The evening started like any other.
The house was filled with chatter, the smell of food, and casual laughter.
But the moment Keifer's father cleared his throat, the room went quiet.
"Everyone," he said, voice formal, "we have an announcement."
Jay felt her heart skip.
Keifer's mom glanced at him, her expression calm but alert.
Keifer's father continued, "Keifer, your marriage has been decided. Ivy's father is our business partner, and this union is beneficial for both families."
The words hit the room like a thunderclap.
Jay froze.
Her stomach dropped.
Her hands clutched at her lap.
Keifer's eyes widened.
"No!" he shouted, standing abruptly.
"Absolutely not!"
The room gasped.
His father frowned. "Keifer, this has been settled. There's no room for discussion."
"I don't care!" Keifer yelled, voice shaking with anger and frustration.
"I won't marry her! I don't want Ivy!"
Jay's chest ached.
She felt shattered—like the floor had been pulled from under her.
Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision.
Keifer's mom rushed to Jay, wrapping her arms around her.
"It's okay, beta," she whispered.
"You're safe here. Don't cry."
Keifer's shoulders heaved.
He ran a hand through his hair, glaring at his father.
"I don't care about business! I don't care about arrangements! I care about her—Jay!"
The room went silent.
Jay's mom looked at him, stunned.
Keifer's voice broke as he continued, "I love her. I've loved her for years. And I won't marry anyone else. Not Ivy. Not anyone. Only her."
Jay's tears spilled freely now.
Her chest ached with relief, disbelief, and love all at once.
He turned toward his mother.
"Aunty, you know she's the one. You know it. Please… help me."
Keifer's mom's eyes softened.
She nodded, still holding Jay.
"Beta… I've known all along. You're hers, and she's yours. Always has been."
Jay's knees felt weak.
She buried her face into her mother-in-law's shoulder, overwhelmed.
"I love him," she whispered shakily.
"I've always loved him."
Keifer stepped closer, gently taking her hands.
"You hear that?" he asked softly, voice trembling.
"She's mine. And I'm hers. Nothing else matters."
Her mom squeezed her shoulder.
"I'm on your side, beta. Always."
Keifer turned back to his parents, chest still heaving.
"This ends now," he said firmly.
"Jay and I are together. Nothing—no arrangement, no business deal—will change that."
The tension in the room shifted.
Silence fell.
And for the first time that evening, Jay felt the weight lift from her chest.
She looked at Keifer, heart pounding.
He looked at her, eyes soft now, full of possessiveness, love, and determination.
In that moment, everything was clear.
They were theirs.
No one could take that away.
The air in the house turned cold.
Keifer had just confessed, poured out his feelings, and claimed Jay as his.
But his father didn't move.
He didn't soften.
Instead, he narrowed his eyes.
"No, Keifer. That's not up for discussion."
Keifer's chest tightened.
"I've already said it. I love Jay. I won't marry anyone else!"
His father's voice grew sharp.
"Do you think your feelings matter more than our family, our business? You will marry Ivy. End of discussion."
Jay's heart sank.
Her chest felt like it was being crushed.
She hid behind Keifer's mom, trembling.
Keifer's hands clenched into fists.
"I will not do it!" he shouted, voice echoing through the room.
"I don't care about business! I care about her—Jay!"
His father slammed his hand on the table, making everyone jump.
"Enough, Keifer! You are my son. You will obey!"
Keifer's mom stepped forward, eyes blazing.
"Stop! He's old enough to make his own choice!"
His father waved her off.
"This is settled. Ivy is your fiancée. There is no argument."
Keifer's jaw tightened.
He looked at Jay.
Her eyes were full of tears.
Her hands shook.
"I will not live a lie," Keifer said, voice low but fierce.
"I will not marry someone I don't love!"
Jay felt tears spill over.
"I… I don't want to lose him," she whispered, clutching his arm.
Keifer knelt beside her, lowering his head close to hers.
"Jay… I will fight this. I don't care what he says. I can't… I can't live without you."
His father's eyes flared.
"You will obey me!"
Keifer's mom stepped in firmly.
"No. He will not. Not this time. He loves Jay. He will not be forced."
The tension was unbearable.
Jay buried her face against Keifer's shoulder.
She felt his heart racing, strong and steady against hers.
Keifer looked up at his father, determination in his eyes.
"You may force the engagement, but you can't force my heart."
The room fell silent.
Everyone stared at him.
Jay's chest ached, but a small hope flickered.
Even if his father tried to control everything, Keifer had finally taken a stand.
And for now… that was enough.