Keifer pov:
The elevator doors slid open.
Jay was inside.
For half a second, my chest forgot how to work.
She stood there with Lucas, relaxed in a way she hadn't been with me in weeks. Not smiling—Jay never made things that easy—but comfortable. Like she didn't need to brace herself.
I stepped in anyway.
The doors closed.
The air shifted instantly.
I moved closer out of instinct. Habit. Need. My fingers brushed her wrist—barely.
"Don't."
Her voice was calm. No emotion. That was worse than anger.
I frowned. "Why not?"
She finally looked at me. Her eyes were steady, unreadable. "Because I told you."
That was it.
No explanation. No opening. Just a wall.
Lucas noticed. He always did. He didn't say anything—just shifted closer to her, subtle but deliberate. Like he belonged there.
I clenched my jaw.
Then another presence stepped fully into view.
A girl I didn't recognize.
Confident posture. Sharp eyes. The kind of person who assessed a room in seconds—and had already decided she didn't like me.
She smiled at Jay instantly. Warm. Familiar.
"Finally caught you," she said. "You and Lucas are impossible to corner."
Jay's shoulders relaxed. "Judy."
So her name was Judy.
She glanced between Jay and Lucas, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I swear, every time I see you two together, you look more like a couple."
My chest tightened.
Lucas coughed. "Judy—"
"What?" she said easily. "I'm not lying. You match. Energy, vibe, everything."
Jay rolled her eyes, but there was no real denial. "You're impossible."
"And you love me," Judy replied, grinning.
I laughed under my breath. "You don't know what you're talking about."
Judy's gaze flicked to me for the first time.
Cold.
Assessing.
"Oh," she said slowly, like she'd just noticed a stain on the floor. "I know exactly what I'm talking about."
She turned back to Jay, completely dismissing me. "You deserve someone who makes you feel safe. Someone consistent."
Lucas shifted, uncomfortable now. "This is getting awkward."
Jay didn't look at me once.
That silence was loud.
The elevator hummed as it moved upward, each floor stretching the moment thinner and sharper.
I leaned closer again, lowering my voice. "Jay. You don't have to act like I'm a stranger."
She met my gaze this time. "I'm acting like someone who learned."
That hurt.
Lucas's hand brushed her elbow—not claiming, just there.
Like he'd always be there.
Judy smiled at them both. "You two really are good together."
She meant it.
The doors opened.
Jay stepped out first. Lucas followed without hesitation.
Judy paused just long enough to glance back at me.
Her expression wasn't smug.
It was warning.
Then she walked away.
The doors slid shut, leaving me alone with my reflection—someone who was still standing close, still reaching, and still being kept at a distance.
Jay hadn't forgiven me.
And now I knew something else too.
I wasn't just fighting her trust.
I was fighting the people who knew her best.
Hey thx for completing the goal💗
And i might not upload daily cuz my pre board is near like near near so im stressed but i will upload as soon as i can
So for next chapter
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