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"Then she gets dragged," Sevyn finished for me with a smirk.

My eyes stayed glued to Jailah, waiting for her to slip up. It was only a matter of time before she did.

We were just finishing up family pictures—me, Creed, Cree, and Gio standing together, looking picture-perfect—when I heard her.

"Why the fuck are y’all posing like a happy little family? I’m standing right here, Creed!"

The backyard went dead silent. All the guests turned to look. The DJ lowered the music. Even the kids stopped playing. And I—I saw red.

I turned so fucking fast, my feet already moving before my brain even processed the fact that I was about to fight at my daughter’s birthday party.

Creed looked pissed. He was rubbing his temples, muttering something under his breath as Jailah stood near the pool, arms folded, glaring at him. I didn’t care. I was already walking over.

"You need to go," I said calmly, but my voice was tight with rage.

Jailah laughed, rolling her eyes. "Girl please. This isn’t your house, sweetheart. You’re just a guest, just like me."

I laughed back, stepping forward. "Bitch, you real brave for showing up here today. But, you need to go before I drag yo ho ass around this backyard like I dragged you on social media.”

She scoffed, flipping her blonde curls over her shoulder. "Bitch, I want to see you try. You’re a fucking home wrecker and everybody knows it now.”

My eyes narrowed, a smirk appeared on my face. Not because I was entertained but because I was trying hard as hell not to put hands on her.

"Last I checked Jailah, you ain't got no home to wreck. You had to weasel your way here today. This nigga don’t even claim you in public. The only reason anybody know you’re fucking with him is because you stay putting that shit online. I mean, when does he post you? Never. You’re a nobody Jailah and you’re not about to keep using my name for clout. Like I told yo hoe ass before, find somebody safe to play with because it ain’t me."

Jailah’s mouth hung open, clearly embarrassed, before she took a step toward me. "That’s real funny coming from a weak bitch like you."

"Serenity, don’t.” I barely heard Averi’s voice before I lunged.

Egypt, Ari, and Averi rushed forward, grabbing my arms as Sevyn jumped in front of me. Jailah was screaming at Creed now, pointing her perfectly manicured finger in his face, trying to act like she had a place here.

"HOW THE FUCK YOU GONNA LET HER DISRESPECT ME?" she shouted. "LOOK AT Y’ALL! Y’ALL STILL ACTING LIKE Y’ALL TOGETHER! IF YOU WANT THAT BITCH THEN SAY SOMETHING NIGGA. YOU GOT ME OUT HERE LOOKING STUPID."

“NAH YOU TRIFLIN BITCH YOU’RE DOING THAT ALL ON YOUR OWN.” I screamed, struggling to get away from my friends.

Creed’s jaw was locked, his patience wearing thin.

"You’re making a scene," he told her, his voice low and threatening. "We are at my daughter’s birthday party. You gotta go Jai."

Jailah yanked her arm away. "You think I’m leaving because you said so? Fuck you, Creed! And fuck that dirty bitch too. I should beat yo ass on principle."

"Oh, bitch, please try me!" I bucked forward, but Ari and Egypt yanked me back.

"Girl, just go." Egypt shouted at Jailah. "Before we let her beat yo ass."

Jailah turned back to Creed, eyes glassy.

"You’re really gonna let this shit go down like this?" she asked, voice shaking. “I’m your fucking girlfriend, show some respect.”

“Respect? Earn that shit Jai. You came here on bullshit we both know you did and for what? So, you could ruin my baby’s birthday? You know I don’t play about my fuckin’ kids.”

“Are you serious right now?”

"Jailah. You gotta go, get the fuck out my crib."

I watched as her eyes widened and finally, she huffed, snatched her purse, and stormed toward the door. I watched Creed follow behind her. He had to see me about this shit. I wasn’t about to keep doing this shit; not with him, her or anybody else.

By the time the last guest left, I was still heated. Ms. June had the kids upstairs getting them ready for bed. I was thankful that as soon as Jailah had started her shit, she ushered the kids away from the conflict; they at least didn’t see the full extent of the showdown. All the other guests on the hand, witnessed all of it. I was embarrassed as fuck. And Creed? Was about to feel all of it.