Chapter 6: Fighting for Them
842 Words
Kiana had never considered herself the type to start a war.
But when it came to Vanessa?
She was more than ready to fight.
Because Vanessa wasn’t just some jealous ex. She was a threat—to Lily, to Ethan, and to everything Kiana had started to care about.
And there was no way in hell she was letting that woman win.
The first sign of trouble came that afternoon.
Kiana had just arrived at Lily’s school to pick her up when she spotted Vanessa standing near the entrance, looking smug.
Kiana’s stomach clenched.
Lily was holding hands with her teacher, looking small and hesitant as Vanessa crouched in front of her.
"There you are, sweetheart," Vanessa cooed. "Mommy’s here to take you home."
Lily stiffened.
Kiana didn’t hesitate. She strode forward, planting herself between Vanessa and Lily.
"That won’t be necessary," Kiana said flatly. "I’m here to pick her up."
Vanessa’s eyes flicked over her, lips curling. "Oh, how cute. The hired help thinks she’s part of the family."
Kiana’s fists clenched.
"I don’t think anything, Vanessa. I know Lily doesn’t want to go with you. And last I checked, Ethan has full custody."
Vanessa’s smile faltered for a split second before she regained her fake sweetness.
"That’s going to change soon," she purred. "I spoke to my lawyer today. Once I get shared custody, you won’t have a say anymore."
Lily clung to Kiana’s waist. "I don’t want to go with her," she whispered.
Kiana’s anger boiled over.
She crouched down, meeting Lily’s frightened gaze.
"Don’t worry, sweetheart," she murmured, squeezing Lily’s hands. "No one is taking you anywhere."
Then she stood, leveling Vanessa with a glare.
"If you ever try to pull something like this again, you won’t just be dealing with Ethan," Kiana warned. "You’ll be dealing with me too."
Vanessa’s eyes flashed.
"Big words for someone who’s just a temporary replacement," she sneered.
Kiana smirked. "If I were just temporary, you wouldn’t be so scared, would you?"
The way Vanessa’s jaw tightened told Kiana she had hit a nerve.
Without another word, she took Lily’s hand and walked away.
But as she led Lily to Ethan’s car, Kiana realized something.
This wasn’t just about fighting Vanessa anymore.
This was about protecting the people she was starting to love.
And she wasn’t backing down.
That evening, Kiana sat on the kitchen counter, watching Ethan pace angrily.
"She tried to take Lily from school?" Ethan growled, running a hand through his hair.
"She tried," Kiana confirmed. "But she didn’t succeed."
Ethan let out a sharp breath, gripping the edge of the table. "I knew she’d pull something, but I didn’t think she’d try to take Lily without my permission."
Kiana hopped off the counter, stepping closer. "We need to be prepared, Ethan. She’s going to keep pushing."
Ethan looked at her then, something raw in his eyes.
"I hate that she has any power at all," he admitted. "After everything she’s done… Lily shouldn’t even have to see her."
Kiana reached out, placing a hand on his arm.
"She won’t win," she promised. "Lily doesn’t even want to be with her. And I won’t let her scare that little girl."
Ethan exhaled, rubbing his face. "You shouldn’t have to be involved in this."
Kiana’s grip tightened. "I already did."
His gaze met hers, surprised.
Kiana swallowed, heart hammering. "I’m not just doing this for Lily. I’m doing it for you too."
Silence stretched between them.
Then, slowly, Ethan’s hand came up, his fingers brushing against hers.
"Kiana…" he murmured, voice low and uncertain.
For a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her.
But just as he leaned in—
"Daddy! Kiana!"
Lily’s voice rang through the house, breaking the moment.
Ethan sighed, stepping back. Kiana quickly dropped her hand, cheeks burning.
"We’ll talk later," Ethan murmured.
Kiana nodded, but her heart was still racing.
Because for the first time, she realized—
She didn’t just want to protect Ethan and Lily.
She wanted to be a part of their family.
For real.
The next day, Ethan got a letter from Vanessa’s lawyer.
"She’s filing for emergency visitation rights," Ethan muttered, slamming the paper onto the table.
Kiana frowned. "Can she do that?"
"Not unless she proves I’m unfit," Ethan growled.
Kiana’s stomach dropped.
"She’s going to try to make you look bad," she realized.
Ethan exhaled sharply. "Yeah. And knowing Vanessa, she won’t play fair."
Kiana sat beside him. "Then we fight back."
Ethan looked at her, his expression unreadable. "You keep saying ‘we.’"
Kiana met his gaze steadily. "Because I’m not leaving."
Ethan’s jaw tensed.
Then, suddenly, he reached for her hand, threading their fingers together.
"Thank you," he murmured.
Kiana’s heart skipped.
But before she could say anything, he squeezed her hand one last time and let go.
"Let’s win this," he said.
Kiana nodded.
And for the first time, she knew—this wasn’t just about Lily anymore.
This was about them.
And she would fight for them with everything she had.
- Writer
