Some days passed, and the penthouse began to feel more like home than ever before.
Jay started waking up without fear. She laughed freely in the morning, and she no longer flinched at sudden noises. She was slowly becoming the person she used to be—only stronger.
She began to live like herself.
Not the scared, broken version.
But the real Jay.
The Jay who could be chaotic.
The Jay who could be carefree.
The Jay who could smile without hiding it.
And Keifer loved seeing that side of her.
At first, she was still careful around him, like she didn't want to overstep or make him uncomfortable. But Keifer never pushed her. He let her grow at her own pace. He let her be messy. He let her be her.
Soon, Jay began to act like she had always belonged in his life.
She started teasing him at the office, making small jokes that made him smile. She would accidentally knock over a pen, then pretend she didn't do it. She would make funny faces when he wasn't looking, just to see if he noticed.
And he did.
Keifer noticed everything about her.
He noticed how she walked with confidence now.
He noticed how she spoke up in meetings.
He noticed how she became braver each day.
She became chaotic around him because she knew he would still hold her.
She became carefree because she knew he would still protect her.
She became herself because he gave her the freedom to be.
At the office, Jay learned fast. Faster than anyone expected. She began to understand the rhythm of the company. She learned to manage his schedule, organize important meetings, and handle complicated tasks. She became an expert in a short time.
Keifer was impressed.
Not just because she was smart.
But because she was strong.
One evening, after a long day, Keifer looked at her with a quiet pride.
"You've improved a lot," he said softly.
Jay smiled, her cheeks warming.
"Thanks," she said. "I'm just trying to keep up with you."
Keifer's lips curved into a small smile.
"You're not just keeping up," he said. "You're doing better than most."
Jay felt her heart swell.
She looked at him, her eyes shining.
"Why do you always praise me?" she asked, teasingly.
Keifer's gaze softened.
"Because you deserve it," he replied. "And because you're mine."
Jay's eyes widened slightly, then she laughed softly.
"Mine?" she repeated.
Keifer nodded, his expression serious.
"Yes," he said. "You are mine."
Jay's face softened. She felt a warmth in her chest.
She leaned closer to him, her voice quiet.
"Then don't ever let me go," she whispered.
Keifer didn't say anything. He just pulled her closer and kissed her softly.
It was a kiss full of emotion.
Full of promises.
Full of love.
They shared deep romantic moments not only at the penthouse but also at the office. Sometimes, when the office was quiet, Jay would lean on his shoulder. Sometimes, she would whisper a small compliment and watch him blush. Sometimes, they would share a quick kiss behind closed doors, just to remind themselves that they belonged to each other.
And every time, Keifer would look at her like she was the most precious thing in the world.
Jay also began to become independent.
She learned how to take care of herself. She learned how to manage her life. She learned how to make decisions. She learned how to stand on her own feet.
Keifer never stopped her from doing anything.
He only supported her.
And that made her love him even more.
Because she realized something:
He didn't want to control her.
He wanted to protect her.
And he wanted to see her become the person she always deserved to be.