Chapter 7 #5
“He came to our son’s football game and caused a scene.
Started screaming at me in front of everyone.
Then when we got home… it got worse. There was yelling, insults.
He said horrible things. Told the kids I was a whore.
Said my girls will grow up to be whores like me then he packed up Jake Jr. and just… left.”
Layla looked up from her notes, face firm. “That’s not just morally wrong, it's legally unacceptable. Telling a child that his mother is a ‘whore’ constitutes parental alienation. Courts take that very seriously.”
Kylee looked down, twisting the ring on her finger. “He told me if I was pregnant, he’d kill me.”
Layla’s fingers froze over the keys. “Did he say that exactly?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a threat. I can request a protective order for you and the children. Especially if there’s emotional abuse involved.”
Rio leaned forward. “He’s unstable. That’s why I called you. She needs protection and full custody.”
Layla nodded firmly. “Then that’s what we’re going to fight for. We’ll file for temporary emergency custody of Jake Jr. and request a no-contact order until a full evaluation is done.”
Kylee’s voice was barely a whisper. “Can we really get him back?”
Layla gave a small, reassuring smile. “We’re going to try everything we can. You’re not alone in this anymore, Kylee. I promise you.”
Kylee sat back in the leather chair, worry etched into every feature. “Jake Jr. has another game today,” she said quietly, almost to herself. “Should I go? I don’t even know if they’ll show up.”
Layla leaned forward, her voice calm but firm.
“Yes. Go to the game. If they’re there, don’t engage, don’t cause a scene.
Just observe. If you see Jake Jr. with your husband, call the police right away.
I’ll be filing the emergency custody paperwork within the hour.
As long as Jake hasn’t gone completely off-grid, we’ll be able to move fast.”
Kylee’s eyes widened. “So I can just… take him?”
“If the police verify the order is in the system, and you have identification and proof of maternity, they will assist you in safely taking your son home. Jake will be legally obligated to hand him over. If he resists or causes trouble, it won’t look good for him in court.”
Rio put a reassuring hand on Kylee’s knee. “I’ll be with you. Whatever happens.”
Layla added, “It’s important you stay composed. Let the police handle any conflict. And bring anything you have: his birth certificate, photos, school ID, whatever strengthens that you’re his mother and he’s been living with you primarily.”
Kylee nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Okay. I’ll go.”
Layla’s tone softened. “You’re doing the right thing, Kylee. It’s not just about getting him back, it's about protecting all of your kids from instability and harm.”
Kylee inhaled slowly and stood, a shaky kind of strength returning to her bones. “I’m not letting him grow up thinking I abandoned him.”
Layla gave a small, proud smile. “Good. I’ll call you the moment the documents are processed. Be ready.”
The afternoon sun hung low over the crisp Idaho sky as Rio and Kylee pulled into the parking lot of the football feild. The scent of fresh-cut grass and distant cheers filled the air a typical Saturday for Jake Jr.’s football game. But today was far from typical.
Kylee adjusted the strap of her bag nervously, glancing sideways at Rio. “You sure you want to do this? It’s just a game, and… well, you know how small-town gossip can be.”
Rio smiled that mischievous grin. “I’m here for you and for Jake Jr. Besides, I’m ready to face whatever storm comes our way.”
They stepped out of the car, the usual buzz of the game day amplified by whispers that had already started to spread like wildfire around town.
As they approached the entrance, Kylee could feel the tension in the air, curious glances, furtive stares, and the unmistakable hum of anticipation. She squeezed Rio’s hand. “Let’s just get through this.” Rio’s gaze was steady and protective. “Together.”
The gates opened, and the crowd inside was already gathering, the stands filling with parents and neighbors. But none of them were prepared for the storm about to hit when Rio Riot, the rock star, came to watch Jake Jr.
Rio’s presence was impossible to ignore as he strode onto the field beside Kylee. The crowd erupted immediately, moms, dads, and random fans all recognizing the rock star. Phones were whipped out, cameras flashed, and whispers quickly turned into excited shouts.
“Rio Riot! Over here! Can I get your autograph?” “Hey, Rio! Your music’s amazing!”
Security guards quickly formed a barrier, waving people back with firm hands, trying to keep the crowd at bay. Rio stayed close to Kylee, his jaw tight but eyes scanning the scene, protective.
Kylee felt a swell of mixed emotions, pride that her son’s game was suddenly this big event, but also nervous for Jake Jr., caught in the middle of this frenzy.
“Don’t worry,” Rio said softly in her ear, “I’ve got this.” He held Kylee’s hand tightly as they made their way toward the bleachers, his presence a shield and a storm all at once.
The crowd buzzed with excitement as the game kicked off, but Kylee’s eyes scanned the entrance anxiously. Suddenly, Jake and Jake Jr. appeared, making their way through the crowd.
Jake Jr. spotted Kylee instantly and broke into a sprint. “Mommy!” he screamed, throwing his arms around her. Kylee dropped to her knees, hugging him tightly. The moment felt perfect until Jake’s cold voice cut through the noise.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Jake demanded, his eyes blazing with anger as he reached them.
Kylee stood her ground, her voice steady but sharp. “I’m here to get my son.”
Jake’s lip curled with contempt. “If you weren’t so worried about being a whore, maybe we’d still be together.”
Rio, who had been standing quietly nearby, suddenly stepped forward, his jaw clenched, eyes flashing. “Did you just call her a whore?” His voice was low, deadly calm but everyone around felt the electric charge.
Jake whipped his head around, eyes narrowing. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
Rio didn’t back down. “I’m here because I love her. And you? You’re nothing but a liar and a cheat.”
Jake lunged forward, fists clenched. “Get the fuck away from me!”
Rio stood his ground, voice steady and icy. “I’m not going anywhere until you admit what you did. You broke her, Jake. And now you want to act like the victim?”
The crowd was silent, watching the explosive showdown unfold.
Jake sneered. “You think you’re some kind of hero? You’re just a rock star playing with fire.”
Rio’s eyes darkened. “Better to play with fire than to burn the ones who love you.”
The tension cracked like a thunderclap. Security rushed in, pulling the two men apart, but the war was far from over.
Kylee watched, heart pounding, knowing this was just the beginning of her fight to reclaim her life.Security tightened the circle around them, but Jake and Rio’s eyes never left each other, the air thick with fury.
Jake spat, “You think you’re some savior? You’re nothing but a selfish player. She’s a married woman, and you tore her apart just like every other girl you’ve slept with.”
Rio stepped closer, voice low but fierce. “I didn’t tear her apart. You did. You lied, cheated, and left her broken. The only thing I did was show her she deserves better.”
Jake laughed bitterly. “Better? You’re a rock star living a fantasy. She’s a mother, a wife. And you? You’re just a fling. Nothing lasts with you.”
Rio’s eyes burned. “Maybe not. But at least I’m honest. You hid behind lies while you fucked your receptionist, ruining everything.”
Jake’s fists clenched, veins bulging. “Watch your mouth, or you’ll regret it.”
Rio didn’t flinch. “I’d rather regret telling the truth than live a lie like you.”
Jake shoved Rio hard. The security guard grabbed him before he could throw a punch.
“Stay away from my family,” Jake snarled, voice trembling with rage.
Rio’s voice cut through the chaos, cold and sharp. “She’s not your possession anymore. And neither is those kids. I’m here to make sure you never forget that.”
The crowd murmured, whispers spreading like wildfire. Kylee swallowed hard, her heart racing, caught between the two men who defined her past and her uncertain future.
Kylee’s breath caught as the tension thickened, fists clenched at her sides. She stepped forward, her voice steady but laced with fire. “Enough!” She yelled
The words cut through the charged air, silencing murmurs. All eyes turned to her Jake’s furious glare, Rio’s intense stare.
“I am not a prize to be fought over,” she said, looking directly at Jake. “And I am not some broken thing you get to throw insults at.”
Jake’s jaw tightened, but Kylee didn’t waver. “You called me a whore. Well, maybe I was faithful while you were busy betraying everything we had. But I am more than your mistakes.”
She shifted her gaze to Rio, her tone softer but firm. “And you... Thank you for showing me I deserve respect, but don’t think I’m here because I need saving.”
Rio nodded slowly, respect shining in his eyes.
Kylee took a deep breath, feeling strength pulse through her veins. “I’m here for my son Jake! Nothing more, nothing less. So if you want to fight, save it. I’m done being the battlefield.”
The crowd fell silent, the weight of her words settling like a storm calm before it breaks. Jake’s face flushed with anger and humiliation, while Rio’s expression softened, admiring her fire.
For the first time in a long time, Kylee felt like she was reclaiming herself no longer the woman torn between two worlds, but the one who stood firmly on her own. For a long beat, no one said a word. The tension shifted no longer crackling with male ego, but simmering with the sting of truth.