Jay followed Keifer through the mansion, her eyes wide as she took in every detail. The hallways were long and polished, the walls decorated with expensive paintings and framed photographs she didn't recognize. Everything felt clean, elegant, and quiet—like the mansion itself was holding its breath.
She couldn't stop staring.
"Keifer," she whispered, "this place… it's huge."
Keifer glanced at her, a small smile forming on his lips. "It's not that big."
Jay shook her head, almost laughing despite herself.
"It is," she insisted. "It's like a palace."
Keifer didn't respond, but Jay could see the pride in his eyes. He walked ahead, leading her to a dining area where the table was already set. There were fresh fruits, pastries, and a pot of coffee steaming in the middle. Everything looked expensive, but it didn't feel cold or pretentious. It felt… normal.
Jay sat down, still staring around.
She looked at the chandelier above them, the crystal shining softly. She looked at the walls, the expensive furniture, the way everything seemed perfectly placed.
She swallowed.
"Keifer," she said softly, "how… how can you afford all this?"
Keifer sat across from her, his expression calm.
"I work hard," he said simply.
Jay shook her head, not satisfied.
"I mean… you're richer than Jax," she said quietly, her voice filled with surprise. "Way richer."
Keifer's expression changed slightly, but he didn't deny it.
Jay's heart sank.
She had always believed Jax was powerful and rich. She thought he had everything. But this… this was different.
Keifer's mansion felt like a whole world of its own.
Jay looked down at her hands, feeling a strange mix of shock and confusion.
"So you're… more powerful than him?" she asked quietly.
Keifer leaned back in his chair, his eyes focused on her.
"Power isn't everything," he said. "But yes, I'm well off."
Jay's heart tightened.
She looked at him, her voice trembling.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked.
Keifer's gaze softened.
"I didn't want you to think I was trying to compete with him," he said quietly. "And I didn't want you to feel like I was showing off."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again.
She swallowed hard.
"I never expected this," she whispered.
Keifer looked at her, his expression serious.
"You don't have to compare," he said. "What matters is you're here now."
Jay nodded, trying to keep her emotions under control.
She looked around again, her mind racing.
If Keifer was richer than Jax… what did that mean?
Why had she always believed Jax was the only one who could protect her?
Why had she ever trusted him?
Her thoughts were interrupted when Keifer stood up.
"Finish your breakfast," he said. "Then I'll show you the rest of the mansion."
Jay nodded, still stunned.
As she ate, she couldn't stop thinking about everything she was seeing. She couldn't stop thinking about how different this life was. How calm it felt. How safe.
Keifer watched her quietly, his eyes softening as he saw her slowly relax.
He knew she was overwhelmed. He knew she was still hurting.
But he didn't rush her.
He didn't push her.
He simply let her breathe.
After breakfast, Keifer led her through the mansion again. Each room was more beautiful than the last. A library filled with books, a home theater, a private garden inside the house, and a large balcony overlooking the city.
Jay stood at the balcony, staring out at the view. The city lights were still visible, and the air felt fresh.
She turned to Keifer.
"This is… incredible," she whispered.
Keifer's eyes softened.
"It's not about the money," he said quietly. "It's about having a place where you can feel safe."
Jay nodded, her heart warming.
For the first time since everything happened, she felt like she could breathe again.
And she realized something.
Keifer didn't just have money.
He had a life that felt real.
A life that didn't feel like a trap.
And for the first time, Jay wondered if she could actually choose a different future.