[Hey lovelies! ❤️
So many of you have been requesting for more Jayfer chemistry and honestly, who am I to deny you that? This chapter is full of the tension, banter, and heart-melting moments you love. I had so much fun writing this, and I hope it makes you feel all the feels.]
Keifer's POV
Exams were finally over.
School had come to an end, and now it was prom season. Graduation was around the corner, and then... university applications. My whole life laid ahead like a carefully drawn blueprint.
I was in my room, staring blankly at the ceiling, trying to mentally sort through everything when Keigan barged in without knocking—typical.
"So," he said, dropping onto my couch, "what's your plan for university?"
I didn't even look at him. "The usual. MBA, finance, economics. Then I take over as CEO at Watson Enterprises. Still need more experience before that though."
Keigan gave a low chuckle. "I see. But I can't help but notice... you've changed. A lot. And weirdly it's all because of her."
I sat up, eyes narrowing. "Keigan, don't do anything stupid again. You already tried to kill her once."
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry." His tone had softened. "She forgave me."
I stared at him. "Yeah... she did."
"Me and her talked after the glue incident," he added. "I gave—well, nothing."
"You gave what?" I asked, suspicion rising.
"Nothing," he said, brushing it off. "Just be careful. Do you think the Watsons will accept her?"
"I won't marry anyone unless it's her."
Keigan smirked. "You really are in deep."
And then he left. Just like that.
But my mind was already spiraling. Watsons... they were dangerous. Clyde had already shot her—why? Was it an accident? Or a warning meant for me?
Later that night, we were sitting down for dinner when the bell rang.
Keiren glanced toward the door. "Who could that be?"
Before anyone could answer, one of the maids opened it.
And standing there... was Clyde.
Keiren immediately stepped behind me.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I snapped, standing up.
"Relax," Clyde said with a laugh. "Just here to congratulate you for finishing school."
"I don't believe you."
"I see you're worried. Don't be I'm not here to hurt her." He laughed again. "Seriously, it was an accident. Well—maybe. But hurting her hurts you, Keifer. Don't show that kind of weakness."
I clenched my fists. "Don't you dare—"
"Imagine what your father or, worse, the Watson elders would do. I'm the least of your threats."
He smirked. "But Jay... Jay's not simple. She's a Mariano. Her past is interesting. She knows, by the way."
"Knows what?"
"She saw me. And she didn't tell you. Dammit, Keifer she loves you. That's why. She didn't want you to hate your family."
I stood there, stunned.
"She's strong. Boyish. Kind. Fights back. Crazy past. Honestly... I find her amusing. I like her." He turned. "Anyway, I have work here in the Philippines."
"If you do anything to her—"
"She won't go down that easy." He grinned and walked away.
Jay's POV
The past few days had been consumed by one mission: finding the perfect prom dress.
Mom and Aunt Gemma were having way more fun than I was, but finally—we found it.
A deep red satin gown. The fabric hugged my waist before flaring out in bold, heavy folds that whispered power with every step. Off-shoulder neckline. No beads. No lace. Just clean lines and elegance.
Simple. Striking. And somehow... me.
I hated dresses, usually. But this one? This one felt like it was made for me.
When we got home, Kuya Angelo and Aries stood in complete shock.
Aries couldn't stop asking how Mom and Aunt Gemma convinced me.
"She's a girl too," Mom said, laughing. "Don't be so surprised."
"Tomorrow is prom. Both of you get ready and rest tonight, okay?" she added.
Later that evening, I went out for a walk... and froze.
There was someone near our front gate. Watching.
As I got closer, my heart dropped. Clyde Watson.
I stepped back. "Please. Let me go."
"Wait," he coughed. "I just want to talk. Get in the car."
"I'm not getting in the car with you."
"I'm not giving you a choice."
Reluctantly... I got in.
"What do you want from me, Clyde?"
He didn't answer right away.
"Jay... do you love him?"
"What?"
"Keifer. Do you love him?"
"Yes," I said softly. "I do."
"Then stop," he snapped. "Let him go. Break his heart."
My heart stopped. "No."
"Jay, you and Keifer can't work. It's impossible. The Watson elders will destroy both of you. We're Watsons. We don't love. We destroy. We're cursed."
"Stop. Please."
"Have you ever been in love, Clyde? If you have, think about it. What would you do for love?"
He looked away. "I loved someone. The Watsons made her life hell. Her parents left her. And they took her away from me. That's why I am the way I am."
I blinked through tears. "Then you understand. I love him. I'll fight for him. I don't care who tries to stop me."
"Jay... it's not that easy. I'm trying to warn you."
"And I'm warning you. I love him."
"Jay..."
"Have you never felt love? Never?"
"I love someone too!" he yelled. "But I lost her."
"That's why I won't give up," I whispered. "Because I love him."
Clyde sighed. "Maybe you're different. I'll try to protect you and Keifer. But I can't promise anything. Especially not from Kaizer or the Watson elders."
"I have to go," I said, climbing out of the car, eyes stinging.
I wiped my tears before going inside, pretending like nothing happened.
My phone buzzed Mica and Rakki sending messages about prom dresses. I tried to smile. I tried to sleep.
But all I could think about was Keifer.
Keifer's POV
What was Clyde doing?
Was this a threat from Dad? A warning?
Either way I had to protect Jay.
Tomorrow was prom. I had to see her.
I kept picturing her—what would she wear? How would she look?
It didn't matter. She'd be perfect.
I sent one message to Clyde, to my father, to the Watson elders.
-If it's not her, then it's no one.
Now, the entire family knew. If they dared touch her they'd see a side of me they'd regret.
Jay's POV
Prom day.
Aries had his suit pressed and ready. I took a shower, and Mom helped me get into my dress and did my makeup. Classy. Elegant. Glossy lips. Clean glow.
Aunt Gemma teared up. Grandma was already a mess.
"I never thought I'd see my Jay Jay in a prom dress."
Kuya Angelo held out his hand and helped me down the stairs with a smile.
I sent Percy a picture his reply made me laugh.
"Pretty sistah 🔥"
Aries raised an eyebrow. "Never thought my sister would wear a gown and heels."
"You look good too," I shot back.
We laughed all the way to the venue. Kuya Angelo dropped us off.
It was packed. Lights flashing, music blaring, dresses everywhere.
My first prom.
Aries met up with Ella she looked gorgeous in purple.
"You look nice, Jay," she said.
"Thanks," I replied.
Then... I saw them. My boys. Section E.
All of them staring at me.
And my eyes—my heart—locked onto Keifer Watson.
Keifer's POV
I didn't believe in time slowing down.
Until I saw her.
She looked nervous but radiant.
Each step she took, I forgot how to breathe.
The second she appeared at the top of the staircase, everything else blurred. The music faded into background noise, the lights dimmed in my head, and all I could see was her standing there in that red dress like she just stepped out of a different world. A better one.
My heart was pounding before she even moved.
Jay looked down at me, her lips parted slightly, like she was unsure. Nervous, maybe still. But then she took a breath and started walking and I swear, I forgot how to breathe again.
That gown. Off-shoulder, hugging her figure like it knew how lucky it was. The deep red made her skin glow, made her eyes sharper, made my chest tighten with every step she took. The skirt flared out with each movement, elegant and bold, and it swayed like it had its own rhythm—a rhythm I suddenly wanted to memorize.
I'd never seen her like this. Not just beautiful—breathtaking.
"Holy..." I whispered.
David elbowed me. "Try not to combust."
"I'm not combusting," I muttered. "I'm just... so gone for her."
Cin whistled. "She looks like she walked off a Vogue cover."
"No," I said. "Better."
Jay reached the bottom step. Her eyes met mine.
"You okay?" she asked.
"Okay? Jay, you're literally burning my retinas."
She laughed, soft and shy. "You're dramatic."
"And you're unfair," I breathed. "You just redefined the colour red."
"Too much?" she teased.
"Way too much."
I leaned in. "I'm already thinking about fighting every guy who dares look at you tonight."
She blushed, rolling her eyes, but I saw the pride behind it.
"I wore it for me," she said. "But if you combust, that's a bonus."
I smiled. "Dance with me before I do."
She slid her hand into mine like it belonged there.
We danced. And I didn't care who stared.
She could've worn a paper bag—I'd still be the proudest guy in the room.
But in red? She looked like every wish I ever made finally said yes.
Jay's POV
After dancing, we mingled. Blaster, Drew, Kit, Mayo, Cin, Calix, Felix the whole group was still partying.
Freya walked up, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't think you'd pull off red. But you did."
She looked stunning in pink velvet with a slit.
"You look pretty too," I smiled.
Rakki and Mica joined in, both glowing in their gowns.
Keifer came back, holding two drinks.
"Jay," he said, "you once asked me what my favourite colour was. I never had one. Until today. Now... it's red."
I giggled. "Lucky me, I'm wearing red."
Later, I was talking to David and Yuri they both complimented me, and I returned it.
Then I noticed Keifer stepping outside.
I followed.
He looked surprised. "Jay? Go enjoy the party. I'll be back."
"No. What's wrong?"
He hesitated. "I'm scared. Being close to me puts you in danger."
"So what? You don't get to decide. I want to be with you."
"I'm scared. What if they hurt you?"
"They won't. I won't let anything happen to us."
"I need you, Jay... I'm selfish enough to want you even though it won't be easy."
I cupped his face. "Everything will be okay. Because I love you."
"And I love you Jay. Until the scientists find the end of the world."
"No arguments," I whispered.
He grinned. "Well... our arguments feel like foreplay, so I wouldn't mind if we kept going."
I flushed bright red. "You idiot."
"Not joking."
"Gago."
"Jay—profanity."
Then he kissed me.
Deep. Real. Perfect.
Rain began to fall, but we didn't stop kissing. We were soaked. Laughing. Alive.
"Let's go home, Jay," he said.
And I followed.
He picked me up effortlessly with one hand and kissed me again.
He was going to be the death of me.