The mansion felt quieter than usual that afternoon. Jay was in the music room, strumming a piano half-heartedly. She knew she should be reviewing business proposals, but the keys beneath her fingers felt like the only space she could think for herself.
"Really?" a familiar voice said from behind her. "You're pretending to play the piano? I've heard more soul from a cat in the alley."
Jay spun around. Keifer was leaning in the doorway, arms crossed, that infuriating smirk plastered on his face.
"I was practicing," she shot back, glaring at him. "And it's none of your business."
"Ah, but everything about you is my business now, remember?" he said, stepping closer. "I married you, Jay. Consent implied… rules included."
Jay rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the small laugh that escaped her lips. "You are insufferable."
"And yet, you're smiling," he countered, walking toward her. "Don't tell me I haven't made any impact already."
Jay's fingers trailed over the keys, ignoring him, trying to regain composure. But Keifer was relentless. He grabbed a stray sheet of music, wiggled his eyebrows, and plopped it on top of her hands.
"You're terrible at hiding feelings," he teased, brushing his hand across hers to turn the page.
Jay froze. Her heart thumped. She yanked her hands away. "Stop touching me," she said, though her voice wasn't as cold as before.
"Stop resisting me?" he asked softly, crouching slightly to meet her gaze. "You don't have to. I like seeing the real you… the one who's not trying to be perfect for everyone else."
Jay blinked, caught off guard. She had never let anyone see her this way—not her parents, not anyone. And now… here was Keifer, teasing her, making her laugh, but also making her feel exposed in a way that scared her.
Before she could reply, he leaned just a little closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You know… happiness doesn't have to be complicated. I can show you… if you let me."
Jay's chest tightened. She wanted to say no, to remind herself this was a marriage of convenience. But the truth was… she wanted to. She wanted him.
Keifer smiled, sensing the shift, and leaned back just enough to let her think. "Take your time. But just so you know… I won't give up on you."
Jay swallowed hard, her heart racing. She didn't know how to respond—words felt useless. She only knew one thing: for the first time in her life, someone made her feel alive.
And maybe… just maybe, she wanted to let herself feel it.