The days passed quickly after the engagement. It felt like the world had sped up, and everyone was suddenly moving with a purpose.
The house was busy again, but this time it was a different kind of busy. It wasn't chaos. It was excitement. It was preparation. It was love.
Every morning, the family woke up with the same energy, the same anticipation.
Sarina was always the first one awake, moving through the house with a calm determination. She would check the decorations, the guest list, the menu, the outfits—everything that mattered. She made sure everything was in place.
Keizer would sit quietly in the living room, watching the family move around him, his expression calm but thoughtful. He would occasionally check the plans and make sure everything was going smoothly.
Keifer and Jay were together constantly now, planning, choosing, deciding, and dreaming about the future. They had become a team in every way.
One evening, as the countdown approached, Keifer sat beside Jay in the living room, looking at the calendar.
"Seven days," he said softly.
Jay looked at him, eyes shining. "Seven days until what?"
Keifer smiled. "Until our wedding."
Jay's breath caught. "It feels so real now."
Keifer nodded. "It is real."
Jay rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm scared."
Keifer held her closer. "It's okay to be scared."
Jay looked up at him. "But what if something goes wrong?"
Keifer's voice was gentle. "Nothing will go wrong. We have each other. And we have family."
Jay smiled softly. "You always make me feel safe."
Keifer kissed her forehead. "That's my job."
The next day, the family gathered for a small meeting in the living room.
Sarina stood with a notebook, looking at everyone. "We need to confirm the final details."
One cousin shouted, "We need the final guest list!"
Another cousin shouted, "We need the seating arrangements!"
Keifer raised his hand, trying to keep things calm. "We already decided most of it."
Sarina nodded. "Yes. We did. But we still need to confirm the final list."
Jay looked at Sarina. "Do you think we can manage everything?"
Sarina smiled warmly. "We already are."
Keizer stepped forward. "We will make sure everything goes smoothly."
Keifer nodded. "Thank you, sir."
Keizer's eyes softened. "You don't need to say that."
Keifer smiled. "I know."
Sarina laughed softly. "Okay, now we need to plan the final day."
Jay's eyes widened. "Final day?"
Sarina nodded. "Yes. The day before the wedding."
Jay's voice trembled. "What do we do?"
Sarina placed a hand on her shoulder. "We will have a small family dinner. Just us. No guests."
Jay smiled. "That sounds nice."
Keifer nodded. "I want that."
The next few days were filled with small moments.
Jay and Keifer would sit together in the evenings, talking about the future, dreaming about their life together, and holding each other close.
Sarina would sometimes join them, sitting quietly and watching them with a smile.
Keizer would occasionally come into the room, standing in the doorway, watching his son and Jay with a calm expression. He didn't say much, but his eyes said everything.
One night, Keifer and Jay sat in the garden, under the stars.
Keifer looked at Jay. "Can you believe it's almost here?"
Jay smiled softly. "I can't believe I'm finally going to be your wife."
Keifer's voice was gentle. "And I can't believe I get to call you mine."
Jay leaned into him. "I'm happy."
Keifer kissed her softly. "Me too."
They stayed there for a while, holding each other, feeling the calm before the storm.
The day before the wedding arrived, and the house felt different again.
It was quieter. Softer. Like everyone was holding their breath.
Sarina prepared a small dinner for the family, and they all sat together, enjoying the moment.
Keizer looked at everyone, his expression calm. "Tomorrow will be a big day."
Keifer nodded. "Yes, sir."
Keizer's eyes softened. "You are ready."
Keifer looked at Jay. "We are ready."
Jay smiled. "We are."
Sarina smiled, her eyes shining. "We will make it beautiful."
The night ended with Jay and Keifer standing outside the house, looking at the sky.
Jay leaned into Keifer. "I'm scared again."
Keifer held her tighter. "I know. But I'm here."
Jay looked up at him. "Promise me something."
Keifer nodded. "Anything."
Jay whispered, "Promise me you'll never leave."
Keifer's voice was soft. "I promise."
Jay closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his body, the strength of his promise.
And for the first time, she felt like she could truly face the future.
Because she wasn't alone.
She had Keifer.
She had family.
She had love.
And the countdown was almost over.
The morning of the wedding arrived with a quiet stillness that felt almost unreal. The house was calm, but the air was full of anticipation. Everyone moved with purpose, but there was a softness to it—like they were handling something precious.
Sarina was up early, already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. The aroma of fresh food filled the house, comforting and familiar. She moved with calm confidence, making sure everyone ate and stayed calm.
Keizer was in the living room, quietly checking final details, his expression calm but focused. He didn't speak much, but his presence was steady, like a foundation.
Keifer woke up beside Jay, his heart beating a little faster than usual. He looked at her for a moment, taking in the sight of her sleeping peacefully. She looked so calm, so beautiful, so real.
He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face and kissed her forehead softly.
Jay stirred and opened her eyes, smiling sleepily. "Good morning."
Keifer smiled back. "Good morning, my bride."
Jay blushed slightly. "Stop calling me that."
Keifer leaned closer. "You're my bride today."
Jay smiled, her eyes shining. "I'm scared."
Keifer's voice was gentle. "It's okay to be scared."
Jay looked at him. "Are you nervous?"
Keifer shook his head. "No. I'm ready."
Jay nodded, but her hands trembled slightly. Keifer held her hands, squeezing them gently. "You're safe."
Jay looked up at him, tears forming. "I feel like this is all a dream."
Keifer smiled softly. "It's not a dream. It's real."
Sarina called from the kitchen, "Jay, come eat something."
Jay nodded and got up, still holding Keifer's hand. They walked to the kitchen together.
The house slowly filled with activity. Cousins arrived to help with last-minute things, and the cousins' kids ran around, laughing, adding the kind of noise that felt like happiness.
Sarina served breakfast to everyone, and they ate together like a family.
Keizer stood nearby, watching the scene. His expression was calm, but there was a softness in his eyes when he looked at Jay.
After breakfast, the preparations began.
Jay went to get ready, and Sarina helped her with the outfit. The dress was simple, elegant, and perfect—just the way Jay wanted. Sarina adjusted the final details, smoothing the fabric, and Jay looked at herself in the mirror.
She looked beautiful, but she looked more than that. She looked like she belonged.
Jay's eyes filled with tears. "Sarina…"
Sarina smiled softly. "You're going to be okay."
Jay nodded. "I hope so."
Sarina hugged her gently. "You will be."
Keifer, meanwhile, was getting ready with his brothers. They teased him, laughed with him, and made him feel like this was a celebration.
One of his brothers said, "You look like a king today."
Keifer laughed. "I just look like a man who's about to marry the woman he loves."
His brother smiled. "That's enough."
Keizer came to check on them, his expression calm. He looked at Keifer and nodded. "You look ready."
Keifer nodded. "Yes, sir."
Keizer's eyes softened. "You don't have to say that."
Keifer smiled. "I know."
The time came for the ceremony, and the family gathered in the venue. The place was simple, but beautifully decorated. Flowers, lights, and soft music filled the air.
Everyone stood in their places, and the room fell silent as Keifer walked in.
Jay stood at the front, her heart pounding. She looked at Keifer as he approached, and she felt a wave of emotion.
Keifer reached her and took her hands in his.
His voice was steady. "Jay, I promise you—no matter what happens, I will stand by you."
Jay's voice trembled. "I promise I will stand by you too."
Keifer smiled softly. "We will be together. Always."
Jay nodded. "Always."
They exchanged vows, simple but heartfelt, and the moment felt like a promise that would last forever.
Keizer stood nearby, watching his son with a quiet pride. Sarina stood beside him, her eyes shining.
When the ceremony ended, the room erupted into cheers. The family hugged them, congratulated them, and laughed with joy.
Jay and Keifer stood together, holding hands, looking at the family that had become their home.
Keifer leaned closer to Jay, whispering, "We did it."
Jay smiled, tears falling. "We did."
Sarina hugged Jay tightly. "Welcome to our family officially."
Keizer nodded. "You are one of us now."
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining. "Thank you."
Keizer's voice was soft. "You don't need to thank me."
Jay smiled. "I will always respect you."
Keizer's eyes softened. "Then respect is enough."
The rest of the day was filled with celebration, laughter, and love.
The family danced, sang, and enjoyed the moment. Keifer and Jay were surrounded by the people who loved them, who had supported them, who had become their home.
And as the night ended, Keifer held Jay close, feeling her warmth, feeling the reality of the day sink in.
Jay looked up at him, smiling through tears. "I'm happy."
Keifer kissed her gently. "Me too."
And in that moment, with the family around them and their future finally beginning, Jay felt truly safe, truly loved, and truly home.
The wedding night felt like the calm after a beautiful storm.
The house had finally quieted down, the last of the guests had left, and the family was settling in. The celebration had ended, but the warmth of it stayed in the air—like the glow of a candle that never fully went out.
Jay stood in the hallway, still in her wedding dress, her heart pounding. She looked at Keifer, who stood beside her, his eyes soft and full of love.
Keifer's voice was quiet. "You okay?"
Jay nodded, but her hands trembled slightly. "I'm… I'm just… overwhelmed."
Keifer smiled gently. "I know."
Jay looked at him. "It's all real, isn't it?"
Keifer nodded. "Yes. It's real."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again. "I never thought I'd feel this safe."
Keifer took her hand. "You're safe now."
Jay leaned into him. "I'm scared of losing you."
Keifer wrapped his arms around her. "You won't lose me."
Jay looked up at him. "Promise?"
Keifer smiled softly. "I promise."
Jay let out a shaky breath and closed her eyes.
Keifer gently guided her toward their room. The lights were dim, the atmosphere quiet and peaceful.
Jay sat on the edge of the bed, still holding his hand. Keifer sat beside her.
He looked at her, his eyes filled with tenderness. "You don't have to be strong tonight."
Jay's voice was small. "I don't want to be."
Keifer smiled softly. "Good."
He leaned in slowly and kissed her softly—gentle, warm, and reassuring. It wasn't rushed. It wasn't demanding. It was just him showing her that he was there.
Jay responded slowly, her lips trembling slightly. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
Keifer kissed her again, deeper this time, but still gentle. His hands moved to her waist, holding her as if she was the most precious thing in the world.
Jay pulled back slightly, her forehead resting against his. "I love you," she whispered.
Keifer smiled. "I love you too."
Jay's voice broke. "I'm sorry for everything."
Keifer shook his head. "You don't have to apologize."
Jay looked into his eyes. "I feel like I don't deserve you."
Keifer's voice was firm but gentle. "You do. You deserve love. You deserve peace. You deserve happiness."
Jay's tears fell. "But I caused so much trouble."
Keifer kissed her forehead softly. "You caused nothing. You just needed someone to stand with you."
Jay hugged him tightly, letting herself finally release everything she had been holding inside.
Keifer's arms tightened around her, holding her close. "I'm not going anywhere."
Jay whispered, "Promise."
Keifer nodded. "I promise, my wife."
Jay's eyes widened slightly at the word, then softened into a smile.
Keifer smiled too, leaning in to kiss her again—this time a slow, tender kiss filled with love and devotion.
They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, letting the world fade away.
Jay's breathing slowly became steady, her body relaxed in his embrace. She finally felt safe.
Keifer rested his forehead against hers. "Sleep now."
Jay nodded, her eyes closing. "Goodnight."
Keifer kissed her softly one last time. "Goodnight, my love."
And as Jay drifted into sleep, she felt a peace she had never known before—because she was finally where she belonged.
The morning sun slipped through the curtains, soft and gentle, like it didn't want to wake them too suddenly.
Jay opened her eyes slowly, still wrapped in the warmth of Keifer's arms. For a moment, she didn't move—just let herself feel the comfort of being held, the steady beat of his heart against her back.
She smiled softly, her mind still drifting through the memories of the wedding. It had all been so perfect. So real. So overwhelming.
Keifer stirred beside her, his arm tightening around her waist without waking her. Jay turned carefully, her eyes meeting his.
Keifer's expression softened when he saw her awake. "Good morning."
Jay's voice was quiet. "Good morning."
Keifer leaned closer and kissed her forehead gently. "How do you feel?"
Jay blinked slowly, thinking. "Like I'm finally home."
Keifer smiled. "Good."
Jay rested her head on his chest. "I can't believe we're married."
Keifer's hand moved to her hair, brushing it softly. "We are."
Jay looked up at him. "And we're okay."
Keifer nodded. "Yes, we're okay."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again, but this time they weren't the same tears as before. These were tears of relief.
Keifer noticed and gently wiped them away with his thumb. "Hey."
Jay sniffed softly. "I'm just… happy."
Keifer's smile widened. "Me too."
They stayed like that for a few minutes, just holding each other, letting the quiet morning wrap around them.
Then Jay spoke again, her voice small. "Do you think… everyone will be okay?"
Keifer looked at her. "Yes."
Jay hesitated. "Even after everything?"
Keifer's voice was firm. "Especially after everything."
Jay smiled weakly. "You really believe in me."
Keifer nodded. "I believe in us."
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining. "Thank you."
Keifer kissed her softly. "Always."
After a while, Jay sat up slowly. Keifer stayed beside her, watching.
Jay looked at the mirror and then at her wedding dress lying nearby. She felt a little nervous again, but this time it was different.
This time, it felt like excitement.
She turned to Keifer. "I should get ready."
Keifer nodded. "Take your time."
Jay stood and walked toward the bathroom. When she came back, she was wearing a simple outfit, comfortable and soft.
Keifer stood, stretching a little. "Do you want breakfast?"
Jay smiled. "Yes."
Keifer took her hand and led her to the kitchen, where Sarina was already preparing breakfast again. The house felt warm, alive, and peaceful.
Sarina turned when she saw them. Her face lit up. "Good morning, you two."
Jay smiled softly. "Good morning, Sarina."
Sarina's eyes shone. "How are you feeling?"
Jay looked at Keifer. "Better."
Keifer nodded. "She's doing fine."
Sarina smiled. "Good."
Keizer entered the kitchen quietly, his presence calm. He looked at Jay and nodded slightly. "Good morning."
Jay felt a little nervous, but she smiled. "Good morning, sir."
Keizer's expression softened. "You look well."
Jay nodded. "Thank you."
Sarina served breakfast for everyone, and the family sat together like they always did. The atmosphere was calm, but the happiness was clear in everyone's eyes.
Keifer sat beside Jay, holding her hand under the table. Jay felt safe again, and for the first time in a long time, she didn't feel like she had to be strong.
After breakfast, the family began to clean up, laughing and teasing each other. The cousins made jokes, and the younger ones ran around, their laughter filling the house.
Keifer looked at Jay, smiling. "You're doing good."
Jay nodded. "I'm doing good because you're here."
Keifer squeezed her hand. "Always."
Sarina looked at the two of them and smiled. "This is what I wanted."
Keizer's voice was quiet. "Yes."
Jay looked at them, feeling grateful. "Thank you for accepting me."
Sarina smiled softly. "You don't need to thank us."
Keizer nodded. "You're part of this family now."
Jay's eyes filled again, but this time it was a happy kind of emotion. She felt truly loved.
Keifer leaned closer and kissed her cheek. "Come on. Let's enjoy this day."
Jay smiled, feeling safe and protected.
And as the morning continued, Jay finally understood what it meant to belong.
She belonged to a family that loved her.
She belonged to a man who would never leave her.
She belonged.
Keifer came beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Come on," he said softly. "Let's go for a walk."
Jay smiled. "Okay."
They stepped outside into the sunlight. The air was fresh, and the world felt new.
Keifer held Jay's hand as they walked, their fingers intertwined. Jay felt her heart calm with every step.
They walked through the garden, enjoying the quiet, and Keifer stopped near the flowers.
He looked at Jay. "You know, I've always wanted a simple life."
Jay smiled. "Me too."
Keifer's voice was gentle. "And now we have it."
Jay looked at him. "Are you happy?"
Keifer nodded. "Yes, sir."
Jay laughed softly. "Stop saying that."
Keifer smiled. "I can't help it."
Jay leaned closer. "I like it when you say it."
Keifer's eyes softened. "Good."
They continued walking, and Jay felt a peace she had never known before.
When they returned, Sarina had prepared a small lunch for everyone. The family sat together, laughing and sharing stories.
Jay sat beside Keifer, feeling safe and protected. She looked at him, her heart full.
Keifer leaned in and kissed her softly, a small, sweet kiss that felt like a promise.
Jay smiled. "You always make me feel safe."
Keifer kissed her again, softly. "That's my job."
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining. "I'm glad I found you."
Keifer's voice was quiet. "I'm glad you found me too."
The day went on with small moments of happiness—family time, laughter, and quiet love.
And as the sun began to set, Jay felt a calm settle over her.
She was no longer alone.
She was loved.
She was protected.
She was home.
The evening after the wedding was calm and peaceful.
The house had quieted down. The laughter and excitement of the day had faded into a soft, warm glow. The family was still together, but in a calmer way now—like everyone was simply enjoying the feeling of being close.
Jay sat on the sofa with Keifer beside her, leaning into him as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She felt safe, warm, and loved. The events of the day were still fresh in her mind, but they no longer felt overwhelming. Instead, they felt like a beautiful memory she could hold onto forever.
Sarina came into the living room with a tray of snacks and hot tea. She smiled when she saw Jay and Keifer together. "You two look peaceful."
Jay smiled back. "We are."
Sarina placed the tray on the coffee table and sat beside them. "How are you feeling?"
Jay looked at her. "Happy."
Sarina nodded. "Good."
Keizer entered the room quietly, holding a small box in his hand. He sat down across from them, his expression calm.
Jay felt a little nervous seeing him with something in his hand, but she didn't say anything.
Keizer looked at Jay and then at Keifer. "I brought something."
Keifer looked up. "What is it, sir?"
Keizer opened the box, revealing a small family photo album. Jay's eyes widened. "Oh…"
Sarina smiled. "This is so sweet."
Keizer handed the album to Jay. "This is for you."
Jay opened it slowly. Inside were photos of the family—Keifer as a child, family gatherings, birthdays, and moments she had never seen before. Each photo felt like a piece of history she was finally allowed to be part of.
Jay's eyes filled with tears. "This is… beautiful."
Keifer looked at her softly. "You deserve to be part of this."
Jay flipped through the pages, feeling emotional. "Thank you."
Keizer's voice was quiet. "You are part of us now."
Jay nodded, her voice shaky. "I know."
Sarina reached out and held Jay's hand. "You don't have to prove anything to us."
Jay looked up. "But I always feel like I'm a problem."
Sarina smiled gently. "You're not a problem. You're family."
Keifer's voice was firm. "Yes, sir."
Jay smiled weakly. "You always say that."
Keifer nodded. "Because it's true."
The cousins began to gather in the living room, laughing and teasing each other. The younger ones started playing a small game, running around with excitement.
Keifer watched them and smiled. "They're so noisy."
Jay laughed softly. "They're fun."
Sarina looked at Jay. "You should join them."
Jay hesitated. "I don't know if I can."
Keifer squeezed her hand. "You can."
Jay took a deep breath and stood up. She walked over to the kids, and they immediately grabbed her hands, pulling her into their game.
Jay laughed, genuinely laughing, and for a moment she forgot all her fears.
Keifer watched her, his heart swelling with love. He stood beside Sarina and Keizer, watching Jay play with the kids.
Sarina whispered, "She's finally opening up."
Keizer nodded. "Yes."
Keifer leaned closer to Jay and whispered, "You're doing great."
Jay looked up at him and smiled. "Thanks."
Keifer kissed her cheek softly. "You're welcome."
The evening continued with laughter, games, and family warmth. Jay felt like she was finally home—like she belonged.
And when the night ended, Jay sat beside Keifer again, feeling peaceful.
She looked at him, her eyes shining. "Thank you for everything."
Keifer smiled. "Thank you for staying."
Jay leaned into him. "I'm not going anywhere."
Keifer kissed her softly. "Good."
And as the night ended, Jay finally felt something she had been searching for her whole life:
She felt loved.
She felt safe.
She felt like she belonged.