Keifer didn't say a word as he carried me toward the Black SUV. His arms were tight around me, almost desperate, like he was afraid I'd slip away if he loosened his grip even a little.
The door slammed shut behind us, trapping us in a silence that made my heartbeat feel louder than the engine.
He finally spoke, voice low and shaking."Jay… please just listen for a minute. That's all I want."
I stared out the window, refusing to look at him. My hands were shaking in my lap, but I kept them still. I had to.
"Jay-Jay… please," he whispered.
Still, I didn't turn.
For a moment he didn't say anything. Then, slowly, quietly—like he was admitting a crime—he began.
"I know you think I used you. And I won't deny it… not at first."
My chest tightened, but I didn't move.
"But I can't explain yet," he added quickly, voice rising with panic. "Jay, I swear I'm not lying. There is a reason—so many reasons—but I can't tell you right now."
I finally looked at him, eyes burning.
"Then why take me? Why now? Why say anything if you won't tell me the truth?"
He swallowed, staring down at his hands.
"Because… I'm leaving soon."
The words hit like ice.
"Leaving?" I whispered.
He nodded once, slowly.
"I have to. Something's happening with my family… and the company I'm supposed to inherit. I didn't choose this, Jay. But I have to go deal with it before things get worse."
My stomach twisted."So you're running away?"
"No." His voice was firmer, steadier. "I'm coming back. When it's time for me to claim my inheritance."He looked straight into my eyes. "And when I come back… I'll tell you everything. The truth. All of it."
I shook my head, tears burning."How am I supposed to trust you after everything you hid?"
His jaw tightened like he was fighting his own emotions.
"I don't expect you to trust me," he whispered. "I just need time. I have no choice, Jay. If I stay, things will get dangerous—too dangerous for you, for my brothers, for everyone."
He looked like he wanted to say more, but something stopped him—fear, maybe. Fear of slipping and telling me the whole truth.
Before I could respond, the car jerked to a sudden stop.
Keifer's eyes shot up."What—"
And then I heard it—
"JAY-JAY!"
Percy.
He was outside, pounding on the SUV door, screaming my name like he was losing his mind. Behind him stood Yuri and Section E—everyone looking frantic, shouting over each other.
Keifer cursed under his breath.
"Oh great…" he muttered. "This is the last thing I need."
He reached for the door, but I grabbed his arm.
"Keifer—don't fight him."
He froze.
Outside, Percy slammed the car again.
"OPEN THE DOOR, YOU PSYCHO!"
Keifer exhaled shakily and turned toward me, eyes soft, desperate.
"Jay-Jay… I'm not here to make you choose me. I'm not here to make you stay. I just needed to see you before I go."
His voice cracked. "Before everything changes."
My breath caught.
Outside, Percy shouted again, voice breaking.
"JAY-JAY, PLEASE! DON'T GO WITH HIM!"
My heart pounded so hard it hurt.
Keifer leaned closer, just enough for me to hear him.
"When I come back… I promise you'll know the truth."He paused. "Just not today."
The world outside the car blurred—Percy screaming, Yuri yelling, section E standing there staring—and all I could hear was my own heartbeat.
I had to choose whether to leave or stay.