The engagement had just ended.
Jay sat quietly, tears still slipping down her cheeks.
Her mom held her hand.
Keifer's mom sat beside them, face tight with worry.
The room buzzed with forced smiles and polite congratulations.
Then the front door opened.
Jasfer stepped in, tall, composed, but with fire in his eyes.
"Enough," he said, voice low but cutting through the chatter.
Everyone froze.
Keifer's father turned, surprise flickering across his face.
"Jay's father…" he started.
"Don't 'Jay's father' me," Jasfer snapped, stepping forward.
"You've been forcing this on her son like he's a puppet! Do you hear yourself?"
Keifer's father stiffened.
"This… this is for our family. For the business!"
Jasfer's eyes blazed.
"And what about their hearts? Do you think love cares about business deals?"
The room fell silent.
Keifer's father opened his mouth to argue, but Jasfer didn't let him.
"Look at him!" he said, pointing to Keifer.
"Look at your son! He doesn't want this. He's miserable, and you're blind to it. You're doing wrong. Completely wrong!"
Keifer swallowed hard, guilt and relief fighting inside him.
"I… I just—" his father began.
"No! You don't get to justify this," Jasfer cut him off.
"You're breaking hearts. His, and hers!"
Jay's mother and Keifer's mom watched silently, both holding their breaths.
Jasfer knelt slightly in front of Keifer, meeting his eyes.
"Son, I won't let anyone force you into a life you don't want. Not me, not them, not anyone. You love Jay. You know it. You need to fight for that."
Keifer's chest heaved.
He nodded slowly, a fire sparking in his eyes.
"I… I do. I've always known it."
Jasfer turned to Keifer's father, voice unwavering.
"It's your son's happiness at stake, not a business deal. Wake up, before it's too late."
Keifer's father's face paled.
He opened his mouth, then closed it, finally realizing the truth in the words.
Jay pressed her hand into her father's, relief washing over her.
Keifer's mom smiled softly, hope flickering in her eyes.
Keifer stood taller now, a new determination forming.
He glanced at Jay, eyes soft but fierce.
"I won't let this happen," he whispered to himself.
"I promise."
And in that moment, the tide was turning.