Jay's POV…
I opened the main door, but before I could even step inside, someone pulled me into a tight hug.
For a second, I was startled… but then I immediately knew who it was.
I smiled softly and hugged him back just as tightly.
Keifer's POV…
I returned home after sorting out the documents with Mr. Ryder. The first thing I did was head straight to my room.
I wanted to see her.
I needed to see her.
But she wasn't there.
My brows furrowed instantly as I looked around, hoping maybe she was just in the washroom or balcony.
Nothing.
A strange uneasiness crept in.
Without wasting another second, I rushed downstairs and called out to one of the maids.
"Where is Jay?"
"Sir, ma'am didn't tell me where she was going. She just said she would be back soon."
That didn't help.
Not even a little.
I tried to calm myself down. I knew my Jay was strong. She could take care of herself.
But I couldn't ignore the fact that she was still in danger.
And that thought alone was enough to make my chest tighten.
I quickly pulled out my phone and called her.
Switched off.
That made my anxiety spike instantly.
I ran a hand through my hair, pacing slightly as I dialed again, hoping it would connect this time.
Nothing.
I immediately called Aries, then Percy, then Ci-n—anyone I thought she might be with.
No one had seen her.
I couldn't sit still anymore.
I called Edrix and Rory for updates, but they weren't picking up either.
Now I knew something was wrong.
Without thinking further, I grabbed my car keys and headed toward the door..
But then…
I saw her.
Standing right there.
For a moment, everything just… stopped.
The tension, the fear, the anger...everything disappeared the second my eyes landed on her.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
And before she could even say anything, I pulled her into my arms.
Jay's POV…
"Jay, where the hell were you? I was damn worried about you."
His voice was low, but I could feel the tension in it.
His grip around me tightened, like if he let go even for a second, I would disappear.
I gently held onto him, trying to calm him down.
"Keifer… I just went out. Don't worry."
He pulled back slightly, just enough to look at me, but his hands were still on my arms.
"How can I not worry?" he said, his voice a little sharper now. "You didn't tell anyone where you were going. At least you could have called me."
Oops.
That's when it hit me.
My phone.
"I… uh…" I hesitated, scratching the back of my neck slightly. "I forgot to charge it."
He just stared at me.
"I'm… sorry," I added softly.
"Jay…" his voice dropped again, softer this time, but still intense. "I missed you. Don't do that again."
Something about the way he said that made my heart melt a little.
"I promise, Keifer," I said, nodding slightly. "It won't happen again."
He looked at me for a moment longer, like he was making sure I meant it.
Then slowly, his grip loosened...but he didn't let go completely.
And honestly…
I didn't want him to.