The Gala – Later That Night
The party was still going. Music played. People danced. But all eyes were on one corner.
Jay and Keifer sat together. Hands held. Eyes locked. Smiles wide.
Jasfher walked over with Keizer. Both men looked proud.
Jasfher cleared his throat. "Princess? Mr. Watson and I have been talking."
Jay looked up. "Yes, Dad?"
Keizer smiled. "Since you two already know each other... and love each other..." He glanced at Jasfher.
Jasfher continued. "We thought... why wait?"
Jay's eyes went wide. "What do you mean?"
Keifer sat up straighter. "Wait... now?"
Keizer nodded. "Right now. Tonight. In front of everyone."
Jeana and Serina walked over. Both were holding small boxes.
Serina smiled gently. "We had rings ready. For after the engagement. But..."
Jeana finished. "But we think now is perfect."
Jay looked at Keifer. Keifer looked at Jay.
Jay whispered, "Are you ready for this?"
Keifer squeezed her hand. "I've been ready for nine months."
Jay laughed softly. "Me too."
Jasfher walked to the stage. He tapped the microphone.
"Everyone! Your attention, please!"
The crowd quieted. All eyes on him.
Jasfher smiled. "Tonight was supposed to be an introduction. A meeting between my daughter and the Watson son."
People murmured.
Jasfher continued. "But it turns out... they already know each other."
More murmurs.
Keizer joined him on stage. "And not just know each other. They love each other."
The crowd gasped.
Jasfher and Keizer spoke together. "So tonight... right now... we will witness their engagement!"
Cheers erupted.
Jay and Keifer walked up together. Hand in hand.
Jay looked beautiful in her blue dress. Keifer looked handsome in his black suit.
They stood in front of everyone.
Jeana handed Jay a small box. Inside was a ring. Simple. Elegant. Perfect.
Serina handed Keifer a box. Inside was a ring. Matching. Beautiful.
Jasfher spoke. "Jay, my princess. Do you want this? Do you want Keifer?"
Jay looked at Keifer. Her eyes were wet. "Yes, Dad. I want him. Only him."
Keizer looked at his son. "Keifer. Do you want this? Do you want Jay?"
Keifer looked at Jay. His heart was full. "Yes, Dad. I want her. Only her."
Jasfher nodded. "Then say your vows. From the heart."
Jay went first. She held Keifer's hands.
"Keifer. Nine months ago, I met a grumpy boy who tucked my hair and made my heart race. I didn't know then that you would become my everything."
Keifer's eyes glistened.
Jay continued. "You saw through my smile. You saw the real me. And you stayed. You defended me. You loved me. And I love you more than words can say."
She slipped the ring onto his finger. "I choose you. Today. Tomorrow. Always."
Keifer couldn't speak for a moment. He just looked at her.
Then he found his voice.
"Jay. Before you, I was cold. I didn't let anyone in. But you... you came like sunshine and melted everything."
Jay smiled. Tears falling.
Keifer continued. "You're kind. You're strong. You fight for people. You fight for me. And I will spend my whole life fighting for you."
He slipped the ring onto her finger. "I choose you. Today. Tomorrow. Always."
Jasfher smiled. "By the power given to me by her mother and myself... I now pronounce you engaged."
Keifer looked at Jay. "Can I kiss you?"
Jay laughed. "You better."
He kissed her. Soft. Sweet. Perfect.
The crowd cheered. Cameras flashed. Section E screamed from Manila on a video call.
Percy was crying. "MY BABY SISTER IS ENGAGED!"
Jane hugged Kyle. "THEY'RE SO CUTE!"
Aries nodded proudly. "Good for them."
Yuri smiled. "Finally."
Keigan and Keiren high-fived. "WE HAVE A SISTER NOW!"
Even Freya, watching from the video call, smiled a little. "Took them long enough."
Jay and Keifer escaped to the garden. Away from the crowd. Just them.
They sat on a bench. Looking at the stars.
Jay held up her hand. The ring sparkled. "I can't believe this is real."
Keifer held up his hand. His ring matched. "Me neither."
Jay leaned against him. "Nine months ago, I left the Philippines crying. Now I'm engaged to you."
Keifer kissed her head. "And you never have to leave me again."
Jay looked up. "Really?"
Keifer nodded. "I'm gonna stay with you in everything."
Jay hugged him tight. "I love you so much."
Keifer held her close. "I love you more."
They sat there. Engaged. Together. Finally.
Jasfher and Keizer watched from the window.
Jasfher smiled. "Our children. Engaged."
Keizer nodded. "And in love. Real love."
Jeana joined them. "It's more than we could have hoped for."
Serina wiped a tear. "They're perfect together."
Jane and Kyle walked over. Jane grinned. "So when's the wedding?"
Everyone laughed.
Jasfher shook his head. "Let them breathe first."
Keizer nodded. "But not too long. I want grandkids."
Jeana hit his arm. "KEIZER!"
Everyone laughed again.
Jay and Keifer walked back inside. Hand in hand. Rings sparkling.
Section E was still on video call. All of them crying happy tears.
Ci-N screamed, "JAYFER IS REAL! IT'S OFFICIAL!"
Drew yelled, "I WON ALL MY BETS! ALL OF THEM!"
Mayo and Kit hugged each other. "OUR OTP IS ENGAGED!"
Rakki wiped her eyes. "I'm so happy for you both!"
Grace held her baby bump. "Jay! You did it!"
Mica nodded. "We knew it would happen!"
Calix smiled. "True love always wins."
David nodded. "My prediction was right. They're endgame."
Even quiet Josh spoke. "Congratulations."
Jay laughed at the screen. "Thank you guys! We miss you!"
Keifer added, "We'll visit soon. Promise."
The Section E boys cheered.
The party ended. Guests left. Family went to sleep.
Jay and Keifer stood at the door. Saying goodnight.
Jay looked up at him. "This was the best day of my life."
Keifer smiled. "Mine too."
Jay bit her lip. "I don't want to say goodnight."
Keifer pulled her close. "Then don't. Text me when you're in bed."
Jay laughed. "Okay."
He kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, fiancée."
Jay's heart fluttered. "Goodnight, fiancé."
She walked inside. He watched until she was gone.
Then he pulled out his phone.
Keifer: I love you.
Jay: I love you more.
Keifer: Impossible.
Jay: Not impossible. True.
Keifer: Go to sleep. Dream of me.
Jay: Always.
They fell asleep smiling. Rings on their fingers. Love in their hearts.
Finally together.
Finally forever.