The next morning, the mansion was quiet, the sunlight spilling softly through the large windows.
Kia sat alone in the garden, her thoughts heavy but calmer than before.
She thought about the night prior—the shouting, the jealousy, the rejection.
And slowly, a truth began to settle in her heart.
She didn't need to take Jay's place.
She didn't need to compete for Keifer's attention.
She had her own place—her own way to be loved, to belong, to matter.
With a deep breath, she stood and walked toward Jay, who was sitting on the veranda, quietly reading a book.
"Jay…" Kia began softly, her voice trembling.
"I… I'm sorry. For yelling last night. For trying to… interfere. I was wrong."
Jay looked up, her eyes warm and gentle.
Kia continued, tears threatening to fall.
"I was jealous… I didn't understand that I can be loved without taking anything from anyone else. I… I just wanted to feel noticed."
Jay closed her book and smiled softly.
"Kia… it's okay. I understand. Really. Everyone feels that way sometimes."
Kia lowered her gaze, ashamed but relieved.
"I'll try to do better. I want to… I want us to be okay."
Jay reached out, placing a hand lightly on Kia's shoulder.
"We are okay," she said, her voice calm, kind, and sincere.
"You have your place here, Kia. Don't forget that. You're important. You're loved. And I'm glad you're learning that."
Kia looked up, meeting Jay's eyes.
A small, tentative smile appeared.
"Thank you… Jay."
Jay squeezed her shoulder gently.
"Anytime. Now… come on, let's join everyone for breakfast. You have a place at this table too."
Kia's heart lifted.
For the first time since arriving at the mansion, she realized: love isn't a competition.
And finding her own space—her own bonds—was enough.
She walked beside Jay, feeling lighter, freer… ready to embrace the family in her own way.
And for Jay, it was another quiet moment of kindness, patience, and understanding that made her everyone's anchor in the house.
That evening, the mansion was calm, the golden glow of sunset spilling through the windows.
Keifer and Jay were sitting together in the living room.
Jay leaned against him, tired from the day but still smiling softly.
Keifer, ever attentive, brushed a strand of hair from her face… and pressed a gentle kiss to her neck.
Kia, who happened to glance into the room, froze for a second.
But something was different this time.
Her chest didn't tighten.
Her hands didn't curl into fists.
Her jaw didn't clench.
For the first time, she saw them—really saw them—together.
And she understood.
It had always been Jay from the start.
Keifer's heart, his smiles, his small touches—they had always belonged to her.
Kia exhaled slowly, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
It didn't hurt anymore.
It didn't sting.
Because she had finally accepted that her place wasn't to replace Jay…
but to find her own.
And in that quiet moment, watching them, Kia felt something she hadn't felt before: peace.
A gentle warmth that came not from being first…
but from knowing love isn't a competition.
She turned and walked away, quietly, her heart lighter, ready to embrace her own bond with the family, without resentment or jealousy.
For Keifer and Jay… it had always been their story.
And for Kia… it was the start of hers.