Jay's POV
I didn't go near him the next day.
Or the next.
Or even after that.
I kept myself busy with work, files, anything that would stop me from thinking about him.
But no matter what I did…
My heart still hurt.
Why didn't he tell me earlier?
Why did I let myself get so close?
I was arranging some files when I heard footsteps behind me.
"Jay."
My hands froze.
His voice.
I slowly turned around.
"Kiefer…"
He looked tired… like he hadn't slept properly.
"Why are you avoiding me?" he asked.
"I'm not," I said, looking away.
"Jay, look at me," he said.
I didn't.
"Please," he added softly.
I slowly looked up.
The moment our eyes met… everything came rushing back.
That kiss.
"I told you, I don't love her," he replied.
"But you're still engaged," I said, my voice shaking.
He stepped closer.
"I'm going to end it," he said.
I looked at him, surprised.
That confession.
That truth.
"You're almost engaged, Kiefer," I said quietly.
"I already talked to her father," he added.
"Then why isn't it over yet?" I asked.
He stayed silent.
That silence… answered everything.
I stepped back.
"Kiefer… I can't do this," I said.
"Do what?" he asked.
"Be with someone who already belongs to someone else," I said.
I don't belong to her," he said firmly.
"But the world thinks you do," I replied.
He clenched his jaw.
"I'll fix it," he said.
I shook my head.
"You always say that… but until it's actually over, I don't want to get involved," I said.
He looked at me, frustrated.
"So you're just going to walk away?" he asked.
Tears filled my eyes.
"I'm not walking away… I'm protecting myself," I said.
Kiefer's POV
She walked away.
Again.
And this time… I didn't stop her.
I stood there, watching her disappear from my sight.
Damn it.
I ran my hand through my hair.
Everything was slipping out of my control.
My parents.
The engagement.
Jay.
I took out my phone and dialed a number.
"Hello?" a voice answered.
"Call a meeting," I said coldly.
"With Ella's family."
There was a pause.
"Today."
I cut the call.
If ending this engagement is what it takes…
Then I'll end it completely.
No matter what happens next.
Author's POV
From a distance…
Someone was watching everything.
Serena Watson.
A slow, dangerous smile formed on her lips.
"So… it has already started," she murmured.
"If that girl thinks she can enter this family…"
Her eyes turned cold.
"She has no idea what's coming."