The secret stayed between Jay and Keifer's mom.
No one else knew.
Not Ivy.
Not even Keifer fully aware of what Jay had confessed.
But as time passed, Ivy started visiting more often.
She was polite.
Friendly.
Warm.
She fit into the house easily, laughing with everyone, helping in the kitchen, talking with Jay's mom like she'd been family for years.
Jay's mom loved it.
"She's a sweet girl," she'd whisper to Jay when Ivy wasn't around.
"And she makes everyone happy."
Jay's chest tightened sometimes.
Seeing Ivy so comfortable, so included.
Seeing Keifer smile so easily at her.
But Keifer's mom… she wasn't pleased when Jay got insecure.
She watched the way Jay would fidget, bite her lip, or hang on Keifer a little too tightly when Ivy was around.
And quietly, she made sure Jay didn't overthink things.
One afternoon, Ivy appeared at the house again.
Jay was in the living room, reading, when she entered.
"Hi everyone!" Ivy greeted brightly.
"Hey, Ivy," Jay's mom said warmly.
"You're always welcome."
Ivy laughed, glancing around. "Thanks! You all make it so easy to feel at home."
Jay stayed quiet, forcing herself to smile.
Keifer appeared from the stairs, yawning.
"Hey," he said softly.
Ivy's eyes lit up. "Keifer, can I—?"
Before she could finish, she started walking toward his room.
Jay tensed.
Keifer stopped her with a single step.
"Not today," he said firmly.
Ivy blinked. "Oh?"
Keifer smiled, but it wasn't playful.
It was possessive, subtle but unmistakable.
"This is my space," he said gently, "and you know it. Let's hang out in the living room."
Jay exhaled quietly, relief washing over her.
Ivy tilted her head, sensing something, but didn't protest.
"Okay," she said softly, stepping back.
"Living room it is."
Keifer glanced at Jay.
She smiled slightly, leaning closer.
"You see?" he whispered.
"Everything's fine when I'm here."
Jay's fingers twined with his, heart racing.
It felt like a small victory—but a meaningful one.
Keifer's possessiveness was quiet.
Controlled.
And Jay realized—she liked it.
Ivy stayed in the living room, chatting politely with Jay's mom and the others, unaware of the tension just a room away.
Jay rested her head against Keifer's shoulder.
Warm. Safe. Claiming her quietly.
And for the first time in a while, she smiled freely.
Because no matter what, he wasn't letting anyone cross the line again.