The workday ended quietly, and the office began to empty.
The lights dimmed slightly, and the hum of the city below faded into a gentle silence.
Jay sat at her desk, finishing the last of her paperwork. Her hands were tired, but her heart felt lighter than it had in a long time. For the first time, she felt like she belonged somewhere.
Keifer stood up from his desk and walked over to her.
"Done for today?" he asked softly.
Jay nodded.
"Yes," she said. "I think I did okay."
Keifer's eyes softened.
"You did more than okay," he said. "You did great."
Jay felt a warm smile spread across her face.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Keifer leaned against the desk beside her, his gaze calm and gentle.
"You want to go home?" he asked.
Jay looked up at him, her eyes shining.
"Home?" she repeated softly.
Keifer smiled slightly.
"This place is your home now," he said. "My penthouse. Our life."
Jay felt her heart flutter.
She nodded slowly.
"Yes," she said. "I want to go home."
Keifer's expression softened.
"Okay," he said. "Let's go."
They walked out of the office together, and the elevator ride down was quiet. Jay leaned slightly against Keifer, feeling the warmth of his body. She felt safe in a way she hadn't felt in years.
When they reached the ground floor, Keifer held the door for her and walked outside. The night air was cool and refreshing. The city lights sparkled like tiny stars.
Jay took a deep breath.
"It feels so different now," she said softly. "Like I'm finally living."
Keifer nodded.
"It's different," he agreed. "But it's what you deserve."
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining.
"Keifer," she whispered, "why are you doing this for me?"
Keifer's gaze softened, and he looked at her like she was the most important person in the world.
"Because you deserve to be happy," he said simply. "And I want to be the one to give you that."
Jay's cheeks warmed, and she looked down, feeling shy.
They walked to the car, and Keifer opened the door for her. Jay sat inside, and Keifer got in beside her. The drive back to the penthouse was quiet, but it didn't feel awkward. It felt peaceful.
When they arrived, Keifer led Jay into the penthouse and closed the door behind them.
Jay took a deep breath, feeling the comfort of being back in a place that felt like hers.
Keifer walked into the living room and turned on the soft lights. The room glowed warmly, and the atmosphere felt calm.
Jay sat on the couch, and Keifer sat beside her. He looked at her for a moment, his eyes soft.
"Do you want to talk?" he asked.
Jay hesitated.
"I don't know what to talk about," she admitted.
Keifer smiled gently.
"Then we don't have to talk," he said. "We can just be."
Jay nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest.
She leaned her head on his shoulder, and Keifer wrapped his arm around her.
They sat in silence, watching the city lights through the windows.
Jay felt her eyes grow heavy.
Keifer looked down at her.
"You're tired," he said softly.
Jay nodded.
"I am," she whispered.
Keifer's voice became gentle.
"Go to sleep," he said. "I'll be here."
Jay smiled softly.
"Okay," she whispered.
Keifer helped her stand and guided her to the bedroom. The room was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and a comfortable bed.
Jay sat on the bed, and Keifer stood in front of her.
"Goodnight," he said softly.
Jay looked up at him.
"Goodnight," she replied.
Keifer leaned down and kissed her forehead gently.
Jay closed her eyes, feeling safe.
And as she drifted off to sleep, she realized something:
For the first time in her life, she didn't feel alone.
She felt loved.
She felt safe.
And she felt like she finally had a home.