The first rays of sunlight filtered softly through the curtains of the Watson mansion bedroom, spilling golden light across the room. Jay stirred, blinking groggily, and immediately became aware of the warmth enveloping her. Her arms were wrapped around someone… and the deep, steady rhythm of his breathing told her exactly who it was.
Keifer.
Her heart skipped a beat as she realized how close he was, the steady weight of his body pressing gently against hers. She could feel the rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of his arm draped protectively around her, and the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the air—a scent that had always felt like home.
Jay shifted slightly and froze. Something felt different.
Wait…
Her fingers moved almost instinctively, brushing across her chest, and she realized with a blush creeping across her cheeks that she wasn't wearing a bra. A small, mischievous smile tugged at her lips.
She looked down at Keifer, who was still sleeping, completely relaxed. His usually intense, bossy, and commanding features were softened by sleep. The tension, the cold perfection of the youngest CEO of Watsons Company, was gone—replaced with calmness, vulnerability, and something that made her chest tighten.
Jay's heart fluttered. She brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her fingertips lingering on his skin.
Some things never change, she thought to herself. His gentleness… this softness he showed only when he was with her… it had always been there, hiding beneath the layers of bossiness, teasing, and control. And now, like a quiet promise, it enveloped her completely.
"Keifer…" she whispered softly, her voice barely above the hush of morning.
He stirred slightly, one eye opening lazily, meeting hers. "Morning," he murmured, voice thick with sleep but threaded with amusement. His gaze softened immediately when he realized she was awake, and she could feel a warmth spread through her chest.
Jay smirked, nestling closer into the curve of his chest. "You've always been gentle like this… you know that?"
He yawned softly, stretching just a little, and a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Gentle… with you," he said, correcting her, the possessiveness in his tone unmistakable. "And you're stuck with me like this, Jay. Always."
Jay let out a quiet laugh, pressing her cheek into his chest. "I know… and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way."
Keifer's hand moved, brushing her hair gently, tucking a stray strand behind her ear before letting it rest on her shoulder. "Careful, Jay," he murmured teasingly, though his voice was soft. "Don't get too used to mornings like this. I might not let go."
A blush spread across her cheeks, and she smiled, feeling the warmth of his words, the tenderness in his gaze. "I… I don't want you to, Keifer," she whispered softly, barely audible.
He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, lingering there for a long moment. "Good… because I'm never letting go. Not now. Not ever."
Jay snuggled closer into him, letting herself bask in the warmth and security of his arms. The events of the past days—the tension, the worry when he disappeared, the emotional reunion—all melted away in the quiet comfort of this moment.
She looked down at him, eyes tracing the sharp line of his jaw, the curve of his lips, the slight furrow of his brows as he slept. She couldn't help the small, teasing thought that crossed her mind: Some things never change… his gentleness, even after all these years, it's still the same.
"Keifer," she whispered again, her voice softer this time, almost a sigh. "Your gentleness… it won't change… even after years, will it?"
His lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "No," he murmured, voice low but certain. "Some things… some things are eternal."
Jay let out a soft laugh, resting against him, feeling his heartbeat echoing through her chest. For the first time in days—maybe weeks—she felt completely at peace, completely safe, and completely loved.
A small, playful thought crossed her mind as she moved her hand slightly across his chest. "And yet… your stubbornness doesn't change either," she teased quietly, watching his reaction.
Keifer stirred, opening one eye, and smirked lazily. "Some habits are too hard to break," he replied, a faint glint of mischief returning to his eyes. "And some are meant to stay… especially around you."
Jay's cheeks warmed, but she smiled, leaning closer, enjoying the mix of tenderness and playful teasing that always accompanied him. "I like it… all of it," she whispered. "Even when you're stubborn and bossy and impossible."
Keifer chuckled softly, a low, soothing sound that made her chest tighten with affection. "Good," he murmured, pulling her tighter against him. "Because I'm not planning on changing for anyone… except maybe you."
Jay let out a contented sigh, pressing her forehead to his chest, closing her eyes, and savoring the moment. The soft sunlight, the warmth of his body, the quiet intimacy—it was everything she had been craving, everything she had been missing.
And for the first time since their reunion, Jay felt completely certain of one thing: no matter how bossy, stubborn, or impossible Keifer could be, his gentleness—the quiet, tender part of him—would always remain for her, forever.