The morning felt different.
It wasn't just the quiet.
It wasn't just the fact that the house was buzzing with preparation.
It was something inside me.
A new kind of feeling that I couldn't ignore.
The kind that made my chest feel heavy, not because I was sad, but because I was suddenly aware that life was no longer just mine.
I was about to take a responsibility forever.
I sat up in bed and stared at the ceiling for a long time.
was about to take a responsibility forever.
I sat up in bed and stared at the ceiling for a long time.
I'd always been chaotic.
I'd always been the kind of person who ran through life like it was a race and I had to keep up.
But today—
Today I felt like I had to slow down.
Like I had to be careful with my heart.
I stood up and walked to the mirror, watching myself like I was meeting someone new.
I didn't feel like the girl who used to hide behind laughter and jokes.
felt like someone who was about to become a wife.
The word echoed in my mind.
Wife.
It sounded… heavy.
In a good way.
I walked downstairs slowly.
The house was already alive with people moving around, but the air was different. Calm. Warm. Like everyone was holding their breath, waiting for something beautiful.
My mom was in the kitchen, fixing her hair in a small mirror, trying to look calm.
When she saw me, her eyes went wide.
She didn't say anything at first.
She just stared.
And then she walked toward me like she didn't know whether to hug me or cry.
She hugged me so hard I felt like I was being held by my entire childhood.
I started crying immediately.
My mom pulled back, wiping her eyes too, but trying to stay strong.
"Jay," she whispered, voice trembling. "You're getting married."
nodded, unable to speak.
She hugged me again.
"I'm sorry," she said suddenly, voice cracking. "For everything."
I stopped crying for a second, looking at her like I didn't know what to do.
"What do you mean?" I asked softly.
My mom's eyes filled again.
"I wasn't there," she said. "When you needed me. I wasn't there for your birthdays. I wasn't there when you were scared. I wasn't there when you were alone."
I swallowed hard.
didn't know what to say.
My whole childhood flashed in my mind—waiting for her, hoping she'd show up, pretending I was okay even when I wasn't.
I had never wanted her apology.
But hearing it now—today—hurt in a new way.
I wanted to forgive her, but I didn't know if I could.
Then she smiled, wiping her tears quickly, trying to make it lighter.
"If you cry," she said, voice teasing, "you'll be a red monkey at your own engagement."
I couldn't help it. I laughed through my tears.
She pulled me into room and started helping me get ready.
"Come on," she said. "Let's make you beautiful."
As she helped me, she kept talking—trying to fill the silence with comfort.
"I didn't know how to be a mother," she admitted quietly. "I was lost. I was scared. But I'm here now."
I looked at her, voice shaking.
"I needed you."
She stopped, looking at me like I was the most important thing in the world.
know," she said. "And I'm sorry."
I hugged her again.
This time, it felt different.
Not like a child begging for attention.
But like two people finally finding each other.
She finished helping me get ready, and I looked at myself in the mirror.
The dress was beautiful. It was more than beautiful.
It made me feel like I was stepping into a new life.
I took a deep breath.
I walked out of the room.
The air in the mansion was different now.
The calm before the storm, but also… the calm before something beautiful.
Jay stood at the top of the stairs, taking a slow breath. Her dress swayed slightly as she moved, and the silence felt like a sacred thing.
She didn't look like the chaotic girl who laughed too loudly.
She looked like someone who had finally learned what she was worth.
She was about to go downstairs.
And she wasn't ready.
Not because she didn't want to.
Because she did.
She wanted this more than anything.
But she also wanted it to feel real.
Her mom stood beside her, holding her hand, smiling through tears.
"Ready?" her mom whispered.
Jay nodded, voice shaky.
"I think so."
Her mom squeezed her hand.
"Go. You look beautiful."
Jay stepped down slowly, feeling like every step was a heartbeat.
And then—
She saw them.
Section E.
Standing in the living room, pretending to be calm. But their eyes were wide. Their mouths were slightly open. Their hearts were already in chaos.
They hadn't seen her yet.
But they knew something was happening.
Cin was the first to notice.
He looked up and froze.
"Is that…?" he whispered.
Felix's eyes widened.
"Oh my God."
Rory's face changed completely—like he'd just seen a miracle.
Blaster blinked rapidly.
"Is she… real?"
Eman stood still, but his eyes were sharp and full of emotion.
Aries smirked, but his eyes were shining.
Percy looked like he was about to cry but refused to show it.
Jay walked into the room.
And everything went silent.
For two seconds.
Then Section E exploded.
"NO WAY!" Felix shouted, standing up.
"You're kidding me!"
Cin started shaking his head.
"This can't be real!"
Rory stepped forward, voice trembling.
"Jay… you look… like a goddess."
Blaster laughed like he was in shock.
"Bro, I didn't know she could look like this."
Eman's voice broke.
"You're… you're glowing."
Aries smiled softly, then spoke in a low voice.
"Yeah. She looks… perfect."
Percy looked down at his hands, as if he didn't know how to hold himself.
"I'm not ready for this," he muttered. "I'm not ready to see her like this."
Jay's face flushed.
Her hands trembled.
She tried to speak, but her voice wouldn't come out.
Then Felix, in true Felix fashion, stepped forward and grabbed her hand like he was protecting her.
"You look like you belong in a dream," he said, voice full of emotion. "Keifer is going to lose his mind."
Jay's eyes filled with tears.
Cin nodded quickly, trying to be serious.
"Yeah. Like… if he doesn't cry, I will."
Rory's eyes were glossy.
"I'm not crying. I'm just… allergic to happiness."
Blaster shook his head.
"Okay, I'm emotional now."
Eman stepped forward and hugged Jay gently.
"You're going to be okay," he said softly. "He's going to love you even more."
Jay nodded, tears falling freely now.
She felt the love of her friends around her, and for the first time, she felt calm.
Because even if Keifer hadn't seen her yet—
She knew he would.
And she knew he would feel the same way they did.
But right now—
Section E was the first to witness the moment.
And they were not ready.
The venue was… bigger than I expected.
Not in a fancy way.
In a real way.
Like it was meant to hold the weight of everyone's expectations.
The place was filled with people.
Business partners.
Shareholders.
Jay's family.
Keifer's brothers.
Even Angelo was there, standing quietly like a guardian.
Everyone was dressed like this was the most important event of their lives.
And it was.
I walked slowly, my dress swaying with every step, my heart beating too loud.
The room seemed to stretch forever.
Everyone turned their heads, their eyes following me.
I felt like I was walking on a tightrope.
I forced myself to breathe.
One step.
Another step.
I could feel my mom beside me, holding my arm like she was giving me strength.
I could feel my dad's gaze, proud and emotional.
I could feel my heart pounding like it wanted to escape.
And then—
I saw him.
Not because he was the biggest person in the room.
Not because he was the loudest.
Because he was the only one I saw.
My eyes found his instantly, like they were pulled by something invisible.
He stood near the front, dressed in a suit that made him look like he belonged to another world.
His expression was calm.
Too calm.
Like he was trying to hold himself together.
But I could see the emotion in his eyes.
And my heart twisted in a way I didn't expect.
It wasn't fear.
It wasn't panic.
It was something else.
A feeling so deep I couldn't name it.
He looked at me like I was everything he'd been waiting for.
And in that moment, I realized:
This wasn't just a ceremony.
This was the moment he chose me again.
My steps slowed.
I felt like I was floating.
The room disappeared.
The people, the expectations, the chaos—all of it faded.
All that mattered was him.
I reached the front.
Keifer's eyes didn't leave mine.
He looked like he was holding himself back.
Like he was trying not to show how much he was feeling.
My heart ached.
Because I felt it too.
I felt the same kind of love that made my chest feel too full.
I wanted to run to him.
I wanted to collapse in his arms.
But I stayed.
Because this was the moment.
The moment that would make our future real.
Keifer took a step forward, and I felt like the ground beneath me had shifted.
He was closer now.
His gaze was intense.
His eyes were saying everything his voice wouldn't.
And my heart twisted again.
I didn't know how to explain it.
It was like the first time I realized I loved him, but stronger.
Like my body knew something my mind didn't.
Keifer opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Instead, he just looked at me.
And in that silent moment, I understood something clearly:
He wasn't just the man I loved.
He was the man who made my life feel like it had a purpose.
He was the one who made me believe in forever.
And when he finally smiled, just slightly, I felt something break inside me.
Not in a bad way.
In a beautiful way.
Because I knew I was ready.
The Engagement Ceremony
The room fell quiet.
Not because someone demanded silence.
But because the moment had arrived.
Every person in the venue seemed to breathe in the same rhythm.
The lights were soft. The atmosphere was warm. The air felt heavy with anticipation.
I stood beside Keifer, my hand in his, my heart pounding like a drum.
Everyone watched.
The business partners, the shareholders, the family, the friends—every person who mattered in our lives was here.
And yet, it still felt like it was only us.
Angelo stood nearby, eyes sharp but calm.
Tita Gemma stood beside my mother, both of them looking at me like I was their world.
Keifer's brothers were lined up on his side.
Section E was scattered among the guests, trying to look calm but failing miserably.
I could feel their energy—excited, nervous, protective.
The host of the ceremony cleared his throat and spoke, voice steady.
"We are gathered here today," he began, "to witness the engagement of Jasper jean mariano and Mark Keifer Watson."
My breath caught.
Keifer squeezed my hand.
I looked at him.
He looked back.
His eyes were shining.
Not with tears.
With love.
The host continued, "This is a promise. A commitment. A vow that these two will walk forward together, as partners, as lovers, and as a family."
Keifer's grip tightened around my hand.
My heart was full.
The host asked, " Mark Keifer Watson, do you accept Jasper jean mariano as your fiancée?"
Keifer's voice was clear, steady.
"Yes," he said. "I accept her. I promise to love her. To protect her. To honor her. To stand beside her in every storm."
I felt tears threaten again.
The host turned to me.
"jasper jean mariano ," he said, "do you accept Mark Keifer Watson as your fiancé?"
I swallowed hard.
My voice trembled, but I spoke anyway.
"Yes," I said. "I accept him. I promise to love him. To trust him. To be his partner in everything. To stand by him through every storm."
The room seemed to brighten.
Keifer's eyes filled.
Mine did too.
The host smiled warmly. "Then by the power given to me, I now announce you as engaged."
The room erupted.
Claps. Cheers. Shouts. Tears.
Section E went wild.
Felix shouted, "YES! FINALLY!"
Cin screamed, "WE DID IT!"
Rory cried loudly, "I can't believe it!"
Blaster laughed, "This is the happiest day of my life!"
Eman clapped his hands, smiling proudly.
Aries and Percy exchanged looks, both of them smiling like they were proud of their friend.
Keifer pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me.
I rested my head against his chest, tears falling freely now.
I felt his heart beating fast, strong.
He whispered in my ear, "You did it."
I smiled through my tears. "We did it."
Keifer pulled back slightly, looking at me.
"I love you," he said softly.
"I love you too," I replied.
The room continued to celebrate.
But for a moment, time stopped.
Just long enough for us to hold the moment in our hands.
To understand that this wasn't just an engagement.
It was a new beginning.
The moment the announcement was made, the room erupted like a storm of joy.
People clapped, cheered, and shouted congratulations.
Jay's family hugged her tightly.
Keifer's brothers smiled proudly, looking like they had won something.
Business partners and shareholders shook hands with Keifer, nodding respectfully, but it was obvious they were impressed.
And then… the most important part.
Section E.
They were like a wildfire—uncontrollable, loud, and full of love.
Felix was the first to break away from the group and run toward Keifer, grabbing him in a tight hug.
"Bro," he shouted, "you did it! You actually did it!"
Keifer laughed, eyes shining. "I did."
Cin ran forward, still shaking. "I'm not okay. I'm not okay. I'm happy but not okay."
Rory stood there, crying, staring at Jay like she was a dream he couldn't believe was real.
"You look… you look like an angel," he said, voice breaking.
Blaster, trying to stay composed, whispered, "I didn't know I could be emotional."
Eman walked up to Jay and hugged her gently, his eyes full of pride.
"You deserve this," he whispered. "You deserve someone who loves you like this."
Aries smirked, but his eyes were shining too.
"Keifer," he said, "you better not ruin her."
Percy nodded seriously. "If you hurt her, I will find you."
Keifer smiled, but he looked like he was trying not to cry.
"I won't," he promised.
Jay looked around, overwhelmed.
People were cheering, taking pictures, congratulating them, and hugging them.
Her mom was crying, laughing, and trying to hold it together all at once.
Her dad was smiling proudly, his eyes shining like he was about to cry.
Angelo stood in the corner, watching quietly, but his expression had softened. He nodded once at Keifer—an approval that meant more than any words.
Keifer pulled Jay to the center of the room.
He lifted her hand gently, showing the ring.
Everyone cheered louder.
Jay felt like her heart might burst.
Keifer leaned close and whispered, "You're mine."
Jay smiled, feeling safe, loved, and overwhelmed.
"I'm yours," she whispered back.
The celebration continued.
People started dancing.
Section E took over the dance floor immediately, dragging everyone with them.
Felix started playing music from his phone, blasting loud songs.
Cin danced like he was the happiest person alive.
Rory cried while dancing.
Blaster tried to be cool but kept smiling like a fool.
Eman danced with Jay's mom, making her laugh.
Aries and Percy joined in, and soon everyone was dancing, laughing, and celebrating like it was the best night of their lives.
Jay and Keifer stood in the middle, holding hands, watching the chaos around them.
And for the first time in a long time, Jay felt completely at peace.
Because this was the moment she had been waiting for.
The moment where love was not a secret anymore.
It was real.
It was loud.
It was theirs.
The celebration finally died down.
The music faded.
The laughter softened.
The room slowly returned to normal.
But Keifer and Jay didn't.
They were still standing in the middle of the venue, holding hands like they couldn't let go.
The chaos had ended, but the feeling inside them hadn't.
Keifer looked at Jay with a kind of intensity that made her heart twist again.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
Jay nodded, but her voice shook.
"I'm… I'm overwhelmed."
Keifer's thumb traced small circles on her hand.
"You don't have to be strong all the time," he said quietly. "You can be weak with me."
Jay swallowed, her eyes shining.
She looked at him, really looked at him, and realized something.
He wasn't just her fiancé.
He was her home.
Keifer led her toward a quieter part of the venue—away from the remaining guests, away from the lights, away from the noise.
The hall was dim now.
Only a few lights were left, glowing like stars.
Jay felt like she was in a dream.
Keifer stopped in front of her.
He didn't speak for a moment.
He just stared.
And that stare made her feel like the world had stopped.
"Jay," he whispered, voice low, "I've waited so long for this moment."
Jay's breath hitched.
"I know," she whispered back.
Keifer lifted her chin gently with his fingers.
His eyes were full of emotion.
He leaned closer.
The air between them grew thick.
And then he kissed her.
It wasn't rushed.
It wasn't desperate.
It was pure.
A kiss that felt like a promise.
A kiss that said I'm here. I'm not leaving.
Jay's heart beat faster.
Her hands moved to his chest, feeling the warmth of him.
Keifer pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.
Not in a wild way.
In a way that felt like he was trying to remember her.
Like he was trying to hold her forever.
When they finally broke apart, Jay rested her forehead against his.
Her voice was soft.
"I'm scared," she admitted.
Keifer's eyes softened.
"Of what?"
Jay looked away for a moment, as if she didn't want him to see her weakness.
"Of losing you," she whispered.
Keifer's expression changed.
He looked like he was holding back something big.
He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
"You will never lose me," he said firmly.
"Not now. Not ever."
Jay closed her eyes, letting his words sink in.
She could feel his heartbeat against her cheek.
His warmth.
His strength.
His love.
And in that moment, she realized:
This wasn't just an engagement.
This was a promise of forever.
Keifer kissed her again, softer this time.
He whispered, "You're mine."
Jay smiled through her tears.
"I'm yours."
They stayed like that for a long time—just holding each other.
The night outside felt cold and quiet.
But inside their hearts, everything was burning.
Because this was the moment they finally became one.
The moment felt perfect.
The world had gone quiet.
Keifer and I were still holding each other, lost in our own little universe.
Then…
A loud voice shattered the silence.
"OH MY GOD THEY'RE KISSING!"
I pulled away from Keifer immediately, my face burning red.
Keifer's eyes widened too.
We turned around slowly…
And saw everyone.
Not just a few people.
Everyone.
Angelo.
Tita Gemma.
My mom and dad.
Keifer's brothers.
The business partners.
The shareholders.
And Section E.
Standing there with the most dramatic expressions you could ever imagine.
Felix was the first to burst out laughing.
"I knew it!" he shouted. "I knew you guys were doing something behind our backs!"
Cin pointed at us, eyes wide.
"You're not even hiding it! You're literally in the middle of the room!"
Rory looked like he was about to cry… but was also laughing.
"Bro, you're stealing the bride before marriage!"
Blaster slapped his forehead dramatically.
"This is illegal! I need to report this to the authorities!"
Eman covered his mouth, laughing so hard he couldn't speak.
Aries stepped forward, looking serious… but his face betrayed him because he was smiling.
"You two are the most annoying couple I've ever seen."
Percy looked like he was trying to be calm, but he was failing.
"Keifer, I told you not to do this in public."
Keifer tried to speak, but his voice came out in a low laugh.
"We weren't… it's just—"
My mom interrupted, wiping tears from her eyes.
"Oh my God, you two! You're going to make me cry again!"
Angelo walked in, arms crossed, but his face was smiling.
"Don't think I didn't see you. You're not getting away that easily."
Tita Gemma, still smiling, stepped forward.
"So this is what you two do when everyone leaves?"
I covered my face with my hands, but I couldn't stop laughing.
Keifer pulled me closer, trying to hide me behind him.
"Stop teasing her," he said, but his voice was playful.
Felix raised his hand like a judge.
"I hereby sentence you two to a lifetime of teasing!"
Cin nodded.
"Yeah! And you have to do it in public every day!"
Rory stepped forward, pretending to be serious.
"Keifer, you better not take her anywhere without us."
Blaster grinned.
"Especially not to a dark alley."
Eman laughed, shaking his head.
"You guys are hopeless."
Aries looked at Keifer and smirked.
"You're lucky she loves you."
Percy added, "Yeah, you're lucky she loves you, because if not—"
He made a scary face and everyone burst into laughter.
Keifer's brothers walked in, smiling.
"Bro," one of them said, "we saw you."
Keifer's face turned red.
"Stop it."
My dad shook his head, laughing.
"Keifer, you're going to have to marry her properly now."
Keifer nodded, smiling.
"Yes. I will."
And then Felix shouted the most dramatic line of the night.
"Okay everyone! We have witnessed the official stealing of the bride! Arrest him!"
Cin immediately played along, pulling out his phone.
"Taking pictures for evidence!"
Rory yelled, "I'm going to tell the whole world!"
Blaster shouted, "We need to plan the wedding now!"
Eman laughed, "We're going to need a whole festival!"
Aries looked at us and said, "You two are going to cause me so much trouble."
Percy added, "And I'm going to enjoy it."
I looked at Keifer, my heart pounding, and laughed again.
"You're not even embarrassed," I whispered.
Keifer smiled. "I'm embarrassed. Just… not enough."
I leaned into him, and the teasing continued around us.
But it didn't matter.
Because in the middle of all that chaos, I felt loved.
And I felt safe.
And I knew that no matter what happened…
We were together.
And that was all that mattered.
They all returned back to Fernandez house,
The Fernandez house had finally settled into silence.
Not the awkward kind—
but the tired, content silence that comes after emotions have been poured out and there's nothing left to explain.
The engagement night had been overwhelming. Smiles, tears, blessings, laughter—all of it still lingered in the air like a soft echo. Now, suitcases lay half-open in rooms, shoes were kicked off carelessly near the entrance, and people slept wherever they had last collapsed.
Jay sat on the edge of the bed in the guest room, her fingers unconsciously tracing the ring on her hand. It still felt unreal—cool metal, steady weight.
Across the room, Keifer leaned against the window, watching the lights outside, unusually quiet.
"You okay?" Jay asked softly.
He turned, nodded. "Yeah. Just… processing."
She smiled faintly. "Same."
Downstairs, the Fernandez living room slowly filled again as people woke up one by one—hair messy, voices hoarse, moods lazy.
Section E sprawled across couches like they owned the place.
Cin was the first to speak. "I vote we don't move today. My soul hasn't returned yet."
Felix snorted. "Bro, your soul left years ago."
Laughter followed, light and familiar.
Angelo entered the room last.
Fresh, composed, already dressed like the day had work waiting for him. He glanced around, taking in the chaos with a small shake of his head.
"Everyone's awake?" he asked.
Groans answered him.
"Good," Angelo said calmly. "Because we're going shopping tomorrow."
That got everyone's attention.
Jay looked up. "Shopping?"
Angelo nodded. "Clothes. Jewelry. Accessories. Whatever the wedding needs."
Percy sat up straight. "Wait—tomorrow tomorrow?"
"Yes," Angelo replied. "Morning."
Rory frowned. "Do we even get a choice?"
Angelo raised an eyebrow. "No."
Section E sighed in unison.
Keifer looked at Jay, amused. "Looks like we're officially entering wedding mode."
Jay smiled, nerves fluttering in her chest—but this time, they weren't heavy. They were warm. Anticipating.
Angelo's gaze softened when it landed on her.
"Get some rest today," he said, voice gentler. "Tomorrow's going to be long."
Jay nodded. "Okay."
As everyone slowly dispersed again, the house returned to its calm—but this time, it felt different.
This wasn't just family gathering anymore.
It was preparation.
It was intention.
It was the beginning of everything that would come next.
The house didn't explode into chaos after Angelo left the room—
instead, it fell into a strange, thoughtful quiet.
Everyone heard him.
Tomorrow wasn't just shopping. It was a reminder that this wedding was real now.
Section E tried to act normal.
"Tch, shopping," Rory scoffed, stretching. "Easy."
Felix smirked. "You cried choosing sneakers last time."
"That was emotional trauma."
Laughter followed, but it was softer than usual.
Keifer sat beside Jay on the couch, close enough that their arms brushed, not close enough to make it obvious. He leaned slightly toward her and murmured, "You okay with all this?"
Jay nodded, eyes still on the floor. "Yeah. Just… adjusting."
He understood that word meant more than it sounded.
Across the room, Angelo spoke quietly with Aries—low voices, serious expressions. Every now and then, Angelo's eyes flicked toward Jay, protective as ever.
Later, when the house thinned out—some people drifting to rooms, others to the terrace—Jay found herself alone in the kitchen, pouring water she didn't really need.
Keifer appeared a moment later.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Too much noise in my head."
He leaned against the counter, not touching her. "Good noise or bad noise?"
She smiled faintly. "Both."
They stood there in silence, the kind that didn't need filling.
"You don't have to be perfect tomorrow," he said quietly. "You don't even have to like everything."
Jay looked at him then. "You promise you won't disappear in the crowd?"
He met her gaze, steady. "I'll be right there. Always."
That did something to her chest.
From the hallway, Cin's voice echoed:
"IF ANYONE STEALS JAY TOMORROW, WE RIOT."
Keifer sighed. Jay laughed—soft, real.
Night settled over the Fernandez house like a blanket.
Jay lay on the bed, lights off, phone untouched beside her. The room smelled faintly of fresh sheets and jasmine from the window.
She raised her hand, letting the moonlight fall on the ring.
Engaged.
The word still felt strange.
Her mind drifted—
to birthdays spent waiting,
to doors that never opened,
to promises that were never kept.
For so long, she had learned not to expect.
What if I mess this up?
What if I don't know how to be this happy?
Her chest tightened—but then another thought followed.
What if this time… I don't have to be afraid?
She remembered Keifer's voice in the kitchen.
Angelo's quiet protection.
The way the house didn't feel foreign anymore.
Jay exhaled slowly.
She wasn't that little girl anymore.
She wasn't waiting at the door.
Tomorrow, she would step into crowded shops, loud voices, endless choices—
but tonight, she allowed herself one small, brave thought:
I am allowed to choose happiness.
She turned to her side, eyes finally closing.
And for once, sleep came gently.
____________________________________
Target 20 💟