The mansion was silent, but Jay's room was softly lit, papers and files scattered across the desk. She was still working, completely absorbed, unaware that someone had quietly entered.
Keifer's shadow fell across the room for a moment before he stepped closer, his presence commanding yet careful. He didn't say a word—just sat down beside her, the faint creak of the chair loud in the quiet room.
Jay felt his gaze on her and looked up, startled. Before she could speak, he reached out and took her hand in his, his grip firm but not harsh. The warmth of his hand sent a jolt through her.
"I'll… just pause the past," he said, his voice low, steady, carrying that edge of authority she both feared and craved. "For now. I don't want you to miss your fiancé life. I can give you a chance… but remember," he added, his eyes locking onto hers, "you still owe me answers."
Jay's chest tightened at his words, a mixture of relief and emotion flooding her. She didn't speak; she couldn't. Instead, she threw herself forward, wrapping her arms tightly around him, hugging him hard, pressing herself against the cold armor of his chest.
Keifer's hand tightened slightly around hers, the other resting on her back, steadying her. He didn't pull away, didn't say anything further. The quiet between them spoke volumes—an unspoken truce, a fragile pause in the storm of tension that had always existed between them.
Jay buried her face in his shoulder, letting herself feel the weight of the moment—the closeness, the warmth, the restrained intensity. And for the first time, she felt a fleeting sense of safety, even with the knowledge that the answers he demanded were still waiting… somewhere in her heart.
Keifer remained still, letting her hug him, his own emotions carefully contained, though the faintest softening in his eyes betrayed him. The night stretched on, quiet, heavy with unspoken truths, promises, and the simmering tension of what was to come.