A few days later, Jay stood in front of the tall glass building that housed Keifer's company.
The sun was shining, but Jay felt a nervous flutter in her stomach.
She had never worked in a place like this before. Everything felt formal, powerful, and intense.
Keifer stood beside her, his suit sharp and his expression calm.
"Are you ready?" he asked softly.
Jay took a deep breath.
"I think so," she replied.
Keifer nodded.
"Good," he said. "Remember, you're not here because you're trapped. You're here because I want you to be happy."
Jay's eyes widened.
"I'm not here because you want to control me?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Keifer shook his head.
"No," he said firmly. "You're here because I want you to feel safe. I want you to be yourself."
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining.
"Okay," she whispered.
They walked into the building together. The lobby was huge and luxurious, with polished floors and a modern design. People walked around confidently, and Jay felt a little overwhelmed.
Keifer led her to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor.
As the elevator moved upward, Jay's heart raced.
She couldn't believe she was about to start a new job in a new life.
When the elevator doors opened, they stepped into a long hallway lined with glass walls. Inside the rooms, people were busy working. The atmosphere felt serious but efficient.
Keifer led Jay to a large office. It was spacious, with a big desk and a wall of windows that showed the city below.
Keifer turned to her.
"This is your desk," he said, pointing to a smaller table near the window.
Jay stared at the desk, her eyes wide.
"My desk?" she asked.
Keifer nodded.
"Yes," he said. "You'll be my secretary."
Jay's heart skipped a beat.
"My secretary?" she repeated.
Keifer nodded again.
"You'll be close to me," he said softly. "But not because I want to control you."
Jay looked at him, confused.
"Then why?" she asked.
Keifer walked closer to her and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Because I want to make sure you're okay," he said. "I want to make sure you're happy."
Jay's eyes softened.
"You don't trust me?" she asked.
Keifer shook his head.
"I trust you," he said. "I just… don't want you to be alone."
Jay's heart warmed.
She nodded slowly.
"Okay," she said. "I understand."
Keifer smiled slightly.
"Good," he said.
Jay sat at her desk, feeling nervous but determined. She looked around the office, noticing the professionalism and the efficiency.
A woman walked in, carrying a folder.
"Mr. Keifer," she said politely. "Your schedule for today."
Keifer nodded.
"Thank you," he said.
The woman glanced at Jay and smiled politely.
"Welcome," she said. "I'm sure you'll do great."
Jay smiled back, feeling a little more confident.
Keifer sat at his desk and began working. Jay watched him, feeling a strange mix of emotions. She felt safe, but she also felt like she had to prove herself.
Throughout the day, Jay learned the rhythm of the office. She answered calls, organized meetings, and handled documents. It was a lot, but she felt like she was finally doing something that mattered.
Keifer watched her from his desk, his eyes softening every time he saw her smile.
At one point, Jay looked up and caught his gaze.
He nodded slightly, as if to say: You're doing great.
Jay felt a warmth spread through her chest.
At the end of the day, Keifer walked her out of the office.
"You did well," he said softly.
Jay smiled, her eyes shining.
"Thank you," she replied.
Keifer looked at her, his expression gentle.
"You're not obligated to stay here," he said. "If you ever feel uncomfortable, you can tell me."
Jay shook her head.
"I want to stay," she said. "I want to learn. I want to be… normal."
Keifer nodded, his eyes soft.
"You will," he promised.
Jay felt her heart swell.
For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was living a life that was truly hers.
And she realized something.
Being near Keifer wasn't a prison.
It was a choice.
And she chose it.