Chapter 16 – Hearts That Choose
Author's POV
London – Watson Enterprises
The atmosphere inside the executive lounge was unusually quiet.
Keifer stood by the window, his hands in his pockets.
His expression was cold.
The discussion in the boardroom still irritated him.
"...Marriage."
"What a joke."
The door opened.
"Ate Ion?"
Keifer turned around.
Ion walked inside carrying two cups of coffee.
"I figured you'd still be angry."
She handed him one.
Keifer accepted it with a sigh.
"They're treating my life like another business contract."
Ion smiled faintly.
"They've always been like that."
For a moment...
Neither of them spoke.
Then Ion looked at him seriously.
"Keifer..."
"Can you help me?"
Keifer frowned.
"With what?"
She lowered her eyes.
"...I want to see Angelo again."
Keifer blinked.
"...Boss Angelo?"
Ion nodded.
"I never stopped loving him."
"My family forced us apart."
"I've regretted it every day since."
Keifer stayed silent.
Then...
A small smirk appeared on his face.
"So that's why you looked uncomfortable in there."
Ion laughed softly.
"I'd rather stay single forever than become your fiancée."
Keifer rolled his eyes.
"Good."
"Because I'd rather jump out of this building."
Both of them laughed.
For the first time that day...
The heavy atmosphere disappeared.
Keifer looked at her.
"I'll help you."
"But don't expect me to play cupid."
Ion smiled warmly.
"That's enough."
"Thank you."
---
Board Chairman's Office
Several directors watched the CCTV footage.
One of them frowned.
"They seem to get along well."
Another director nodded.
"Perhaps the engagement will work after all."
Before anyone else could speak...
Mr. Ryder closed the file on the table.
"No."
"I've watched them for years."
"They're family."
"Not lovers."
"If you continue forcing this..."
"You'll only push Keifer away from the company."
The room fell silent.
Even the chairman couldn't argue with him.
---
Fernandez Mansion – Philippines
Night had fallen.
Jay stepped onto the balcony with her secret phone.
A few seconds later...
Her normal phone vibrated.
The screen displayed a familiar name.
Keifer Calling...
A smile appeared on her face.
She answered.
"Hello?"
Keifer's voice came from the other side.
"...You sound happy."
Jay teased,
"Maybe."
"Or maybe I just know who's calling."
Keifer smirked.
"You've become smart."
"I was always smart."
"You wish."
Jay laughed.
"So..."
"How's London?"
Keifer sighed.
"Annoying."
"They tried to control my life again."
Jay's smile faded slightly.
"...Are you okay?"
There was a brief silence.
Then Keifer answered honestly.
"I'm pissed."
"But I'll handle it."
"They can pressure me all they want."
"I'm not changing my mind."
Jay looked up at the stars.
"I know you won't."
Keifer leaned back in his chair.
"What about you?"
"Still getting into fights?"
Jay pretended to sound offended.
"Excuse me?"
"I'm a very peaceful person."
Keifer snorted.
"Yeah."
"And I'm the King of England."
Jay couldn't stop laughing.
"You really haven't changed."
Keifer's voice softened.
"...Take care of yourself."
"No more stupid heroics."
Jay smiled gently.
"I'll try."
"You'd better."
"...I don't like seeing you hurt."
For a moment...
Neither of them spoke.
Neither confessed.
But neither needed to.
The silence between them said everything their hearts couldn't.
Finally...
Keifer cleared his throat.
"I've got work."
Jay nodded.
"Good night, Keifer."
"...Good night, Jay."
The call ended.
Jay looked at the phone for a few seconds before smiling to herself.
---
Somewhere in London
Clyde stood inside a dark office.
A man in a black suit entered.
"Sir."
"Our plan failed."
"Clyde..."
Keifer refused to be manipulated.
Clyde slowly smiled.
"That's fine."
"If I can't break his heart..."
"I'll destroy his reputation instead."
His phone lit up.
The caller's name made him grin.
Kaizer.
Clyde answered.
"It's time for the next phase."
---
To Be Continued...
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Author's Note
Hello, my lovely readers! 💖
Looks like Ion has finally revealed her true feelings! 👀❤️
Do you think Keifer will succeed in bringing Ion and Angelo back together?
And what is Clyde's next plan against Keifer? 🤫
Don't forget to vote, comment, and support me! ❤️
Love you all veryyyyyyy much! 🫂✨
Your Author 💕