The first morning in Keifer's penthouse felt like waking up in a dream.
Jay opened her eyes to the soft sunlight streaming through the tall windows. The curtains were light and airy, and the room felt calm—almost peaceful. For a moment, she forgot where she was.
Then she remembered.
She was free.
She was safe.
She was in a place that didn't feel like a prison.
Jay sat up slowly and looked around. The bed was large and comfortable, the sheets clean and soft. The room was quiet, but it didn't feel empty. It felt like a place where she could finally breathe.
Keifer was already awake. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at her with a calm expression.
"Good morning," he said softly.
Jay smiled faintly, still feeling a little unsure.
"Good morning," she replied.
Keifer stood up and walked to the window, pulling back the curtains. The city outside looked peaceful, like a new world waiting to be discovered.
"Do you want breakfast?" he asked.
Jay nodded.
"Yeah," she said. "I'm hungry."
Keifer smiled slightly.
"Okay," he said. "Come with me."
Jay followed him to the kitchen. It was large and modern, with a long marble countertop and a view of the city. Keifer moved around confidently, like he had done this a hundred times before.
He started preparing breakfast, and Jay watched him silently. She felt a strange mix of emotions—relief, gratitude, and a little bit of fear. She still couldn't believe she was here.
Keifer placed a plate of food in front of her. It was simple but delicious—eggs, toast, fresh fruit.
Jay looked at the food, then at Keifer.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Keifer nodded.
"You don't have to thank me," he said. "Just eat."
Jay ate slowly, taking in the taste of real freedom with every bite.
After breakfast, Keifer handed her a small envelope.
"What's this?" Jay asked, curious.
Keifer looked at her.
"It's for you," he said. "It's your first step in your new life."
Jay opened the envelope carefully. Inside was a keycard and a small note.
The note read:
"Your new identity starts today. You are Jayleen Watson. You will have a job, a place, and a life. If you need anything, you can come to me."
Jay's eyes widened.
"A job?" she whispered.
Keifer nodded.
"Yes," he said. "You need a life outside this penthouse. You need something to keep you grounded."
Jay looked at him, still unsure.
"I don't know how to do this," she admitted.
Keifer's eyes softened.
"You'll learn," he said. "And I'll help you."
Jay nodded slowly.
She took a deep breath.
"Okay," she said. "I'll try."
Keifer smiled slightly.
"That's all I ask," he said.
Jay spent the day exploring the penthouse. She walked through the large living room, touched the soft couches, and looked at the modern artwork on the walls. She went to the balcony and stared at the city below. It was all so different from what she was used to.
But it felt… safe.
She felt a small smile appear on her face.
For the first time in a long time, Jay felt like she could be herself.
Keifer watched her quietly, his eyes softening.
He knew she was still scared. He knew she was still trying to adjust.
But he also knew she was slowly healing.
That night, Jay sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket. She looked at Keifer, who was sitting beside her.
"Do you ever feel like you're still running?" Jay asked softly.
Keifer looked at her.
"Sometimes," he admitted.
Jay nodded.
"I just don't want to go back," she said.
Keifer's voice was quiet.
"You won't," he promised.
Jay looked at him, her eyes shining.
"Thank you," she whispered again.
Keifer smiled softly.
"You don't have to thank me," he said. "Just stay."
Jay nodded.
And in that moment, she realized something.
This was the first time in her life that she felt like she was being chosen.
Not as a title.
Not as a possession.
But as a person.
And it felt like the beginning of something real.