Keifer pov
I froze as I stared at the massive gate in front of Jay's house. Honestly… I hadn't expected this. Her house wasn't just big—it was grand. Marble floors, polished gates, tall columns… it screamed old money and power.
I adjusted the hood on my hoodie, trying to keep low-key. Black joggings, black hoodie, sneakers—easy to blend in. But apparently, blending in wasn't my strong suit.
"HEY! YOU THERE!"
I whipped around.
A man, tall and broad, was standing behind me. His eyes were sharp, unyielding, and full of suspicion.
"You! Stop right there!"
"Uh… hello?" I said, raising my hands slowly.
"Don't talk back!" the man barked. "I caught you sneaking around my property. You think this is a playground?"
I opened my mouth to explain. "Wait—please, I'm not—"
"No talking!" he interrupted, stepping closer. "Kids these days… nothing but thieves and troublemakers. You're going inside. Now!"
Before I could protest, he grabbed my arm firmly and marched me through the massive front door. I tried to tug my arm free, but he was relentless.
I slouched slightly, pulling my hoodie over my head to hide my face and bowed my head down. This was… humiliating.
Once inside, he shoved me into the main hallway and pointed. "Stay there. Don't move. Jeana! Aries! Angelo! Gemma! Jayjay!"
I blinked, realizing he was calling everyone out. I looked up at him, trying to speak. "Sir—please… don't shout, I'm just—"
"Don't move!" he snapped, cutting me off.
I froze. My heart was pounding. Moments later, the family started pouring into the hallway.
"Dad… who's that?" Aries asked, stepping forward, eyes wide.
Jay's voice followed quickly. "Yeah… who's he?"
I looked at the man, still bowing my head, trying to stay calm. Then, barely audible, I whispered to myself: Wow… I just met Jayjay's dad. Without even knowing it.
The man's gaze was laser-focused. "I caught this boy trying to steal!" he barked.
I swallowed hard. "I'm… I'm not a thief."
Jay's voice, trembling slightly but firm, said, "Who are you, and why are you not facing us?"
I whispered quickly, hoping no one else heard: "Please… let me go. I'm not a thief."
Another voice—firm, impatient—shouted: "Hey, you boy! Look at me!"
I flinched but stayed facing down.
The man's voice boomed: "Jeana! Bring my gun! I'll make him learn a lesson!"
My eyes shot up. Gun? My pulse jumped.
Then a familiar voice broke through the tension. "KEIFER!"
I froze as the hoodie cap was gently removed, and I finally saw her standing in front of me—Jayjay.
"Dad… this is Keifer. Not a thief," she said firmly.
The man's stern gaze softened slightly. He studied me for a moment. "I… I know," he said.
"You do realize," jay dad continued, voice calm but amused, "that I saw everything?"
"Everything?" jay echoed, suspicious.
"Yes," he said, smirking. "Keifer Watson wanted to come see you. I just… facilitated it."
Jay froze. "Wait—what?"
"You heard me," Dad said, leaning forward slightly. "The boy didn't sneak in. I let him in because I could see how determined he was to check on you."
Aries raised an eyebrow. "Dad I literally had a gun ready…"
My dad waved a hand. "All theater, Aries. Sometimes, a little drama teaches respect."
Jay frowned. "You almost had him shot
"Nope. I knew who he was. And honestly…" Dad paused, smirk widening, "…I like that he cares enough to come see you."
Relief washed over me, though my legs felt like jelly. I exhaled slowly, finally standing straight, eyes on Jay.
My mind was racing. I just met Jayjay's dad… and somehow lived to tell the story.
Jayjay gave me a small, reassuring smile. "See? Told you I wouldn't let anyone hurt you."
I could only nod, still in shock but feeling… safe.
End of Chapter 46 📖🔥