started with a quiet afternoon in the Watson mansion.
Jay had lingered in the drawing room after a long meeting, sipping tea while Keifer went over papers with his father.
Serina entered, carrying a small tray of fresh cookies. She smiled softly, the kind of smile that could make the grandest palace feel like home.
"Still working too hard, Jay?" she asked gently.
Jay shook her head.
"Just… keeping busy."
Serina sat down across from her, placing the tray between them.
"You know, you don't always have to be so guarded," she said. "Not here. Not with me."
Jay blinked, unsure.
"I… I'm fine," she said cautiously.
Serina chuckled softly, not offended.
"I know you've been through a lot, love. But you don't have to face everything alone anymore."
Jay looked down at the cookies, pretending to be busy arranging them on the tray.
Serina leaned forward, lowering her voice so only Jay could hear.
"You can call me 'Mama' if you want."
Jay froze.
Her hand hovered over the teacup.
"...Mama?" she whispered.
"Yes," Serina said warmly.
"Not because I want to replace anyone. But because I want you to have someone you can lean on. Someone who cares… unconditionally."
Jay felt something she hadn't felt in years—a strange, comforting weight settling in her chest.
A warmth that wasn't tied to work or obligations.
"I… I don't know…" Jay admitted, voice small.
Serina reached out, placing a gentle hand over hers.
"That's okay. Take your time. I'm not going anywhere."
Jay looked up, meeting her eyes.
The mansion suddenly felt softer.
Less like walls and rules, and more like… family.
For the first time in a long time, she whispered,
"…Okay. Mama."
Serina's eyes glistened just slightly, a proud, tender glow.
"That's my girl," she said, smiling.
"Always remember—you're not alone here."
And in that quiet moment, Jay realized she had found another home…
one that wasn't just a mansion, but a heart willing to care for hers.