The Former Marine

It was a sunny May morning in Los Angeles, and Derek was at the gym, coaching some students when Kylie's phone started ringing. She was sitting in a corner of the gym with Stormi playing next to her, while Aire slept in the stroller. When she saw Travis Scott's name appear on the screen, Kylie took a deep breath, knowing that this conversation would not be easy.

She stood up and walked to a more private corner of the gym, away from the curious eyes. "Hi, Travis," she answered in a neutral tone.

"Hi, Kylie," Travis said, his voice sounding serious. "We need to talk. I heard rumors about you and this guy... Derek, right?"

Kylie sighed, already foreseeing what was coming. "Yeah, I'm with Derek now. He's part of my life and the kids' lives too."

Travis didn't seem convinced. "Kylie, we have children together. I don't think it's right for you to bring someone like that around them, especially without talking to me first."

"Travis, you know we haven't been together for a long time. I don't have to ask your permission to move on with my life," Kylie replied, trying to remain calm. "And just to be clear, Derek is an amazing man. He's affectionate with Stormi and Aire, and they love him."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Travis continued, more aggressive this time. "I don't like this story. I don't trust this guy. Do you know what he does? He's ex-military, he must be dangerous."

Kylie, feeling the tension rising, decided to be direct. "Travis, Derek served his country for years. He's an ex-Marine and was part of MARSOC, yes. But that doesn't make him a threat to you, or to our children. In fact, it means he's more than capable of protecting them."

"Protect them from who? I'm the father, Kylie!" Travis exclaimed, annoyed.

Kylie didn't let it slide. "Travis, you betrayed my trust multiple times while we were together. I tried for so long to make our relationship work, but you always put your career and your own interests ahead of our family. Now, I'm happy with someone who truly cares about us, and you better respect that."

Travis fell silent again, but Kylie could tell he was processing what she had said. He had always had a possessive streak when it came to Stormi and Aire, but she was tired of dealing with that attitude.

"I don't want you to cause trouble, Travis," Kylie continued, more firmly. "If you try to interfere with my relationship with Derek or cause trouble, know that he can defend himself very well. I'm not threatening you, but I am making it clear that I will not tolerate drama. I want peace, for myself and for the children."

Derek, who had been watching from afar while Kylie spoke on the phone, realized something was wrong. He approached discreetly, and when he saw Kylie's worried face, he knew that the conversation was about Travis.

Kylie looked at Derek and smiled softly, indicating that she was dealing with the situation, but Derek stayed close in case she needed him.

"Listen, Travis," she said, returning to the call. "I want you to be a part of Stormi and Aire's life, always. But you have to accept that I've moved on. I'm not going to let you cause trouble because of this."

Travis huffed on the other end of the line. "We'll see where this goes, Kylie."

Before he could say anything else, Kylie ended the call. She sighed, feeling the tension in the air, and looked at Derek, who was watching her with a calm and understanding expression.

"He's not handling this well, is he?" Derek asked, already knowing the answer.

"No, he's freaking out," Kylie admitted, running a hand through her hair. "I think he feels like he has some kind of right to what I do, even after everything that's happened."

Derek nodded, understanding but firm. "If he tries anything, you know I'm here, okay? I don't want to fight him, but I won't let him do anything that hurts you, or the kids."

Kylie smiled, appreciating the calm Derek brought to her life. "I know, Derek. And I'm ready to deal with it. I just need you to stay who you are."

Derek gently pulled her into a hug. "I'll always be here, no matter what."

Over the next few days, Kylie noticed that Travis was more distant, not trying to see the kids as often as he used to. She knew he was trying to process the fact that she had truly moved on, and it bothered him.

One day, while Derek was training some clients at the gym, Kylie got a text from Travis. "Can we talk?" the text read.

Kylie thought about it for a moment before responding. She knew they needed to maintain healthy communication for the sake of Stormi and Aire, but she didn't want to get into any more discussions about her personal life.

"About the kids ?" she replied, keeping her focus on what really mattered.

Travis was blunt. "Yes, and also about this relationship of yours. I don't want the kids to get hurt."

Kylie sighed, but answered firmly. "They're fine, Travis. More than fine. Derek has been amazing with them, and if you give yourself a chance to see that, you'll realize there's nothing to be afraid of."

A few days later, Travis finally showed up to see Stormi and Aire, but this time without the same hostility. Kylie watched as he interacted with the kids, trying to act normal. She knew Travis was still processing everything, but it seemed like he was starting to accept the new reality.

When Derek got home later that day, Kylie updated him on Travis's visit. "He's trying to adjust," she said. "It's still hard for him, but I think he finally realized there's nothing he can do to change what's happening."

Derek nodded. "All that matters is that you two can keep things calm for the kids. The rest isn't that important."

Kylie smiled and moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around Derek's neck.

"And that's why I love you. You always keep everything in perspective."

Derek smiled, pulling her closer. "I just want everyone to be okay."

"Everyone will be," Kylie said, kissing him softly. "I'm sure of it."

And so, even with Travis's initial discomfort, Kylie and Derek continued to build their relationship on a solid foundation, knowing that trust and transparency were what mattered in the end. And most importantly, they were ready to face whatever came their way together.