Jay's POV
Keifer's voice echoed through the house like he owned the walls, the stairs, even the air.
I froze mid-step.
Why is he shouting like that?
Who does he think he is?
I walked to the top of the stairs slowly, arms crossed.
"What?" I called back.
He was standing in the living room like some drama king, hands on his hips. Aries beside him looked two seconds away from throwing a pillow at his face. Angelo was on the couch trying not to laugh. Mom and Aunty Gemma were pretending to arrange things but they were clearly watching the show.
"Come here, wifey," Keifer said boldly.
I almost tripped on the last step.
WIFEY?
IN FRONT OF MY MOM??
Aries stood up immediately. "Watch your mouth."
Keifer didn't even look at him. "Relax. You're just the temporary bodyguard."
I bit my lip to stop myself from smiling.
Why is he like this?
Why do I kind of like this chaos?
I walked closer and glared at him. "Why are you shouting my name like that?"
He grinned. "Because my wife ignores my messages."
Aries: "She doesn't have a husband."
Keifer: "Correction. Not officially."
Angelo coughed to hide a laugh.
Mom shook her head. "You children…"
Aunty Gemma whispered loudly, "This one will stress us
Keifer suddenly walked toward the center of the room and clapped once.
"Okay. Family meeting."
Aries blinked. "This is not your house."
Keifer ignored him again. "Jay, sit."
I narrowed my eyes. "Excuse me?"
"Beside me."
Aries stepped between us. "She can sit wherever she wants."
Keifer leaned closer to Aries. "Brother, you're too tense. You need more love in your life."
Aries looked like steam was about to come out of his ears.
Why do they act like rival lions in a documentary?
I sighed and sat on the couch just to stop the staring contest.
Big mistake.
Keifer immediately dropped down beside me… then slowly slid his head onto my lap.
I froze.
"Get up."
"I'm tired. Let me rest on my wife."
Aries stepped forward. "I said get up."
I looked at Aries. He looked serious.
Then I looked at Keifer. He looked comfortable.
Mom and Aunty Gemma were watching like it was a TV drama.
If I dont move him, Aries will start a war.
If I don't, Keifer will think he won.
Why is my life like this?
I sighed quietly and… didn't move him.
"Jay."
"He's just resting."
Keifer smirked without opening his eyes.
Oh my goodness he's enjoying this.
Aries crossed his arms. "You're unbelievable."
Keifer: "Jealousy is not healthy, brother."
Aries: "I am not your brother."
Keifer opened one eye. "Soon."
Silence.
Then Angelo spoke casually.
"Aries, stop disturbing him. He'll be part of the family soon anyway."
The room went quiet.
Aries turned slowly. "What?"
I sat up straighter.
Wait. What did Angelo just say?
Why is Angelo supporting him? Since when?
Keifer's eyes snapped open. He immediately got up from my lap and walked straight to Angelo.
He placed his hand confidently on Angelo's shoulder.
"Thank you, in-law. I will buy you a new car—"
Angelo looked down at his hand.
Keifer noticed.
His confidence cracked for half a second.
He slowly removed his hand. "—as an early birthday gift."
Why is he suddenly with keifer is the something I don't know? That was so random.
Aries looked betrayed. "You too?"
Angelo shrugged. "He's funny. And he can protect Jayjay ."
Keifer gasped dramatically. "See? Someone appreciates me."
Then he turned to Aries.
"Come on, brother. Let's go cook for my wife."
"She is not your wife."
Keifer grabbed Aries by the wrist anyway. "Denial stage. It's okay."
They walked toward the kitchen arguing.
Aunty Gemma stood up quickly. "Let me go help them before they burn the house."
Mom laughed softly. "Please do."
Angelo stretched. "I'm going to freshen up."
Mom nodded. "Me too."
And just like that… the chaos moved away.