayla.

"Go stand back," Sherri ordered.

Tank hesitated, but when Sherri narrowed her eyes, he took a step back, his hands still shaking.

Sherri turned toward the door, softened her voice, and knocked gently. "Baby, it's me. Open up, sugar."

No response just more grunt wrenching sobs.

"Kayla, honey," Sherri's voiced gentle but firm. "Come on out, baby. Don't let that girl ruin this moment for you. You got family out here who love you, who happy for you. Let us be here for you."

Kayla sniffled, her hands tightening against her belly. She hated feeling this way—like she was weak. Like she was that scared, broken girl all over again.

A sudden knock interrupted her thoughts, but this one was softer.

"Lil bit..." Tank's voice was barely above a whisper. "I need you, baby. Please let me in."

The crying quieted for a moment, as if Kayla was listening.

Sherri continued, "Sweetheart, I know that girl said something that hurt you, but don't let her steal your peace, okay? We love you, baby."

Tank swallowed hard. His hands balled into fists.

After a moment, they heard a small click.

The door unlocked.

Sherri stepped back as the knob slowly turned, and the door creaked open.

Kayla stood there, her eyes red and puffy, her cheeks stained with tears. Her hands were protectively cradling her small belly, as if shielding their baby from the world.

Tank didn't hesitate.

He pushed past his mother and gathered Kayla in his arms.

"Baby," he murmured, his lips against her temple, his arms wrapping so tight around her it was like he was afraid she'd disappear. "I got you. I got you."

Kayla let out a shaky breath, melting against his chest.

Tank closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, forcing himself to calm down. Feeling her against him, breathing her in, knowing she was safe—it was the only thing keeping him from losing his damn mind.

Sherri watched them for a moment, then sighed and motioned for the family to clear out.

"Give them some space," she murmured.

"Shit, baby..." he murmured, his lips pressing into her curls. "I got you. You hear me? Ain't nobody gon' hurt you."

Kayla clung to him, burying her face into his chest. His scent, warm and familiar, surrounded her, grounding her.

"I—I just..." she started, but her voice cracked.

"Shh, don't say nothin'. Just breathe, baby," Tank whispered, rocking her gently.

Sherri wiped a tear from her eye before turning toward Darling, who was still standing there with her arms crossed.

"You oughta be ashamed of yourself," Sherri spat. "Comin' here, runnin' your mouth, tryin' to ruin my son's moment."

"I was just telling the truth," Darling muttered, though her confidence had wavered.

"That wasn't truth. That was bitterness. That was hate," Dina said, stepping forward. "You done enough damage, Darling. Just go."

Darling's lips trembled as she looked between everyone. Then, realizing she had lost. Tank pulled Kayla into him as they stepped out of his parents' house, making their way to their own home. His grip was firm, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist, holding her close like he was shielding her from the world.

Kayla's face was still streaked with tears, her eyes swollen and puffy from all the crying. Everyone outside tried not to stare, but the damage was already done—they knew. Knew that Darling had said something to break her. Knew that Kayla wasn't just a little upset; she was devastated.

Tank kissed the top of her head, his jaw clenched as rage still burned inside him. He had half a mind to turn around and deal with Darling himself, but before he could, someone beat him to it.

Coco. Tank's favorite cousin, Coco, was already moving.

She stormed straight up to Darling, who was standing off to the side, still wiping at her own tears.

Before Darling could react, Coco socked her square in the nose.

A loud gasp rang through the crowd as Darling stumbled back, gripping her face, a sharp cry escaping her lips. Blood instantly started to trickle from her nostrils.

"You raggedy bitch," Coco hissed, shaking out her fist. "You couldn't just be miserable by yo'self, huh? You had to come in here and ruin her moment?"

Dina gasped and rushed forward, grabbing her sister before she fell completely. "Coco, what the hell?!"

"Nah, fuck that," Coco snapped, her brown eyes blazing with fury. "You deserved that shit. Say some foul shit again, and I'ma beat yo' ass for real next time."

Darling was too busy holding her nose, her eyes wide in shock as blood dripped down onto her dress.

Tank ignored the chaos behind them. His only focus was Kayla.

He led her inside their home, kicking the door shut behind them before pulling her into his arms again. "Baby, come here."

Kayla barely made it to the couch before she broke down again.

Her hands flew to her belly as her sobs wracked through her body. "It's like the universe don't want me happy," she cried, her voice shaking.

Tank's heart clenched.

His chest ached seeing her like this. His hands rubbed up and down her arms, trying to soothe her, but she was still crying too hard.

"Baby, please don't cry," he murmured, guiding her down to sit, holding her close.

Kayla sniffled, but the tears wouldn't stop. She looked up at him, her bottom lip trembling.

"She—she said I trapped you," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Tank's nostrils flared. Kayla hiccupped through her sobs, shaking her head as she repeated everything.

"She said the only reason you proposed was 'cause I baby-trapped you. That I—that I poked holes in condoms to trick you," she whimpered.

Tank's fists clenched.

Kayla wiped at her cheeks, her hands trembling. "She said I was trash. Some damaged girl. She said—she said I seduced Vince. That I was a whore who sleeps with married men. She said—"

She choked on a sob, burying her face in her hands.

"She said I had sex with Vince."

Tank froze. His entire body went rigid. His breath slowed, his blood ran hot, and his mind raced a mile a minute. That name.

Vince. How the fuck did Darling know about Vince? His stomach twisted, his anger burning hotter, deeper.

Kayla was still crying, her sobs getting heavier. "But it's not true, Tyler! I would never—"

"I know," Tank cut in quickly, his voice firm.

Kayla hiccupped, looking up at him with watery eyes.

"I know, baby," he repeated, his voice softer this time. "I know you didn't do that."

Kayla shook her head. "It don't feel like it," she whispered. "It feel like the world don't want me to be happy. Like I can't ever get away from it."

Tank could see how much Darling's words had shattered her.

And it made his blood fucking boil. Not only did Darling cross the line—she stomped all over it.

And now, Kayla was left questioning everything.

Tank exhaled, forcing himself to push his anger aside—for now. He gently cupped Kayla's face, wiping her tears with his thumbs.

"Listen to me," he murmured, his forehead pressing against hers. "Ain't nobody gon' take your happiness, Kay. Not her, not nobody. You hear me?"

Kayla let out a shaky breath, her lips parting as more tears fell.

"I love you," Tank whispered. "I chose you. I want you and this baby. Ain't no trapping, ain't no bullshit. You mine, Kayla. And I ain't never letting you go."

Kayla sniffled, her bottom lip still trembling.

Tank pulled her closer, kissing her forehead, then her nose, then her lips.

And Kayla finally let out a deep, shaky exhale—because for the first time that night, she believed him.

While Tank was inside calming Kayla down, Sherri had her own situation to handle outside. She turned back to Darling, her expression stone cold.

"You gotta go," Sherri said, her voice low and firm.

Darling, still clutching her nose as blood dripped onto her fingers, looked up in shock. "W-what?"

Sherri crossed her arms, her stance unwavering. "You heard me. You ain't welcome here no more."

Dina, who was still holding onto Darling, widened her eyes. "Miss Sherri—"

"No," Sherri cut her off sharply, her gaze locked on Darling. "I don't wanna hear nothin'."

Darling swallowed hard, still in pain from Coco's punch, but she refused to leave like this. She wiped at her nose, trying to stop the bleeding, then looked back at Sherri with desperation in her eyes.

"But—but this ain't fair," Darling stammered. "You just gon' kick me out 'cause I told the truth?"

Sherri's nostrils flared. "The truth?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief.

Darling nodded quickly, stepping forward. "Yeah! Kayla did trap Tank! She ain't innocent! She got y'all fooled—"

The sound cracked through the air as Sherri's hand connected with Darling's face. Darling gasped, her head snapping to the side as her free hand flew to her stinging cheek.

"Miss Sherri!" Dina yelped, pulling Darling back in shock.

Sherri wasn't done. She stepped forward, her voice ice cold.

"You nasty, triflin', low-down bitch," she spat. "You came to my house, to my family's celebration, and you destroyed my daughter's night."

Darling's mouth quivered, her eyes welling up again. "But—"

"SHUT UP!" Sherri snapped, her voice booming. "Ain't nobody asked for your bitter, miserable ass to be here! But since you came, you figured you'd drag my daughter through the mud, huh?"

Darling shook her head quickly, but Sherri wasn't finished.

"You think you hurt her? You think you did something?" Sherri took another step forward, forcing Darling to take a shaky step back. "You jealous. That's all this is. You hated that my son moved on. Hated that he loves Kayla. Hated that he's building a life with her. So you tried to break her spirit tonight."

Darling was speechless.

Sherri's voice dropped, her next words hitting like a knife to the chest. "But guess what, baby?" Sherri leaned in. "You failed."

Darling's breathing turned shaky.

Sherri tilted her head. "Tank chose her. He gon' marry her. He gon' raise that baby with her. And guess what?" She smirked, shaking her head. "Ain't shit you can do about it."

Darling's lip trembled.

"Now get the fuck off my land."

The finality in her voice was undeniable.

Dina looked around, seeing all the eyes on them—watching, judging. It was humiliating.

"Come on," Dina muttered, grabbing Darling's arm.

But Darling still didn't move.

Sherri took one step closer, her voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "Don't make me drag you off."

Darling stiffened.

And finally, she turned away, allowing Dina to pull her toward the car. The second they got inside and drove off, Sherri exhaled sharply, her body still buzzing with anger.

Coco shook her head. "You shoulda whoop her ass."

Sherri waved her off, rubbing her temple. "You shoulda," she muttered.

Tanya sighed, looking toward the house. "Mama, Kayla okay?"

Sherri's expression softened slightly, but the anger was still there. "Tank in there with her," she murmured.

Tank held Kayla close, his large hand splayed protectively over her belly, feeling the faint flutters of their son beneath his palm. His jaw clenched as he replayed everything that happened outside—the humiliation, the venom in Darling's words, the way Kayla had broken down in his arms. It ate at him. He never wanted to see her like that again.

His grip on her tightened slightly, his lips pressing into her curls as she finally slept, her body exhausted from all the crying. He hated seeing her like this. Hated that she felt alone in a room full of people who were supposed to love and support her. But not anymore.

He promised himself—nobody would never hurt her again.

He kissed her forehead, rocking her gently as she let out a small sigh in her sleep. His hand trailed down to her belly again, feeling another tiny movement. His heart softened just a little.

"Hey, lil man," he murmured. "Daddy got y'all. Always."

A soft knock sounded at the front door, followed by voices. Tank exhaled heavily, knowing his family wouldn't leave until they saw for themselves that Kayla was okay.

With care, he slowly slid out from beneath her, placing a pillow in his spot before pulling the covers up to her shoulders. She stirred slightly but didn't wake, her body too tired to do anything but rest.

Tank took one last look at her before stepping out of the room, quietly pulling the door shut behind him.

As soon as he stepped into the living room, he was met with the worried faces of his family.

Sherri. Tanya. Tamera. Coco. Aunt Thelma. Terrance Jr. Even Terrance Sr. had come over, his usual reserved demeanor clouded with concern.

"How she doin', baby?" Sherri asked immediately, her voice soft but laced with worry.

Tank sighed, running a hand down his face. "She sleep."

"She alright?" Tanya pressed.

Tank hesitated, his jaw tightening. "She gon' be," he muttered, glancing toward the closed bedroom door.

Coco scoffed, folding her arms. "That bitch really had the nerve to come up in here and do that shit!"

Tamera shook her head in disgust. "She wanted to humiliate Kayla. That was her whole goal."

"Well, she humiliated herself," Sherri muttered, still seething. "That girl a damn fool."

Tank's fists clenched at his sides. "I shoulda put her ass out sooner," he growled.

Terrance Sr. spoke up for the first time. "Son, I know you mad," he said, his voice calm but firm. "But right now, your focus need to be on that girl back there." He nodded toward the bedroom. "She need you."

Tank exhaled slowly, nodding as he tried to shake off the frustration bubbling in his chest. His father was right.

Sherri placed a gentle hand on Tank's arm. "We gon' check on her tomorrow, let her rest tonight," she said softly. "But baby... just let her know we love her, alright?"

Tank nodded. "She know, Ma."

With that, his family started heading for the door, filing out one by one, but not before offering quiet reassurances and promising to come back the next day.

As soon as the last one left and the door clicked shut, Tank locked it, exhaling sharply.

He turned back toward the bedroom, his eyes darkening as he thought about everything Darling had said.

That shit about Vince... Tank had an idea of what happened but not everything that happened. But the way Kayla reacted... That wasn't just anger. That was hurt. Deep, soul-crushing hurt.

And Tank wasn't stupid, something happened, and he was gonna find out what.