The mansion was asleep.
Only the soft glow of the bedside lamp touched Jay's face as she slept, curled gently under the blanket—her phone still on the table beside her, the same one she had stared at all day.
The door opened without a sound.
Keifer stepped in.
Slow. Careful. Like he was afraid even the air might wake her.
He stood there for a second… just looking at her.
Then he moved to the bed and slipped in beside her.
The moment his arm went around her waist, pulling her close—
tight.
Protective.
Like he had been holding himself together for days… and finally let go.
Jay stirred.
Her breath hitched.
She felt it.
Him.
Her eyes fluttered open.
"…Keifer?"
He didn't answer.
He only hugged her tighter.
Jay turned immediately and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his chest, holding him even harder.
"You're here…" she whispered.
His breath broke softly against her hair.
"I came back."
That was all.
Jay's fingers clenched into his shirt.
"You scared me," she whispered.
"I know."
His voice was low. Heavy.
Sorry.
Keifer lifted one hand and gently brushed her hair back.
Then he leaned down—
and kissed her forehead.
Slow.
Lingering.
A promise.
Jay closed her eyes and pressed her face into his chest again.
"You don't have to fight alone," she whispered.
Keifer tightened his hold around her.
"I won't," he murmured.
Not anymore.
And in the silent room, with the whole mansion sleeping around them, Keifer held her like she was the only safe place he had left—and Jay held him back, just as fiercely.