Chapter 140:: The party Chaos

Chapter 140:: The party Chaos
Kia stood on the terrace, her heart swelling with bittersweet joy as she watched the vibrant party blossom in their home. The children giggled and bounced in the inflatable castle, a kaleidoscope of color amid endless laughter. Kamari was indulging in some makeup fun with her friends just around the corner, while Arce was deeply engrossed in a video game battle with his pals. For the first time in years, Kia saw her kids genuinely happy and carefree, and it sent waves of warmth through her.
Her moment of serenity was interrupted as Annamarie and Stella joined her on the terrace, their smiles wide and encouraging.
“Kia, you did great. You are a good mother,” Stella said, her eyes shining with sincerity.
Annamarie added, “And you’ve held it all together even when Aldwin was crashing out and leaving you without support.”
Kia sighed, feeling the weight of the still-lingering feelings for Aldwin pressing on her heart. She bit her fingertips, half-lost in thought. “You’ll think I’m crazy, but I really still have feelings for Aldwin,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Come on, Kia. We don’t think you’re crazy. If anything, you’re one of the strongest people we know,” Stella reassured her, stepping closer.
Annamarie chimed in, “I know he cheated, but remember, before all that, he was wonderful. Your love was real. It hurts that he did that, but if you still want him, go for it—for you, not for him.”
The three friends pulled Kia into a tight embrace. In that warmth, she felt a flicker of hope. “You’re right. I deserve to be loved and to love,” she said, a smile curling on her lips as she reluctantly pulled away from the comforting hug.
As she made her way through the colorful chaos of running children, Kia felt a surge of purpose. She was determined to find Aldwin and confront her heart.
Just as she was about to spot him, the doorbell rang, pulling her attention. Aldwin casually strolled to the entrance, a playful grin on his face, and opened the door. Standing there was Alan, his ex-husband, holding a wrapped gift, a smug smile plastered on his face.
“Are you the door man now?” Aldwin chuckled, a teasing glint in his eye.
Alan's demeanor shifted. “No, but I’m the man of the house; Kia and I are back together.” He attempted to step inside, but Aldwin blocked him.
“Don’t count your victories just yet,” Alan snapped, irritation flashing in his eyes. “I brought gifts; after all, I am Arce’s father and I have every right to be here,” Alan replied, trying to assert his claim.
With tension thick in the air, Kia’s heart thudded in her chest as Aldwin stood firm. “Alan, you’re not going to get my wife, so stop trying to insert yourself into our lives. It’s Kamari’s birthday party, not Arce’s. He doesn’t want anything to do with you.”
Then Kia saw Aldwin standing by the door. “Hey, Aldwin! I was looking all over for you,” she called out, her heart racing as she suddenly saw how uncomfortable the situation had become.
“Hey, Kia,” Alan interrupted, catching her off guard. She felt a rush of annoyance. “Hi Alan, what are you doing here?” Kia questioned, not bothering to hide her irritation.
“I brought gifts,” he replied, his smile unwavering, but Kia knew Arce would be furious if he found out Alan was here.
“Thanks for the gift, but it’s a kids’ party,” she said, her tone clipped.
Alan’s expression softened, “Kia, I just want a chance to talk to Arce.”
Just then, the door swung open, and Arce emerged, looking fierce. “I told you to leave us alone, Mr. Watts! Thanks for the gift, now bye.” He slammed the door, leaving an echo of finality that hung heavy in the air.
“Arce, can you just give him a chance?” Aldwin pleaded, but Arce glared at them both.
Kia’s feelings turned tumultuous as she turned back to Aldwin, who was watching her with an eager glint. “Kia, you were looking for me?” he asked, hopeful.
“Yeah, Aldwin. I think we should talk,” she managed to say, an unexpected thrill igniting in her heart.
“Yeah, but first you have to check if Arce is okay.” Aldwin nodded as he dashed off, leaving Kia standing there, torn between the hope of rekindling her past and the resolve she had built over the years as a mother.
Kia inhaled deeply, realizing that as the party roared on, the choices ahead were hers to make, with love as the guiding force through tangled emotions and potential new beginnings.
Kamari's birthday party was meant to be a joyous occasion. The room was decked out with colorful balloons and streamers, the scent of chocolate cake wafting through the air, and laughter echoing off the walls. Friends had gathered, eagerly anticipating games, gifts, and cake. But the festive atmosphere soon shifted when the doorbell rang, heralding an unwelcome guest.
Kia, Kamari’s mother, flashed a bright smile as she walked to the door. But that smile faded as soon as she opened it. Standing there was Hanna, her rivals’ face emblazoned with a smug grin, flanked by her mother, Eva, and Antonia. The tension thickened like fog enveloping the party.
“Glad you remember me,” Hanna said, her voice dripping with disdain as she pushed past Kia. “I’m here to stay now. It’s time for you to leave.”
Kia squared her shoulders, a firm grin returning. “You think you can just waltz in here and take over?” Kia snaps 
“Aldwin loves me, not you. He met my mom, not that you have any family who cares.” But before the confrontation could escalate, Annamarie burst through the door like a storm. She caught Hanna by the hair, dragging her back into the entryway. “You think she doesn’t have family? You storm in here like you own the place?”
Antonia stepped in, pulling Annamarie away, while Eva Spencer, a formidable figure, commanded attention from the center of the room. “This is my daughter’s house, and she will live here. Don’t think you can boss her around, orphan.”
Aldwin, Kamari's father, raced down the stairs, panic evident in his eyes. “Mom?” Arce called out as he caught sight of Hanna pushing Kia to the floor, blood trickling from her lip. His face drained of color.
“Get this trash out of my house this minute!” he shouted, his voice a mixture of anger and fear. He stepped closer to Eva, eyes darkening. “You dare put your hands on my wife, Eva Spencer? I know who you are. How it’s your job to lure men with your daughters.” Aldwin steps in.
Hanna, red-faced and embarrassed, shot back, “What are you talking about, Aldwin? Are you insulting my mom because of this trash? Remember, I was the only one who could make you happy!” She says.
Murmurs rippled through the gathering crowd. Whispers of gossip crisscrossed the room, but through it all, Kia only had eyes for her daughter. Her heart sank as she saw Kamari—standing in the corner, tears cascading down her cheeks—her birthday party had turned into chaos.
Fury bubbled inside Kia, and she surged toward Hanna, slapping her twice across the face. “You think this is a game? I felt sorry for you, knowing he would never love you! You came here to intimidate me, but you forgot—don’t mess with my kids. Hurt me, but stay away from my daughter’s birthday!”
Kia grabbed Hanna and started dragging her toward the door. “And you, —” Kia turned to Antonia, her tone fierce, “get out of my way. I’m not going to leave my home. If you want Aldwin, you’re welcome to him, but the next time you set foot in my house, I will make sure you regret it!”With that, she shoved Hanna out of the door and slammed it shut, the sound echoing through the silence left behind in the room. Facing her guests, she took a deep breath, her heart racing.
Kamari rushed over, wiping her eyes with the sleeves of her shirt. “Mom, I’m so sorry…”
“Shhh, it’s okay, baby girl,” Kia soothed, wrapping her arms around her daughter. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”Aldwin stood unable to speak soon the party was over and Kia retreated to the confines of her room.