Jay stood in front of her papa, Jasfer, her fingers twisting nervously, though her eyes held a new kind of determination.
"Papa…" she began, taking a deep breath. Jasfer, stern as always, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, waiting for her to speak.
"I… I know you arranged that date for me," Jay said slowly, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "At first, I didn't want to go—I was angry, stubborn, and yes… a little scared."
Jasfer raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering across his face.
"But Papa," she continued, her voice gaining strength, "that date… it changed everything. Keifer—he's nothing like I expected. He's strong, kind, and… and he makes me feel safe in a way I didn't know I needed. I thought I was going just to please you, but I… I ended up… liking him. No, more than that… I love him."
Jasfer leaned forward, scrutinizing her face, searching for any sign of doubt. Jay met his gaze without flinching.
"So, Papa," she said, her voice softening but firm, "I want you to know… I will marry Keifer. I'm not doing this because you arranged it, or because I'm supposed to. I'm doing this because I want to… with all my heart."
A long silence filled the room. Then, slowly, Jasfer's stern face softened, and a proud, approving smile spread across his lips.
"You've grown wiser than I thought, Jay," he said quietly. "If this is truly what you want… then I give you my blessing. Go to him. Make him yours."
Jay's eyes sparkled, tears threatening to fall. She rushed forward, hugging her father tightly. "Thank you, Papa. You won't regret it. I promise."
And in that embrace, Jay knew it wasn't just the date that had changed her life—it was the choice she made for herself, choosing Keifer and the future she now couldn't wait to live.