Kiefer's POV
I couldn't stop thinking about it.
That moment in the library.
The way she looked at me… the way she leaned in… the way her lips felt against mine.
It wasn't planned.
But it didn't feel wrong either.
It felt… right.
I ran my hand through my hair, frustrated.
This is getting out of control.
I stood up from my chair in the office and looked outside the glass window.
Jay.
She was walking with some files, focused on her work like always.
So innocent.
So real.
And now… involved with me.
I clenched my jaw.
She doesn't know.
She doesn't know about Ella.
She doesn't know about my family.
She doesn't know how dangerous this is for her.
Jay's POV
I couldn't focus the whole day.
My mind kept going back to that moment.
Why did I do that?
Why didn't I stop?
I touched my lips slightly.
No, Jay… don't think about it.
But my heart wouldn't listen.
After work, I was packing my things when someone suddenly pulled me aside.
I gasped.
"Kiefer—"
"Jay," he said seriously.
I looked at him, nervous.
"We need to talk."
My heart started beating faster.
"About… earlier?" I asked softly.
He stayed silent for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"I'm sorry," he said.
My heart dropped.
Oh…
"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," he continued.
I quickly shook my head.
"No… I'm not uncomfortable," I said.
He looked at me carefully.
"Then what are you feeling?" he asked.
I froze.
What am I feeling?
"I… I don't know," I said honestly.
He stepped closer.
"I know," he said.
I looked at him.
"I like you, Jay," he said calmly.
My eyes widened.
"I've been trying to ignore it… but I can't," he continued.
My heart was racing now.
"Kiefer…" I whispered.
"But there's a problem," he said.
My smile slowly faded.
"What problem?" I asked.
He looked away for a second.
Then back at me.
"I'm almost engaged."
Everything stopped.
"What…?" I whispered.
"Her name is Ella," he said.
I felt like the ground disappeared under me.
"You're… almost engaged?" I repeated.
He nodded.
"But I don't love her," he said quickly. "I never did."
Tears started forming in my eyes.
"Then why…?" I asked.
"Family," he said coldly.
I stepped back slowly.
All this time…
All those moments…
"Kiefer… you should have told me," I said, my voice breaking.