Chapter 5
The room was too big.
Too quiet.
Jay stood near the window.
Her fingers clutched the curtain.
Tightly.
She hadn't moved since they brought her here.
Since he brought her here.
The door opened.
She stiffened instantly.
Footsteps.
Slow.
Controlled.
She didn't turn.
But she knew.
Keifer
"You look like a prisoner."
His voice was calm.
Jay swallowed.
"Am I not?"
A pause.
"No."
She turned slowly.
"Then what am I?"
Keifer walked further inside.
"A guest."
Jay almost laughed.
"A guest who can't leave?"
Silence.
"That depends on your choice."
Her brows frowned.
"What choice?"
Keifer stopped in front of her.
Close.
But not touching.
"I'm giving you one month."
Jay blinked.
"One month…?"
"To decide."
A pause.
"To marry me."
Her heart skipped.
"And if I say no?"
Keifer's gaze didn't change.
"You won't."
Anger flickered.
"You don't get to decide that!"
His eyes darkened slightly.
"I already did."
Silence.
Heavy.
Jay's breathing turned uneven.
"You're forcing me."
"No."
He said calmly.
"I'm showing you the only option that keeps you alive."
Her eyes filled.
"I hate this."
"I know."
"I hate you."
A pause.
Then—
"That might change."
Jay shook her head instantly.
"Never."
Keifer stepped closer.
Just one step.
Enough to make her heart race.
"We'll see."
Silence again.
Then Jay whispered—
"Why are you doing this?"
"For your safety."
"That's not the truth."
A long pause.
Keifer looked at her.
Really looked.
"For control."
Her breath hitched.
"At least you're honest."
"I don't lie."
Jay looked away.
Her mind was a mess.
Fear.
Anger.
Confusion.
"One month…"
She repeated softly.
"And I have to stay here?"
"Yes."
"With you?"
"Yes."
Her heart pounded louder.
"This place…"
She whispered.
"It scares me."
A pause.
Then unexpectedly—
"It should."
She looked at him.
Shocked.
"But not because of me."
Jay frowned slightly.
"Then because of what?"
Keifer's gaze turned colder.
"The people outside."
A silence followed.
Different this time.
Not threatening.
Heavy.
Real.
"You're safer here…"
He added quietly.
"…than anywhere else."
Jay didn't reply.
Because a part of her…
Believed it.
And that scared her more.
Keifer turned to leave.
"The room is yours."
"Wait."
He stopped.
Jay hesitated.
Then asked—
"Will you… hurt me?"
A long pause.
He didn't turn.
"No."
Simple.
Certain.
And then he left.
The door closed softly.
Jay stood there.
Alone.
In a place that terrified her.
With a man she didn't understand.
A monster…
Who just promised not to hurt her.
Her fingers slowly loosened.
Her heartbeat still loud.
"One month…"
She whispered.
To decide her life.
To understand him.
Or to break completely.
And somewhere in the mansion—
Keifer stood still.
Thinking.
For the first time in a long time…
Not about power.
Not about enemies.
But about her.
End of Chapter 5