KEIFER POV
The doctors were still inside,
Jay is still inside fighting for her life.
And me?
I wasn't allowed in.
I was stuck outside, pacing the sterile hallway, every second stretching into eternity.
Through the glass, I caught glimpses of shadows moving, the flash of instruments, the blur of white coats.
But not her.
Not Jay.
The only thing I wanted to see.
My fists clenched
I hated this.
Hated being useless.
Hated that all I could do was watch while strangers decided if my wife lived or died.
Every time the doors swung open, my heart jumped, hoping for news.
But it was never about her.
Never the words I needed to hear.
I sank into the chair, elbows on my knees, head in my hands.
Her laughter echoed in my memory — roller coasters, cotton candy, kisses stolen mid‑scream. And now… silence.
"Please, Jay," I whispered into the emptiness. "Fight. Come back to me. Don't let him win. Don't let Ram take you away."
The hallway was quiet, but inside me there was chaos.
A war I couldn't fight.
Not until those doors opened.
Just hearing Ram's name makes my blood boil. I want to kill him.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Edrick.
He picked up almost immediately. "Hey, Keifer. How are you holding up?"
My voice was tight, clipped. "Edrick, I need you to find where Ram is."
There was a pause. "Why? What did he do now?"
I clenched my jaw, fury spilling into every word. "He stabbed Jay. That motherfucker— stabbed her and ran."
Silence. Then Edrick's voice cracked. "Oh my God… is she okay?"
I swallowed hard, my chest tightening. "No. She's in the hospital. Fighting for her life."
Edrick cursed under his breath. "Alright. I'll start digging. And I'll tell Freya—she'll come to be with Jay."
Freya.
Edrick's girlfriend.
Jay's best friend.
At least Jay wouldn't be alone when she woke up.
"Fine," I muttered, my grip tightening on the phone.
But inside, the storm only grew louder.
Ram thought he could stab my wife and walk away.
He thought wrong.
Within minutes, Freya arrived with Rakki, Ella, and Mica.
Their faces were pale, eyes wide, fear written across every expression.
"Where is she?" Ella asked, her voice trembling.
"In there," I said, pointing toward the room where Jay was still fighting for her life.
Mica's tears spilled as she clutched Freya's arm. "What did the doctors say?" she asked, her voice breaking.
"Nothing," I muttered, frustration clawing at me. "They're still working."
My phone buzzed. Edrick. I answered instantly.
"Keifer, I found him," he said, his tone sharp, urgent.
"Good. Send me the location."
"Okay," he replied, and within seconds the message came through.
Rakki stepped forward, his voice firm. "Keifer, go. We'll take care of Jay when she wakes up."
"But—" I started, torn between rage and fear.
Ella cut me off, her eyes fierce despite the tears. "Please, Keifer. Go. We'll stay with her. It's better you deal with Ram now."
I clenched my jaw, my heart splitting in two.
Finally, I nodded. "Fine. But call Aries and Angelo. I'll need them."
Ella gave a quick nod and hurried outside, already dialing.
I looked back at the ICU doors one last time.
Jay was in there, fighting for her life.
And now, I had to fight for ours.
Ram wanted revenge.
But tonight, I was going to end this.
I stormed outside, my chest burning with rage.
Sliding into the car, I gripped the wheel so tight my knuckles turned white.
The location Edrick sent glowed on my phone screen, taunting me.
Ram was there.
Waiting.
I started the engine, the roar matching the fury inside me.
Then I drove.
Fast.
Reckless.
Every turn sharper than the last, every red light ignored, every horn drowned beneath the pounding of my heartbeat.
Images of Jay flashed in my mind — her smile, her laughter, her screams on the roller coaster, her lips against mine.
And then… her lying in that hospital bed, fighting for her life.
My jaw clenched.
Ram wanted revenge.
But all I wanted was to end this.
The city blurred past me, headlights streaking like ghosts.
I wasn't just driving to a location.
I was driving straight into war.
I reached the location in minutes, my pulse pounding like war drums.
The neon lights of the bar flickered, laughter spilling out into the street.
And there he was.
Ram.
Sitting like he owned the place, drink in hand, smirk plastered across his face.
His voice carried, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Yeah, Keifer's wife… I stabbed her," he bragged, laughing like it was a joke.
"Hard to say, she was sexy too. I was gonna kidnap her, ruin her. Keifer didn't give me the scoop."
My blood boiled.
Every word was gasoline on the fire already raging inside me.
I moved closer, my fists clenched, my vision narrowing until all I saw was him.
Ram turned, his grin widening when he saw me. "Well, well. Speak of the devil."
I didn't waste time with words.
I lunged, slamming him against the bar, glass shattering around us.
The crowd gasped, chairs scraping back, but no one dared step in.
Ram shoved me off, swinging wildly, his fist catching my jaw.
Pain shot through me, but I didn't stop.
I drove forward, tackling him to the ground, fists raining down like thunder.
Every punch carried Jay's face in my mind — her laughter, her tears, her fragile body lying in that hospital bed.
Every strike was for her.
Ram fought back, snarling, clawing, but his strength was fading. "You think you can stop me?" he spat, blood on his lips. "You already lost, Keifer. She's gone!"
The words cut deep, but they only fueled me.
I grabbed him by the collar, dragging him up, slamming him against the wall.
My voice was low, steady, final. "No, Ram. You lost the moment you touched her."
He tried to smirk, but fear flickered in his eyes.
For the first time, he realized he wasn't in control.
I tightened my grip, driving him down hard.
The fight drained out of him, his body collapsing beneath me.
His eyes widened, then dimmed, the smirk gone forever.
Ram was finished.
The bar held its breath.
No one moved.
No one spoke.
I stood, chest heaving, fists trembling, staring down at the man who had haunted my past and nearly destroyed my future.
It was over.
Ram was dead.
Silence pressed heavy around me, but inside, the storm began to settle.
I turned, my steps slow, deliberate, every muscle aching from the fight.
The door creaked as I pushed it open, the night air rushing in to meet me.
I didn't look back.
Ram was gone.
And I was going back to her.
Jay.
My wife.
My reason.
I walked back into the hospital, the sterile air hitting me like a wall.
Aries, Angelo, and Tita Gemma were already there, their faces tight with worry.
"How the hell did it happen, Keifer?" Angelo demanded, his voice sharp, almost trembling.
I swallowed hard, forcing the words out. "We went to the amusement park… and Ram stabbed her."
Aries's fists clenched, his jaw tight. "Where the hell is Ram now?" he asked furiously.
I met his eyes, my voice low, steady. "Probably in Hell."
The room went silent.
They stared at me, shock flickering across their faces, but I didn't care.
Ram was gone.
That was all that mattered.
"How is she?" I asked, my voice breaking. "What did the doctors say?"
Tita Gemma shook her head, her eyes glistening. "Nothing. The doctor hasn't come out yet."
I nodded, the weight pressing heavier on my chest.
I sank into the chair, elbows on my knees, my hands covering my face.
I tried not to cry, but the storm inside me was too strong.
Every second felt like an eternity.
Every silence from behind those doors was torture.
I closed my eyes, whispering a prayer I wasn't even sure I believed in. "Please, Jay… fight. Come back to me. Don't let this be the end."
The hallway was quiet, but inside me, chaos raged.
The doctor finally appeared after what felt like forever. "Mr. Watson," he called, his voice steady but heavy.
I shot to my feet, my heart pounding. "How's my wife?" I asked, the words tumbling out before I could breathe.
He gave a small nod. "Well… we can say she is out of danger."
For a moment, the world stopped.
Relief crashed over me like a wave.
Oh God.
I had never been this happy before.
The weight pressing on my chest finally loosened, my knees almost giving out beneath me.
But then his expression shifted.
His eyes darkened, his tone sharpened. "But…" he said.
The word cut through me like a blade. My breath caught. "But what?" I demanded, my voice trembling, fear clawing its way back into my chest.
The doctor sighed, glancing down at the chart in his hands before meeting my eyes again. "She's stable now, but the injury was severe.The blood loss… It weakened her body. Recovery won't be easy. She'll need time, care, and strength to fight through this."
I swallowed hard, my relief tangled with dread.
She was alive.
But the battle wasn't over.
I nodded slowly, forcing myself to stay upright, to stay strong.
"Whatever it takes," I whispered. "I'll be here. I'll make sure she fights. I'll make sure she wins."
The doctor gave a faint smile. "You can see her now."
My chest tightened, relief flooding me so hard I almost stumbled.
For hours I had been pacing, praying, fighting the storm inside me.
And now… finally… I could see her.
I pushed through the doors, the sterile scent of the ICU wrapping around me.
Machines hummed softly, monitors beeped in steady rhythm.
And there she was.
Jay.
My wife.
My everything.
She looked fragile, pale against the white sheets, but she was breathing.
Alive.
Fighting.
I moved closer, my steps slow, almost afraid this was a dream.
I reached out, taking her hand gently in mine.
Cold.
Weak.
But hers.
"Jay…" My voice cracked, breaking into a whisper. "I'm here. You're safe now."
Her lashes fluttered, slow at first, then steady.
And then—her eyes opened.
"Keifer…" she whispered, her voice fragile, barely more than a breath.
My heart stopped.
I leaned forward instantly, clutching her hand tighter, tears burning at the corners of my eyes. "I'm here, Jay. I'm right here."
Her gaze found mine, weak but filled with recognition.
Even in her pale state, even with the wires and machines surrounding her, she was still my Jay.
Alive.
Fighting.
"You scared me," I said, my voice breaking into a laugh that was half sob. "You don't get to leave me like that. Not now. Not ever."
Her lips curved faintly, the ghost of a smile.
"I… tried," she whispered, her breath shallow. "But I knew… you'd come."
I pressed my forehead against hers, closing my eyes, letting the relief wash over me. "I'll always come. Always."
Her eyes drifted to my hands, lingering on the bruises, the cuts across my knuckles.
Then she looked at my face, her brows furrowing. "What happened to your hands and face?" she asked softly, her voice weak but filled with concern.
I flexed my fingers, trying to hide the sting. "Nothing," I said, forcing a small smile. "Just had to take care of Ram."
Her lips parted, hesitation flickering in her gaze. "You know I won't ask you who Ram is but—"
I cut her off gently, my voice low, steady. "Ram was an old enemy of mine. Someone who should've stayed buried in the past."
I leaned closer, brushing her hair back from her forehead. "But you don't have to worry about him anymore. He's gone. Forever."
Her eyes searched mine, fragile but trusting.
She didn't press further.
Instead, she squeezed my hand weakly, her touch light but grounding.
And in that moment, I realized — the bruises didn't matter.
The fight didn't matter.
All that mattered was her.
Alive.
Here.
With me.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jay POV
Just then, the door burst open and my friends rushed in.
Freya's eyes were wide, her voice trembling but sharp. "Holy Jay, you scared the hell out of me!"
Rakki leaned closer, his face pale, worry etched across every line. "Oh my God… are you okay?"
I managed a weak smile, my voice soft but steady. "Guys, I'm fine. I'm not dead."
Ella's eyes filled with tears, her tone fierce as she pointed at me. "Shut up. You don't get to talk about dead like that."
The room fell quiet for a moment, the weight of her words hanging heavy.
Then Freya sniffled, shaking her head. "You don't understand how terrified we were. We thought we'd lose you."
I squeezed her hand weakly, my chest tightening. "I know. I'm sorry. But I'm here. I'm still here."
Keifer sat beside me, silent but steady, his hand never leaving mine.
His bruised knuckles told their own story, but his eyes stayed locked on me, protective, unyielding.
And for the first time since the nightmare began, I felt safe.
Surrounded by the people I loved, held by the man who refused to let me go.
The door opened again, and Kuya Angelo stepped in with Tita Gemma and Aries close behind.
Their faces were serious, heavier than the relief my friends had shown.
"Can we talk to her alone?" Kuya asked, his tone calm but firm.
Freya, Ella, Rakki, and Mica exchanged glances, then nodded.
One by one, they slipped out, leaving the room quieter, heavier.
I turned to Keifer.
He didn't move.
His hand was still wrapped around mine, his eyes refusing to leave me.
I could see it in him—he didn't want to go.
"I'll be fine," I whispered, forcing a small smile. "Besides, it will only take ten minutes or so."
He hesitated, his jaw tight, but finally nodded.
He pressed a kiss to my forehead, lingering for a moment, then stood and walked out.
The door clicked shut behind him.
Silence filled the room.
Kuya Angelo stepped closer, his eyes soft but searching.
Tita Gemma sat at the edge of the bed, her hand brushing mine gently.
Aries leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his gaze sharp.
I swallowed, suddenly aware of the heaviness in their voices. "What is it?" I asked quietly.
Tita Gemma leaned forward, her eyes soft, regret etched across her face. "Jay anka… I know we shouldn't have told you about the marriage on the day of the wedding, but please—"
I shook my head, cutting her off before the guilt could spill further. "Please. If you're going to talk about the past, leave it there. All that matters now is Keifer and I are happy."
Silence hung in the room, thick and uneasy.
Kuya Angelo lowered his gaze, his voice trembling. "We're sorry, Jay. Truly sorry for what we did. We thought we were protecting you, but instead… we hurt you."
I looked at them, my chest tight.
The memories of that day still burned, the confusion, the betrayal, the weight of secrets.
But now, lying here, bruised and fragile, I realized something.
I didn't want to carry that pain anymore.
Not when Keifer had fought for me.
Not when I had survived.
I took a slow breath, my voice steady but soft. "I know. And I forgive you. But let's not let the past steal any more of our present. Keifer and I… we've been through enough. What matters now is that we move forward."
Tita Gemma's eyes filled with tears, and Kuya Angelo nodded, relief washing over his face.
Aries, silent until now, finally spoke, his tone firm but gentle. "You're stronger than all of us, Jay. And you're right. The past is done. What matters now is protecting what you have."
I leaned back against the pillow, exhaustion tugging at me, but a strange peace settling in my chest.
For the first time, the past felt lighter.
And the future—mine and Keifer's—felt possible.
Aries leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I will protect you in the future, no matter what," he said, his voice firm, carrying a promise that felt heavier than words.
I nodded, my throat tight, unable to say more.
That vow meant everything.
Kuya Angelo placed a hand on my shoulder, his expression soft but commanding.
"We will go out now. You take rest," he said.
Tita Gemma gave me a reassuring smile, brushing her hand lightly over mine before following them out.
The door closed behind them, leaving the room quiet again.
I exhaled slowly, sinking deeper into the pillow.
Their words lingered in my chest—promises of protection, apologies for the past, reminders that I wasn't alone.
And even though my body was weak, my heart felt stronger.
Because Keifer was mine.
Because my friends were here.
Because my family had chosen to stand with me.
For the first time since the nightmare began, I believed it.
I wasn't just surviving.
I was surrounded.
Protected.
Loved.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
🌹✨ Author's Note ✨🌹
Hi everyone, I hope you're all doing well 💙🔥.
I'm so sorry for the late update—I had some shopping to take care of 🛍️.
Hope you understand 💫.
To make it up to you, I wrote a longer chapter today 📝🔥.
Drop your thoughts in the comments—I can't wait to hear what you think! 🌹✨
Guys, I really need your support 💙🔥.
Please drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to see 10+ comments on each chapter 💫.
I'm not here to force anyone, but your feedback means the world to me 📝✨.
Even today, after all the shopping and running around I did, I still uploaded this chapter because I couldn't keep you waiting 🌹💥.
So please, please comment—it keeps me motivated and helps me bring you even more chaos and longer updates 💫🔥.