Fire Meets Fire

Miyah’s POV

I stood outside the gates of Zaire’s massive estate, staring up at the towering house. I couldn’t lie—every time I saw it, it still felt surreal. I used to dream about living a life like this when I was younger, but I never thought it would actually happen. Now? It felt real. But I also knew that with every step into Zaire’s world, more problems followed.

The gates opened, and I stepped inside, my heels clicking against the pavement. Ashley and Zoey were right beside me, their energy loud and unapologetic as usual.

“Are you ready for tonight, Miyah?” Ashley asked, her voice low but serious.

“I was born ready,” I replied, a smirk tugging at my lips.

Zaire had told me earlier that his mother had planned a big family dinner to "bring everyone closer." But I knew better. This wasn’t a family reunion—it was a setup. Kate didn’t like me, and she wasn’t going to stop until she found a way to push me out of Zaire’s life.

“I can’t wait to see her face when you walk into that room,” Zoey said with a laugh, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

“I’m not worried about her,” I said, brushing off the thought. “I only care about Zaire.”

But deep down, I knew tonight was going to be a battle.

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Zaire’s POV

I watched as Miyah walked into the dining room, her confidence radiating like a flame. She wore a red dress that hugged her body perfectly, and for a second, I couldn’t focus on anything else. She was stunning, and she knew it.

But then I caught my mother’s expression out of the corner of my eye, and I knew this dinner was about to go left. She was already glaring at Miyah like she was the enemy.

“Miyah, you look... bold,” my mother said with a fake smile, her tone laced with judgment.

Miyah didn’t flinch. “Thank you, Miss Kate,” she said, her voice sweet but sharp.

As we all sat down, I noticed my mother’s friend and her daughter, Alicia, sitting across the table. I’d seen this move before. Alicia was dressed to impress, and she couldn’t stop looking at me.

“So, Zaire,” my mother began, her tone light but loaded. “Alicia just finished her law degree. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“Yeah, congratulations,” I replied flatly, not even glancing in Alicia’s direction.

Miyah’s hand brushed against mine under the table, and I could feel her tension. She wasn’t the type to let this slide, but she was holding back—for now.

“A woman with ambition is always impressive,” my mother continued, clearly aiming her words at Miyah. “Some people just don’t understand the importance of education and class.”

Miyah’s eyes flickered, but she stayed silent. I, however, had enough. “Mum, if you have something to say, just say it,” I said firmly, my tone daring her to continue.

Kate feigned innocence. “Oh, I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just saying, not everyone is a good fit for this family.”

That was it. Miyah leaned forward, her voice calm but cutting. “Miss Kate, with all due respect, I don’t need your approval to be with Zaire. And I definitely don’t need anyone questioning my worth. I know exactly who I am.”

The room went silent. Alicia looked like she wanted to disappear, and my mother’s face was a mix of shock and anger.

“You’re very confident for someone who doesn’t understand the weight of being in this family,” my mother shot back.

“And you’re very presumptuous for someone who doesn’t know me,” Miyah responded, her tone as sharp as a blade.

I reached over, taking Miyah’s hand in mine. “That’s enough,” I said, looking directly at my mother. “If this is how you’re going to act, then maybe we don’t need to do these family dinners anymore.”

“Zaire—” my mother started, but I cut her off.

“No, Mum. Miyah is with me, and if you can’t respect that, then we have nothing else to talk about.”

Miyah squeezed my hand, and I could see the fire in her eyes. She wasn’t going to let anyone push her out—not even my mother.

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Miyah’s POV

As we left the dining room, I felt a mix of emotions—anger, pride, and relief. Zaire had stood up for me, and I wasn’t going to forget that.

“Are you okay?” he asked as we stepped outside.

“I’m fine,” I said, taking a deep breath. “But your mother... she’s not going to stop.”

“She will if she wants to keep me in her life,” Zaire said firmly. “You’re my priority, Miyah. Always.”

Hearing those words, I felt a warmth spread through me. No matter what came next, I knew we were in this together.