I realized confronting her privately wouldn’t protect the girls—everyone needed to see her true intentions clearly. So I pretended to reconsider guardianship. Jenna immediately grew enthusiastic, pushing me to “give up the girls” and rushing to plan a big hotel wedding. Instead, I invited both families to the banquet she organized.

When Jenna began her welcome speech, I gently stepped in and calmly told the truth—what I heard, what she said, and what she wanted. I made it clear that Lily and Maya were not burdens but my family and my responsibility. Jenna walked out that night. My sisters and I walked home together—closer, safer, and determined to build a future rooted in real love. Sometimes the strongest families are the ones we choose to protect.