The night grew deeper, and the mansion grew quieter.
The city lights outside looked like stars scattered across the horizon, but inside, Jay felt like she was finally safe.
She stood near the balcony, staring at the view, still trying to process everything.
Keifer was beside her, silent. Not because he didn't have anything to say, but because he didn't want to rush her feelings. He could tell she was still fragile, still trying to hold herself together.
Jay turned to him, her voice soft.
"Keifer," she whispered, "I don't know what to do next."
Keifer's gaze shifted to her, his eyes full of concern.
"We'll figure it out," he said calmly. "Together."
Jay nodded, but her heart was still heavy.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
"I'm scared," she admitted. "I'm scared of what Jax will do when he finds out I'm gone."
Keifer's expression darkened.
"I'm not afraid of him," he said quietly. "I'm afraid of what he'll do to you."
Jay's eyes filled with tears.
"I don't want to go back," she whispered. "But I don't know how to leave without causing more trouble."
Keifer stepped closer, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.
"You don't have to do this alone," he said. "I'm here now."
Jay looked up at him, her voice trembling.
"Why are you doing this for me?" she asked. "You don't even know me fully."
Keifer's eyes softened.
"I know enough," he said. "I know that you deserve better than the life you're living."
Jay's eyes widened.
"But I'm married," she said. "And I don't know how to get out."
Keifer nodded, his expression serious.
"We'll find a way," he said. "I'll make sure you're safe."
Jay's heart beat faster.
She looked down, thinking.
Then she turned to Keifer again, her voice quiet.
"I don't want to keep running," she said. "I want to live."
Keifer's eyes softened.
"You will," he said. "And you will have a life you deserve."
Jay took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment.
When she opened them again, she looked determined.
"I want to be free," she said. "Not just from Jax… but from everything that makes me feel like I'm nothing."
Keifer nodded.
"You will be free," he promised.
Jay looked at him, her voice shaking.
"But what if he comes after me?" she asked. "What if he finds me?"
Keifer's gaze hardened.
"If he comes after you," he said, "he will face me."
Jay's eyes widened at his words.
Keifer stepped closer and held her hand.
"I won't let him hurt you," he said softly. "Not now. Not ever."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again, but this time they were different.
They weren't only pain.
They were hope.
Keifer led her back into the room, and they sat down on the couch, close enough that their shoulders touched.
Jay leaned her head against his shoulder.
For the first time in a long time, she felt like someone was truly beside her.
Someone who wasn't going to leave.
Keifer's voice was quiet as he spoke, but every word felt like a promise.
"We'll plan this carefully," he said. "We'll make sure you're safe. And then we'll make sure you can live."
Jay nodded, her eyes closing.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Keifer squeezed her hand gently.
"You don't have to thank me," he said. "You just have to stay with me."
Jay's heart warmed.
She looked up at him, her voice soft.
"I want to," she whispered.
Keifer's eyes softened, and he smiled slightly.
"Good," he said.
And for the first time in a long time, Jay felt like she had a future.
A real future.
One where she wasn't alone.
One where she could finally be free.