Guests murmured quietly, polite smiles still in place, but the tension was thick.
Keifer stepped forward, his chest heaving slightly, jaw tight.
"I have something to say," he said, voice low but carrying across the room.
Everyone turned toward him, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
Keifer's father straightened, lips tightening.
"This better be appropriate, Keifer."
Keifer took a deep breath, eyes locking onto Jay's.
She sat there, heart pounding, hands clenched tightly in her lap.
"I will not marry Ivy," Keifer announced firmly.
A hush fell over the room.
Whispers erupted around him.
"I… what?" someone gasped.
His father's face darkened.
"You will obey me!" he barked.
"No," Keifer said, voice low but fierce.
"I will not. I cannot. I refuse."
He stepped closer to Jay, placing a hand gently but possessively on her shoulder.
"She's mine," he said, soft but unwavering, looking her in the eyes.
"Only hers."
Jay's chest swelled with relief, tears threatening again.
She couldn't speak.
She could only look at him, trembling.
Ivy froze, face pale, shocked beyond words.
Keifer's mother stepped forward, nodding approvingly.
"Good. Finally, he's speaking the truth."
Jay's mom squeezed her hand, smiling softly.
"You're his, Jay. Always have been."
Keifer turned back to his father.
"This ends now," he said, voice strong.
"No engagement. No arrangements. I choose her. Only her. Do you understand?"
His father's face twisted with anger and disbelief, but Keifer didn't flinch.
He stood taller now, protective and fierce.
He wouldn't budge.
Jay's tears fell freely, relief and love crashing through her chest.
She rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"You're mine," he whispered possessively, lips brushing her temple.
"And you're mine," she whispered back, heart full.
The room was stunned.
Whispers erupted again, but no one dared interrupt the power of their confession.
Keifer held her close, possessive, protective, and utterly determined.
No one—no business, no family, no arrangements—would take her from him.
And in that moment, in front of everyone, Jay knew:
She was finally, completely his.