The morning started off peaceful enough. Kierra had just finished a workout and was sipping on a protein shake, scrolling through her phone. She had a few texts from her mom and Danielle, both checking in on her day, but it was the unexpected message from Jordan, her ex and Khloe's father, that immediately shifted her mood.
Jordan: "We need to talk. Call me ASAP."
Kierra sighed, knowing that conversations with Jordan rarely ended well. Ever since she and Danielle had become more serious, Jordan had been acting out. He seemed to have a problem with her moving on, despite their relationship having ended long ago.
She dialed his number, not wanting to drag out the inevitable. After a few rings, he picked up, his voice gruff.
"What's going on, Jordan?" she asked, keeping her tone neutral.
"You need to stop bringing Khloe around that woman," Jordan said, his tone full of hostility.
Kierra blinked, her patience already thin. "Excuse me? Danielle is a part of my life, and she's great with Khloe. You don't get to dictate who's around her just because you're mad I've moved on."
"That's my daughter, Kierra! I don't want her around people I don't approve of."
Kierra shook her head, feeling her frustration build. "This isn't about Khloe. This is about you being jealous and trying to control my life. You don't get to tell me who I can and can't be with."
"You're putting her in a confusing situation," Jordan continued. "You're supposed to be setting an example, and instead, you've got her around some... some woman."
Kierra felt the anger rise in her chest. "First of all, watch your tone when you talk about Danielle. She's been nothing but loving and respectful, especially to Khloe. And second, I'm setting an example of love and stability for my daughter. I won't tolerate you acting like Danielle isn't a part of my life or Khloe's life."
Jordan scoffed, clearly not backing down. "You're confusing our daughter, Kierra. I don't want her thinking this is normal."
"Normal?" Kierra echoed, her voice laced with disbelief. "What's normal is being in a healthy, loving relationship, and that's what I have with Danielle. What's not normal is you trying to stir up drama because you're mad that I've moved on. This conversation is done. I won't let you disrespect my relationship or my choices."
Jordan was silent for a moment, and Kierra could hear him breathing heavily on the other end of the line. "This isn't over, Kierra," he finally said, his tone low and menacing.
"No, it is," Kierra replied firmly. "You can see Khloe whenever you want, but you're not going to interfere in my personal life. If you have an issue, you can take it up with your lawyer."
She hung up before he could say another word, her heart pounding in her chest. It was exhausting dealing with Jordan, and it seemed like he was intent on making things difficult just because she was happy with Danielle.
Kierra sat down on the couch, running a hand through her hair. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down before picking up her phone and calling Danielle. After a few rings, Danielle answered, her voice immediately comforting.
"Hey, babe. Everything okay?" Danielle asked, sensing the tension.
"Not really," Kierra admitted, letting out a heavy sigh. "Jordan's been acting up again. He's upset about you being around Khloe, talking about how it's confusing for her."
Danielle paused on the other end, clearly trying to process the situation. "I'm sorry, babe. I know he can be difficult, but try not to let him get in your head too much. You're doing an amazing job balancing everything."
