The mansion was quiet that evening. Jay sat in the library, books spread around her like a fortress of discipline. She was supposed to be focused—planning, reading, preparing herself for the life her parents had chosen for her.
But every time she glanced up, she half-expected to see Keifer leaning casually in the doorway, that infuriating half-smile on his face.
"Bored of your books already?"
Jay jumped. There he was, holding a tray with two steaming mugs. "What are you doing here?" she asked, suspicious.
"Bringing you a peace offering," he said, placing the tray on the table. "Coffee. Chocolate. The two most important things for someone as serious as you."
Jay frowned, trying not to let the corners of her lips twitch. "I don't need… peace offerings from anyone."
Keifer leaned on the table, close enough that the heat of his body brushed hers. "I know. But I figured you might need a reminder that life isn't all spreadsheets and stiff posture."
Jay looked at him, trying to stay composed, but her heart betrayed her with a small flutter. "And why would you care about reminding me?"
"Because," he said softly, eyes locking onto hers, "I think you deserve to feel alive. And maybe… a little happy, even if just for a moment."
Jay blinked. The words hit her harder than she expected. Nobody had ever said something like that to her. Her parents had taught her obedience, caution, duty. But Keifer… he was showing her something she had never known could exist.
Before she could respond, he picked up one of her books. "You're too serious for your own good, you know," he teased, flipping it upside down. "How about a break? Ten minutes. Outside. Sunshine. Fresh air. No rules."
Jay's first instinct was to refuse—but she found herself standing anyway, following him through the quiet halls, curiosity stronger than her self-control.
Outside, the garden was bathed in golden twilight. Keifer stopped and stretched his arms wide, breathing in deeply. "See? Isn't this better than staring at pages all day?"
Jay hesitated, then let out a small, reluctant laugh. "Maybe… but it's just temporary," she said, though her tone was softer than she intended.
He smiled, his eyes warm and steady. "Temporary or not… I'll take what I can get. And I hope you'll let yourself feel it too."
Jay's chest tightened. She wanted to deny it, to remind herself this was a marriage for business, a life she hadn't chosen. But with Keifer, even for a few moments, the walls around her heart began to crack.
And she realized… maybe happiness wasn't impossible after all.