Author’s POV
The hospital room had finally become quiet.
The examination was over.
Jay’s right hand was secured in a plaster cast.
The medical reports were sitting on the table.
And the biggest revelation of the entire day was still hanging between the two siblings.
Five babies.
Five.
Percy was still trying to process that number.
Jay was sitting on the edge of the hospital bed, staring at her plastered hand.
She looked calm.
Almost too calm.
But Percy knew better.
She was thinking.
A lot.
Dr.
Meera entered the room again with a file in her hands.
Percy immediately stood.
Jay looked up.
The doctor smiled gently.
“Before you leave, I need to explain a few things.”
Percy nodded immediately.
“We’re listening.”
Jay glanced at him.
“Why do you sound like you’re attending a business meeting?”
“Because you’re involved.”
Jay rolled her eyes.
The doctor smiled.
“Alright. Let’s start with the basics.”
She pulled a chair closer.
“Jay, your pregnancy is very early. You’re approximately one month pregnant, and because the scan indicates five embryos, this will require very careful monitoring.”
Jay nodded.
Percy immediately asked,
“How often?”
The doctor looked at him.
“More frequently than a normal pregnancy. Your obstetrician will decide the exact schedule, but you should expect regular checkups and additional monitoring.”
Percy nodded seriously.
Jay watched him.
The doctor continued.
“Now, medications.”
She opened the file.
“These will only be taken exactly as prescribed. Don’t take painkillers, antibiotics, supplements, or even herbal medicines without checking with your doctor first.”
Jay nodded.
“Okay.”
Percy immediately repeated,
“Nothing without checking.”
Jay looked at him.
“I heard her.”
“I know.”
“Then stop repeating it.”
“I’m making sure.”
The doctor smiled.
“You’ll probably hear a lot of repetition from him.”
Jay sighed.
“I already know.”
Percy ignored her.
The doctor continued.
“Because of the fracture, you’ll need to be careful with your right hand. No heavy lifting.”
Jay looked at her plaster.
“That’s manageable.”
“Also, don’t try to compensate by putting more strain on your other hand.”
Jay nodded.
“Okay.”
“And exercise.”
Percy immediately became attentive.
The doctor said,
“You should not start any exercise routine on your own.”
Jay raised an eyebrow.
“At all?”
“Not strenuous exercise. With a pregnancy like this, your obstetrician should guide you. Gentle movement may be recommended depending on your condition, but right now, rest and medical supervision are more important.”
Percy nodded.
“No gym.”
Jay looked at him.
“I wasn’t planning to go to the gym.”
“You were thinking about it.”
“I wasn’t.”
“You were.”
The doctor tried not to laugh.
Jay gave Percy a look.
“Perse.”
“Fine.”
The doctor continued.
“Nutrition is extremely important.”
Jay’s expression immediately became uncomfortable.
Percy noticed.
The doctor noticed too.
“You’re going to need regular meals.”
Jay sighed.
“I don’t eat that much.”
“I know.”
The doctor looked directly at her.
“That’s exactly what needs to change.”
Jay stayed quiet.
“Don’t skip meals. Try to have smaller meals more frequently if large meals make you uncomfortable.”
Percy nodded.
“Done.”
Jay looked at him.
“Don’t say ‘done’ like you’re running a military operation.”
Percy looked completely serious.
“It is a military operation.”
The doctor laughed softly.
Jay shook her head.
The doctor continued.
“Protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, adequate fluids, and whatever prenatal nutrition your obstetrician recommends.”
She looked at Percy.
“And don’t turn this into forcing her to eat enormous meals.”
Percy paused.
“I wasn’t going to.”
Jay gave him a suspicious look.
The doctor smiled.
“Support her. Don’t fight her over every bite.”
Percy nodded.
“Understood.”
Jay muttered,
“Thank God.”
The doctor continued.
“Sleep is also important.”
Jay nodded.
“How much?”
“Listen to your body. If you’re tired, rest. Don’t treat exhaustion like something you have to defeat.”
Percy looked at Jay.
That sentence clearly hit him.
Jay noticed.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“You’re thinking.”
“I’m always thinking.”
“About me.”
“Obviously.”
Jay sighed.
The doctor continued.
“And emotionally…”
Jay looked at her.
The doctor smiled gently.
“Pregnancy can bring significant mood changes.”
Jay immediately looked toward Percy.
Percy looked back.
Neither said anything.
The doctor continued.
“You may become unusually irritated.”
Jay pointed toward Percy.
“I already do that.”
Percy nodded.
“She does.”
Jay glared.
The doctor laughed.
“You may also become emotional unexpectedly.”
Jay’s expression changed.
Percy immediately noticed.
“Or angry.”
Jay crossed her arms.
“I am not angry.”
“You were angry thirty seconds ago.”
“Because you were annoying.”
The doctor smiled.
“And you may experience sudden cravings.”
Jay looked at Percy.
“Cravings?”
“Yes.”
Percy immediately said,
“Whatever she wants, we’ll get it.”
The doctor raised a finger.
“Within reason.”
Percy nodded.
“Of course.”
Jay smiled slightly.
The doctor continued.
“And there may be moments when she doesn’t even understand why she’s feeling a certain emotion.”
Percy looked at Jay.
“That’s going to be interesting.”
Jay narrowed her eyes.
“Don’t start.”
The doctor laughed.
“Percy, the best thing you can do is stay patient.”
Percy nodded.
“I can do that.”
Jay muttered,
“We’ll see.”
The doctor looked at Jay.
“And Jay…”
“Hm?”
“Don’t hide symptoms.”
Jay became quiet.
The doctor continued.
“You’ve already demonstrated that you’re very good at ignoring your body’s warning signs.”
Percy’s expression immediately became serious.
Jay looked away.
“I understand.”
“No.”
The doctor’s voice was gentle but firm.
“I want you to actually understand.”
Jay looked back.
“If something hurts, tell someone.”
“If you’re dizzy, tell someone.”
“If you feel unusually weak, tell someone.”
“If something feels wrong, don’t wait until it becomes serious.”
Jay nodded.
“Okay.”
The doctor smiled.
“Good.”
Then she looked at Percy.
“And you.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t panic every time she sneezes.”
Jay laughed.
Percy looked offended.
“I wasn’t going to.”
The doctor raised an eyebrow.
“You look like you might.”
Jay laughed again.
Percy sighed.
“Fine.”
The doctor closed the file.
“That’s everything for now.”
Percy stood.
“Thank you, doctor.”
Jay also stood carefully.
The doctor immediately pointed at her.
“Slowly.”
Jay stopped.
“Right.”
Percy was already beside her.
“See?”
Jay looked at him.
“I can walk.”
“I know.”
“Then stop hovering.”
“No.”
She rolled her eyes.
The doctor smiled.
“Take care of yourself, Jay.”
Jay nodded.
“I will.”
The doctor looked at Percy.
“And make sure she does.”
Percy answered immediately.
“I will.”
THE RIDE TO MARIANO MANSION
The hospital doors opened.
Jay walked toward the car.
Her right hand was plastered.
Percy stayed beside her.
The guards followed a few steps behind.
The driver opened the rear door.
Jay got inside.
Percy followed.
The moment the door closed, Jay leaned back.
She exhaled.
“Finally.”
Percy looked at her.
“Comfortable?”
“Somewhat.”
“Need anything?”
“No.”
“Water?”
“No.”
“Food?”
“No.”
“Medicine?”
“No.”
“Blanket?”
“No.”
“Pillow?”
“Perse.”
“Hm?”
“Stop.”
Percy smiled.
“Okay.”
The car started moving.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Jay watched the city passing outside.
Then she asked quietly,
“How long?”
“About forty minutes.”
“To the mansion?”
“Yes.”
Jay looked out again.
Forty minutes.
Her real home.
The place where she had spent her childhood.
The place filled with memories.
She didn’t say anything.
Percy noticed her expression.
“You okay?”
Jay nodded.
“Yeah.”
“You’re thinking about the mansion.”
“Obviously.”
Percy smiled.
“Mr. William already prepared everything.”
Jay turned toward him.
“You told him?”
“No.”
Jay raised an eyebrow.
“Then?”
“I didn’t have to.”
“What do you mean?”
Percy looked at her.
“You told him.”
Jay’s expression softened.
She remembered.
She had spoken to Mr.
William earlier.
She had asked him to clean the entire mansion.
At the time, it had simply been something she wanted done.
Now— it suddenly felt different.
Jay whispered,
“He actually did it.”
“Of course.”
She smiled.
“Mr. William always does.”
The gates opened.
The car entered.
Jay’s eyes slowly widened.
The mansion stood exactly where it had always been.
Large.
Elegant.
Quiet.
Familiar.
Yet somehow— different.
Maybe because she was seeing it again after so long. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
The car stopped.
Before Percy could open the door, Jay was already looking through the window.
The mansion lights were on.
Staff members stood near the entrance.
And in front of them— stood Mr.
William.
The longtime butler of the Mariano family.
The moment Jay stepped out of the car—
Mr.
William’s eyes softened.
He bowed slightly.
“Welcome home, Miss Jayjay.”
Jay froze.
Those two words.
Welcome home.
Something inside her shifted.
She looked at the mansion.
Then back at him.
Mr.
William smiled.
“We have been waiting for you.”
Jay swallowed.
She didn’t cry.
Not immediately.
Instead, she walked forward.
Mr.
William looked at her plastered hand.
His smile disappeared.
“Miss Jay…”
Jay immediately said,
“It’s fine.”
His eyes moved toward Percy.
Percy sighed.
“Don’t ask.”
Mr.
William looked concerned.
“What happened?”
Jay answered casually,
“Nothing dramatic.”
Percy stared at her.
“She got hit by a truck.”
Mr.
William’s eyes widened.
“Sir!”
Jay looked at Percy.
“Why would you tell him like that?”
“Because that’s what happened.”
Mr.
William looked horrified.
“Miss Jay, you were in an accident?”
Jay nodded.
“I’m fine.”
“And your hand?”
“Fracture.”
Mr.
William looked even more shocked.
Percy immediately said,
“She’s been checked.”
Mr.
William nodded.
“Thank goodness.”
Jay smiled.
“I’m okay, Mr. William.”
He nodded.
Then his eyes moved toward Percy.
“And you, sir?”
Percy looked at him.
“I’m fine.”
Mr.
William looked at both of them.
Then smiled.
“Good.”
The staff began taking their luggage.
Jay watched them.
Her eyes moved around the entrance.
Everything looked clean.
Perfect.
Exactly how she had asked.
She whispered,
“You cleaned everything.”
Mr.
William smiled.
“As you instructed, Miss.”
Jay nodded slowly.
“Thank you.”
“Always.”
That word made her smile.
Jay stepped inside.
The moment she entered the mansion— the memories came rushing back.
The staircase.
The hallway.
The large windows.
The living room.
The old piano.
The photographs.
The corner where she used to sit as a child.
The staircase where she had once raced Percy.
The dining table where family dinners had happened.
Everything was still there.
Jay slowly walked forward.
Her fingers brushed against the wooden railing.
She remembered being small.
Running through these halls.
Laughing.
Arguing.
Getting scolded.
Hiding behind curtains.
Stealing sweets from the kitchen.
Calling for Mom.
Calling for Papa.
The memories were everywhere.
She stopped near the staircase.
Percy stood behind her.
He didn’t say anything.
Jay stared upward.
“I remember this.”
Percy smiled.
“You used to fall asleep halfway up those stairs.”
Jay turned.
“I did not.”
“You did.”
“I don’t remember.”
“I do.”
Jay smiled.
“How old was I?”
“Five.”
“Five?”
“Maybe six.”
“You remember that?”
“I remember everything.”
Jay looked at him.
There was something warm in her eyes.
“You really do.”
“Unfortunately.”
She laughed softly.
Then she looked toward the hallway.
“I used to hide there.”
Percy followed her gaze.
“Because Mom would chase you when you broke something.”
Jay smiled.
“I didn’t break it.”
“You absolutely did.”
“It was already broken.”
“You were holding the pieces.”
Jay stared at him.
“Evidence?”
“You.”
She laughed.
For the first time that day— her laugh sounded completely genuine.
Then she walked farther inside.
She stopped near the living room.
There was an old photograph on the wall.
Jay stared at it.
Her younger self.
A family photograph.
She didn’t touch it.
She just looked.
Her smile slowly faded.
Percy came beside her.
“You okay?”
Jay nodded.
“Yeah.”
But her voice was quieter.
“This place remembers everything.”
Percy looked at the photograph.
“Yeah.”
Jay whispered,
“So do I.”
A small silence followed.
Then Jay suddenly wiped the corner of her eye.
Percy noticed.
“You’re emotional.”
Jay immediately looked at him.
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
“Perse.”
“Pregnancy.”
Jay pointed at him with her good hand.
“Don’t blame everything on pregnancy.”
Percy smiled.
“You just threatened me.”
“I always threaten you.”
“Exactly.”
She laughed again
Later, after their luggage had been taken upstairs, Jay and Percy sat in the living room.
Mr.
William came in with water.
Jay thanked him.
Percy looked at his phone.
Then suddenly smiled.
Jay noticed.
“What?”
Percy looked up.
“Nothing.”
“Why are you smiling?”
“Because I remembered something.”
“What?”
Percy put his phone away.
“Astra team doesn’t know you’re here.”
Jay’s eyes widened.
“They don’t?”
“No.”
Jay smiled.
“They think I’m somewhere else?”
“Yes.”
Percy leaned back.
“It’s a surprise.”
Jay looked genuinely amused.
“When are they coming?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
Jay’s smile became bigger.
“All of them?”
“All of them.”
She immediately started naming them.
“Thyme?”
“Yes.”
“Ren?”
“Yes.”
“MJ?”
“Yes.”
“Kevin?”
“Yes.”
“Cole?”
“Yes.”
“Sam?”
“Yes.”
“Kade?”
“Yes.”
“Raphel?”
Percy smiled.
“Obviously.”
Jay leaned back happily.
“They’re going to lose their minds.”
“Probably.”
“Especially when they see the mansion.”
“They’ve seen it before.”
“Not like this.”
Percy raised an eyebrow.
“Why?”
“Because they’ll know I’m staying here.”
He nodded.
“Exactly.”
Jay smiled.
Then suddenly she looked suspicious.
“You planned this.”
Percy looked innocent.
“I did.”
“Without telling me?”
“Yes.”
“Perse.”
“What?”
“I hate surprises.”
“You love surprises.”
“I hate them.”
“You’ll love this one.”
Jay stared at him.
“Maybe.”
Percy smiled.
“There’s the mood swing.”
Jay threw a cushion at him.
He caught it.
“Hey!”
“Don’t blame everything on pregnancy.”
“I’m not.”
“You literally just did.”
“I said maybe.”
“Your tone said everything.”
Percy laughed.
By evening, the mansion had become peaceful.
The staff had prepared several dishes.
But Percy had other plans.
Jay entered the kitchen and immediately stopped.
Percy was standing near the stove.
Jay stared.
“What are you doing?”
Percy didn’t turn.
“Cooking.”
Jay blinked.
“You?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Percy looked at her.
“White sauce pasta.”
Jay’s eyes widened slightly.
“For me?”
“Obviously.”
She smiled.
“You can cook?”
“Yes.”
“Since when?”
“Since forever.”
“Why didn’t I know?”
“Because you never asked.”
Jay walked closer.
She looked at the pan.
“That actually smells good.”
Percy smiled.
“I know.”
Jay sat on the kitchen stool.
“Can I help?”
“No.”
“I can stir.”
“No.”
“I can chop.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Why?”
“One hand is fractured.”
Jay looked at her plaster.
“Oh.”
Percy pointed toward the chair.
“Sit.”
She sat.
“You’ve become bossy.”
“I’ve always been bossy.”
“True.”
Percy served the pasta.
He placed the plate in front of her.
Jay took a bite.
Percy immediately watched her expression.
“Well?”
Jay nodded slowly.
“This is actually good.”
“Actually?”
“Very good.”
Percy smiled proudly.
“I knew it.”
Jay took another bite.
Then another.
Percy smiled.
“See?”
“What?”
“You can eat.”
Jay rolled her eyes.
“Don’t ruin the moment.”
They ate together.
The conversation moved from one random topic to another.
Jay complained about the mansion being too quiet.
Percy said she would complain if it was noisy too.
Jay asked whether Mr.
William had kept her old room.
Percy said yes.
She asked whether the Astra team had been told anything.
He said no.
She asked whether the guards would stay.
He said yes.
She asked whether Percy planned to sleep.
He said yes.
She asked when.
He said whenever she stopped asking questions.
Jay laughed.
“You really missed me, didn’t you?”
Percy looked at her.
“Maybe.”
Jay smiled.
“That’s my line.”
“Then don’t use it.”
After dinner, they moved into the living room.
Jay sat comfortably on the sofa.
Percy sat opposite her.
The room was quiet.
The fire crackled softly.
Jay stared at her hands.
Then she suddenly said,
“Perse?”
“Hm?”
“I’m not telling Keifer.”
Percy’s expression immediately changed.
He knew exactly what she meant.
“The pregnancy.”
Jay nodded.
Percy remained silent for a moment.
Then he asked,
“Why?”
Jay looked down.
“Because he doesn’t love me.”
Percy’s jaw tightened.
Jay continued.
“What if I tell him and he tells me to abort?”
Percy immediately looked at her.
“Jay—”
“I’m serious.”
“I know.”
She took a breath.
“I don’t want to hear that.”
Her voice was calm.
But the pain behind it was obvious.
“I don’t want someone who doesn’t love me deciding whether my children should exist.”
Percy stayed quiet.
Jay continued.
“These are my children.”
She placed her good hand gently over her stomach.
“They’re mine.”
Her expression softened.
“And now…”
She smiled faintly.
“They have nothing to do with Keifer.”
Percy stared at her.
Jay looked at him.
“He is their biological father.”
A pause.
“But that doesn’t automatically make him their family.”
Percy’s eyes softened.
Jay continued.
“I don’t want to tell him.”
Percy nodded slowly.
“Then you don’t have to.”
Jay looked at him.
“What?”
“You don’t have to tell him right now.”
Jay’s eyes softened.
“You won’t force me?”
“No.”
“Even if you hate him?”
Percy laughed bitterly.
“I definitely hate him.”
Jay almost smiled.
“But this is your decision.”
He looked directly at her.
“Not mine.”
Jay nodded.
“Thank you.”
Percy leaned back.
“But if he ever finds out—”
Jay looked at him.
“Then we’ll deal with it.”
Percy nodded.
“Exactly.”
Jay was silent for a moment.
Then she said,
“I just don’t want my children to grow up feeling unwanted.”
Percy’s expression softened completely.
“They won’t.”
Jay looked at him.
“How do you know?”
“Because they have you.”
Her eyes became emotional.
“And…”
Percy smiled.
“They have me.”
Jay smiled.
“Poor children.”
Percy frowned.
“What?”
“They’re going to have you as an uncle.”
Percy laughed.
“I’ll be the best uncle.”
“You’ll be terrifying.”
“Protective.”
“Overprotective.”
“Same thing.”
Jay smiled.
“You know…”
“Hm?”
“I think they’ll like you.”
Percy looked at her.
“They better.”
Suddenly Jay stopped.
She looked toward the kitchen.
Percy noticed.
“What?”
Jay didn’t answer.
Her eyes remained fixed in one direction.
Percy frowned.
“Jay?”
She slowly turned toward him.
“Perse.”
“Hm?”
“I want chocolate ice cream.”
Percy blinked.
“Now?”
Jay nodded.
“Now.”
“It’s almost midnight.”
“I know.”
“You’re craving chocolate ice cream?”
“Yes.”
Percy stared at her.
Jay stared back.
A long silence.
Then Percy sighed.
“Fine.”
Jay smiled.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“You’ll get it?”
“Yes.”
“Chocolate?”
“Yes.”
“Extra chocolate?”
Percy stared.
“How extra?”
Jay thought.
“Very.”
He laughed.
“Okay.”
Jay smiled.
“You’re the best.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
She grinned.
“Too late.”
Percy stood.
“Anything else?”
Jay thought seriously.
“No.”
He started walking toward the kitchen.
Then Jay called,
“Perse.”
He turned.
“What?”
“Maybe chocolate syrup too.”
Percy stared at her.
“You said chocolate ice cream.”
“I changed my mind.”
“Anything else?”
Jay smiled innocently.
“Maybe sprinkles.”
Percy shook his head.
“You’re impossible.”
“You love me.”
He smiled.
“Unfortunately.”
Jay laughed.
The mansion had become completely quiet.
The staff had gone to their quarters.
Mr.
William had checked everything twice.
Percy had made sure Jay had taken everything the doctor had prescribed.
Water beside her bed.
Medication arranged.
Phone charged.
Extra pillows.
And, of course— chocolate ice cream.
Jay stood in front of her bedroom door.
She looked inside.
Her childhood room.
It was still there.
Not exactly the same.
But close enough.
The familiar bed.
The curtains.
The shelves.
Old photographs.
The small corner where she had once kept her favorite things.
She walked inside slowly.
Her fingers brushed against the bookshelf.
Then the desk.
Then the window.
She looked outside.
The mansion grounds were quiet.
Moonlight fell across the garden.
Jay smiled.
“Home.”
Percy stood at the doorway.
“Yeah.”
She looked back.
“I missed this.”
“I know.”
She sat on the edge of the bed.
Percy placed the ice cream on the side table.
“Happy?”
Jay smiled.
“Very.”
He looked at her.
“Tired?”
“A little.”
“Good.”
“Why good?”
“Because you’re finally going to sleep.”
Jay rolled her eyes.
“You’re impossible.”
“And you’re pregnant.”
She pointed at him.
“Don’t start.”
Percy laughed.
He walked toward the door.
Then stopped.
“Jay.”
She looked up.
“Hm?”
“Tomorrow.”
“What?”
“Astra team.”
Jay smiled.
“I’m ready.”
“They’re going to destroy the mansion.”
“They won’t.”
“They absolutely will.”
Jay laughed.
“Let them.”
Percy smiled.
Then his expression softened.
“Goodnight, Jay.”
“Goodnight, Perse.”
He started leaving.
Jay suddenly called again.
“Perse?”
He turned.
“Yes?”
She smiled.
“Thank you.”
Percy understood what she meant.
Not just the mansion.
Not just the hospital.
Not just the ice cream.
Everything.
He smiled.
“Always.”
He closed the door.
Jay leaned back against her pillows.
Her eyes slowly moved toward her stomach.
She placed her good hand gently there.
Five lives.
Five tiny heartbeats.
She still couldn’t completely understand it.
She still didn’t know what tomorrow would bring.
She didn’t know what would happen when Astra arrived.
She didn’t know what would happen when she eventually met Jaspher.
She didn’t know what would happen when Keifer eventually learned the truth.
But tonight— she was home.
For the first time in a long time, she didn’t need to fight.
She didn’t need to pretend.
She didn’t need to prove anything.
She simply closed her eyes.
A small smile remained on her face.
And somewhere outside her room, Percy was still awake.
Checking the hallway.
Checking the time.
Checking whether she needed anything.
Because Percy had always protected Jay.
But tonight, the meaning of that protection had changed.
He wasn’t only protecting his little sister anymore.
He was protecting the future she was carrying.
Five little lives.
And the girl who had somehow survived everything thrown at her.
Inside her childhood bedroom—
Jay finally fell asleep.
Safe.
Home.
And surrounded by the one thing she had needed all along.
Family.