The evening air outside was cool, the city lights already sparkling like stars on the ground.
Inside the house, the atmosphere was different. Quiet. Tense. The kind of silence that comes before something important.
Jay and Keifer didn't talk much as they prepared. They moved with practiced efficiency, both knowing the stakes.
Keifer changed into a crisp suit, his tie straight and his expression focused. Jay adjusted his cufflinks and smoothed the fabric, her hands steady even though her heart was pounding.
"You look good," Jay said quietly.
Keifer's gaze softened for a moment. "You always make me look good."
Jay's cheeks warmed. "Just focus on the meeting."
Keifer nodded, but his eyes stayed on her for a second longer.
They arrived at the building where the investor meeting was held. The lobby was sleek, the kind of place where people wore expensive shoes and spoke in confident tones.
Jay walked beside Keifer, her posture straight, her face composed. She wasn't just his assistant anymore. She was his support system, his calm.When they entered the meeting room, the investors were already seated. Their faces were serious, their eyes sharp.
Keifer walked in first, followed by Jay.
The meeting began immediately.
Keifer spoke confidently, outlining the company's plans, the growth, the numbers, the future. His voice was calm, but it carried power. Every word was measured, every point made with precision.
Jay sat beside him, ready to step in if needed. She had the documents, the numbers, the notes—everything prepared.
The investors listened. They asked questions. Some were skeptical, some were impressed.
At one point, one investor leaned forward and said, "Mr. Keifer, your projections are strong. But what about the risks? What happens if the market shifts unexpectedly?"
Keifer paused, his expression steady. He glanced at Jay for a split second, like he was checking in with her.
Jay met his gaze and gave him a small nod.
Keifer's voice remained calm. "We have contingency plans. We're prepared. We don't just rely on numbers—we rely on strategy."
The investor nodded slowly, considering.
Another investor spoke, "And what about your team? How do you keep everything running smoothly with such rapid growth?"
Keifer looked toward Jay again, and this time, he didn't need her to answer. He already knew the answer.
"Our team is strong because our support is strong," he said, his eyes briefly flicking to Jay. "We have a system in place, and we make sure our people are taken care of."
Jay felt a warmth spread through her chest.
The investors continued, and the meeting went on for nearly an hour. Jay stayed alert, ready to provide any information Keifer needed.
When the meeting finally ended, Keifer stood and shook hands with the investors. Their faces were less tense now, more respectful.
Jay stood beside him, her posture straight, her expression calm.
As they walked out of the building, Keifer exhaled slowly.
"That went well," Jay said quietly.
Keifer nodded. "Yeah."
He looked at her, his eyes softening. "Thank you."
Jay smiled. "You didn't need me."
Keifer shook his head. "I did."
Jay's cheeks warmed. "You always do."
Keifer's smile deepened. "Not always."
Jay raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
Keifer stopped walking and turned to her. The city lights reflected in his eyes, making him look almost gentle.
"I did tonight," he said. "Because you make me better."
Jay's heart fluttered.
She reached up and touched his cheek, her fingers trembling slightly. "And you make me feel like I can handle anything."
Keifer leaned in, his forehead resting against hers.
"Come home with me," he whispered.
Jay smiled. "Always."
They walked back to the house, side by side, the city bustling around them but the world between them quiet and safe.
And even though work had tested them again, they had come out stronger—because they had each other.