The office was busy as usual. Phones ringing. Emails coming in. People rushing from one meeting to another.
Jay moved through the chaos like she always did—calm, efficient, organized. She had her schedule laid out perfectly, her notes in place, her tasks already being checked off.
Keifer's day was packed too. Meetings stacked back-to-back, decisions to be made, presentations to approve. He handled it all with his usual calm authority.
But today, there was something different.
Jay's presence felt different to him. The way she looked at him. The way she smiled when she caught his eye. The way she seemed to breathe easier when he was near.
It was subtle, but it was there.
And someone else noticed it too.
—
By mid-afternoon, Jay was in Keifer's office, setting up the documents for a meeting. Keifer sat behind his desk, reviewing reports.
His assistant—no, not his assistant anymore, not in the way people used to think of her—his right hand, his constant support, his home—stood close by.
The door opened, and Felix stepped in. The senior executive's expression was casual, but his eyes lingered on Jay just a little longer than necessary.
"Keifer," Felix said, nodding. "You've got the numbers for the new project?"
Keifer looked up. "Yes. I sent them earlier."
Felix's gaze shifted to Jay again, and he smiled like he was about to say something.
Jay felt it too. The sudden awareness of being looked at.
Felix cleared his throat. "I just wanted to say—" he paused, as if he was trying to decide how to say it—"you two seem… different today."
Keifer raised an eyebrow. "Different?"
Felix nodded, still smiling. "Yeah. Like… more relaxed. More… together."
Jay's cheeks warmed, and she tried to focus on the papers in front of her.
Keifer's eyes flicked to hers, and Jay felt that familiar warmth in her chest. His expression didn't change, but she could feel his presence like a steady anchor.
Felix leaned against the edge of the desk. "No offense, Jay, but you've been smiling a lot lately."
Jay's heart skipped. "I'm not smiling that much."
Felix's grin widened. "You are. And it's noticeable."
Keifer's voice was calm, but there was a quiet edge to it. "Noted."
Felix's gaze shifted between them again, like he was trying to read something. "I'm not saying anything. Just… keep doing whatever it is."
Jay looked up, eyes wide. "Felix—"
Felix raised a hand. "Don't worry. I'm not judging. I'm just… happy for you."
Keifer's expression softened slightly. "Thank you."
Felix nodded once, then turned to leave.
As the door closed behind him, Jay let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Keifer leaned back in his chair, his gaze on her. "You're blushing."
Jay's cheeks heated even more. "I am not."
Keifer's lips curved into a small smile. "You are."
Jay tried to act professional, but her voice came out softer than she intended. "It's nothing."
Keifer reached out, placing his hand gently on hers. His touch was light, but it made Jay's heart flutter.
"It's not nothing," he said quietly.
Jay looked down at their hands, then back up at him. "I just… I don't want anyone to think I'm not professional."
Keifer's expression was serious. "They already know."
Jay blinked. "What?"
Keifer's thumb rubbed her hand softly. "Everyone knows we live together. They know we're close. And they've always known you're more than just my assistant."
Jay's heart raced. "They do?"
Keifer nodded. "Yes."
Jay felt a strange mix of relief and embarrassment.
Keifer's voice softened. "But you don't need to worry. You're still professional. You're still amazing at your job."
Jay's eyes shone. "Thank you."
Keifer leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "And if anyone has a problem with it, they can come to me."
Jay's breath caught.
She smiled, small and grateful. "Okay."
Keifer's grip on her hand tightened slightly, just enough to remind her he was there.
Jay nodded, feeling stronger than she had in a long time.
Because even in the middle of work—under the pressure, under the expectations—she wasn't alone.
She had him.
And he wasn't going anywhere.