Kiefer (POV)
The room went silent the moment the words left my mouth.
"It was a setup."
No one reacted immediately.
But I saw it—
The way they looked at each other.
They already knew.
Clyden leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose.
"We figured," he said. "They're not just after you, Kiefer… they're trying to break you and Jay."
My jaw tightened.
"What do you mean by that?"
Before he could answer—
Jay spoke.
"I got an invitation," she said.
Every head turned toward her.
Her voice was steady.
Too steady.
"From Watsons," she continued. "Not as a guest… as a witness."
A pause.
My chest went tight.
"They wanted me there," she added, her eyes flicking toward me for just a second, "so I could see you with another woman."
Silence dropped again.
Heavier this time.
"And walk away," she finished quietly.
That—
That wasn't random.
That was planned.
"Wait…" I straightened slightly, trying to process it. "You're saying you were expected to be there?"
She nodded once.
No hesitation.
Aries stepped forward then, setting a plate down in front of me like this was just another morning.
"Eat," he said simply.
I barely looked at it.
My mind was already running.
If she were invited…
If I were drugged…
If someone made sure we ended up in the same place—
This wasn't a coincidence.
It was controlled.
"Tell us everything, Kiefer," Cole said, leaning forward slightly, his tone calm—but focused now.
"What happened in that room?"
All eyes were on me again.
Waiting.
This time—
Not for emotion.
For truth.
I exhaled slowly.
"When I entered the room…" I began, my voice steady, controlled, "She tried to get close."
A pause.
My jaw tightened slightly.
"She tried to pull me in. Tried to kiss me."
I didn't look at anyone else.
I didn't need to.
I could feel Jay's stare on me.
Burning.
"Did she?" Jay asked.
Too calm.
Too quiet.
I glanced at her.
She was crushing the ice in her glass—hard enough that it cracked under the pressure.
Holding back.
Barely.
"No," I said.
Simple.
Firm.
Her hand stilled.
Just for a second.
Then I continued.
"She said the elders promised her something," I added, my tone dropping slightly. "That if she carried my child… they'd take care of her family."
Silence.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
No one moved.
No one spoke.
But every single person in that room—
Looked at Jay.
She didn't react immediately.
That was the problem.
"Jay…" Percy started carefully.
Too late.
She snapped.
"Grrr… I should've killed her."
The words came out sharp. Controlled rage.
She stood up so suddenly that the glass in her hand shook.
"I left after slapping her," she continued, her voice rising now—raw, unfiltered— "but I should've done more."
Her fist came down hard against the couch.
Once.
Twice.
"I should've buried her for touching what's mine."
The room went dead silent.
No one interrupted.
No one dared.
And me?
A slow grin pulled at my lips before I could stop it.
Because there she was.
Not walking away.
Not doubting me.
Claiming me.
"So it's not random," Cole said slowly, leaning forward, piecing it together. "The elders want control of the inheritance… but they can't afford to make it obvious."
A pause.
His gaze flicked between Jay and me.
"So they create a situation where it looks like everything falls apart on its own."
Angelo nodded, picking it up.
"And someone used that," he added, his voice quieter but more dangerous. "Twisted it into something bigger."
His eyes settled on me.
"Not just to benefit the elders…"
A beat.
"But to break both of you."
Silence settled again.
Heavier this time.
Because now—
This wasn't just manipulation.
This was targeted.
Jare let out a low breath.
"That means two things," he said. "One—this wasn't a one-time move."
Another pause.
"And two… whoever did this knows exactly how the two of you work."
My jaw tightened.
Jay didn't say anything.
But I felt it—
The shift beside me.
This wasn't over.
Not even close.
"But Jay was already pregnant…" Aires said slowly.
The room went still.
Everyone turned toward him.
He didn't rush.
Didn't soften it.
"As per your grandfather's will," Clyden continued, his voice steady, "only Kiefer's firstborn inherits everything."
A pause.
Heavy.
"And Jay is already carrying that child."
My chest tightened.
"So if they knew that…" he went on, his gaze hardening slightly, "and they still went ahead with this—"
He didn't finish immediately.
Didn't need to.
We all understood.
"This wasn't about securing the inheritance," he said finally. "Because that part is already decided."
Silence pressed in.
Thick.
Uncomfortable.
"Which means…" Angelo muttered under his breath.
Clyden nodded once.
"They're not done."
His eyes shifted to Jay.
Then to me.
"They're still watching."
A beat.
"And Jay…" Clyden's voice dropped, more serious now. "You're still in danger."
Silence followed.
Then—
"Good."
All heads turned.
Jay stood up.
Calm.
Composed.
Too composed.
"Let's get ready for the party," she said, brushing her hands together lightly. "I need to meet someone."
Jare blinked.
"What?"
He let out a sharp breath. "You're seriously walking straight into it? That's not a plan—that's suicide."
Jay didn't even slow down.
"Did I say I was going blindly?" she replied, already moving toward the stairs. "I said I need to meet the person who sent that invitation."
Her tone didn't rise.
Didn't shake.
It was worse.
It was certain.
"Kiefer—" Cole stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. "You know what it's like walking into a place like that now. If something goes wrong—"
He didn't finish.
He didn't need to.
"If she's already decided," he added quietly, "we won't be able to control what happens to her in there."
I watched Jay disappear up the stairs.
Didn't call her back.
Didn't stop her.
Because I already knew—
"She won't stay," I said calmly.
Their eyes shifted to me.
"Even if we lock her in this house, she'll still find a way to get there."
A faint breath left me.
"And I'm not letting her walk into that alone."
A pause.
Then I looked back at them.
"It's better if we go with her."
Not a suggestion.
A decision.
The room had gone quieter now.
Not calm.
Just focused.
Danger had a way of stripping people down to their instincts.
Cole stood near the table, arms crossed tightly as he looked toward everyone.
"Kiefer is right; Jay is stubborn... but I think it's good if we stay alert," he said. "Their first plan failed. That means they'll definitely try something else."
Everyone nodded.
No one argued anymore.
Not after tonight.
"Kiefer… is the gun with you?" Angelo asked.
I nodded once.
The weight of it against my back suddenly felt heavier than before.
This wasn't a party anymore.
It hadn't been one for a while.
Cole, Angelo, and Clyden immediately started discussing routes, exits, blind spots, security rotations—
Every possibility.
Every threat.
"So what are we going to do now?" Percy asked quietly.
"Do you think everything will be okay?" Jare added.
The question hung in the air longer than it should have.
Aries finally spoke.
"Until she's fully safe, nobody leaves her alone. Not even for a second."
"We stay close."
Everyone agreed immediately.
No hesitation.
Because deep down—
We all felt it.
Something was coming.
And whatever it was…
It was centered around Jay.
I turned away from the group and started walking toward the room.
The hallway felt too silent.
Jay-Jay (POV)
I walked into my room and finally saw my phone lying on the bed.
I had ignored it since yesterday.
The moment I unlocked it, the screen flooded with missed calls and messages.
Section-E,Mia,Amy,Kiegen,Kiran,Ella,Honey.
Where are you?
Why are you not answering your phone?
I'm gonna kill you if you don't answer my call.
Some messages sounded angry. Some sounded terrified.
And suddenly guilt hit me harder than exhaustion.
I didn't even know who to call first.
I called Kiran first because he was younger.
The call connected immediately.
Video call.
"Hii…" I said softly.
The moment my face appeared, Kiran hid his face from the camera.
My chest tightened.
"Sorry, Kiran… I'll make it up to you. Can't you forgive me, please?" I asked.
"Why did you lie?" he asked quietly.
"Because I needed to find something," I said. "But I promise when I get back, let's go on a date. I'll take you to the movies, arcade… anywhere you want. Can you forgive me?"
He nodded slowly, trying to stay upset, but I still caught the small smile on his face.
"Then what about me?" Kiegen suddenly appeared on the screen beside him.
I laughed softly.
"Let's all go together."
"When are you coming back?" Kiegen asked immediately.
"When both of you return from school tomorrow, I'll already be home."
"Come fast," Kiegen said. "The house is silent without you."
I smiled a little.
"Someone's missing me badly."
All three of us smiled before I finally ended the call.
Next, I called Mia.
No answer.
I called Amy instead.
Kai answered instantly.
"MY LADYYY!" he shouted dramatically.
I burst out laughing.
"Baby… how are you?"
"I'm missing you so much," he said while dramatically holding his heart.
"Me too. Where's your mom?"
He turned the screen.
And immediately, I saw Honey, Amy, and Mia glaring at me without saying a word.
"…Uh oh."
"So someone remembers we exist now," Mia said coldly.
"Right," Amy added. "It's like after getting married, you don't need us anymore."
"Maybe Kiefer doesn't give you time to talk to us," Honey said dramatically.
I groaned.
"Sorryyy. I really missed everyone, so stop roasting me. And when I get back, we're having a party."
"Free food?" Mia asked immediately.
"Yes."
"I forgive you," Amy said without hesitation.
Traitor.
Everyone started laughing after that.
Then they asked the real reason why I came to London.
I avoided telling them everything.
Kuya hid things from them.
So did I.
After talking for almost an hour, I finally ended the call.
Then I stared at the last contact on my screen.
Section-E.
I took a deep breath…
…and pressed group call.
"JAYYY!" everyone shouted together the second the call connected.
I almost winced from the volume.
"What happened, Jay?!" Felix asked immediately.
"Do you know how many hospitals we searched?" Calix snapped.
"Why are you not answering our calls, Jay?" Rory complained dramatically.
"How could you run like that? What if Kiefer didn't tell us?" Yuri added sharply.
"You knew how worried we were," C-in said.
"Because if I told you, none of you would've let me leave," I muttered.
"Exactly," several voices shouted together.
"Why did you even run in the first place?" Eman asked.
"You alive?" Blasted suddenly asked loudly.
I blinked.
"No. I'm a hologram. Can't you see?"
The entire call exploded instantly.
"What?!" Edrix shouted.
"Jay, we were terrified," Kit said immediately. "What if something happened to you?"
"Haaa…" Denzel sighed dramatically. "At least leave a note next time."
"I'm perfectly alright," I said while sinking deeper into the pillows. "That's why I called."
And then—
just like that—
The entire atmosphere shifted.
"So how's London?" Drew suddenly asked excitedly. "Are you bringing anything back for us?"
"Ha… do you want London Bridge?" I asked dryly.
"If you ask Kiefer, he'll buy it," Mayo said immediately.
The entire call burst into laughter.
"Honestly, we thought Kiefer would kill us," Felix added.
"True," Rory agreed.
"That's because you all were panicking like headless chickens," I said.
"We WERE panicking!" Yuri yelled.
"C-in almost cried," Calix exposed.
"I DID NOT," C-in shouted instantly.
"You literally said— 'What if Jay got kidnapped?'" Kit added between laughs.
"That was a valid concern!"
"Edrix searched every camera," Drew said.
"Rory contacted airport security," Mayo added.
"Yuri started threatening Doctor, who helped you to escape," Felix laughed.
"They looked suspicious!"
I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.
For the first time since arriving in London…
I felt normal again.
No secrets.
No danger.
No fear.
Just them.
Just Section-E.
Then C-in suddenly narrowed his eyes through the screen.
"Wait."
I blinked.
"What?"
C-in leaned closer dramatically.
"Why do I feel like Kiefer is standing somewhere behind you right now?"
My eyes widened slightly.
I frowned and turned around—
…and immediately froze.
Kiefer was leaning against the doorway like he owned the entire place.
One shoulder against the frame.
Arms crossed.
That smug smirk was already on his face.
Like he'd been standing there for a while just enjoying the chaos.
My heart betrayed me instantly.
"Kiefer—"
He pushed himself off the door and walked toward me slowly.
Dangerously calm.
Before I could react, his arm slid around my waist, and he pulled me straight into his lap.
"Kiefer, what are you doing?" I whispered harshly.
"Nothing," he said casually. "Just spending quality time with my wife."
Then he kissed my cheek.
The entire call exploded.
"OHHHHHHHH"
"HE IS THERE!"
"I KNEW IT!"
"HUSBAND AND WIFE ARE BEING LOVEY-DOVEY!"
"Bro, you're making us jealous," Drew complained loudly.
"Exactly," Rory added. "Some of us are single and suffering."
"Oh my God, zoom in—"
I grabbed a pillow and threw it directly at the phone.
"Shut up!"
"Hmmm…" Rory grinned wickedly. "Someone's angry because we interrupted them."
"You all need hobbies," I muttered.
Kiefer looked completely unbothered.
Actually—
worse.
He looked entertained.
His arm tightened around my waist while he rested his chin on my shoulder.
"Continue," he told them calmly. "I'm enjoying this."
"TRAITOR!" I shouted.
The call somehow became even louder.
"Jay's blushing!"
"She's red!"
"Kiefer, you're enjoying this."
"Hmm," Kiefer answered smoothly.
"OH, MY GOD."
I covered my face with both hands.
"Jay," Mayo said suspiciously, narrowing his eyes. "Why are YOU acting shy? You literally threaten people for fun."
"She's different around her hubby," Kit said wisely.
"True," Yuri nodded. "It's psychologically fascinating."
"I hate all of you," I muttered.
"No, you don't," Denzel said instantly.
I groaned and dropped my head against Kiefer's shoulder.
Worst decision ever.
Because the second I did—The entire call started screaming again.
We talked, laughed, argued, exposed each other, and somehow survived C-IN questions.
And then eventually…
The call ended.
The room became quiet again.
Too quiet.
I slowly fell back onto the bed with a tired sigh.
Before I could even settle properly, Kiefer pulled me on top of him so easily, like I weighed nothing.
We lay there facing each other.
His arm wrapped around my waist while one hand moved slowly through my hair.
I buried my face into his neck instinctively.
Warm.
Safe.
Home.
Kiefer immediately understood.
"Jay…" his voice softened. "Don't cry."
I didn't answer.
Because the moment he said it—
My eyes burned harder.
"I'm here," he whispered while tapping my head lightly before kissing my hair.
His fingers kept brushing through my hair gently.
Slowly.
Patiently.
Like he was calming something inside me, piece by piece.
"Hm…" I answered weakly.
But my tears betrayed me anyway.
One after another, they slipped down quietly against his neck.
Kiefer let out the softest sigh.
"My wife is such a crybaby," he teased gently.
I hit his chest lightly.
He laughed under his breath and pulled me even closer.
"…What happened?" he whispered.
Kiefer looked at me quietly for a moment.
And for once—
There was no teasing in his eyes.
Nothing guarded.
Just warmth.
"Nothing," I murmured while he wiped my tears with his thumb.
"I'm just happy."
He blinked at me.
"Happy?"
"Mhm."
His hand moved back into my hair again.
"Now we really have a big, happy family."
Family.
Us.
Section-E.
Kiran.
Kiegen.
Mia.
Amy.
Honey.
All the chaos.
All the noise.
All the people who somehow became ours.
I stared at him silently.
"Then you should be happy about it," Kiefer said softly.
"I am…" I whispered.
My fingers tightened slightly against his shirt.
"But I'm scared."
His expression changed immediately.
"Scared of what?"
I looked down for a second before finally admitting it.
"I'm scared because I'm this happy now…" My voice cracked slightly. "And every time I become happy… someone takes it away from me again."
The room went quiet.
Kiefer didn't answer immediately.
Didn't dismiss it.
Didn't tell me I was overthinking.
Instead, his thumb moved slowly across my cheek, wiping away the tears I didn't even notice falling.
"Nothing is going to happen," he said quietly.
I shook my head weakly.
"You can't promise that."
His eyes held mine steadily.
"No," he admitted softly. "But I can promise you something else."
His hand slid gently into my hair before he pulled me closer against him.
"I'll destroy everything that tries to take your smile away from you."
The way he said it—
calm.
Certain.
Terrifyingly sincere—
made my chest ache.
Not because I doubted him.
But because I knew he meant every word.
"I'm here," he whispered against my forehead. "And I'm not letting you face any of this alone anymore."
Something inside me finally gave up fighting.
So I buried my face back into his neck again because crying while looking at him felt embarrassing.
And Kiefer—
He just held me tighter.
Kiefer chuckled softly.
"There she goes again."
"Shut up," I mumbled against his skin.
"No."
His arms wrapped around me tighter.
And for the first time in days—
My heart finally felt quiet.
I looked at his face and whispered,
"I love you, hubby."
For a second—
He didn't even blink.
Like those words still affected him every single time, no matter how often I said them.
Then slowly…
His eyes softened.
That cold, unreadable look he carried around the world disappeared so easily when it came to me.
A small smile appeared on his lips before he leaned down and kissed my forehead gently.
"I love you too, my dear Mrs. Watson," he murmured.
My heart melted instantly.
So I leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
Kiefer immediately turned toward me slightly—
like he was expecting more.
I laughed quietly at how obvious he was being.
Then I kissed him again.
And again.
Slow little kisses across his cheek.
His eyes closed softly.
And I watched him melt every single time my lips touched his skin.
Like he felt every kiss completely.
Like he treasured even the smallest affection from me.
One of his hands slid into my hair while the other tightened around my waist.
"Dangerous woman," he whispered without opening his eyes.
I smiled against his cheek.
"Hm?"
"You know exactly what you're doing to me."
I laughed softly.
But then he suddenly opened his eyes, looked directly at me—
And before I could tease him again, He rolled us over effortlessly.
A quiet gasp escaped me as he hovered above me now.
His forehead rested against mine.
"That's enough," he murmured.
"What?"
"If you keep kissing me like that…"
His thumb brushed slowly across my cheek.
"It's hard for me to be a gentleman…" he whispered roughly.
My entire face burned instantly.
And Kiefer—
the traitor—
looked completely pleased with himself.
But then I hid my face in my hands—
…and through the small gap between my fingers, I saw him.
…and my breath caught.
His eyes were dangerous now.
Not soft anymore.
Not teasing.
Burning.
Like he wanted to devour me whole.
His jaw tightened slightly, and I noticed his Adam's apple move slowly as he swallowed hard, like he was trying to control himself.
Trying very, very hard.
And somehow that made him look even more dangerous.
I once read in a novel that controlling men were attractive.
But nobody mentioned they could look like actual beasts.
Terrifyingly hot beasts.
Kiefer bit his lower lip lightly while staring at me, and I instantly realized something horrifying.
I had awakened something.
And now he was forcing himself to stay calm for my sake.
That realization alone made my heartbeat lose control.
My face burned hotter under his stare.
No wonder everyone feared this man.
If he looked at people like THIS—
They would surrender immediately.
"Kiefer…" I whispered weakly.
His eyes darkened even more, hearing his name from me like that.
Yeah.
Nope.
Danger.
Immediate danger.
I pushed against his chest quickly and escaped before my brain stopped functioning completely.
"Jay—"
I ignored him and practically fled into the bathroom.
The second the door closed, I leaned against it while trying to breathe normally.
My heart was racing so fast it felt illegal.
I walked toward the mirror slowly.
And—
Oh my God.
My face was completely red.
"Embarrassing," I muttered to myself.
I quickly splashed cold water onto my face.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
The cool water helped slightly.
Slightly.
But the image of Kiefer looking at me like he was barely holding himself back refused to leave my mind.
His eyes.
His voice.
The way he swallowed.
The way his fingers tightened around my waist.
I covered my burning face immediately.
"…Yeah," I whispered to my reflection. "If I weren't pregnant, I probably wouldn't be walking tonight."
In his arms, the world finally felt quiet.But somewhere outside that room—The storm was still waiting for us.
kiefer(POV)
After Jay disappeared into the bathroom, the room suddenly felt too quiet.
Too small.
My heartbeat was going insane.
Fast.
Unsteady.
Like my chest didn't know how to contain it anymore.
I dragged a hand through my hair and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at nothing.
Because all I could hear—
was her voice.
Soft.
Warm.
Dangerously honest.
"I love you, Kiefer."
My eyes shut briefly.
God.
I had heard those words from her countless times.
In arguments.
Half-asleep murmurs.
Phone calls.
Random moments when she felt affectionate.
Sometimes whispered against my neck.
Sometimes said casually like breathing itself.
But tonight felt different.
Tonight—
Those words hit me like they carried weight.
Like she knew something I didn't.
Or maybe because after almost losing her…
Because for Jay, "I love you" was never just three words.
It was trust.
Relief.
Belonging.
Every time she said it…
I could feel her giving me pieces of herself willingly.
And every single time—
I felt them.
My chest tightened painfully.
Because the truth was—
every single time she said it…
I still reacted like it was the first.
Still felt my pulse lose control.
Still felt that dangerous weakness inside me.
But every single time—
They still softened something inside me.