The day continued like this. After her surgeries, Jay stepped outside, expecting to take her usual cab home—but the moment she appeared, Keifer was there, leaning casually against his car.
"You ready?" he asked, smirking.
Jay crossed her arms. "You don't even give me a choice, do you?"
"Choice is overrated," he said, opening the door. And just as she tried to step inside, he scooped her up again effortlessly, carrying her like she weighed nothing.
"Keifer!" she shouted, laughing and struggling. "People are staring!"
"They can stare," he said, voice low and teasing, "but it won't change that I'm taking you home my way."
By evening, this had become routine. He would pick her up from Mariano Hospital, carrying her in his arms if she tried to walk too fast or looked tired. And every time, Jay found herself laughing, teasing, and sometimes surrendering to the thrill of being so close to him.
"You know," she said one afternoon as he carried her to the car, "I could start walking myself, you know."
"Yes," he said calmly, though his eyes flickered with a hint of frustration, "but where's the fun in that?"
Jay smirked, leaning closer. "Fun? You mean showing off your strength?"
Keifer's jaw tightened. "Maybe. And maybe making sure you realize who's in charge."
Jay laughed softly, her hands brushing lightly against his chest. "Oh, I know who's in charge… but I like pushing you anyway."
He froze for a moment, then smirked, that dangerous glint in his eyes returning. "You're going to be the death of me, Jay."
"And you," she whispered, "are going to love every second of it."
The evening sky over the Watson mansion was painted in shades of gold and purple. The gardens were lit with soft lanterns, the air fragrant with blooming roses, and the atmosphere—grand yet intimate—was perfect for what was about to happen.
Jay had spent the afternoon preparing for her evening rounds at Mariano Hospital, but this evening was different. Keifer had sent a message earlier:
"Dress formally. Tonight."
Her heart had skipped every beat since. She had no idea what he had planned.
When she arrived at the mansion, she was greeted not by a staff member, but by Keifer himself, standing at the entrance like a perfectly sculpted statue—tall, impeccable in a black suit, his eyes locked on her the moment she stepped inside.
"Evening, Jay," he said smoothly, his voice carrying that sharp, commanding tone that made her chest flutter.
"Evening," she replied, trying to sound composed, though her pulse betrayed her.
He stepped closer, bridging the distance in a few long strides. "Tonight isn't about teasing, or rules, or anything else," he said softly, though the intensity in his eyes made her shiver. "Tonight… is about us."
Jay's lips parted slightly. "Us?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes," Keifer said, his voice low, controlled, and dangerous. "Our parents have insisted, and I… I agree. Jay, I want to make this official. I want the world to know… and more importantly, I want you to know."
Jay's breath caught. She had expected teasing, playful dominance, even dramatic gestures—but nothing had prepared her for the seriousness in his tone.
Keifer reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. He opened it to reveal a simple yet elegant ring, its sparkle catching the lantern light and reflecting in Jay's wide, astonished eyes.
"Jay," he said, taking her hands in his, "I am giving you a choice, though I already know your answer. I want you to be my fiancée… officially. Will you accept?"
Jay felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. Her chest tightened, and a laugh escaped her—half disbelief, half pure happiness. She had never imagined this moment would feel so… real, so intense, so utterly overwhelming.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling, "Keifer… yes, I will."
Keifer's lips curved into a rare, small smile, though his eyes still burned with intensity. He slid the ring onto her finger, his fingers brushing hers, sending a jolt through both of them.
"You're mine," he said softly, almost to himself, the possessiveness clear, yet tempered by something gentler than usual.
"I'm yours," Jay replied, her voice firmer this time. "Completely."
For a moment, the world around them disappeared—the lanterns, the gardens, even the mansion itself. All that existed was the undeniable connection, the simmering tension, and the unspoken promises between them.
Then, as if unable to resist any longer, Jay threw herself forward, wrapping her arms tightly around him, hugging him hard. Keifer's hand went to her back, holding her close, his own restraint cracking slightly. He didn't pull away, didn't speak—just let the moment exist, letting the warmth, the love, and the quiet storm of emotions fill the space between them.
When they finally pulled back, Keifer rested his forehead against hers, his voice low and almost rough. "You belong to me, Jay. And I… belong to you."
Jay smiled, heart full, eyes shining. "Forever, Keifer."
And in that moment, with the engagement ring glittering on her finger, the mansion silent except for the soft rustle of the evening breeze, Jay and Keifer knew one thing for certain: this was the start of something monumental, a bond forged in teasing, tension, and undeniable love… a slow-burning fire that neither time nor circumstance could ever extinguish.