The rain finally slowed, but the air remained cold and heavy.
Jay stood in front of Keifer, soaked through, her heart still pounding.
They had just confessed.
And for the first time, Keifer didn't pull away.
He held her hand, and it felt like everything in her life had finally found its place.
Keifer looked at her, eyes dark and steady.
"Come with me," he said quietly.
Jay blinked. "Where?"
Keifer's expression softened.
"To my mansion," he said. "You can stay there tonight."
Jay's heart skipped.
"Why?" she asked, surprised.
Keifer didn't answer right away.
He just stared at her like he was making sure she understood.
"Because I don't want you to go back to that life," he said softly. "Not tonight."
Jay felt her eyes sting with tears.
She nodded slowly.
"Okay," she whispered.
Keifer took her hand again and led her to his car.
They drove in silence, the city lights passing by like distant stars.
Jay kept staring at him, unsure of what she was feeling.
Was this real?
Was this actually happening?
Or was it just another dream she would wake up from?
When they reached Keifer's mansion, the place looked even more intimidating in the dark.
It stood tall and silent, like a secret waiting to be kept.
Keifer parked the car and helped Jay out.
The cold air hit them again, but this time it didn't feel harsh.
It felt like a new beginning.
Keifer led her inside.
The mansion was quiet, almost empty.
Jay couldn't help but feel a strange mix of fear and comfort.
She had seen this place before in her dreams, but she had never been inside.
Keifer stopped in the grand hall and turned to her.
Sit," he said gently, pointing to the sofa.
Jay sat, her body trembling slightly.
Keifer stood in front of her, his expression serious.
"Jay," he said softly, "I'm not doing this because I want to use you."
Jay blinked. "What?"
Keifer's voice was firm.
"I'm doing this because I want you to be safe," he said. "And because I want you."
Jay's breath caught.
She looked at him, her eyes shining.
"Keifer… I don't know what to do," shewhispered.
Keifer stepped closer, his voice softer.
"Then don't think," he said. "Just stay."
Jay's heart raced.
She stood up, and for the first time, she looked like she was making a choice.
"I'm not leaving," she said.
Keifer's eyes softened.
"I know," he whispered.
He reached out and brushed a wet strand of hair from her face.
Jay felt her heart flutter.
Keifer leaned closer, his voice low.
"Stay with me tonight," he said.
Jay nodded.
Keifer led her to a room upstairs.
The room was simple, not too luxurious.
But it felt warm.
Jay sat on the bed, still unsure of what was happening.
Keifer stood at the door for a moment, as if he wanted to say something else.
Then he walked closer.
He sat beside her on the bed.
Jay's heart pounded.
Keifer looked at her for a moment.
Then he whispered, "You don't have to be alone anymore."
Jay's eyes filled with tears.
"I don't want to be alone," she whispered.
Keifer reached out and held her hand.
Jay leaned her head on his shoulder.
And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged somewhere.
Jay stood in the bathroom of Keifer's mansion, the warm water washing away the cold rain and the shock of everything that happened.
Her hands were trembling, but she forced herself to breathe.
She needed to be strong.
She needed to be clear.
After a long shower, she cleaned up and changed into fresh clothes Keifer had given her—a simple set, comfortable and clean.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
Her face was still wet from the rain, but her eyes looked calmer.
For the first time since the day she saw Jax with someone else, she felt like she could breathe.
When she came out, Keifer was waiting for her in the hallway.
He looked at her carefully, like he was making sure she was okay.
"You look better," he said quietly.
Jay nodded, still trying to find the right words.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Keifer nodded once and then led her through the mansion.
The hallways were quiet, and the lights were soft.
Jay followed him silently, her heart beating in her chest.
They reached a door at the end of the hall.
Keifer stopped and turned to her.
"This is your room," he said.
Jay stared at the door, surprised.
"My room?" she repeated.
Keifer nodded.
"Yes," he said. "You can stay here."
Jay's eyes softened.
She looked at him, feeling a warmth in her chest she couldn't explain.
"Keifer," she said softly, "I want to stay with you."
Keifer's expression didn't change, but his eyes softened.
"You don't have to say it," he said.
Jay shook her head.
"I mean it," she said. "I want to stay. I don't want to go back."
Keifer stared at her for a moment, and then he nodded slowly.
"Okay," he said quietly. "Stay."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again, but this time they weren't only pain.
They were relief.
Keifer spoke again, voice soft.
"I want you to feel safe," he said. "That's why I'm letting you stay."
Jay's heart fluttered.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Keifer nodded once.
"Rest," he said. "Tomorrow we talk."
Jay nodded and stepped into her room.
Keifer closed the door gently behind her.
Jay stood there for a moment, looking around the room.
It was simple, but it felt like a safe place.
She walked to the bed and sat down.
For the first time in days, she felt a small sense of peace.