Chapter 32 — Island of Truths
The roar of the engine and the salty breeze hit Jay's face before she even realized where she was.
"Keifer—what is this?!" she shouted, squinting at the small private plane that had just landed.
"You're coming with me," Keifer said calmly, one hand extended. "Trust me."
Jay froze, heart hammering. "You… kidnapped me?!"
"Not kidnapped," he corrected, voice soft but firm. "Protected. You'll understand soon."
Arrival at the Island
By afternoon, Jay stepped onto the private island—lush, secluded, and beautiful. Her anger flared, but so did her curiosity.
"This… this is insane!" she exclaimed, pacing. "I don't even know where to start—"
Keifer cut her off gently, taking her hands. "Jay… listen. Everything I did, every plan, every step… it was to protect you. My family, my relatives… they were targeting everyone I love. That includes you."
Jay froze. "What?"
"They had to stay in the shadows, Jay. I had to appear distant so they wouldn't see me protecting you. The plan—yes, it existed—but over time, the line blurred. I didn't want to hurt you, and I didn't want them to target you directly. That's why I stayed away… to catch them off guard and stop them."
Her chest tightened, and tears threatened to fall. "You… you did all this… for me?"
Keifer nodded. "And I'm so sorry. I never meant for you to feel betrayed. I… I failed at being honest sometimes."
Jay blinked, the anger in her chest softening slightly. "Keifer…"
"I know," he whispered, voice shaking. "I'm sorry. I'll keep apologizing until you forgive me."
Slow Forgiveness
Over the next hours, Jay watched Keifer's sincerity in every word, every look, every gesture. The anger in her chest started to ebb, replaced by something warmer—relief, understanding, and the familiar pull of affection she hadn't realized she'd missed so much.
"I… I forgive you," she whispered finally, letting her walls fall just a little.
Keifer's eyes shone. "You don't know how much that means."
Two Days of Bliss
The next two days were a whirlwind of laughter, adventure, and stolen moments.
They swam in the crystal-clear water, racing each other across the beach.
They built sandcastles like children, laughing at their ridiculous creations.
And yes… a few stolen kisses happened, lingering touches, teasing whispers.
By the second night, under the star-filled sky, Keifer held her close. "You're mine, Jay Watson. Forever."
Jay leaned into him, smiling through tears. "I'm yours. Always."
Section E Arrives
On the third day, the sound of boats approaching alerted them.
"Section E?" Jay asked, wide-eyed.
"Surprise!" Percy yelled, stepping onto the sand with Alys, Eman, Felix, and the rest in tow.
The moment they saw Jay and Keifer holding hands, cheeks flushed, everyone erupted into laughter and teasing.
"Finally!" Ci-n shouted. "We were starting to think you two would never get together!"
Jay groaned, hiding her face, but Keifer just smirked, protective hand on her back.
Drake and Alys Moment
Alys, standing slightly apart, hesitated as Drake approached her. His expression serious, vulnerable.
"Alys…" he said softly, voice breaking. "I… I thought I was getting too close. I couldn't risk… hurting you again. I can't take it anymore. I fell for you, and I can't hide it."
Alys felt tears prick at her eyes. "Drake…" she whispered, the tension breaking. "I forgive you. Let's… try again."
Drake's face lit up with relief, and without another word, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Celebration on the Island
Section E spent the rest of the day exploring the island, having water fights, and roasting marshmallows over a small bonfire. Laughter echoed across the sand, filling the night with a sense of joy and togetherness.
Keifer, finally able to smile without the weight of secrets pressing down, pulled Jay aside. "There's something I want you to have."
From a small pouch, he revealed a miniature key.
"What's this?" Jay asked, confused.
"Our island," he said simply. "For you. A sign. For forgiveness, memories, and… everything we've been through."
Jay's eyes widened, tears spilling over. "Keifer…"
He kissed her forehead gently. "For you. Always."
Chapter 32 closes with Jay and Keifer on the island, holding hands, laughing, and beginning a new chapter together. Section E celebrates around them, Drake and Alys reunited, and the island standing as a symbol of healing, forgiveness, and love.
------
2 chapters lefttt😭😭😭