Chapter 14: Lines That Haven't Disappeared
Empty Office — Mariano Tower
New York City
(Jay-jay's POV)
I stood up quickly from Keifer Watson's lap and took two steps away from him.
"That was temporary!" I repeated.
Keifer leaned back in the chair, watching me with that same calm expression that always irritated me.
"You didn't look like you hated it."
My cheeks warmed slightly.
"Don't start."
He chuckled softly.
The sound felt dangerously familiar.
I crossed my arms.
"You can't just drag me into offices whenever you get jealous."
"I didn't drag you."
"You literally grabbed my wrist."
"Gently."
"That's not the point!"
He stood up slowly and walked closer.
Now we were standing only a few feet apart.
The air between us felt heavy again.
Not angry.
Just intense.
"You know what the problem is?" he said.
"What?"
"You act like nothing happened between us."
"Something did happen," I said sharply.
"You broke my trust."
His expression softened slightly.
"I know."
"And you don't get to fix that in two days."
"I'm not trying to."
"Good."
"I'm trying to fix it in however long it takes."
The quiet certainty in his voice made me look away for a second.
I hated when he said things like that.
Because part of me believed him.
Keifer moved closer again.
"Jay."
I looked back at him.
"Yes?"
"I meant what I said yesterday."
"About what?"
"I'll wait."
My chest tightened again.
"You're very dramatic."
"Percy would say I'm learning from him."
That made me laugh despite myself.
"Please don't."
"The world cannot handle two Percys."
"Exactly."
For a moment the tension eased.
Then suddenly—
The office door opened.
Both of us turned.
Standing there was Percy Mariano.
He froze.
Then slowly looked from Jay-jay…
To Keifer…
Then back again.
His eyes widened dramatically.
"Oh my god."
Jay-jay groaned.
"Percy—"
"You two were gone for ten minutes!"
"We were talking."
"In a locked office!"
"Percy!"
He put his hand over his heart like a scandalized actor.
"I leave you alone for ONE meeting and suddenly we have secret office rendezvous?"
Keifer rubbed his forehead.
"We weren't—"
Percy gasped.
"Don't explain!"
He waved his hands dramatically.
"I don't want details!"
Jay-jay walked toward the door, annoyed.
"Move."
Percy stepped aside but whispered loudly as she passed—
"So… should I schedule couples therapy or another board meeting?"
"Percy."
"Yes?"
"Stop talking."
"Yes, boss."
Jay-jay walked back into the hallway.
Keifer followed a few seconds later.
Percy looked between them again.
Then grinned.
"You know," he said casually, "for two people who are 'not together'…"
He made air quotes.
"…you two act very suspicious."
Jay-jay glared at him.
"We're going back to work."
Percy shrugged.
"Sure."
Then he leaned closer to Keifer and whispered—
"But honestly?"
Keifer sighed.
"What now?"
Percy smirked.
"She almost forgave you just now."
Keifer's eyes flickered toward Jay-jay walking ahead.
A small, hopeful smile appeared on his face.
Maybe Percy wasn't wrong.
Maybe.
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Hey guys!!
I know it's a short chapter but I'll post one extra chapter today because my final exams are going on until 25 march after exam summer holidays!! In summer I'll post 3 chapters daily i promise! I might do a face reveal in summer...
Okay okay enough yapping for today
Bye bye!! 🫶🏻🌷