Chapter One: Can't Run From Love
The church was filled with whispers the moment the doors opened.
Everyone rose to their feet as Jay, veiled in white, appeared at the end of the aisle. Her chest tightened, nerves bubbling up, until her eyes found him.
Keifer Watson. Waiting for her like he had always known she'd come.
That stupid smirk curved on his lips—the one that screamed, Finally, Mutya. You're mine.
Jay rolled her eyes beneath her veil. But her heart was already betraying her, hammering in her chest.
She stepped forward, guided by her lola, and every step felt both terrifying and right. Keifer's gaze didn't waver. Not for a second.
When she reached the altar, he took her hand, his thumb brushing her skin in that infuriatingly steady way.
"Relax," he whispered. "You're stuck with me now. No running this time."
The ceremony blurred past in a haze of nerves and emotions. She heard snippets of vows, the priest's voice, the soft sighs of guests. But the clearest sound was Keifer's vow.
"You drive me insane, Jay. You make me jealous, stubborn, and restless. But you also make me want to be better. And I promise—every day—I'll protect you, love you, and prove you'll never regret choosing me."
Her eyes stung.
Then the words: You may kiss the bride.
Keifer pulled her close, kissing her with the kind of fire that made Section E erupt in cheers.
"About time!" Yuri's voice rang out. "Now we don't have to suffer through their staring contests anymore!"
"Oi, Watson!" Aries called from the front row, arms crossed. "She may be your wife now, but don't forget—she's still my baby sister. Hurt her and you're dead."
Angelo stood beside him, equally serious. "Double dead. Just so we're clear."
Keifer smirked, his arm tightening protectively around Jay. "Relax. She's safe. She married the guy who can't stop worshipping her."
"Ew," Ella groaned from the Section E pews, covering her ears. "Gross. Married at eighteen and already cheesy."
"Honestly," Yuri added, "who gets married this young? Couldn't you two just… date like normal people?"
Jay shot them all her signature glare, cheeks flushing. "Can't you guys just shut up for one second?!"
But Percy, leaning back with his usual grin, wasn't about to miss his moment. "Hey, don't look at me. I love this. Our little Jayjay finally upgraded from being Mutya of Section E… to being Mrs. Watson. Honestly, Keifer, congrats. You married up."
"Percy!" Jay hissed.
"What? It's true. Half the school thought you'd die single, Jay." Percy shrugged dramatically. "Good thing this idiot actually stuck around."
Keifer snorted, clearly amused. "You're really lucky I like you as her stepbro, Percy, or I'd throw you out right now."
"Love you too, bro-in-law," Percy winked, earning laughter from the rest of Section E.
Jay buried her face in her hands. "I regret everything."
"Too late, Mutya," Keifer murmured, tugging her closer so only she could hear. "You're mine now. And tonight—" his lips brushed her ear, his voice dropping low, teasing— "I can't wait until it's just us. No Section E. No brothers. No Percy."
Her cheeks burned scarlet.
Section E might tease, her brothers might threaten, Percy might clown around—but in that moment, Jay knew one thing with absolute certainty.
She couldn't run from love anymore.
Not when it had always been him.