The mansion felt alive again—at least partially. Jasfer had returned from London, but Keifer was still away, tied up in urgent business matters. Jay was in the kitchen, making tea, when she noticed Jasfer pacing the living room, his brows furrowed.
"Dad…" she said softly, setting the cup down. "You're back… but you look worried. What happened?"
Jasfer ran a hand through his hair, sighing deeply. "Jay… it's Keifer. His business partners… they're pressuring him to get engaged to someone else. They're saying it's necessary for profit, for the company. He's fighting it, but it's… complicated," he admitted, his voice heavy with concern.
Jay's eyes widened. "Engaged? But… Keifer—he wouldn't…" Her heart ached at the thought. She thought of him, so stubborn, so loyal, and her worry for him doubled. "Dad… is he okay? Is he managing?"
Jasfer shook his head, sitting down heavily. "He's strong, Jay. But he's under immense pressure. I came back early to make sure he has someone he can trust while he deals with this. I can't always be there with him, but he needs guidance… and support."
Jay's hands clenched slightly, her mind racing. "I wish I could be there too… I feel helpless."
Before Jasfer could reply, Keizer entered the room, sensing the tension immediately. "Jasfer, what's wrong?" he asked gently but firmly, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.
Jasfer looked up, grateful for the support. "Keifer's being forced into an engagement by his partners. He's fighting it, but it's not easy. I need to make sure he doesn't do anything he'll regret."
Keizer nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly with determination. "Don't worry. He has people here who care for him. We'll make sure he's safe, and he won't be alone in this fight."
Jay felt a sense of warmth and reassurance from Keizer's presence. "Papa…" she whispered, gripping his arm lightly. "Can we do something to help him?"
Keizer looked down at her, softening. "Right now… we keep the home strong. Give him strength from here, make sure he knows he has family supporting him. That's all he needs to hear."
Jasfer finally exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you, Keizer… and you too, Jay. Even from afar, knowing he has a family behind him—it gives him courage."
Jay nodded, though her worry remained. "I just… hope he's okay. I can't stop thinking about him."
Keizer placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "He'll be fine. Keifer is stubborn and strong. And when he comes back… he'll know exactly who stands by him. Right now, you, me, your dad—we're his support."
As the evening sun dipped behind the mansion, Jay looked out the window, lost in thought. Keifer was miles away, fighting a battle she couldn't join physically—but she would be there in every other way, cheering for him, worrying for him, and ready to welcome him back home when the storm passed.