( Jay's pov )
(5 YEARS LATER )
The soft scratch of my pencil filled the studio as I worked on the final lines of a new design.
Outside the large glass windows, Oslo looked peaceful as always. Snow rested quietly on rooftops, and the harbor shimmered under the pale afternoon sun.
Five years ago, I had arrived here with a suitcase and a sketchbook.
Now my name was on buildings across cities.
"Jay," Hannah called from across the room, waving her phone. "Another architecture magazine wants an interview."
I laughed lightly. "Tell them next week."
My phone buzzed on the desk.
Mom.
I picked it up and answered.
"Hi, Mom."
"Jayjay," she said warmly.
I smiled. Only my family still called me that.
"How's Oslo?" she asked.
"Busy as usual," I replied, glancing at the design models around me. "We're finishing another project near the harbor."
"I saw the photos of your last building," she said proudly. "Your father won't stop talking about it."
I chuckled softly.
"So what's going on back home?" I asked.
"Well…" she said slowly. "We have some news."
I leaned back in my chair.
"What kind of news?"
"Celestine and Adrian's engagement ceremony is next month."
My eyebrows lifted slightly.
"That was fast., mom are you sure?,"
"They've been planning it for a while," Mom said.
"Both families will be there."
For a moment I didn't say anything.
Five years ago, that would have been impossible
"Jayjay," she continued gently, "your father and I want you to come to London for the engagement."
My gaze drifted toward the snowy skyline outside my window.
London.
Home.
A place I hadn't visited in years.
"And… everyone will be there?" I asked quietly.
"Yes," she said.
I didn't need to ask who that included.
Keifer.
Then Mom added something that surprised me.
"And you should bring your friends too."
I blinked.
"My friends?"
"Yes," she said cheerfully.
"The ones you're always talking about. Hannah, Noel, the others. They've been part of your life for years now."
I laughed softly in disbelief.
"Mom… you want me to bring my entire friend group to London?"
"Of course," she said. "It's a celebration. The more the merrier."
I glanced across the studio where Hannah, Noel, Liam, and Elise were arguing over a design model.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
"Alright," I said finally.
"I'll come."
"And I'll bring them."
When the call ended, I stood there for a moment, staring out at the Oslo skyline.
Five years.
Five years since I left London behind.
Now I was going back.
And this time…
I wouldn't be alone.
"Guys," I said.
No one looked up.
"Hannah," I added.
"What?" she said distractedly.
"We're going to London."
That got their attention.
All four heads lifted at the same time.
"Wait," Liam said. "We're what?"
I leaned against the desk.
"My sister is getting engaged next month," I explained. "My parents want me to come back for the ceremony."
Hannah's eyes lit up immediately.
"London?!" she gasped.
"Yes!"
Elise smiled softly. "That actually sounds amazing."
Noel was watching me more carefully than the others.
"So… you're going home," he said.
I nodded.
"And my mom said I should bring my friends."
Hannah nearly dropped the model in excitement.
"WE'RE GOING TO LONDON."
Liam laughed. "I've always wanted to see it."
Elise closed her sketchbook with a small smile. "Architecture there is incredible."
Noel didn't speak for a moment.
He leaned back in his chair, studying me quietly.
"Are you okay with going back?" he asked.
The room went a little quieter.
Hannah and Liam exchanged a quick glance.
They all knew my past wasn't exactly simple.
I shrugged lightly.
"It's been five years," I said.
"I think I can survive a family engagement."
Noel nodded slowly.
"If you're going," he said, standing up, "then we're going too."
Hannah grinned.
"London trip with Jay as our guide? This is going to be legendary."
I laughed softly, shaking my head.
But inside, a small knot of tension had already formed.
Because while my friends were excited about London…
It was also where Keifer was.
And after five years…
Our worlds were about to collide again.
( KEIFER POV)
The office was quiet except for the soft tapping of my keyboard.
From the large glass windows of Watson Tower, the London skyline stretched endlessly below. Five years ago, I would've never imagined sitting here—at the head of the company my family built.
Now every decision passed through me.
Every deal.
Every risk.
Every future plan.
A knock on the door broke my concentration.
"Come in," I said without looking up.
Adrian walked in, leaning casually against the door.
"You're still working?" he asked.
"Someone has to run this company," I replied dryly.
He chuckled and walked further into the office.
"Speaking of family matters," he said, sitting down. "The engagement ceremony is next month."
know," I said. "Mom already reminded me three times."
Adrian hesitated slightly.
"There's… something else."
That caught my attention.
I finally looked up at him.
"What?"
"Jay's coming."
Everything inside me froze.
The words hung in the air like they had weight.
"…What?"
"For the engagement,"
Adrian said. "Her parents asked her to come back to London."
I leaned back slowly in my chair.
Jay.
After five years.
Five years of distance.
Five years of wondering how she was… where she was… if she ever thought about me.
And now she was coming back.
"Are you okay?" Adrian asked carefully.
I let out a slow breath.
"I knew this would happen eventually," I said.
But knowing something would happen… and actually hearing it were two very different things.
My mind flashed back to the airport.
The way she walked away without looking back.
The silence that followed for years.
Adrian studied my expression.
"You don't have to attend the engagement if it's too much."
I shook my head immediately.
"No."
This was his engagement.
I wouldn't ruin it.
Besides…
Running away wasn't an option anymore.
"I'll be there," I said calmly.
Adrian nodded slowly.
But when he left the office,
I stayed where I was, staring out at the London skyline.
Five years ago, I lost the most important person in my life.
Because of a stupid thing I did
And now…
She was coming back.
The question was no longer if we would see each other again.
It was when.