The morning after the wedding celebration felt quiet in a way that was almost bittersweet.
The house was still full of warmth, but there was a sense of calm that came with the end of a beautiful chapter. Everyone knew that today, Jay and Keifer would return to their world—back to their house, their office, their life outside the family home.
The family gathered in the living room one last time before they left. Sarina stood near the doorway, her eyes soft. Keizer stood beside her, calm but with a quiet heaviness in his expression.
The cousins and brothers were all there, some smiling, some trying to hide their emotions.
Jay stood beside Keifer, holding his hand tightly. Her heart felt heavy. She didn't want to leave. Not because she didn't want to go back to her life, but because she didn't want to leave the place that had finally made her feel safe.
Keifer looked at the family and then at Jay. "We'll come back soon."
Sarina smiled, but her eyes shone. "We know."
Keizer's voice was calm. "Take care of each other."
Keifer nodded. "We will, sir."
Keizer's eyes softened. "And remember, this is your home too."
Jay's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you."
Keifer squeezed her hand. "Come on, Jay."
Jay hugged Sarina tightly first. "Thank you for everything."
Sarina hugged her back, holding her like she never wanted to let go. "You don't need to thank me. Just be happy."
Jay pulled back slightly, wiping her tears. "I will."
Keifer hugged Sarina next, his expression calm but emotional. "Thank you for everything."
Sarina smiled. "You're welcome."
Keizer stepped forward, his expression steady. Keifer looked at him, and for a moment, there was a quiet connection between father and son.
Keifer said softly, "Thank you, sir."
Keizer's voice was quiet. "Take care."
Keifer nodded. "We will."
Jay hugged Keizer as well, and he held her for a moment, his arms strong and reassuring. "You are part of this family now," he said quietly.
Jay's voice trembled. "I know."
Keizer nodded. "Don't forget that."
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining. "I won't."
The cousins began to say their goodbyes, hugging Jay and Keifer, laughing through their tears.
One cousin said, "Don't forget us!"
Another shouted, "Come back soon!"
The younger ones clung to Jay, making her laugh through her tears.
Keifer smiled softly. "We won't forget."
Sarina walked them to the door, her eyes still shining. "Drive safe."
Keifer nodded. "We will."
Jay looked back one last time at the house—the house that had become her home.
She felt a lump in her throat, but she also felt something else.
She felt love.
She felt belonging.
She felt strength.
Keifer placed his arm around Jay's shoulders as they stepped outside. The car was waiting, and the driver opened the door.
Jay took a deep breath. "I'll miss this place."
Keifer kissed her forehead. "We'll come back."
Jay nodded, smiling through her tears. "Okay."
They got into the car, and as the car began to move, Jay looked back one last time. She saw Sarina and Keizer standing at the doorway, waving.
Keifer leaned closer and whispered, "They love you."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again. "I know."
Keifer kissed her softly. "You belong to them now."
Jay closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his words.
As the car drove away, the family watched until the car disappeared from sight.
Inside the house, Sarina wiped her tears, smiling softly. Keizer stood beside her, his expression calm but emotional.
Sarina whispered, "They're happy."
Keizer nodded. "Yes."
Sarina leaned her head on his shoulder. "Thank you."
Keizer's voice was quiet. "Thank you for giving us back our son."
Sarina looked up at him. "He was never really lost."
Keizer smiled softly. "No, he wasn't."
And far away, in the car, Jay held Keifer's hand tightly, feeling the love of the family she had gained.
She knew that no matter where she went, she would always have a home to return to.
And that thought made her heart feel light again.
The car ride back felt different.
It wasn't the same as before. Before, it had been filled with stress, uncertainty, and a sense of loneliness that Jay had carried inside her.
Now, the silence between them felt comfortable. It wasn't heavy. It was peaceful.
Jay sat beside Keifer, her hand still holding his. She looked out the window, watching the city pass by, but her mind kept returning to the family home—Sarina, Keizer, the cousins, the warmth. She felt a strange mix of happiness and sadness.
Keifer glanced at her. "You okay?"
Jay smiled softly. "Yes. Just… thinking."
Keifer nodded. "They'll always be there."
Jay turned to him. "You think so?"
Keifer's eyes softened. "I know so."
Jay's heart warmed. "I'm scared of going back to our life."
Keifer's voice was gentle. "We're not alone anymore."
Jay leaned her head on his shoulder. "I know."
Keifer kissed her forehead. "We have each other."
Jay looked up at him. "And we have a family."
Keifer nodded. "Yes."
The car reached their house, and the familiar sight of their building made Jay feel a little nervous again. The world outside was waiting—work, responsibilities, everything she had been running from.
But this time, she didn't feel alone.
They entered the house, and it was quiet. The silence felt strange after the loud warmth of the family home.
Jay looked around. "It feels empty."
Keifer smiled softly. "It's just us now."
Jay nodded. "Just us."
Keifer pulled her closer. "Come here."
Jay leaned into him, and Keifer wrapped his arms around her tightly. Jay closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his body, the safety of his embrace.
Keifer whispered, "I missed you."
Jay smiled. "I missed you too."
Keifer's voice was soft. "You don't have to be strong anymore."
Jay's eyes filled with tears. "I don't want to be strong."
Keifer kissed her gently. "Then don't."
Jay looked up at him. "What now?"
Keifer's smile was tender. "Now we live."
Jay laughed softly. "That sounds simple."
Keifer nodded. "It is. And it's enough."
Jay's heart fluttered. "I want to feel that."
Keifer kissed her softly, a gentle kiss that felt like a promise. Jay responded, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
Their kiss deepened slightly, but still gentle and slow. It was not rushed. It was not demanding. It was a kiss that said I'm here. I'm not leaving. I'm yours.
Jay pulled back, breathing softly. "You make everything feel better."
Keifer smiled. "That's what I'm here for."
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining. "I love you."
Keifer's voice was steady. "I love you too."
Jay smiled. "Even when I'm weak?"
Keifer nodded. "Especially when you're weak."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again, but these were tears of relief.
Keifer held her close. "You don't have to be anyone else. Just be you."
Jay rested her head against his chest. "I want to be with you forever."
Keifer kissed her forehead. "Forever."
They stood there for a while, holding each other in the quiet house.
Later, as evening approached, Keifer led Jay to the balcony. The city lights shone brightly, and the air felt cool.
Keifer wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close. Jay leaned into him, feeling his warmth.
Keifer whispered, "We will make this house a home again."
Jay smiled. "With you, it already is."
Keifer kissed her softly. "Then let's make it ours."
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining. "I want that."
Keifer's voice was gentle. "Then we'll start today."
Jay rested her head on his shoulder, feeling safe and loved.
And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she could breathe.
Because she wasn't alone anymore.
She was loved.
She was home.
They stood in the quiet of their room, the world outside moving on, but inside everything had finally slowed down.
Jay rested her head against Keifer's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It felt like the only sound that mattered. The only sound that was real.
Keifer held her close, as if he was trying to keep her safe from everything that had hurt her before. His hands were warm, steady, and gentle.
Jay looked up at him, her eyes shining with emotion. "Today… felt like the first day of my life."
Keifer's voice was soft. "It felt like the first day of ours."
Jay smiled through her tears. "I never thought I'd feel this kind of peace."
Keifer kissed her forehead gently. "You deserve it."
Jay's voice trembled. "I'm scared of the future."
Keifer's eyes softened. "Then we will face it together."
Jay looked into his eyes, her heart beating fast. "You really mean that?"
Keifer nodded. "With everything I am."
Jay's breath hitched. "Then I want you to know… I'm not just yours now. I'm yours forever."
Keifer's expression changed, a quiet tenderness spreading across his face. He pulled her closer, their bodies fitting together like they always had.
"Forever," he repeated, like a vow.
Jay's eyes closed as he kissed her gently. The kiss was slow, soft, and full of everything they couldn't say out loud.
When they pulled back, they stayed close, foreheads touching.
Keifer whispered, "Today wasn't just a wedding. It was the day two souls became one."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again, but these were happy tears.
Keifer smiled softly. "And our story is only beginning."
Jay nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "I know."
Keifer held her tighter, as if he could keep the world from touching them.
Jay felt the warmth of his love settle into her chest like a promise.
A promise of a future.
A promise of a home.
A promise of a family.
And in that moment, as the night wrapped around them, Jay knew that their love wasn't just a feeling—it was a bond that would grow stronger with every day.
Because today, two souls had truly become one.
And soon, their love would create something even more beautiful.
The next morning, Jay and Keifer returned to the office together.
The building looked the same, but the atmosphere felt different—like everything had shifted.
They entered the office, and immediately the room fell silent.
Everyone turned to look.
Then, as if one person started it, the entire office erupted in congratulations for Jay.
"Congratulations, Jay!"
"Best wishes!"
"Happy married life!"
"You both look great!"
Jay smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. She wasn't expecting such a welcoming reaction, especially not in a place that used to feel so cold.
Keifer walked beside her, his posture calm and powerful. He didn't smile much, but his presence alone was enough to command attention.
No one dared to approach him.
Not because they were scared of him.
Because they respected him too much.
Because they knew he was the CEO.
And because they knew what happened when Keifer got involved.
Jay felt a strange mix of pride and comfort. She had always been afraid of being judged in this office, but today she felt… accepted.
A few people approached Jay, smiling warmly.
One colleague hugged her gently. "Congratulations, Jay. You deserve all the happiness."
Jay smiled. "Thank you."
Another coworker said, "We're happy for you."
Jay nodded. "Thank you."
Even the usually cold employees congratulated her. The atmosphere was warm and happy.
Keifer stood nearby, watching with a calm expression.
No one tried to talk to him.
No one dared.
A few people glanced at him nervously, then quickly looked away.
Jay noticed it and smiled softly.
Keifer leaned closer and whispered, "They're all congratulating you."
Jay nodded. "Yes."
Keifer's voice was low. "Good."
Jay looked at him. "You're not going to be jealous?"
Keifer's expression didn't change, but his eyes softened. "I'm not jealous. I just don't like people staring."
Jay smiled. "You don't have to worry. I'm yours."
Keifer's gaze remained steady. "Good."
The day continued, and Jay returned to her desk. Her coworkers kept congratulating her, and Jay answered each one politely, feeling happier with every smile.
A few girls who had once tried to create tension avoided her today. They didn't even dare to approach her now.
Jay felt a sense of peace.
Because she knew she was safe.
She knew she was loved.
And she knew she had the support of the man she loved—the CEO who ruled the office, and her heart.
The office was buzzing with work, but the mood had shifted after the wedding. Everyone was more relaxed around Jay, and the congratulations from the morning still lingered in the air.
Jay was sitting at her desk, working on the CEO's schedule, when she noticed a familiar face approaching.
It was Nia, a coworker who had always acted friendly but had a habit of making passive-aggressive comments. Jay had sensed the jealousy before, but she hadn't paid much attention.
Now, Nia walked up to Jay's desk with a smile that looked too perfect.
"Congratulations again, Jay," Nia said, her voice sweet but cold. "You must be so happy to be married now."
Jay smiled politely. "Yes, I am. Thank you."
Nia leaned closer, lowering her voice. "I hope you know what you're doing. Marrying a CEO is not easy."
Jay felt a small chill. "I know."
Nia's smile widened. "I just hope you don't get too comfortable. Some people get used to luxury and forget who they are."
Jay's smile remained calm. "I won't forget."
Nia's eyes narrowed slightly. "Good."
Nia leaned in again, as if she was sharing a secret. "You know, I've heard things about you."
Jay blinked, surprised. "What things?"
Nia shrugged, acting innocent. "Just rumors. People talk."
Jay's expression remained calm. "Rumors aren't facts."
Nia laughed softly. "Of course. But I'm just saying… be careful. You're in a powerful man's world now."
Jay stood up slowly, her voice calm. "Thank you for your concern, Nia. But I don't need advice from someone who doesn't even know me."
Nia's smile faltered for a moment. "Oh, I know you."
Jay's eyes narrowed slightly. "No, you don't."
Nia took a step back, clearly annoyed. "Whatever. Just don't let him use you."
Jay's expression remained calm, but she could feel her heart pounding.
Before Jay could respond, Keifer walked up behind her, his presence silent but powerful.
He placed a hand lightly on Jay's shoulder, as if to show he was there.
Nia looked up and froze.
Keifer's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "Is there a problem here?"
Nia swallowed, trying to regain her composure. "No, sir. I was just… congratulating Jay."
Keifer's gaze was steady. "Good. Then you can go back to your work."
Nia hesitated. "Yes, sir."
She walked away quickly, her eyes avoiding Keifer's.
Keifer's hand tightened slightly on Jay's shoulder before he released her.
Jay turned to him. "Thank you."
Keifer's voice was soft. "You didn't have to deal with her alone."
Jay nodded. "I know."
Keifer's eyes softened. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone."
Jay smiled softly. "I know."
Keifer leaned closer and kissed her cheek gently. "You're mine."
Jay blushed slightly. "I know."
Keifer's expression softened. "Good."
The rest of the day passed with normal work, but Jay felt a sense of calm knowing Keifer was there.
Even if someone tried to create trouble, he would always be there to protect her.
And Jay knew she didn't have to face anything alone anymore.
The office was calm after the small incident with Nia. Jay sat at her desk, focusing on the day's tasks, but she couldn't help feeling the tension still lingering in the air.
Keifer, as usual, was busy in his cabin, handling meetings and calls. Jay watched him from her desk, feeling a warmth in her chest knowing he was always there—always watching out for her.
A few minutes later, Keifer's assistant knocked on Jay's door.
"Jay," he said, stepping inside. "Mr. Keifer wants you in his cabin."
Jay nodded, a small smile on her face. "Okay."
She walked toward Keifer's cabin, her heart beating slightly faster.
When she entered, Keifer was standing near his desk, holding a small box in his hand. His expression was calm, but there was a softness in his eyes.
Jay's eyes widened slightly. "What's this?"
Keifer walked toward her and handed her the box. "Open it."
Jay took it carefully and opened it.
Inside was a simple bracelet—elegant, delicate, and beautiful. It wasn't flashy, but it looked perfect for her.
Jay looked up at Keifer, surprised. "It's beautiful."
Keifer's voice was calm. "It's for you."
Jay smiled, her eyes shining. "Why?"
Keifer's gaze softened. "Because you deserve it."
Jay's voice trembled slightly. "I don't deserve anything from you."
Keifer stepped closer. "Yes, you do."
Jay looked at him, her eyes full of emotion. "Thank you."
Keifer placed the bracelet on her wrist, his fingers gentle. "It suits you."
Jay looked at the bracelet, then at Keifer. "It's beautiful. Just like you."
Keifer's expression softened, and he leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Stop."
Jay smiled. "What?"
Keifer's voice was calm. "You're making me feel soft."
Jay laughed softly. "Good."
Keifer's gaze remained steady. "Now go back to work."
Jay nodded, smiling. "Yes, sir."
A few hours later, a new problem arose.
Jay was in the middle of organizing the CEO's schedule when one of the employees rushed in, panic in his eyes.
"Ms. Jay, there's a problem with the client meeting. The client is refusing to come because of a misunderstanding."
Jay stood up quickly. "What happened?"
The employee looked worried. "The client thinks Mr. Keifer is not taking their proposal seriously. They're threatening to cancel the contract."
Jay's heart skipped a beat. This was serious. Losing a client was not something the company could afford.
Jay took a deep breath and walked toward Keifer's cabin.
She knocked on the door. "Sir, there's a problem."
Keifer looked up. "What is it?"
Jay explained the situation quickly and calmly. "The client thinks you're not taking them seriously. They're threatening to cancel."
Keifer's expression didn't change, but Jay could feel the tension in the room.
Keifer stood up. "Show me the message."
Jay handed him the email, and Keifer read it carefully.
Keifer's voice was calm. "This is a misunderstanding."
Jay nodded. "Yes, sir. They misunderstood your tone."
Keifer looked at Jay. "What do you suggest?"
Jay thought for a moment. "I can call them and explain. I'll apologize for the misunderstanding and assure them that we value their business."
Keifer nodded. "Do it."
Jay walked out, her heart racing. She knew this was a big responsibility, but she also knew she could handle it.
She made the call, speaking politely and confidently.
"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding," Jay said. "Mr. Keifer respects your proposal. We value your business, and we want to continue working with you."
After a few minutes of conversation, the client agreed to meet.
Jay felt a wave of relief.
She walked back to Keifer's cabin.
Keifer looked at her. "You did well."
Jay breathed out. "I was nervous."
Keifer's voice was gentle. "You handled it."
Jay looked up at him. "Thank you for trusting me."
Keifer's eyes softened. "I trust you because you are capable."
Jay's heart warmed. "You always make me feel like I can do anything."
Keifer stepped closer and kissed her softly. "You can."
Jay smiled. "I'm glad I have you."
Keifer's voice was calm. "And I'm glad I have you."
A few days after the client incident, the office returned to its usual pace. Jay was back to managing Keifer's schedule, handling meetings, and keeping the CEO's world organized.
Everything seemed calm.
But calm never lasted long in their world.
One afternoon, a young executive named Arjun walked into the office. He was confident, charming, and very ambitious. He had recently been promoted and was known for being a rising star.
He also happened to be one of the people who liked to test boundaries.
Arjun approached Jay's desk with a friendly smile.
"Jay," he said, "congratulations again."
Jay smiled politely. "Thank you."
Arjun leaned closer, his voice low. "I heard your wedding was amazing. You must be really happy."
Jay nodded. "Yes, I am."
Arjun's eyes lingered on her wrist where the bracelet Keifer gave her sat shining. "That's a beautiful bracelet."
Jay smiled. "Thank you."
Arjun's smile widened. "You're lucky to have a CEO like him."
Jay's smile stayed polite. "Yes, I am."
Arjun's tone shifted slightly. "But you know, it must be difficult working for someone like Keifer."
Jay raised her eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"
Arjun leaned closer again, his voice low and teasing. "Because he's strict. And he's… intense."
Jay nodded calmly. "Yes, he is."
Arjun's smile turned a little smug. "I've heard you're his favorite assistant."
Jay's expression remained calm. "I'm just doing my job."
Arjun leaned back, still smiling. "You're doing more than your job."
Jay didn't respond.
Arjun continued, "I'm sure he treats you differently. You must be special to him."
Jay's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm not interested in rumors."
Arjun's smile faded. "Oh, come on. Don't act like you're not aware."
Jay stood up slowly, her voice calm. "I'm not going to participate in this."
Arjun's expression hardened slightly. "Fine. But don't think I don't know what's going on."
Jay sat back down, her heart beating faster. She could feel the tension in the air.
She didn't know if Arjun was just trying to provoke her or if he had some real intention.
A few minutes later, Keifer walked out of his cabin and noticed the tension immediately.
He walked over to Jay's desk, his presence silent but powerful.
Jay looked up. "Sir."
Keifer's gaze shifted to Arjun. "Is there a problem?"
Arjun turned slightly, still smiling. "No problem, sir. Just having a chat with Jay."
Keifer's voice remained calm. "I don't like people talking to my assistant without purpose."
Arjun laughed softly. "I was just congratulating her."
Keifer's eyes didn't move. "I don't care."
Arjun's smile faltered. He looked at Jay. "You okay?"
Jay nodded. "Yes, sir."
Keifer leaned closer to Jay and whispered, "Go back to your work."
Jay nodded.
After Keifer walked away, Jay could feel the tension in her chest.
She knew Keifer had protected her, but she also felt something else.
She felt a little hurt that he didn't trust her to handle things on her own.
Jay looked up and met Keifer's gaze. "Why didn't you trust me?"
Keifer's voice was quiet. "I do trust you."
Jay's eyes softened. "Then why did you step in?"
Keifer's expression softened. "Because I don't want anyone making you uncomfortable."
Jay's voice trembled. "I can handle myself."
Keifer's eyes softened even more. "I know you can."
Jay took a deep breath. "Then trust me to handle it."
Keifer looked at her for a moment, his expression unreadable.
Then he nodded slowly. "I will."
Jay smiled softly. "Thank you."
Keifer stepped closer and kissed her gently. "I'm sorry."
Jay shook her head. "You don't have to apologize."
Keifer's voice was soft. "But I do."
Jay's eyes shone. "I love you."
Keifer's voice was steady. "I love you too."
They stood there for a moment, the office around them still busy, but their world was quiet.
Jay felt the trust between them strengthen.
Because even though Keifer wanted to protect her, he also knew he had to let her stand on her own.
And Jay knew that no matter what happened, they would face it together.