was a quiet afternoon in the mansion. The sunlight streamed through the tall windows, soft and warm, as Jay and Keifer sat across from both sets of parents in the drawing room.
The air felt calm, almost heavy with anticipation.
Jay's father cleared his throat. "We've been watching you two… and each other," he said gently.
Jay and Keifer exchanged a glance, both tense, unsure where this was going.
Keifer's mother spoke next, her voice soft, almost smiling. "It's obvious now… that your hearts have already chosen each other. Nothing else matters."
Jay's mother nodded. "We don't want to force anyone. Especially when love… real love… is already here."
Keifer's father leaned forward, eyes kind. "So, we're canceling the engagements. Both of them. No hard feelings. No obligations. You two are free to… be yourselves."
Jay blinked, stunned. Relief, disbelief, and joy all hit at once. Her lips curved into a soft, almost incredulous smile. "Really?"
"Yes," her mother said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "You don't need anyone else. You two have each other."
Keifer exhaled, running a hand through his hair, a grin tugging at his lips. "Finally," he muttered, voice low, half to himself, half to Jay.
Jay leaned across the table, smiling shyly. "So… no more pretending?"
"No pretending," Keifer confirmed, eyes locking on hers. "Just… us."
The parents chuckled softly, a warmth in their eyes. "Go on, then," Jay's father said, standing. "Enjoy what you've been denying yourselves for far too long."
And as they left the room, hand in hand, Jay and Keifer finally felt it—the freedom to be chaotic, mischievous, teasing, and in love without the weight of expectations.
Keifer pulled her close, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. "You know," he whispered, grinning, "I've been waiting for this day forever."
Jay laughed softly, resting her head on his chest. "Me too."
And just like that, the mansion, once filled with polite engagements and careful appearances, became theirs entirely—their world, their rules, their love.