a/n : this chapter credit goes to debasmita_basa for lia plot
If chaos had a permanent address, it was Jay's mansion.By now, everyone in Section E had stopped pretending they were civilized.
"Let's just confirm the family tree again," Percy said dramatically, walking in circles. "Jay is apparently richer than every royal alive, Rafael is her godbrother, boss is her cousin, Aries is her brother, I'm her stepbrother, and Cin is emotionally done with us."
Cin didn't even look up. "Emotionally done since 8:03pm, actually."
Ion snorted. "Make that since birth."
Amidst the noise, Jay sat on the couch scrolling through her phone, unbothered. Rafael was sitting nearby, stoic and quiet — until a soft voice echoed through the marble hall.
"Papa!"
Heads turned instantly.A tiny girl, pink dress bouncing, ran straight toward Rafael, who instantly went from "chill mafia aura" to "panicking dad mode."
"Rosie! Sweetheart, what are you—""Papa forgot his phone!" the little girl giggled, holding it up proudly.
Behind her walked a tall woman in a cream trench coat and heels, exuding a mix of calm elegance and quiet danger.
Section E went dead silent.Angelo blinked once. Then again."...No way," he whispered.
Ion's jaw dropped. "You've got to be kidding me."
Tiger froze mid-drink. "Lia Del Nova?!"
Jay smiled, standing up. "Right on time."Lia smirked softly. "I try to be."
"Wait—WAIT." Percy pointed at Rafael. "You're married? To her?!"Rafael blinked. "Yes?"Ion threw his hands up. "Since when?!"
Jay shrugged. "Since four years ago. I was the maid of honor."Cin choked. "You were FOURTEEN."Jay smiled smugly. "And still the most responsible person there."
Lia chuckled, walking over and hugging Jay. "She practically forced us to fall in love.""I didn't force—" Jay started, then paused. "Okay, maybe a little force."
Angelo rubbed his temples. "I— I'm sorry, you two? You and Lia? The Lia from Section A? The one who made teachers stutter?"Lia laughed softly. "That was ages ago, Angelo.""Yeah, but still! You were like a myth! No one could even talk to you unless they scheduled it!"
Ion muttered, "And now she's married to the guy who broke the fight record that year…"Tiger nodded. "School really was a fever dream."
Jay grinned. "I told you all — they were made for each other. He glared, she ignored. Perfect chemistry."Lia smirked. "She's not wrong."Rafael sighed.
"You literally threatened me to confess."Jay shrugged. "And look how that worked out."
The conversation was interrupted by a small yell from the hallway.
"Jayyy!"
Rosie came running back in, tiny fists raised proudly. "I beat a boy in the gym!"
Rafael blinked. "...You what?"Jay coughed, looking guilty. "She might've... learned a few moves from me."
Rafael's eyes widened. "You TAUGHT HER?!""She asked politely!" Jay defended.
Rafael picked up a cushion. "You're teaching my child violence—"Jay shrieked and dove behind Lia. " ate LIA! YOUR HUSBAND'S GOING TO KILL ME!"
Lia calmly put her teacup down. "Rafael, don't."He froze mid-throw.Jay peeked out from behind her. "See? Told you, watch your husband."
Rafael groaned. "She's corrupting everyone."
Lia smiled, patting Jay's head affectionately. "She's family. You'll survive."Jay beamed. "That's why you're my favorite sister-in-law."
Rafael muttered, "You only have one."
The old Section E boys hadn't moved.Angelo finally broke the silence.
"So just to confirm — Lia Del Nova, Section A's genius, heir of Nova Industries, is your wife?"Rafael nodded.
Ion groaned. "Unbelievable. First he wins every school award, now he wins marriage goals too."
Tiger sighed. "Our high school crush is officially taken. Rest in peace, brother."Jay snickered. "Aw, don't pout. I can introduce you to her cousins."
Angelo shot her a look. "No thank you, matchmaker menace."
Later, Rosie proudly demonstrated her "Jay flip" on a guard again — and everyone screamed as the man landed with a thud.
Rafael buried his face in his hands."I'm surrounded by demons," he muttered.
Lia just smiled serenely. "Smart demons."Jay winked. "She's learning from the best."
Angelo muttered to Ion, "Yeah, the most dangerous best."
Ion nodded. "I still can't believe he married Lia."Rafael glared.
"I can hear you."Jay patted his arm. "Relax. You're just the new campus legend."
Percy leaned over to Cin. "Man, imagine their high school reunion."Cin sighed. "No thanks. I like living."
By the end of the night, Lia had everyone eating her homemade pastries, Rosie was asleep on Jay's lap, and Rafael had finally stopped threatening to throw cushions.
Angelo muttered under his breath, "Can't believe you of all people found love first."Rafael smirked faintly.
"Can't believe you still haven't."Ion choked on her drink
.Jay snorted. "Play nice, boys. I just fixed my chandelier."
Lia smiled warmly, leaning on Rafael's shoulder. "Same Section E chaos. Just with better furniture."Jay grinned. "And better tea.