The grand hall gleamed under the evening lights, the chandeliers sparkling above polished floors. Guests filled the room, murmuring politely, champagne glasses in hand.
Jay sat quietly near the window, calm and composed, letting the chatter wash over her. Across the hall, the other couple—Keifer with the girl everyone expected—stood smiling, the girl glowing with excitement.
Her parents approached Jay first, holding her hands lightly.
"It's all set, Jay," her father said. "The engagement will happen today. At the same time, with Keifer and… well, you know."
Jay nodded, serene. "I understand. It's fine."
Keifer stood across the hall, his expression neutral at first, though something flickered in his eyes whenever he glanced toward Jay. He had rehearsed calm, polite smiles all day, but seeing her in that poised, elegant way stirred something he hadn't expected.
The ceremony began. The families gathered in front, jewel tones and formal suits blending in the warm glow. Jay walked up gracefully, accepting the ring with a quiet smile.
Beside her, Keifer's engagement was happening simultaneously. He exchanged the ring with the girl, her fingers trembling slightly with excitement. Keifer's smile was polite, controlled—but his eyes flicked constantly to Jay.
Jay caught one of those looks and raised an eyebrow, subtle and teasing.
"You're… paying a lot of attention to me," she said quietly later, after the formalities, as they both stood at the edge of the hall.
Keifer cleared his throat, forcing a smile. "I… just make sure everything's… okay," he said, though the tightness in his jaw betrayed him. Seeing the boy she would marry standing near her—laughing with her, holding her hand—made his chest ache more than he expected.
Jay smiled faintly. "I'm fine, Keifer. Really. Go on with your engagement."
"I know," he said quietly, though he didn't move. He watched the girl laugh at a joke he couldn't hear, her hand brushing his arm as she leaned in.
A strange twist of jealousy tightened his stomach, unspoken, unwelcome, and yet undeniable. He realized, in that moment, how much he actually wanted Jay—for himself, not for anyone else, not even for peace or duty.
Jay, serene and composed, noticed his stare. A tiny smirk tugged at her lips. She didn't say anything. She didn't have to.
Because she already knew: whatever the world thought, whatever ceremonies were arranged, Keifer's attention—his focus, his subtle restlessness—was hers, in ways no engagement could claim.
The rings sparkled under the chandeliers. Guests applauded politely. And somewhere in the hall, two hearts were quietly reckoning with what they actually wanted.