The dining hall was already full when Jay walked in.
Voices.
Soft laughter.
The familiar low hum of business conversations drifting between both families.
This room had always made her feel small.
Today… it didn't.
Keifer was standing near the long table, listening to her father speak about an upcoming meeting.
He noticed her instantly.
Always did.
"Jay," he said.
Not loudly.
Not to draw attention.
Just for her.
Her steps slowed without her realizing it.
She went to him.
Not because she was told to.
Because she wanted to.
Her father glanced at her.
"You'll be joining us for the client dinner tonight."
It wasn't a question.
Jay opened her mouth.
Automatically.
"Yes—"
Keifer's hand brushed against hers.
So lightly she almost thought she imagined it.
She stopped.
Her heart thudded.
"I… already have plans," Jay said softly.
The room went quiet.
Her mother looked up sharply.
"What plans?"
Jay felt that familiar pressure in her chest.
The fear.
The old reflex to apologize.
But she didn't.
She looked at Keifer.
Then back at them.
"I'm spending the evening with my husband."
The word felt strange.
But warm.
Keifer's eyes flickered.
Surprise.
And something deeper.
Her father's jaw tightened.
"This meeting is important, Jay."
"So is he," she replied quietly.
No anger.
No rebellion.
Just truth.
Keifer didn't say anything.
He only squeezed her hand once.
Later, in the hallway, when the voices were far behind them—
"You didn't have to do that," he said softly.
Jay stopped walking.
"Yes," she said.
"I did."
He looked at her.
Really looked at her.
"You chose me," he murmured.
Jay nodded.
A little shy.
"Aren't I allowed to?"
A slow smile spread across his face.
"I didn't know how much I needed to hear that," he admitted.
They stepped outside into the evening air.
The garden lights were glowing.
The world felt… quieter.
Safer.
Jay took a breath.
"For the first time," she said softly,
"I didn't feel guilty for wanting something."
Keifer turned toward her.
"You're allowed to want," he said gently.
"You're allowed to choose."
She met his eyes.
"And I chose you."
He didn't pull her into his arms.
Didn't rush.
He only lifted her hand slowly…
And pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles.
Jay's chest fluttered.
And for the first time,
the decision she made for herself
didn't feel like a mistake.