The east wing of the mansion was no longer quiet or tense—it had started to buzz with laughter and chatter.
Keiren and Keigan had taken it upon themselves to be the first friends Karina and Karim had here, and it was working like magic.
From morning till evening, the four of them were inseparable. Keigan would challenge Karim to little races through the hallways, and Karim, who had been tense and quiet, found himself laughing freely.
Keiren, with his mischievous grin, became Karina's partner in harmless pranks around the east wing. Together, they discovered hidden corners, secret passages, and even the perfect spots to watch the sunset in the garden.
"See? I told you this place was fun," Keigan said, clapping Karim on the back as they collapsed onto the couch after a hallway race.
"I didn't believe you at first," Karim admitted, grinning despite himself. "But… yeah, this is kind of amazing."
Meanwhile, Karina and Keiren were busy decorating their shared corner with little personal touches—photos, cushions, and a small vase of flowers.
"I didn't know living somewhere could feel like… home," Karina whispered softly to Keiren.
"You've got us now," he said, nudging her shoulder. "We've got your back. And you've got Jay and Keifer too."
Jay, watching from the doorway, smiled at the sight. Keifer stood beside her, arms crossed, smirking. "Looks like they're adjusting better than we expected."
"They're happy," Jay said softly. "And laughing. That's all that matters."
Keifer's eyes softened as he looked at them. "They're part of this family now. And with Keigan and Keiren by their side… they'll feel it even more."
That evening, the four of them sprawled across the east wing's garden, sharing snacks and stories. Laughter echoed through the hallways, blending with the distant voices of Serina and Keizer.
For the first time in a long while, Karina and Karim weren't just children escaping a fighting household—they were part of a family that would protect, guide, and love them. And the bonds they were forming with Keigan and Keiren were already becoming unbreakable.
Jay leaned into Keifer's side, smiling quietly. "They're really happy now."
Keifer brushed a hand across her hair. "Yeah… and it's because they finally know what family feels like."
In the east wing, the mansion no longer felt like just a house—it was a home alive with new friendships, laughter, and the warmth of a family that refused to let anyone feel alone.