The elevator doors opened softly on the executive floor.
Jay froze.
The silence was… different here.
Not peaceful.
Intimidating.
She adjusted the strap of her bag nervously and whispered to herself,
"So this is where my fiancé scares an entire company every day…"
She took one careful step out.
And immediately—
Every head lifted.
Not openly.
Just enough.
Jay noticed.
She swallowed.
…Why is everyone staring?
She walked slowly toward the glass cabin at the far end.
The biggest one.
Of course.
Inside, Keifer was standing near his desk, talking to someone on his office phone.
"Yes. I want the revised report by four. Not tomorrow. Today."
Pause.
"No excuses."
He ended the call and placed the receiver down.
The moment he turned—
He saw her.
And everything in his face changed.
Completely.
The sharp line of his jaw softened.
His eyes lit up.
And a smile broke free before he could stop it.
Jay stopped in front of the glass wall.
They stared at each other for a second.
Then she lifted her hand awkwardly and gave a tiny wave.
Keifer laughed.
Out loud.
He walked straight to the door and opened it himself.
"You finally decided to show up, Miss Late."
Jay blinked.
"You called me early!"
"Still late," he said calmly.
She rolled her eyes.
"You are impossible."
He leaned one arm on the doorframe.
"And yet you're here."
She looked at him slowly.
Up.
Down.
Suit.
Tie.
Cold, powerful CEO look.
And then—
That soft smile he only showed her.
"You look…" she started.
"Terrifying?" he offered.
She smiled.
"…handsome."
He smirked.
"I know."
She scoffed.
"Confidence issue."
"Engagement effect."
She laughed.
People passing by slowed down.
Jay felt it.
The attention.
She leaned closer and whispered,
"Keifer… everyone is watching."
He leaned down slightly.
"Let them."
Her eyes widened.
"You don't care?"
"I waited too long to stop caring now."
He took her hand without hesitation.
Without hiding.
Without checking who was around.
Jay's breath caught.
He laced his fingers with hers.
"Come."
He pulled her gently into his cabin.
The door closed behind them.
Jay released a breath she didn't know she was holding.
"This place is huge…"
"And empty," he replied.
"Because I don't let people stay."
She turned slowly.
Black desk.
Tall shelves.
A wall of glass.
Everything screamed him.
"You work here all alone?"
"Yes."
"That's sad."
He tilted his head.
"Not anymore."
She smiled softly.
He stepped closer.
"So," he said quietly, eyes teasing,
"first time in your fiancé's kingdom."
She laughed nervously.
"Do I have to bow?"
He laughed loudly.
"I will fire you if you do."
She gasped.
"I don't even work here!"
"Yet."
Her eyes widened.
"…Yet?"
He smirked.
"Relax. I'm teasing."
She lightly hit his arm.
"You always scare me."
He caught her wrist gently.
"Only for fun."
She looked around again.
"Everyone outside looked at me like I committed a crime."
"You did."
She turned back to him.
"What crime?"
"You distracted the CEO during peak hours."
She grinned.
"That sounds serious."
"It is," he nodded seriously.
"Punishment is required."
"Oh no…"
He leaned in closer.
"Coffee with me."
She burst out laughing.
"That's a terrible punishment."
"You'll change your mind when you taste office coffee."
She made a face.
"Threatening already."
He pulled her toward the sofa area near the window.
"Sit."
She obeyed automatically.
Then blinked.
"Wait… did you just order me?"
He smiled innocently.
"Yes."
She narrowed her eyes.
"CEO habits."
"Fiancé privilege."
She shook her head, smiling.
He sat beside her.
Not across.
Beside.
Close enough that their shoulders touched.
"So," he asked softly,
"how does it feel?"
She tilted her head.
"To?"
"To finally see where I disappear every day."
She looked around slowly.
"…Lonely."
His smile faded a little.
Before he could hide it, she placed her hand on his arm.
"You work too much."
"I know."
She whispered,
"You don't have to be alone here anymore."
He looked at her.
For a long second.
"You came."
"That's not the same?"
"It is."
His voice dropped.
"More than you know."
She smiled shyly.
"Keifer…"
"Yes?"
"Are you always this soft with me now?"
He laughed under his breath.
"You're seeing the real damage."
She giggled.
"You call love damage?"
"Yes," he replied easily.
"The worst kind."
She laughed.
A gentle knock came on the door.
He didn't move.
Jay stiffened.
"Someone's there."
"I know."
"You should—"
He lifted one finger.
"No."
Jay stared.
"You really ignore people like this?"
"Yes."
She shook her head.
"You're unbelievable."
He smiled.
"Still marrying me."
She hid her face for a second.
"Unfortunately."
He laughed.
Then suddenly leaned closer.
"Are you nervous?"
She peeked at him.
"…A little."
"Why?"
"Because everyone knows you."
He shrugged.
"And?"
"And I feel like… I don't belong here."
His smile vanished instantly.
He turned fully toward her.
"Jay."
She met his eyes.
"You belong wherever I am."
Her breath stopped.
"Don't say it like that."
"Like what?"
"Like it's obvious."
He smiled softly.
"It is."
She lowered her eyes.
"You're really enjoying being engaged, aren't you?"
He laughed quietly.
"I waited my whole life to enjoy something like this."
Her throat tightened.
She reached out and squeezed his hand.
"I'm glad I came today."
"So am I."
Another knock.
This time firmer.
He sighed.
"Unfortunately, reality."
She laughed.
"You should go be scary now."
He stood.
Before opening the door, he leaned down.
Very close.
"So… you're staying?"
Her eyes widened.
"Here?"
"In my cabin."
She blinked.
"Keifer!"
He grinned.
"Relax. On the sofa."
She laughed helplessly.
"You're serious?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
He looked at her gently.
"Because I like knowing you're close."
Her voice softened.
"…Okay."
He opened the door.
The cold CEO stepped out.
Straight face.
Sharp eyes.
Controlled voice.
But behind him—
On his sofa—
Sat Jay.
For the first time.
In Mark Keifer Watson's world.