AUTHOR’S POV The mansion had slowly returned to its usual chaos.
Voices filled the living room.
Josh was arguing with Yuri about something completely unnecessary.
Ci-N and Eman were talking near the dining area.
Kit, Calix, Blaster, Edrix, Eren, Mayo, Denzel, Felix and Rory were scattered around the room.
David sat quietly, occasionally looking toward Jay.
Keifer was pretending not to watch her.
Angelo stood near the window.
Percy was, as usual, sitting close to Jay.
Too close.
He had one eye on her and another on his phone.
Jay was scrolling through her phone peacefully.
Everything looked normal.
But Aris wasn’t paying attention to any of it.
His eyes were fixed on Jay.
He had been thinking about talking to her since yesterday.
He had apologized to himself a hundred times.
But that wasn’t enough.
He needed to say it to her.
He needed to tell her everything he had been carrying.
He needed to apologize properly.
Not in front of everyone.
Not with a simple sorry.
He wanted Jay to know what had been going through his mind.
And more importantly— he wanted her to know that he finally understood.
Aris took a slow breath.
Then he walked toward her.
“Jay.” Jay looked up.
“Yes?” Aris hesitated.
“Can I talk to you?” Percy’s eyes immediately moved toward him.
Jay noticed.
Aris continued quickly.
“Alone.” The room became slightly quieter.
Percy looked between them.
Jay looked at Percy.
Then back at Aris.
For a second, she said nothing.
Aris waited.
Finally, Jay nodded.
“Okay.” Percy immediately looked concerned.
“Baby—” Jay turned toward him.
“Perse.” He stopped.
“I’ll be fine.” Percy didn’t look convinced.
Jay gave him a small smile.
“I promise.” Percy sighed.
“Fine.” Aris nodded toward the hallway.
Jay stood.
Aris walked first.
Jay followed.
Percy watched them until they disappeared around the corner.
Josh immediately looked at Percy.
“Why do you look like you’re about to send a search team?” Percy frowned.
“Because I might.” Josh laughed.
“Bro, they’re just talking.” Percy crossed his arms.
“I know.” Yuri looked toward the hallway.
“What do you think it’s about?” David quietly answered, “Probably something serious.” Keifer’s eyes remained on the hallway.
He didn’t say anything.
Angelo simply stood there.
He knew what this conversation was about.
And he knew Aris needed it.
JAY & ARIS Aris led Jay to a quiet room away from everyone.
He closed the door behind them.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Jay stood near the window.
Aris remained a few steps away.
He looked nervous.
More nervous than Jay had ever seen him.
Jay noticed.
“Aris?” He looked at her.
“I…” His voice broke.
He looked down.
Jay waited.
Aris took a deep breath.
“I’m sorry.” Jay didn’t respond immediately.
Aris looked at her again.
“I know I’ve said it before.” He swallowed.
“But I don’t think I ever actually apologized.” Jay remained silent.
Aris’s eyes slowly filled with tears.
“I was angry with you.” Jay’s expression softened slightly.
Aris continued.
“When you stabbed me…” His voice trembled.
“I was hurt.” A tear rolled down his cheek.
“I was angry.” He wiped it away quickly.
“I kept thinking…” He looked at Jay.
“How could my own sister do that to me?” Jay’s eyes lowered.
Aris continued.
“I thought you did it because you hated me.” Jay looked at him.
“I thought you didn’t care about me.” His voice broke completely.
“And instead of asking you why…” He took a shaky breath.
“I became cold.” Jay didn’t interrupt.
She simply listened.
Aris looked down at his hands.
“I stopped trying to understand you.” Another tear fell.
“I was so focused on what you did to me that I forgot to ask myself…” He paused.
“What was happening to you?” Jay’s eyes became slightly emotional.
Aris continued.
“I should have asked.” “I should have come to you.” “I should have said, ‘Jay, tell me what happened.'” His voice became quieter.
“But I didn’t.” He shook his head.
“I punished you.” Jay looked at him carefully.
Aris wiped his face.
“I treated you like you were some stranger who had hurt me.” He laughed bitterly through his tears.
“But you were my sister.” His voice cracked.
“My little sister.” Jay looked away for a moment.
Aris continued.
“And I was supposed to protect you.” He took a shaky breath.
“Instead, I made you feel like you had to carry everything alone.” Jay’s fingers tightened slightly.
Aris noticed.
“I know you were angry with me.” Jay looked at him.
“I know you had every right to be.” He stepped slightly closer.
“But I want you to know something.” He placed a hand against his chest.
“I was angry because I was hurt.” His eyes filled again.
“But I was wrong to let that anger decide how I treated you.” Jay remained silent.
Aris’s voice became softer.
“I should have noticed.” “The way you were changing.” “The way you stopped talking.” “The way you looked exhausted.” “The way you kept everything inside.” He shook his head.
“I should have noticed my sister was hurting.” A tear rolled down again.
“And instead…” He laughed sadly.
“I became another person you had to protect yourself from.” Jay’s expression finally changed.
She looked deeply hurt.
Aris looked at her.
“I’m sorry, Jay.” He whispered it.
Then again.
“I’m so sorry.” Jay didn’t say anything.
Aris’s tears continued.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me.” “I don’t expect you to suddenly forget everything.” “I don’t even expect you to trust me again.” He took a breath.
“But I needed to tell you.” “I was wrong.” Jay looked at him.
“I was wrong for being angry without understanding.” “I was wrong for becoming cold.” “I was wrong for making you feel guilty.” “I was wrong for not being there.” His voice broke.
“And I’m sorry.” Silence.
Long silence.
Aris lowered his head.
Jay simply stood there.
Listening.
She hadn’t interrupted him even once.
She hadn’t defended herself.
She hadn’t blamed him.
She had just listened.
Aris finally whispered, “That’s everything I wanted to say.” He wiped his tears.
“You don’t have to say anything.” Jay looked at him.
For several seconds, she remained quiet.
Then she slowly walked toward him.
Aris looked up.
Jay stopped in front of him.
Her voice was soft.
“I wasn’t angry.” Aris froze.
Jay continued.
“I was hurt.” His eyes widened.
Jay looked directly at him.
“I was never angry because you were angry with me.” “I was hurt because…” She took a breath.
“You were my brother.” Aris’s eyes filled again.
“And you hid that from me.” Her voice trembled slightly.
“I kept thinking about it.” “All the times you were around me.” “All the times you protected me.” “All the times you looked at me like you knew something I didn’t.” She swallowed.
“And I didn’t understand why.” Aris listened.
Jay continued.
“I kept asking myself…” “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Why didn’t you trust me enough to tell me?” A tear appeared in her eye.
“But I wasn’t angry because you were my brother.” She shook her head.
“I was hurt because I found out that someone I should have been able to trust had kept such a big part of my life from me.” Aris nodded slowly.
“I know.” Jay looked down.
“And then…” Her voice became quieter.
“You became cold toward me.” Aris’s expression fell.
“I know.” “I didn’t understand that either.” She wiped the corner of her eye.
“I thought you hated me.” Aris immediately shook his head.
“No.” Jay looked at him.
“I know that now.” Aris’s lips trembled.
“I never hated you.” “I know.” “I was just hurt.” “I know.” Jay looked at him for a moment.
Then she continued.
“And I was hurting too.” Aris lowered his eyes.
“I know.” “You didn’t know.” Aris looked up.
Jay gave him a sad smile.
“You didn’t know because I didn’t tell you.” He shook his head.
“But I should have noticed.” “Maybe.” Jay took a breath.
“But I also should have understood that you were hurt.” She looked at him.
“We both made mistakes.” Aris’s eyes filled again.
Jay continued.
“You hurt me.” He nodded.
“I know.” “And I hurt you.” Aris swallowed.
“I know.” “But I don’t want us to keep hurting each other.” Aris stared at her.
Jay’s voice became softer.
“I’ve already lost enough.” He looked devastated.
“So have I.” Jay took another breath.
“And I don’t want to lose my brother because we were both too hurt to talk.” Aris’s face crumbled.
“Jay…” She looked at him.
“I forgive you.” Aris froze.
Completely.
His lips parted.
“What?” Jay repeated softly.
“I forgive you.” A tear slipped down Aris’s cheek.
Jay continued.
“I can’t erase what happened.” “And I won’t pretend it didn’t hurt.” “But I forgive you.” Aris covered his mouth.
His shoulders shook.
Jay watched him.
Aris whispered, “Really?” Jay nodded.
“Really.” He looked down, crying.
“I don’t deserve it.” Jay shook her head.
“Maybe you think you don’t.” She gave him a tiny smile.
“But I’m giving it anyway.” Aris laughed through his tears.
“You’re still my little sister.” Jay raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t push it.” Aris laughed again.
For the first time, the tears on his face were mixed with a small smile.
Jay looked at him.
“You’re still annoying.” “I know.” “And overprotective.” “Yes.” “And you still owe me a lot of explanations.” Aris nodded.
“I’ll give you all of them.” “Good.” A quiet moment passed.
Then Aris said, “I was so scared you wouldn’t forgive me.” Jay looked at him.
“I needed time.” “I understand.” “I needed to be angry.” “I understand.” “I needed to be hurt.” “I understand.” Jay looked down.
“But I don’t want to stay there anymore.” Aris nodded.
“Neither do I.” Jay looked at him again.
“You’re my brother.” His eyes filled again.
“And I don’t want to keep treating you like you’re not.” Aris couldn’t hold it anymore.
He stepped forward.
Then stopped.
He hesitated.
Jay noticed.
She quietly said, “You can.” Aris looked at her.
“Can I hug you?” Jay nodded.
“Yes.” Aris immediately pulled her into a hug.
He held her carefully.
Not too tightly.
Like he was afraid she might disappear.
His tears fell onto her shoulder.
“I missed you.” Jay closed her eyes.
“I know.” “I’m sorry.” “I know.” “I really am.” “I know, Aris.” He held her a little tighter.
“I should have protected you.” Jay whispered, “You can start now.” Aris froze.
Then nodded.
“I will.” Jay rested her head lightly against his shoulder.
For the first time in a long time— there was no anger between them.
No blame.
No misunderstanding.
Just two siblings who had hurt each other… and finally found their way back.
After a while, they separated.
Aris wiped his face.
Jay looked at him.
“Don’t tell anyone I cried.” Jay raised an eyebrow.
“You cried for twenty minutes.” “Jay.” She smiled.
“Fine.” He sighed.
“Thank you.” She smiled again.
Then Aris looked at her seriously.
“And Jay?” “Hm?” “If you’re hurting…” He paused.
“Tell me.” Jay looked at him.
“You don’t have to tell me everything.” His voice was gentle.
“But don’t disappear inside yourself.” Jay was quiet.
Then she nodded.
“I’ll try.” Aris smiled.
“That is enough.” Jay looked at him.
“And you?” “Yes?” “Don’t become cold when you’re hurt.” Aris smiled sadly.
“I’ll try too.” She nodded.
“Good.” They stood there for another moment.
Then Jay suddenly said, “Should we go back before Percy sends a search party?” Aris laughed.
“He probably already has one prepared.” Jay smiled.
“I know.” The room had finally become peaceful.
Not completely.
Because peace was almost impossible in that mansion.
But at least the silence between Jay and Aris no longer felt heavy.
There was no anger.
No distance.
No coldness.
Just the strange comfort of finally finding each other again.
Aris wiped the last tear from his cheek.
Jay looked at him and smiled.
“Ready?” Aris nodded.
“Ready.” They started walking toward the door.
Aris reached for the handle.
But suddenly— “Wait.” He stopped.
Jay was still standing behind him.
Aris turned around.
“What?” Jay looked at him for a moment.
“I want to tell you something.” Aris immediately became serious.
“What happened?” “Nothing.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone.
Aris frowned.
“Jay?” “Just wait.” She quickly opened her messages.
Her fingers moved across the screen.
Jay: Come to my room.
We need to talk.
She pressed send.
DOWNSTAIRS Percy’s phone vibrated.
He glanced at the screen.
The moment he saw Jay’s name, his expression changed.
He opened the message.
Jay: Come to my room.
We need to talk.
Percy immediately stood.
Josh looked at him.
“Again?” Percy looked at him.
“Again.” Josh sighed.
“Bro, you are literally addicted to following Jay upstairs.” Percy ignored him.
Yuri watched Percy walk toward the stairs.
David quietly looked toward the staircase.
Keifer’s eyes followed Percy.
Angelo remained near the window.
He didn’t ask anything.
He already knew Jay had probably called Percy for something important.
Percy quickly climbed the stairs.
UPSTAIRS — JAY’S ROOM Jay and Aris were standing near the door.
Aris looked confused.
“Who did you text?” Jay simply smiled.
“Wait.” A few seconds later— Knock.
Knock.
Jay looked toward the door.
“Come in.” The door opened.
Percy entered.
His eyes immediately went toward Jay.
Then Aris.
Then back to Jay.
“Baby, what happened?” Jay shook her head.
“Nothing.” Percy frowned.
“Then why did you text me like we need to talk?” Jay walked toward him.
“Because I want you to meet aris.” Percy blinked.
“Meet aris?” Jay nodded.
“Yes.” Aris looked between them.
He was still confused.
Then suddenly— something clicked in his mind.
He looked at Jay.
Then Percy.
Then back at Jay.
“Wait.” Jay looked at him.
Aris pointed toward Percy.
“You want me to meet him?” Jay nodded.
“Yes.” Aris stared at Percy for a few seconds.
Then he sighed.
“See, Jay…” Jay’s eyebrows furrowed.
“What?” Aris smiled awkwardly.
“I know you both are close.” Percy’s eyebrow lifted.
“Okay…” Aris continued.
“And if you’re hesitating because you think I’ll have a problem with your relationship…” Jay froze.
Percy froze.
Aris smiled reassuringly.
“Don’t worry.” “I’ll accept it.” “I’ll support you both.” Silence.
Complete silence.
Jay slowly turned toward Percy.
Percy slowly turned toward Jay.
Both spoke at exactly the same time.
“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU SAYING?!” Aris jumped.
“What?!” Jay stared at him.
“You think me and Percy are—” “Dating?” Aris finished.
Percy nearly choked.
“WHAT?!” Aris looked genuinely confused.
“But don’t you love each other?” Jay’s mouth fell open.
Percy’s eyes widened.
“Aris.” “Yes?” Percy pointed at himself.
“And Jay.” “Yes?” “Do we look like a couple to you?” Aris thought about it.
“Yes.” Jay covered her face.
“Oh my God.” Percy looked offended.
“Why?!” Aris started explaining.
“You’re always together.” “You call her baby.” “You’re extremely possessive.” “You protect her.” “You two disappear together.” “You hold hands.” “You act like nobody else is allowed near her.” Percy opened his mouth.
Then closed it.
Aris nodded confidently.
“Exactly.” Jay looked at Percy.
“Perse…” Percy looked at her.
“Don’t look at me.
You’re the one who called me here.” Jay sighed.
Then she turned toward Aris.
“Kuya Ari.” Aris froze.
His expression immediately changed.
That name.
Kuya Ari.
He hadn’t heard Jay call him that since the stabbing accident.
For a second, he forgot everything else.
His eyes became emotional again.
Jay noticed.
She smiled softly.
“I want you to understand something.” Aris swallowed.
“What?” Jay stepped closer.
“Percy isn’t my boyfriend.” Aris looked confused.
“Then…” Jay took a breath.
“He’s my brother.” Aris stared at her.
Nothing happened for two seconds.
Then— “WHAT?????????” aris shouted Percy stepped forward.
“She means exactly what she said.” Aris looked at Percy.
“Your brother?” Percy nodded.
“Yes.” Aris looked at Jay.
“Jay…” She nodded.
“Percy is my brother.” Aris’s expression became completely blank.
Then confused.
Then shocked.
Then completely stunned.
“But…” He looked between them.
“You’re my sister.” Jay nodded.
“Yes.” “And Percy…” Percy answered quietly.
“I’m also her brother.” Aris stared at them.
“No.” Jay blinked.
“No?” Aris shook his head.
“Wait.” He rubbed his forehead.
“So…” He pointed at Jay.
“You’re my sister.” “Yes.” He pointed at Percy.
“And he’s your brother.” “Yes.” Aris stared at Percy.
“Which makes him…” Percy sighed.
“Your brother too.” Aris’s eyes widened.
“WHAT?!” Jay almost laughed.
“Kuya Ari, breathe.” “HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BREATHE?!” Percy crossed his arms.
“Welcome to the family.” Aris stared at him.
“You knew this?” Percy nodded.
“For a long time.” Aris looked back at Jay.
“And you two kept this secret?” “Yes.” “From everyone?” “Yes.” “Everyone downstairs?” “Yes.” Aris sat down on the edge of the bed.
He looked completely overwhelmed.
“Okay…” He took a deep breath.
“Okay.” Another breath.
“I need a minute.” Jay smiled.
“Take it.” Aris looked at them again.
“But why?” Jay’s smile disappeared slightly.
“Because we can’t tell everyone.” “Why?” Percy answered this time.
“Because of the Mariano family.” Aris looked at him.
Percy became serious.
“The Mariano family has enemies.” “A lot of them.” “And right now, people are already after me.” Aris’s expression became serious.
“If they find out Jay is my sister…” Percy nodded.
“They can use her against me.” Jay continued quietly.
“They can use both of us against each other.” Aris understood.
“So you’re letting everyone think whatever they want.” “Yes.” Percy nodded.
“Exactly.” Jay looked directly at Aris.
“We’re telling you because we trust you.” Aris stared at her.
Jay continued.
“And because you’re my brother.” Aris’s eyes softened.
“But there’s one condition.” Aris nodded.
“Anything.” “You have to pretend you don’t know.” Aris frowned.
“In front of everyone?” “Yes.” “You have to treat Percy like you always did.” “Yes.” “You can’t accidentally call him brother.” “No.” “You can’t react if someone says something about us.” “No.” “And you absolutely cannot tell anyone.” Aris looked offended.
“Jay.” He placed a hand over his chest.
“You don’t have to worry about me.” Percy raised an eyebrow.
“I am still worried.” Aris looked at him.
“Why?” Percy pointed toward Jay.
“Because now I have another person trying to control her life.” Aris stared.
“What?” Percy crossed his arms.
“You heard me.” Aris stood.
“I’m her brother.” “So am I.” “I’ll protect her.” “So will I.” “I’ll make sure she’s safe.” “I already do that.” “I’ll make sure she eats.” “I already do that.” “I’ll make sure she sleeps.” “I already do that.” Aris frowned.
“I’ll make sure nobody hurts her.” Percy immediately answered.
“Already handled.” Aris narrowed his eyes.
“You’re annoying.” Percy smiled.
“Thank you.” Jay stood between them.
“Guys…” Neither listened.
Aris pointed at Percy.
“And you thought Keifer, Yuri and David are your competition?” Percy’s expression became dramatic.
“Nooooo.” Aris blinked.
Percy pointed at him.
“You are my competition.” Aris stared.
“What?” Percy walked closer.
“Because I don’t like sharing my sister.” Aris’s jaw dropped.
“She’s my sister too!” “I know.” “Then share!” “No.” “Percy!” “No.” Jay rubbed her forehead.
“Oh God…” Aris continued.
“And another thing.” Percy looked at him.
“What?” “If anyone tries to marry Jay—” Percy immediately cut him off.
“I’m never letting anyone marry her.” Aris blinked.
“Excuse me?” “You heard me.” “She is seventeen!” “Exactly.” “So obviously nobody is marrying her right now!” “I said I’m never letting anyone marry her.” Aris stared.
“That’s insane.” Percy nodded.
“Correct.” Jay finally stepped between them.
“STOP.” Both men looked at her.
Jay pointed at Aris.
“You.” Then she pointed at Percy.
“And you.” Both became quiet.
Jay sighed.
“You two have known each other for five minutes as brothers and you’re already fighting over me.” Aris looked at Percy.
“He started it.” Percy immediately replied.
“He challenged me.” “I said I’ll protect my sister.” “And I said I already do.” Aris crossed his arms.
“She’s my little sister.” Percy crossed his arms too.
“She’s my baby.” Jay stared at them.
“I’m standing right here.” Both looked at her.
“Sorry.” Jay sighed.
“Unbelievable.” For a few seconds, the room was quiet.
Then Aris’s expression changed.
The joking disappeared.
He looked at Jay carefully.
“Jay.” Her smile slowly faded.
“Hm?” Aris took a step toward her.
“Why are you suffering alone?” Jay froze.
Percy’s expression changed instantly.
Aris continued.
“You know I’m here, right?” Jay looked down.
“I know.” “No.” Aris’s voice became firmer.
“You don’t just know.” “You need to believe it.” Jay remained silent.
Aris looked at Percy.
“And I’m one hundred percent sure Percy also knows about that thing.” Percy went completely still.
Jay looked at him.
Aris noticed their expressions.
His suspicion was confirmed.
“You both know what I’m talking about.” Jay slowly exhaled.
“Kuya Ari…” “Your trauma.” Silence.
Percy looked down.
Aris continued.
“The medication.” “The panic attacks.” “The sleep problems.” “The weekly checkups.” Jay didn’t answer.
Aris’s voice softened.
“I saw enough to understand that you’re not okay.” Jay looked away.
Percy stepped closer to her.
Aris looked at Percy.
“You knew?” Percy nodded.
“Yes.” “Since when?” “Recently.” Aris nodded slowly.
“So you both were hiding this.” Jay immediately said, “We weren’t trying to hide it from you.” Aris looked at her.
“You were.” Jay sighed.
“Okay.” “But not because we don’t trust you.” Aris looked at her.
“Then why?” Jay’s eyes lowered.
“Because I didn’t want anyone to worry.” Aris’s expression became pained.
“Jay.” She looked at him.
“You don’t have to protect everyone from your pain.” She stayed quiet.
Aris continued.
“You’ve been dealing with trauma.” “You’ve been having panic episodes.” “You’ve needed medication.” “You’ve had trouble sleeping.” “You’ve been going to regular checkups.” Jay nodded slowly.
“Yes.” Aris’s eyes became emotional.
“And you still came downstairs every day pretending everything was normal.” Jay gave a small smile.
“Most days.” “That isn’t strength.” Jay looked at him.
“It’s survival.” Aris went silent.
That sentence hit him hard.
Percy looked at Jay.
He knew exactly what she meant.
Aris swallowed.
“Then don’t survive everything alone.” Jay looked at him.
“You have me now.” He pointed toward Percy.
“And you have him.” Percy nodded.
“Always.” Aris continued.
“You don’t have to tell me every detail.” “But if you’re having a panic attack…” “Tell me.” “If you can’t sleep…” “Tell me.” “If the memories become too much…” “Tell me.” “If you’re scared…” His voice cracked slightly.
“Come to me.” Jay looked at him.
Aris stepped closer.
“I spent too much time being angry.” “I don’t want to waste more time.” Jay’s eyes became emotional.
“I understand.” Aris shook his head.
“No.” He smiled sadly.
“I don’t think you do.” He touched her shoulder gently.
“You’re my little sister.” “You don’t have to earn my protection.” “You don’t have to pretend to be okay for me.” Jay looked down.
Aris continued.
“And I don’t care how strong you are.” “You’re still allowed to need your brother.” Jay’s eyes filled slightly.
Percy quietly watched them.
Aris then looked toward Percy.
“And you.” Percy raised an eyebrow.
“Me?” “You better tell me if she’s getting worse.” Percy nodded immediately.
“I will.” “And don’t let her hide everything from you.” Percy gave a tired smile.
“Trust me.
I’m already annoying her about it.” Jay looked at him.
“Very annoying.” Percy smiled.
“Good.” Aris looked back at Jay.
“One more thing.” Jay raised an eyebrow.
“What?” “This stays between us.” Jay nodded.
“Completely.” Aris looked at Percy.
“And me.” Percy nodded.
“No one finds out.” Aris took a deep breath.
“Your trauma, your medication, your checkups…” He looked at Jay.
“None of it leaves this room.” Jay smiled softly.
“Thank you, Kuya Ari.” Aris froze again.
That name.
Kuya Ari.
His eyes immediately became emotional.
He smiled.
“I missed hearing that.” Jay’s smile softened.
“I know.” Aris gently pulled her into another hug.
This time, there was no hesitation.
No fear.
Just a brother holding his little sister.
Percy watched them.
Then he sighed.
“Great.” Aris looked over Jay’s shoulder.
“What?” Percy crossed his arms.
“Now I have to share her with you too.” Aris laughed.
“You’re never going to get used to it, are you?” Percy shook his head.
“Never.” Jay rolled her eyes.
“You both are impossible.” Aris smiled.
“Probably.” Percy nodded.
“Definitely.” And for the first time— Jay stood between two brothers who knew the truth.
One brother who had just found his way back to her.
And another who had protected her secret for years.
The secret was still dangerous.
The enemies were still outside.
The Mariano family still had enemies.
And nobody downstairs knew the truth.
But inside that room— for the first time— Jay didn’t have to carry everything alone.