JAY-JAY POV
After Percy left, I waited a few minutes in the car, trying to calm myself.
Deep breaths.
In… out…
Didn't work. Obviously.
Then my phone rang.
I jumped so hard I almost hit my head on the steering wheel.
"Hello, Alex," I answered, trying to sound normal.
"Hi, Ma'am," he started, already sounding stressed. "I'm already here at the building. When will you come?"
I groaned. "Alex, I already told you to call me Jay. You know me. We went to the same college."
"Alright, Jay," he corrected quickly. "I hated saying 'Ma'am' anyway. Makes me feel like I'm talking to my grandma."
I rolled my eyes. "Save me my seat. I'm already here."
There was a pause.
"Wait—HERE here?" he asked, voice rising like he was about to combust.
"Yes, Alex," I said, stepping out of the car. "Here here."
"Oh thank God," he exhaled dramatically. "I thought you were still at home and I was about to have a heart attack."
I shut the car door. "Relax. I'm walking in."
"Okay, okay," he said, already sounding like he was speed‑walking. "I'll meet you at the entrance. And Jay?"
"Yeah?"
"Please don't run away."
I froze.
"…I wasn't planning to."
"Jay."
I sighed. "Fine. I was planning to. But I won't."
"Good," he said, relieved. "Because you have three kids depending on you, and I am NOT babysitting them again. Kevin tried to fire me last time."
I snorted. "He fires everyone."
"Yeah, well, he fired me with a juice box in his hand. I've never felt so disrespected."
I laughed under my breath, tension easing just a little.
I hung up and started walking inside the building.
"Hey, Jay!" Alex said, jogging up beside me like an excited puppy.
I just gave him a nod — my brain was too busy panicking to form words.
"I still don't understand why they want us PAs here," Alex complained immediately, already out of breath.
"If I knew, I would tell you," I said, pushing open the door.
We reached the room.
I stepped inside.
And then—
I saw them.
Keifer.
Aries.
And Percy standing right beside them.
I froze.
They froze.
Keifer's eyes widened like he'd just seen a ghost crawl out of the floor.
Aries literally stopped mid‑sip of his coffee.
Percy's soul left his body for a second before he snapped back into "I don't know her" mode.
My heart dropped to my stomach, but I kept my face calm.
Professional.
Cold.
Untouchable.
"What's the schedule after this?" I asked, turning to Alex like nothing was happening.
Alex checked his phone. "Well, nothing much. You have a meeting with the Williams, then you have to sign a few contracts, then you're good to go home. And one more thing, the ki—"
He didn't finish.
Because I stomped on his foot so hard he almost screamed.
He jumped like a frog. "OW—!"
I grabbed his arm and whispered sharply, "How many times do I have to tell you? Don't mention the kids in public."
He nodded rapidly, still hopping on one foot. "Right—right—sorry—sorry—my bad—ow—"
Behind us, I could feel three pairs of eyes burning holes into my back.
Keifer.
Aries.
Percy.
All staring.
All silent.
All shocked.
I straightened my posture, pretending I didn't notice a thing.
But inside?
My heart was punching my ribs like it wanted to escape.
"Miss Mariano," the host said as he walked toward me, hand extended, smile bright enough to blind someone. "So glad you could come today."
"My pleasure," I said, shaking his hand with a smile that absolutely did not reach my eyes.
He didn't notice.
Or he pretended not to.
"I'm CJ," he introduced himself proudly.
"I know you," I said politely. "I watched a lot of your shows."
His face lit up. "Oh wow, really? That means a lot coming from you."
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral, professional — the CEO mask I'd perfected over the years.
But behind that mask?
My heart was still racing.
Keifer and Aries were still staring.
"We will start in a few minutes. Please, the other company CEOs are there," CJ said, pointing straight at Keifer, Aries, and Percy.
I nodded like my heart wasn't trying to escape through my ribs.
"Alex, buddy, you belong with the other PAs," CJ added, pointing toward a corner where all the assistants were gathered.
Alex immediately started complaining.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Stop complaining and go there."
"But Jay—"
"Alex."
He froze.
I raised an eyebrow.
He sighed dramatically, like I'd just sentenced him to prison
He trudged away like a sulking toddler, muttering under his breath about "ungrateful bosses" and "underpaid emotional support roles."
As he walked off, I felt eyes on me again.
Keifer.
Aries.
CJ left the room.
And suddenly it was just the four of us.
Me.
Keifer.
Aries.
And my idiot brother who was supposed to be pretending he didn't know me.
For one blessed second, everyone was silent.
Then Percy opened his mouth.
"My BABY SISTAH!" he yelled, arms already wide open like a deranged seagull. "Where were you for FOUR YEARS?!"
I swear the air left my lungs.
"PERCY—" I hissed, eyes widening.
But it was too late.
He was already speed‑walking toward me like a dramatic telenovela uncle, arms stretched out, ready to hug me like we were in some emotional reunion episode.
Keifer's jaw literally dropped.
Aries choked on his own breath.
And Percy?
He was still going.
"COME HERE, MY LONG‑LOST BABY SISTAH!" he cried, voice echoing off the walls.
I stepped back so fast I nearly tripped.
"PERCY, STOP—" I whisper, grabbing his arm before he could tackle‑hug me.
He blinked at me innocently. "What? I'm acting like I haven't seen you in four years."
"That's NOT what I meant!" I whisper‑screamed.
"Oh," he said, nodding like he understood.
Then Percy turned dramatically to Keifer and Aries and announced:
"ARIES, LOOK! It's our BABY SISTAH!"
He said it like he'd discovered a new species.
Aries blinked at me, confused, hopeful, shocked — all at once.
I rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw my brain.
"Percy," I said, voice flat, "let me remind you I'm nobody's baby sister. Especially his."
I pointed directly at Aries.
The room went silent.
Aries's face fell — like I'd slapped him with a dictionary.
He looked genuinely hurt, eyes dropping for a second before he forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
But I didn't care.
Not after everything I had to go through these past four years.
Not after the nights I cried alone.
Not after the betrayal and betrayal
Not after raising three kids without a single one of them knowing.
Aries opened his mouth like he wanted to say something — an apology, an explanation, a question — but nothing came out.
Keifer's jaw tightened.
Percy looked between us like he'd accidentally started a civil war.
And me?
I stood there, calm, cold, collected.
But before I could even breathe—
Keifer stepped forward.
Slow.
Careful.
Like he was approaching a wild animal that might bolt.
His eyes were locked on me, unreadable but intense enough to make my stomach twist.
His eyes were locked on me, unreadable but intense enough to make my stomach twist.
He opened his mouth—
But before a single word escaped—
CJ walked back in, clapping his hands together.
"Hello everyone, let's start this interview!" he said cheerfully, "Please sit down."
I nodded once.
Then I walked past Keifer and Aries like they were background furniture.
I didn't even blink in their direction.
Then the others came in — staff, assistants, camera crew — and CJ started assigning seats.
And of course.
Of course.
Keifer's seat was assigned right next to mine.
Then Aries next to him.
Then Percy beside Aries.
I stared at the empty chair beside me.
Oh kill me right now.
Actually—
No.
Don't kill me.
I have kids to take care of.
But still.
WHY ME.
Keifer walked toward his seat slowly, like he wasn't sure if he was dreaming or hallucinating.
Aries followed, still looking like he'd swallowed a brick.
Percy… Percy looked like he was about to explode from the effort of pretending he didn't know me.
I kept my face blank.
"Okay, let's get this started," CJ said.
"We're on live," one of the crew members called out.
My stomach dropped.
CJ immediately switched into his TV‑host voice — bright, smooth, confident.
"Hello everyone! Today I have the youngest business tycoons with me," he said, gesturing toward us.
The camera panned.
I kept my face calm.
Professional.
Untouchable.
Even though my heart was doing gymnastics.
"Percy Rey Collions Mariano from the Mariano branch," CJ announced.
Percy waved like a politician running for mayor.
Idiot.
"And Michael Aries Fernandez from the Fer crops."
Aries gave a stiff nod, eyes flicking toward me for half a second before he forced himself to look at the camera.
"And Mark Keifer Watson from Watson Enterprise."
Keifer didn't move.
Didn't blink.
Didn't breathe.
He was staring at me like the camera didn't exist.
"And last but definitely not least," CJ said with a smile, "Jasper Jean Mariano from MKM."
The spotlight hit me.
I smiled — the perfect CEO smile.
Calm.
Sharp.
Controlled.
But inside?
I was screaming.
Because sitting next to me was the man I'd spent four years avoiding.
Next to him was the boy who was my so called "brother"
And on the far end was my actual brother, who was seconds away from causing chaos on live TV.
I inhaled slowly.
Showtime.
CJ turned toward me with that bright, TV‑host smile that made my stomach twist for a whole different reason.
CJ smiled at the camera. "Alright, let's begin with Percy, let's start with you."
Percy straightened instantly, chest puffed out like he was about to deliver a presidential speech.
CJ continued, "You're the current head of the Mariano Branch. How does it feel leading such a massive company at such a young age?"
Thank God.
A business question.
Maybe Percy wouldn't embarrass us—
"I feel GREAT," Percy said loudly. "Running the Mariano Branch is like… running a zoo. But with more paperwork."
Aries choked.
Keifer pinched the bridge of his nose.
I stared at the camera like I wasn't related to this man.
Percy kept going, surprisingly serious now.
"But honestly, CJ, it's an honor. I grew up watching my family build this company. I learned everything from the ground up. I'm proud of where we are today."
CJ nodded. "And what would you say is your biggest challenge as a young CEO?"
"Well, CJ," he said confidently, "my biggest challenge is… honestly? Being this handsome."
Aries choked.
Keifer stared at him like he'd lost his mind.
I closed my eyes in pain.
CJ laughed awkwardly.
But then Percy's tone softened — the real him slipping through.
"But seriously… the biggest challenge is proving myself. People think being young means being inexperienced. I work twice as hard to show that age doesn't define capability."
CJ smiled. "Well said."
CJ turned to him next.
"Aries, how about you? What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a young executive at Fer Corps?"
Aries straightened, shoulders tense.
He wasn't like Percy — no theatrics, no jokes.
He always tried to sound composed, even when he was falling apart inside.
He cleared his throat.
"My biggest challenge," he began, voice steady but tight, "was earning respect in a company where legacy matters more than merit."
Keifer glanced at him.
Percy raised an eyebrow.
I kept my face blank.
Aries continued, eyes flicking toward me for half a second before he forced them back to the camera.
"People assumed I had everything handed to me. That I didn't work for my position. That I didn't deserve it. So I had to prove myself. Every day. Twice as hard as everyone else."
His jaw clenched.
"And sometimes," he added quietly, "the people closest to you are the ones who doubt you the most."
The air shifted.
Percy stiffened.
Keifer's expression darkened.
But I didn't look at him.
Not even once.
CJ nodded, oblivious to the tension. "Thank you, Aries. Very honest."
Aries exhaled slowly, like he'd been holding that in for years.
And I sat there, perfectly still.
CJ shifted his attention to the man sitting beside me.
"Keifer, your thoughts? What obstacle shaped you the most as the leader of Watson Enterprise?"
Keifer didn't jump in immediately.
He sat still, posture rigid, expression unreadable — but the tension around him was unmistakable.
When he finally spoke, his voice was low, steady.
"My biggest challenge," he said slowly, voice low and controlled, "was learning how to lead without losing myself."
Percy blinked.
Aries glanced over.
I stayed perfectly composed.
Keifer continued, tone controlled but carrying weight.
"People assume leadership is just strategy and numbers. It's not. It's choices. Priorities. Consequences."
A faint breath escaped him.
"And sometimes you realize too late that certain decisions cost more than you expected."
Percy's shoulders stiffened.
Aries looked away.
CJ sensed the shift but kept smiling.
Keifer finished quietly, "I'm still learning from those mistakes."
He gave a small nod, then his gaze flicked toward me — brief, sharp, loaded — before he looked back at the camera.
I didn't react.
Not even a blink.
CJ turned to me and asked, "You're the youngest woman ever to be a CEO at the age of 22 years old. Tell us your journey."
The camera zoomed in again.
Of course it did.
I inhaled once.
Then I smiled — calm, polished, perfect.
"My journey," I began, "wasn't glamorous."
"I didn't come from comfort. I didn't have a safety net. I didn't have the luxury of waiting for the 'right time.' I had responsibilities early on, and I learned quickly that no one was going to hand me anything."
Keifer's jaw tightened.
Aries looked down.
"I created MKM when I was 20 years old, and honestly… it was hard for me to believe too. I completed college in two years while working part‑time jobs, studying full‑time, and juggling extra responsibilities."
Keifer's head turned slightly, like he couldn't stop himself.
Aries's fingers tightened around the armrest.
Percy looked like he wanted to stand up and clap.
I kept going, my tone calm, controlled.
"There were days I barely slept. Days I didn't know if I could keep going. But I didn't have the option to stop. I had people depending on me. I had goals I refused to let go of."
Keifer swallowed hard.
Aries looked down, guilt flickering across his face.
Percy's eyes softened — proud, protective, hurting for me.
"And even when things got overwhelming," I said, "I kept pushing. Because I knew that if I didn't build something for myself… no one else would."
The room went quiet.
"So yeah, my journey wasn't easy," I said proudly, "but with determination, I got here."
CJ looked impressed. "That's… incredible, Miss. Mariano."
But the reactions beside me?
Those were louder than anything I said.
Keifer's jaw tightened — not in anger, but in something that looked dangerously close to regret.
Aries looked like he'd been punched in the chest, eyes dropping to his hands.
Percy… Percy stared at me with that soft, protective look he only ever used when he was trying not to cry.
I kept my posture perfect.
Back straight.
Chin up.
Smile calm.
Because I wasn't going to let anyone see how much saying that out loud hurt.
CJ leaned forward. "You must be very proud of yourself."
"I am," I said simply.
"Miss Mariano, don't mind me asking, but this is the first time you've ever gone live for an in‑person interview." He paused, curious. "Do you mind explaining the reason for that?"
"I don't mind actually," I said. "I wanted to keep my profile low until I was successful."
CJ nodded, leaning in.
"I had other responsibilities that required my time. Priorities that mattered more than public appearances," I added, keeping my voice steady.
The room shifted.
CJ smiled politely. "That's very understandable, Miss Mariano. Many young leaders prefer to build quietly before stepping into the spotlight."
"Would you like to tell us what MKM stands for?" CJ asked suddenly.
I froze.
So did Percy.
Because we both knew exactly what the answer to that question meant.
I laughed softly, shaking off the tightness in my chest.
"It's actually initials of three people who are very important to me," I said lightly.
The room shifted.
Percy's breath caught — barely audible, but I heard it.
Aries's eyes flicked toward me, confusion and something else tightening his expression.
Keifer went completely still, like someone had pressed pause on him.
"That's beautiful, Miss Mariano," he said. "But… initials of three important people? That sounds like a story. Would you mind sharing who they are?"
My smile didn't move.
But my heartbeat did — straight into my throat.
"I'm sure our viewers would love to know the meaning behind such a unique name. MKM must stand for something very personal." CJ said
I inhaled once.
Calm.
Controlled.
CEO‑perfect.
"It does," I said smoothly. "It's extremely personal."
CJ smiled. "And those three people are…?"
I kept my voice steady.
"They're people who changed my life," I said. "People who shaped who I am today."
CJ waited.
The boys waited.
The entire studio waited.
I crossed my legs, adjusted my blazer, and smiled politely.
"And that's all I'm willing to share on live television."
CJ blinked, surprised by the clean shutdown.
He recovered quickly, nodding as he turned back to the camera with his practiced host smile.
"So, folks, you've heard our businessmen and businesswoman share their stories," he said brightly.
The audience clapped.
CJ continued, "Each of them has faced unique challenges, and yet they've all risen to incredible heights at such young ages."
CJ turned back to us. "Now, let's dive into some questions from our viewers—"
CJ shuffled the cards in his hand, smiling at the camera.
"Alright, let's take our first viewer question," he announced. "This one is directed at… Miss Mariano."
Of course it was.
"Jay, the viewers want to know…"
He paused for dramatic effect.
"…how you managed to stay motivated through everything you've been through."
My breath caught.
CJ continued, oblivious.
"They're asking specifically: 'What kept you going when things were at their hardest?'"
The studio went silent.
My heart thudded once — loud, painful.
I forced a small smile.
Calm.
Professional.
Controlled.
"What kept me going," I said slowly, "was knowing I didn't have the luxury of giving up."
I continued, voice steady.
"I had people depending on me. I had responsibilities I couldn't walk away from. And I had a future I wanted to build — not just for myself, but for the people I cared about."
I kept my smile soft, distant.
"So even when things were difficult… I kept moving. Because stopping wasn't an option."
CJ nodded, impressed. "That's incredibly inspiring."
I nodded back
CJ shuffled another card, smiling like this was just harmless fun.
"Alright, our next viewer question is also for Miss Mariano."
CJ read it aloud.
"Jay, viewers are curious… since you mentioned 'three important people' behind MKM, does that include your family? And if so, where are they now?"
My heart stopped.
Percy's eyes widened in pure panic.
Aries's breath caught.
Keifer's jaw clenched so hard the muscle jumped.
CJ kept going, oblivious.
"They're asking if you'd be willing to talk about your family background… and how they would feel now that you're successful."
The studio fell silent.
Too silent.
Something inside me snapped.
"My family didn't believe me when I needed them," I said sharply. "And now I'm here alone. I fought for four years by myself, and I didn't even know if I would survive the first two."
Percy inhaled sharply, eyes widening in horror.
Aries froze, guilt washing over his face like a wave.
Keifer's entire expression shattered — not visibly, but in the tiny, devastating ways only I would notice.
CJ blinked, stunned. "Miss Mariano, I—"
I didn't let him finish.
"I built everything I have without support. Without encouragement. Without anyone standing behind me."
My voice didn't shake.
It didn't crack.
It didn't soften.
It cut.
Clean.
Cold.
Final.
"So if you're asking how they would feel now?"
I lifted my chin.
"They don't get to feel anything about my success. They weren't there for the struggle."
CJ swallowed. "I… didn't mean to—"
"I know you didn't," I said, tone icy but controlled. "But I'm not discussing my past on live television. Especially not while my ch—"
I stopped.
Too late.
CJ leaned forward, eyes narrowing with interest. "Ch what?"
I didn't blink.
I didn't breathe.
I just straightened my blazer and said, calm as a blade:
"I'm done here."
I stood up.
The chair scraped against the floor, loud in the dead‑silent studio.
CJ's eyes widened.
He immediately signaled to the crew — a sharp, frantic motion.
"Cut the cameras. Cut it. Now."
The red recording lights blinked off one by one.
But the silence didn't break.
"Miss Mariano," he said softly, "I'm… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push."
I didn't look at him.
I didn't look at anyone.
I just adjusted my blazer, lifted my chin, and kept walking toward the exit.
Because once the cameras were off, the truth in the room became impossible to ignore.
Percy called after me, voice low and urgent. "Jay, wait—"
Aries took a step forward. "Jay—please—"
Keifer finally stood, the scrape of his chair quieter but somehow heavier than mine.
I didn't stop kept walking
I walked out of the studio without looking back.
Because some wounds weren't meant to be reopened.
And some truths weren't meant for anyone but me.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
💙🔥 Author's Note 🔥💙
How was the chapter 🤭✨
Please comment and tell me how it was — I need to know if you guys are screaming, shocked, or already obsessed 😭💬💙
AND OMGGG
Minamahal is coming on Jan 5 on Kisskh.co 😭🔥
I'm literally so excited I can't even sit still right now 😭💙✨