The morning sun poured into the Watson mansion, golden light touching every corner of the grand hall. Keifer was sprawled lazily on the sofa, scrolling through his tablet, while Jay sat nearby, sipping her coffee and flipping through some reports Keizer had asked her to check.
Keizer appeared in the doorway, adjusting his tie with that calm, commanding aura that always made Jay feel a mixture of respect and warmth. He glanced at Jay with that gentle smile, then at Keifer, who was smirking knowingly.
"Jay," Keizer said, his voice soft but steady. "I want to ask you something."
Jay looked up, curiosity flashing in her eyes. "Yes, Mr. Watson?" she replied, though a small smile tugged at her lips—Keifer's eyes were already sparkling at what was coming.
Keizer stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "I've been watching… how close you and my family have become. How you've been helping Keifer, the boys, even Serina… You're part of this family now. And I want you to feel it fully."
Jay tilted her head, sensing the weight behind his words. "I… I do feel it," she whispered.
Keizer nodded slowly, then took a deep breath. "Then I want you to call me… 'Papa.'"
For a heartbeat, Jay froze, her mind whirling. Not just 'Mr. Watson,' not even 'Keizer'—but Papa. It was intimate, warm, something that belonged to family, to trust, to belonging.
Keifer, who had been watching quietly, finally chuckled. "Wow… Jay, that's… big," he teased, unable to hide the grin. "Don't tell me you're gonna start calling him that already?"
Jay glanced at Keifer, her cheeks coloring slightly. "He… he asked me," she said softly, looking back at Keizer. Her eyes met his, searching, hesitant, but filled with affection.
Keizer smiled, kneeling slightly so he could meet her gaze. "I mean it, Jay. You've been with us, helping, laughing, teasing… you've earned this. I want you to feel at home here. Not just with Keifer, but with all of us."
A small, shy smile curved her lips, and finally, softly, she said, "Papa…"
Keizer's eyes softened, a warmth spreading through his face. "That's right," he said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Welcome to the family, Jay. Fully."
Keifer snorted, shaking his head, but the smirk didn't leave his face. "Guess I'm surrounded by a bunch of mushy adults now," he muttered, though there was a fondness in his tone.
From the corner, Serina and the boys peeked in, grinning. Keigan waved, and Keiren whispered, "She's our new mama's helper now, huh?"
Jay laughed, the sound light and happy, and for a moment, the mansion felt warmer than ever—full of teasing, love, and the kind of belonging that could only come from family.
Keizer leaned back, his arm around Jay lightly, watching her laugh. "See? I told you… it feels good."
Jay rested her head slightly on his shoulder, whispering, "It really does, Papa."
And in that moment, every teasing glance, every shared laugh, every quiet moment of support had led to this—a family, complete and full, with a bond stronger than anyone could see.