The announcement hit like a spark in a dry room.
Everyone exploded into excitement at once, and the living room turned into a lively storm of questions, jokes, and celebrations.
"Wedding planning already?!" one cousin shouted.
"Are we doing a big one or small one?" another demanded.
"Who's going to be the bridesmaid?" someone else asked.
Keifer and Jay sat there, surrounded by the chaos, both smiling but also slightly overwhelmed.
Keifer leaned toward Jay and whispered, "I didn't expect this to happen so fast."
Jay squeezed his hand. "Me neither."
Sarina clapped her hands once, loudly. "Okay! Everyone, calm down!"
No one calmed down.
Sarina laughed softly, then added, "We'll have a proper meeting tomorrow. Today is just… excitement day."
Keizer stood beside her, watching the room with a quiet smile. He didn't say much, but his presence made everyone feel grounded.
One of the cousins grabbed a notebook and a pen, immediately starting a list.
"Okay, so first—venue," she said, writing fast. "Second—date confirmation. Third—food. Fourth—decor. Fifth—music."
Another cousin interrupted, "What about the outfits?"
Sarina rolled her eyes but smiled. "We will discuss outfits later."
Keifer cleared his throat, trying to bring order. "Sir, maybe we should keep the plans simple. We don't want to overdo it."
The cousins all turned to him. "Keifer, you're not in charge of this."
Keifer's expression stayed calm. "I'm not saying I'm in charge. I'm saying we should keep it manageable."
Someone laughed. "He's trying to act responsible. That's new."
Jay leaned toward Keifer, whispering, "Don't worry. We'll handle it."
Keifer nodded. "I know. It's just… a lot."
Jay smiled. "It's family."
And family meant chaos.
The next day, the family gathered again—this time in the dining room, with a table full of snacks and a notebook ready for planning.
Sarina took charge, as she always did, with a calm authority that made everyone listen.
"First," she said, "we need to finalize the date."
Keizer nodded. "We have two options."
A cousin immediately asked, "What are they?"
Keizer glanced at Keifer. "The first option is a weekend in two months. The second is a weekend in three months."
Jay's eyes widened. "That soon?"
Keifer looked at Jay, then at Keizer. "Sir, is that okay?"
Keizer's expression softened. "Yes. It's time."
A cousin raised her hand. "But what about work? And travel?"
Sarina smiled. "We will plan accordingly. This is why we have time."
Another cousin chimed in, "What about the guest list?"
Sarina sighed playfully. "Yes. We will decide who is coming."
Keifer looked at Jay. "Do you want a big wedding?"
Jay thought for a moment. "I want something… simple. But with everyone we love."
Keifer nodded. "Me too."
Sarina smiled, satisfied. "Good. Simple, but full of love."
The cousins all nodded, then started shouting ideas again.
One cousin shouted, "What about a beach wedding?"
Another shouted, "No! A palace!"
Another yelled, "A garden!"
Keifer covered his face with his hands, laughing. "This is too much."
Jay laughed too. "This is perfect."
Keizer watched them all with a quiet smile, his eyes shining just slightly.
He had never imagined his family would become this loud, this close, this warm.
But now that it was happening, he couldn't imagine it any other way.
The chaos of wedding planning had finally settled down for the night.
The cousins had gone home, the kids were asleep, and the house had returned to its calm, gentle rhythm.
Jay was sitting in the living room, holding a cup of tea, still smiling softly from the day's excitement.
Keifer sat beside her, his arm around her shoulders.
Sarina was in the kitchen cleaning up, humming quietly.
Keizer stood near the doorway, watching them both for a moment.
Then he approached slowly, holding a small box in his hands.
Jay looked up, surprised. "Sir… what is that?"
Keizer didn't speak right away. He simply stood there, watching her with a quiet expression.
Then he said, "This is for you."
Jay blinked. "For me?"
Keizer nodded. "Yes."
Jay's heart softened. "Why?"
Keizer's voice was calm but sincere. "Because you're becoming part of this family."
Jay swallowed, her eyes shining.
Keifer looked at his father, then at Jay, understanding what this moment meant.
Jay took the box gently, her fingers trembling slightly.
Keifer leaned forward. "Open it."
Jay nodded and opened the box carefully.
Inside was a simple necklace—a small pendant shaped like a tiny key.
It wasn't flashy. It wasn't expensive.
But it was beautiful in its simplicity.
Jay looked up, eyes wide. "It's… beautiful."
Keizer nodded. "It is not about the value. It is about the meaning."
Jay's voice was quiet. "What does it mean?"
Keizer's gaze softened. "It means you have a place in this home. You have the key to it."
Jay felt tears prick at her eyes.
Keifer's voice was soft, almost a whisper. "It's perfect."
Jay looked at Keifer, then back at Keizer. "Thank you, sir."
Keizer nodded. "You don't have to say sir."
Jay shook her head gently, smiling. "I will always respect you, sir."
Keizer's eyes softened. "Then respect is enough."
Jay looked down at the necklace again, touching it lightly.
Keifer pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her.
"You're part of this now," he said quietly, his voice filled with warmth. "Forever."
Jay leaned into him, feeling the warmth and love of the family around her.
And in that quiet moment, with the necklace resting against her heart, she knew she had finally found her home.
After the announcement, the wedding preparations began almost immediately, like the family couldn't wait to turn the excitement into something real.
The house stayed busy. The cousins kept coming, each one carrying a new idea or a new suggestion. Every time Jay and Keifer thought they had decided something, someone else would arrive with another plan, another detail, another way to make it bigger, better, more beautiful.
Sarina, as always, took charge. She organized everything with a calm authority that made everyone listen.
"Okay," she said one afternoon, standing in the living room with a notebook in her hand, "we need to finalize the venue."
The cousins immediately began shouting different suggestions.
"A garden!"
"A palace!"
"A beach!"
"A hotel!"
Keifer laughed, running his hand through his hair. "Can we choose one?"
Sarina smiled. "Yes. We will choose one. But we need to decide based on what Jay wants."
Jay looked at Keifer, then at the cousins, then back at Sarina. "I want something simple. But I want everyone we love to be there."
Keifer nodded. "Me too."
Sarina's eyes softened. "Then we will make it simple, but full of love."
One cousin raised her hand. "What about the date?"
Sarina flipped through the notebook. "We have two options. Two months from now, or three months from now."
Keifer looked at Jay. "What do you think?"
Jay thought for a moment. "Two months is too soon for me. Three months gives us time."
Keifer nodded. "Three months it is."
Keizer, who had been quiet the whole time, finally spoke. "Then we will confirm the date this week."
The cousins cheered. Someone shouted, "Yes!"
Someone else shouted, "Finally!"
Sarina smiled. "Okay, now we need to decide the guest list."
The cousins began shouting again.
"Everyone!"
"No, not everyone!"
"Of course everyone!"
Keifer raised his hands, trying to bring some order. "Let's keep it manageable."
A cousin laughed. "You're still trying to be responsible."
Keifer smiled. "Yes. I am."
Jay leaned toward him. "Don't worry. We'll handle it."
Keifer nodded, feeling the warmth of her support.
The next day, Sarina took Jay to the market to look at outfits. The market was crowded, colorful, and full of life. The air smelled like flowers and spices.
Jay felt nervous at first, but Sarina held her hand and smiled.
"Don't worry," Sarina said softly. "You will look beautiful."
Jay nodded, feeling comforted.
They walked through the stalls, looking at fabrics, designs, and colors. Sarina showed Jay different options, each one more beautiful than the last.
Jay tried on a few outfits, each one making her feel more confident. Sarina's eyes shone with approval.
"This one," Sarina said finally, pointing to a simple but elegant dress. "This is the one."
Jay looked at herself in the mirror. The dress was simple, but it made her look like she belonged.
She smiled softly. "Okay."
Sarina hugged her gently. "You will be the most beautiful bride."
Jay felt tears prick at her eyes. "Thank you."
Sarina pulled back, smiling. "Now go. You will rest. We will continue tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Keifer was busy with the men's outfits. His brothers and cousins were already arguing about what he should wear.
"You should wear a suit," one brother said.
"No, a traditional outfit," another insisted.
Keifer laughed. "I don't care. As long as I look normal."
One cousin teased, "Normal? You're the groom. You have to look like a king."
Keifer rolled his eyes. "Fine. I will wear a suit."
The cousins laughed and cheered.
Keizer watched the chaos from a distance, a small smile on his face. He didn't say much, but he looked pleased.
He was beginning to understand that this wasn't just about a wedding.
It was about bringing the family together.
As the days passed, the planning continued.
The menu was discussed, the decorations were chosen, the music was selected, and the invitations were designed.
Jay and Keifer worked together on every detail, making sure everything felt like them.
One evening, as they sat together in the living room, Jay looked at Keifer and said, "I didn't think this would feel like this."
Keifer looked at her. "Like what?"
Jay smiled softly. "Like home."
Keifer nodded. "It is home."
Jay leaned into him. "I'm happy."
Keifer kissed her forehead gently. "Me too."
The family continued to be chaotic, loud, and full of love.
But through all the chaos, Jay and Keifer felt the warmth of being surrounded by people who cared for them, who supported them, and who were excited to celebrate their love.
And soon, the day would come when they would stand together and say their vows in front of everyone they loved.
The day of the engagement felt like a dream.
The house was decorated with flowers and lights, soft music playing in the background. The air smelled sweet, filled with the fragrance of roses and fresh jasmine. Everyone was dressed nicely, and the energy in the home felt like a celebration that had been waiting to happen.
Sarina had taken charge of the decorations, and she had done it perfectly. Everything looked beautiful, but still simple—just the way Jay wanted.
Keifer stood beside Jay, his hand gently holding hers. His eyes were soft, and his smile was calm, but there was a quiet excitement hidden beneath it.
Jay looked around, feeling a mix of happiness and nervousness. "It feels like a dream," she whispered.
Keifer squeezed her hand. "It's real."
Sarina stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Everyone, please gather in the living room."
The cousins and family members started gathering, laughing and teasing, still full of their usual energy. The kids ran around, but they were calmer than usual, like they knew something important was happening.
Keizer stood beside Sarina, looking at the room with a calm expression. His eyes softened when he saw Jay and Keifer together.
When everyone was ready, Sarina spoke. "We are here today to celebrate something special."
Keizer nodded. "Yes."
The room quieted, and all eyes turned to Keifer and Jay.
Sarina continued, "Keifer and Jay have decided to take the next step."
Someone shouted, "About time!"
Another cousin yelled, "Finally!"
Keifer smiled, then looked at Jay, his voice steady. "Jay, I know we haven't had a perfect past. But I promise you… I want to spend my life with you."
Jay's eyes filled with tears. "Keifer…"
Keifer took a deep breath. "I want to officially ask you to be my wife."
Jay's hand trembled slightly as she nodded. "Yes."
The room erupted again, louder than before.
People started hugging them, teasing them, congratulating them, and the atmosphere turned into a storm of happiness.
Sarina hugged Jay tightly. "Welcome to the family officially."
Keizer stepped forward, his voice calm but full of emotion. "You have my blessings."
Jay looked at Keizer, feeling her eyes sting with tears. "Thank you, sir."
Keizer nodded. "You don't have to say sir."
Jay smiled softly. "I will always respect you."
Keizer's expression softened. "Then respect is enough."
Keifer pulled Jay closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "You're my future," he whispered.
Jay rested her head on his shoulder. "And you're mine."
The cousins continued their excitement, already planning the engagement celebration, the wedding, and everything in between.
One cousin shouted, "We need an engagement party!"
Another shouted, "We need to take pictures!"
Someone else shouted, "We need cake!"
Sarina laughed. "Yes, yes. We will do all of that."
Keifer looked at Jay, smiling softly. "This is everything I wanted."
Jay smiled back. "It's more than I ever imagined."
As the night went on, the family gathered around them, sharing stories, laughing, and celebrating the love that had brought them together.
Jay looked at Keifer, feeling the warmth of his presence. "Thank you for choosing me."
Keifer's voice was gentle. "Thank you for staying."
Jay leaned closer. "I will always stay."
Keifer kissed her forehead gently, and in that moment, surrounded by the family that had become their own, Jay knew she had finally found a place where she belonged.
The house was finally calm again after the engagement celebration. The cousins had left, the kids were asleep, and the lights were dimmed. Everyone had gone back to their normal routine, feeling the kind of peace that only comes after a big event.
Jay sat beside Keifer on the couch, still smiling softly, still feeling the warmth of the family around her. She had never imagined a life like this—one where she felt truly accepted, truly loved.
Then the doorbell rang.
Keifer frowned slightly. "Who would be visiting at this hour?"
Sarina looked up from the kitchen. "I'll get it."
But before she could stand, the door swung open.
Jax stood there, his face tense, eyes sharp. He looked at the family inside like he was angry at the world itself.
The room went quiet instantly.
Keifer stood up. "Jax?"
Jax didn't answer. He stepped inside as if he owned the place. His gaze fell on Jay.
"You think you can just leave me?" he said loudly, voice shaking with anger. "You think you can just—"
Sarina stepped forward, voice calm but firm. "Jax, this is a family home. Please don't create a scene."
Jax laughed bitterly. "Family home? You all think you can just take her away?"
Keifer's expression hardened. "Jay is not yours anymore."
Jax turned to him, eyes blazing. "And who are you to say that?"
Keifer didn't flinch. "I'm the man she chose."
Jax took a step closer. "She's still married to me. You can't just—"
Keizer stepped forward, his presence calm but unshakable. "Enough."
The room was silent again. Even the air seemed to hold its breath.
Keizer looked at Jax, voice steady. "You are creating a problem in a place where there has already been enough pain. Leave now, or we will handle this legally."
Jax's face twisted in anger. "You can't do that."
Keifer's voice was low but firm. "We already have."
Jay's heart raced. She stood up slowly, shaking. "Jax… please—"
Jax ignored her. "You can't just—"
Keizer stepped closer, his voice sharper. "We have a lawyer on the way."
Keifer's voice followed, calm but controlled. "We're done talking. This ends tonight."
Jax looked at them all, realizing he was losing control. His face turned red, his jaw clenched.
Then he finally snapped.
"This is not over," he shouted, and stormed out of the house.
The moment he left, the room released its breath as if it had been holding it for years.
Keifer stood there, tense, eyes fixed on the door.
Jay felt her legs go weak. She sat down quickly, her body trembling.
Sarina rushed to her side. "Jay, breathe."
Jay's voice cracked. "I didn't mean for this to happen. I didn't mean to bring trouble to you all."
Keifer stepped closer, gently holding her shoulders. "Jay, look at me."
Jay looked up, tears falling down her cheeks. "I don't deserve this family. I only create problems. I don't belong here."
Keifer's eyes softened, but his voice stayed steady. "Jay, you belong here more than anyone."
Jay shook her head. "I'm already married. I can't remarry. I can't—"
Keifer pressed his forehead gently against hers. "You don't have to carry this alone."
Jay's body shook with sobs. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I brought this."
Keifer wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. "You didn't bring this. He did."
Jay buried her face into his chest, letting her tears fall.
Keifer held her as if he could keep the world from hurting her again. "You are the only one I love more than myself," he whispered, voice steady. "I won't let anyone take you away from me. Not now. Not ever."
Jay shook again, overwhelmed. "I'm scared."
Keifer tightened his hold. "I know. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
Sarina sat beside them, her hand on Jay's back. "We are with you," she said softly. "Every stage. Every moment. You don't have to face anything alone."
Keizer stood close, watching Jay with a quiet gentleness that made her heart ache.
He spoke softly, "You have our support. We will handle everything. You don't have to apologize."
Jay looked up, eyes red and swollen. "But I don't deserve this."
Keizer shook his head. "That's not true. You deserve peace. You deserve love. You deserve a family who stands by you."
Jay's tears slowed, and she clung to them both like they were her anchor.
The lawyer arrived shortly after, and the divorce was processed quickly—because everyone in the house had already decided what mattered most: Jay's safety, her peace, and her future.
The legal papers were signed. The final stamp was placed. And for the first time in a long time, Jay felt like the weight on her chest had eased.
But the moment she truly felt safe was when Keifer pulled her into his arms again and whispered, "You're not alone."
Sarina kissed her forehead gently. "We're here."
Keizer stood beside them, his presence steady and reassuring. "You are safe."
Jay looked around at the people who had become her family, and for the first time, she felt something she had never felt before.
Not fear.
Not guilt.
Not doubt.
Only warmth.
Only protection.
Only love.
And in that moment, Jay finally believed she belonged.
After the divorce was finalized, the house felt different.
Not in a bad way.
It was lighter. Softer. Like the air had finally cleared after a storm.
The chaos of the past days had faded, replaced by a quiet that felt safe. The family was still there, still moving around, still laughing sometimes, but the weight that had been pressing on Jay's chest was gone.
Jay sat in the living room, wrapped in a blanket, her hair messy from crying, her eyes still red. She looked exhausted, like she had been fighting a battle she didn't know how to win.
Keifer sat beside her, holding her hand tightly. His touch was steady, calm, like he was trying to remind her that she was still here, still real, still safe.
Sarina sat across from them, her eyes soft. "You should rest."
Jay shook her head slowly. "I can't sleep."
Keifer gently turned her face toward him. "You can. You just need to feel safe."
Jay's voice trembled. "I've never felt safe like this."
Keifer's grip tightened. "Then let me be your safety."
Jay stared at him, tears filling her eyes again. "I don't want to be a burden."
Keifer shook his head. "You are not a burden. You are my life."
Jay swallowed, her voice small. "I don't know how to be happy without being scared."
Keifer's eyes softened. "You don't have to be brave all the time."
Jay's breathing hitched. "But what if he comes back?"
Keifer's expression hardened slightly. "He won't."
Jay looked down, her voice barely audible. "How are you so sure?"
Keifer pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. "Because I'm here. Because we have the law. Because we have a family who won't let him touch you again."
Jay's body trembled against him. "I'm scared."
Keifer pressed his forehead against hers. "I know."
Sarina walked closer and sat beside Jay, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone anymore."
Jay looked up at her, voice breaking. "What if I mess everything up again?"
Sarina's voice was gentle. "You didn't mess up. You were trapped."
Jay's eyes filled with tears. "I still feel like I ruined everything."
Keifer tightened his hold. "You didn't ruin anything. You survived. And now you're here."
Jay looked around the room, at the faces of the people who had become her family. Keizer stood nearby, watching quietly, his expression soft.
Keifer spoke again, voice steady. "You are safe. We won't let anyone hurt you."
Jay's shoulders shook. "But I feel like I don't deserve this."
Keifer's voice became firm. "Jay, listen to me. You deserve all of this and more. You deserve peace, love, and a life without fear."
Jay's tears fell freely now, but the tears were different. They weren't only pain anymore. They were relief.
Sarina leaned closer. "We are with you. In every stage. In every moment."
Keizer's voice was calm but warm. "You don't have to prove anything. You just have to be yourself."
Jay closed her eyes, breathing in the comfort of their words.
She felt Keifer's heartbeat against her cheek, steady and real.
She felt Sarina's hand on her shoulder, warm and comforting.
She felt Keizer's presence nearby, strong and silent.
And for the first time in a long time, she believed them.
She believed she was safe.
She believed she was loved.
She believed she belonged.
Jay whispered softly, "Thank you."
Keifer kissed her forehead gently. "You don't have to thank us."
Jay looked up at him. "I want to."
Keifer smiled, his eyes shining. "Then stay."
Jay nodded, her tears slowing. "I will stay."
Keifer hugged her tighter. "Good."
Sarina smiled, her eyes misty. "You're home now."
Jay leaned into Keifer, feeling his warmth, his strength, his love. She let herself be held, let herself be protected, let herself be safe.
And for the first time, she felt something she hadn't felt in years.
Peace.
After the storm of emotions had passed, the house finally settled into a calm quiet.
Jay still sat wrapped in Keifer's arms, breathing slowly, letting herself feel safe for the first time in so long. Sarina had gone to the kitchen to make some tea, and Keizer was quietly sitting nearby, giving them space but still watching with a calm, protective presence.
Keifer's hand gently stroked her hair, like he was trying to erase every trace of fear from her body.
Jay looked up at him, eyes still wet but calmer now. "I don't know how to thank you," she whispered.
Keifer smiled softly, his voice steady. "You don't need to thank me."
Jay shook her head. "I do."
Keifer's gaze softened. "Then let me show you."
He leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wanted. His eyes searched hers, asking permission without needing words.
Jay didn't pull away. She just closed her eyes and leaned forward.
Their lips met in a gentle kiss — soft, slow, and full of everything they couldn't say out loud.
It wasn't passionate or intense. It was calm and reassuring, like a promise.
Keifer's hand moved to her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin softly. Jay's hand rested on his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat beneath her palm.
They kissed again, this time a little deeper, but still gentle. It was a kiss that said I'm here. I'm not leaving. I won't let anyone hurt you again.
Jay pulled back slightly, forehead resting against his.
Keifer whispered, "You're safe."
Jay breathed in, her voice trembling but steady. "With you… I feel safe."
Keifer smiled, kissing her forehead gently. "Good."
Jay looked at him, eyes shining. "I'm sorry I brought so much trouble."
Keifer shook his head. "You didn't bring trouble. You brought yourself. And I love you."
Jay's voice broke softly. "You really mean that?"
Keifer nodded. "I mean it with everything I am."
Jay leaned in again, pressing her lips to his in a small, tender kiss — like a seal of trust.
They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, feeling the world fade away until nothing mattered except the quiet warmth between them.
And in that moment, Jay finally believed what she had been afraid to believe for so long:
She was loved.
She was safe.
She belonged.
The room was quiet again, the only sound the soft rustle of the blanket and the faint hum of the night outside.
Jay and Keifer stayed wrapped in each other's arms, still close, still holding onto the safety they had found in each other. The world felt distant now, and for once, nothing felt threatening.
Sarina stood in the kitchen doorway, a cup of tea in her hands. She watched them for a moment, her expression soft and full of love.
Keizer sat nearby, not far from them, his eyes calm. He watched his son and Jay with a quiet, protective pride.
Sarina took a sip of her tea, then stepped a little closer, not to interrupt, just to be near them. She smiled gently, the kind of smile that said everything without words.
Keizer looked at her, his expression gentle. "They look peaceful."
Sarina nodded. "Yes."
Keizer's voice was quiet. "It feels good."
Sarina turned her gaze back to Jay and Keifer. "They deserve this."
Keizer's eyes softened. "They do."
Sarina's smile grew a little wider. "I'm glad they have each other."
Keizer nodded. "So am I."
They stood there for a few moments, watching their son hold the woman they loved close—watching the way Jay finally felt safe, the way she leaned into him like she belonged.
Sarina's voice was soft. "You know… I think this family has finally found its balance."
Keizer's expression softened. "Yes."
Sarina took another sip of tea, then looked at Keizer. "Thank you."
Keizer blinked slightly. "For what?"
Sarina's smile deepened. "For being here. For letting us become a family again."
Keizer's gaze shifted back to Jay and Keifer, his voice quiet. "They are worth it."
Sarina nodded, her eyes shining. "They are."
The two of them stood quietly, side by side, watching their son and his future wife, feeling the warmth of the moment settle into their hearts.
And for the first time in a long time, the house felt truly like home.