CHAPTER TEN

Kyle's grip tightened on the phone as he processed Lucas's words. His mother was already making her next move, and he wasn't going to sit back and let it happen.

Lessie searched his face, worry flickering in her eyes. "Kyle, what is it?"

His jaw clenched. "She's setting up a meeting with Tiara's family."

Lessie's stomach twisted. "She's trying to push you back to her."

Kyle didn't answer. He didn't have to. The storm brewing in his eyes said everything.

Lessie exhaled shakily. Of course, his mother wouldn't just let them be together. Of course, she would fight, manipulate, and do whatever it took to control him.

And deep down, Lessie feared the one thing she didn't want to admit.

What if it worked?

What if Kyle caved?

She started to pull back, but Kyle's hand shot out, gripping her wrist. "Don't," he said, his voice rough, almost desperate.

Her lips parted. "Kyle—"

"I know what you're thinking," he cut in, his eyes burning into hers. "And you're wrong."

He yanked her closer, his breath hot against her lips. "I'm not going back to Tiara. I'm not losing you."

Lessie wanted to believe him. But doubt still lingered.

Kyle's fingers tangled in her hair, tilting her head back as he crushed his lips onto hers. The kiss was fierce, urgent—like he needed to prove something, not just to her, but to himself.

Lessie gasped, but then she melted into him, her fingers digging into his shoulders as he deepened the kiss, claiming her in a way that left no room for uncertainty.

"You're mine," he murmured against her lips, his grip tightening on her waist. "And I don't care what my mother tries—I'll burn everything down before I let her take you from me."

Lessie shivered at the raw intensity in his voice. He wasn't just saying it.

He meant it.

For a moment, there was no war. No threats. No expectations.

Just them.

But Kyle knew the moment wouldn't last.

By morning, he had a battle to fight.

And it started with Tiara.

---

EARLY MORNING – TIARA'S APARTMENT

Kyle stood outside Tiara's door, his fists clenched at his sides. The sun had barely risen, but he didn't have time to waste. His mother's meeting would happen soon, and he needed to get inside Tiara's head before she had a chance to be manipulated.

He knocked twice.

Silence.

Then, the door cracked open, revealing Tiara in a silk robe, her eyes still heavy with sleep.

She blinked. "Kyle?"

His expression was unreadable. "We need to talk."

Tiara studied him for a second before stepping aside, letting him in.

She had no idea that Kyle wasn't here to negotiate.

He was here to make sure she didn't become his mother's next weapon.

Kyle stepped inside, his eyes scanning Tiara's apartment. It was quiet, the air thick with unspoken tension.

She folded her arms, watching him. "You're here early. That desperate to stop me?"

Kyle exhaled sharply. "I don't want to fight you, Tiara. But I know my mother. If you let her, she'll turn this into something ugly."

Tiara let out a bitter chuckle. "You think I don't know that? Do you know how long my family has been waiting for this moment? For me to be the perfect bride, the perfect match for you?"

Kyle took a step closer. "And do you want that?"

She hesitated. For a second, Kyle saw something flicker in her eyes—uncertainty, pain, longing. Then, she squared her shoulders. "I don't know what I want."

Kyle's voice softened. "Then don't let them decide for you."

Tiara swallowed hard. "And what if I say yes to this arrangement? What if I let them push me back into your life?"

Kyle's jaw tightened, but he kept his voice steady. "Then you'll be choosing a lie."

A long silence stretched between them. Tiara's gaze dropped, her fingers twisting together. "Lessie makes you happy, doesn't she?"

Kyle's breath hitched. "Yeah. She does."

Tiara's lips trembled, but she forced a smile. "Then go to her, Kyle. I won't stand in your way."

Relief crashed over him. "You mean it?"

She nodded, blinking away tears. "I may not know what I want… but I know I don't want to be someone's second choice."

Kyle reached out, squeezing her hand. "You deserve better than that."

Tiara gave him a small, sad smile. "So do you."

Kyle exhaled, feeling a weight lift off his chest. The battle wasn't over, but at least this war was.

He turned toward the door, but Tiara's voice stopped him. "Kyle?"

He glanced back.

She held her chin high. "Tell your mother she lost."

A smirk played at his lips. "Oh, I will."

And with that, he walked out, ready to face whatever came next.

---

LATER THAT DAY – AIRPORT

Kyle laced his fingers through Lessie's as they walked through the airport terminal, their bags rolling behind them.

She looked up at him. "Are you sure about this?"

Kyle stopped, turning to face her fully. He cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "I've never been more sure of anything."

Lessie bit her lip. "Running away won't change your mother."

"This isn't running," Kyle corrected gently. "This is us choosing our own path."

Her heart pounded as she searched his gaze. He was right.

No more threats. No more manipulation.

Just them.

She exhaled, nodding. "Okay. Let's do it."

Kyle grinned and pulled her into a kiss, right there in the middle of the bustling terminal.

As their flight was announced, he grabbed her hand and led her toward their gate.

They were leaving behind everything—expectations, control, the battles they had fought for so long.

But as they stepped onto the plane, hand in hand, Lessie knew one thing for sure.

Their life had just begun