THE GALA NIGHT
The grand ballroom of the Watson Hotel glittered like something out of a dream. Crystal chandeliers, marble floors, soft music floating through the air — it was the kind of place where power dressed up and pretended to be graceful.
Jay stood in front of the mirror in her room, adjusting her dress with nervous fingers.
"You're going to be fine," she whispered to herself.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in," she called.
Keifer stepped inside — and promptly forgot how to breathe.
He stopped dead in his tracks.
Jay turned around.
She was wearing an elegant deep-blue gown, simple but stunning, her hair falling softly over her shoulders. Nothing over-the-top. Nothing loud. Just confidence.
Keifer swallowed. "…Wow."
Jay raised an eyebrow. "That bad?"
"No," he said quickly, stepping closer. "That dangerous."
She laughed softly. "Stop staring."
"I physically cannot."
Her cheeks warmed.
⸻
ENTERING TOGETHER
When they walked into the ballroom side by side, heads turned.
Whispers followed.
Keifer felt it — the pride swelling in his chest — but also something sharper when he noticed how many people were looking at Jay.
A senior executive approached her almost immediately.
"Ms. Mariano, I've heard excellent things about your work."
Jay smiled politely. "Thank you."
Keifer stood back, letting her talk, watching the way she held herself — calm, sharp, brilliant.
This time, no one overlooked her.
⸻
JEALOUSY (AGAIN)
A man from a rival firm stepped closer, clearly impressed.
"I don't believe we've met. I'm Adrian Cole."
Jay shook his hand. "Jay Mariano."
"You're impressive," Adrian said. "I'd love to discuss a partnership sometime."
Keifer appeared beside her instantly.
"She's very busy."
Jay shot him a look. "Keifer."
Adrian smiled knowingly. "Ah. I see."
Keifer forced a polite smile that absolutely did not reach his eyes.
Jay leaned in and whispered, "You're doing that thing again."
"What thing?"
"The territorial thing."
"I'm not territorial," he muttered.
She smirked. "You are."
⸻
THE ANNOUNCEMENT
The lights dimmed. Conversations hushed.
The director stepped onto the stage.
"Tonight, we recognize outstanding performance in our internship program."
Jay's heart pounded.
"Jay Mariano," the director continued, "your strategic proposal has been selected for implementation across three divisions."
The room erupted in applause.
Jay froze.
Keifer turned to her, eyes bright with pride. "You did it."
She walked onto the stage, legs shaky but head high. She accepted the recognition with grace, thanking her mentors — and deliberately not mentioning anyone's name.
When she returned, Keifer pulled her aside quietly.
"You were incredible," he said. "You didn't need me up there."
She smiled softly. "I know."
And for the first time, he realized she truly believed it.
⸻
THE DANCE
Later, as the music softened, Keifer held out his hand.
"Dance with me."
Jay hesitated — then took it.
They moved slowly across the floor, elegant and natural, like they'd always belonged there.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
She nodded. "I've never felt more seen."
He leaned in. "Good. Because I never want to dim you."
She met his eyes. "Promise?"
"Always."
They smiled — not because everything was perfect, but because they were finally choosing each other without fear.