The day they left, the air felt different—like the world was finally letting them breathe.
Keifer drove Jay away from the mansion in silence.
The road stretched ahead like a long ribbon, and the city behind them slowly disappeared into the distance.
Jay sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window.
Everything felt surreal.
The city lights, the chaos, the pain… all of it was fading.
Keifer glanced at her occasionally, his eyes calm and focused.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
Jay nodded, but she didn't speak.
She was trying to hold onto the moment, trying to remember what freedom felt like.
They drove for hours.
The scenery changed from tall buildings to open roads, and then to green fields and small towns.
The air felt fresher, lighter.
Keifer finally stopped the car near the edge of a new city.
It was a place that felt calm, quiet, and safe.
"This is it," Keifer said softly.
Jay looked around, her eyes wide.
"It's… different," she whispered.
Keifer smiled slightly.
"Different is good," he said. "It means you're finally free."
Jay followed him as he led her into a tall building that looked like a private residence rather than an apartment complex.
They rode up in a quiet elevator, and the doors opened to reveal a long hallway with marble floors and soft lighting.
Keifer stopped at a large door.
"This is my penthouse," he said.
Jay stared in shock.
"This is yours?" she whispered, unable to hide her surprise.
Keifer nodded.
"It is," he said simply.
Jay's eyes widened as Keifer opened the door.
The penthouse was huge.
It wasn't just big—it was luxurious.
The living room was wide and open, with tall windows that showed the entire city below. The floors were polished, the furniture elegant and modern. There was a large dining table, a cozy seating area, and even a private indoor garden in one corner.
Jay's mouth fell open.
"It's… incredible," she whispered.
Keifer watched her quietly, his expression soft.
"It's yours now," he said. "You can stay here as long as you want."
Jay walked further inside, her eyes taking in every detail.
The kitchen was large and spotless, with marble countertops and high-end appliances. The bedroom was spacious, with a huge bed and a window that let in the morning sun. There was even a private study room, and a balcony that looked like it was made for someone to relax and forget the world.
Jay turned to Keifer, her voice trembling.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked.
Keifer's eyes softened.
"Because you deserve a life where you don't have to be afraid," he said.
Jay's eyes filled with tears.
"This place… it's so different from what I know," she whispered.
Keifer walked closer and took her hand.
"It's supposed to be," he said. "You deserve better."
Jay nodded slowly, still stunned by the luxury around her.
She walked to the large windows and looked out at the city below.
The view was breathtaking, and the air felt cleaner, lighter.
For the first time in her life, Jay felt like she could breathe.
Keifer stood behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist gently.
"Do you want to go out?" he asked softly.
Jay shook her head.
"Not yet," she said. "I want to stay here for a while."
Keifer nodded.
"Okay," he said. "We'll take it slow."
Jay turned to him, her voice soft.
"What now?" she asked.
Keifer smiled.
"Now," he said, "we start living."
Jay's heart warmed.
She leaned her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
Keifer wrapped his arms around her, holding her gently.
Jay closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his embrace.
For the first time in her life, she felt like she had a future.
A future that belonged to her.
A future that wasn't controlled by anyone else.
She smiled softly, and whispered, "I'm finally free."
Keifer's voice was quiet, but it felt like a promise.
"You're safe now," he said.
And in that moment, Jay knew he meant it.