Chapter 87

Chapter 87
Kaelen's POV

The morning light filters through the dorm curtains casting a gentle golden warmth. I wake up with Jordan's arm draped across my chest, his breathing slow and warm against my shoulder. For the first time in weeks, the knot in my stomach is gone. I turn my head carefully and watch him sleep for a moment, memorizing the peace on his face.

This is what I chose. This is what I want and I'm not letting it go, ever again.

A sharp knock shatters the quiet. I flick my eyes to the door, suddenly worried who it might be and Jordan stirs beside me. I press a kiss to his forehead and ease out of bed, pulling on a shirt and sweats.

The moment I open it, my father's presence fills the hallway like a storm cloud. He is alone, no sign of my mother.

"We are leaving. Now." That's the first thing he says, his voice a low command and eyes daring me to defy him.

Defiance is all I've got left now besides my love for Jordan. I don't step aside. "No."

His jaw tightens. "This nonsense has gone far enough, Kaelen. You are coming home to pack your things. I already made arrangements for your new school in Singapore where you will learn to become a man worthy of inheriting my legacy."

I feel Jordan move behind me, but I keep my eyes on my father. "I'm not going anywhere. I already made my choice."

He scoffs. "And you expect me to continue supporting you while you erode your mind, chasing things that give your future no security?"

"If leaving Jordan is the price for your love and support, then I'd rather you hate me and walk out on me, father."

Silence stretches between us. His face hardens. "And how do you expect to manage your luxurious lifestyle? It certainly won't be with my money and you are too spoiled to earn it yourself."

The words sting, but they don't break me. Not anymore. "I'll find my own way," I say, even though I'm afraid I don't know where to start. "You just embrace losing another son."

Something flickers across his face, maybe surprise, maybe just anger but it's gone too fast. "So be it. If you think I'm going to come after you again, you are mistaken."

"I don't expect you to," I reply quietly.

"I'm going to need all my credit cards back," he says stretching his hand. "And the car keys."

I already saw this coming so I had already gathered everything. I don't even flinch when I hand them to him. He stares at me for a long moment, then turns and walks away without another word.

I close the door slowly and lean against it, letting out a long breath with my eyes closed. The tuition for all four years is already paid in full and he can't take it back. That's one thing I don't have to worry about. I don't need a car to get around campus and this city is now officially my home. Food, books, the little things--- those will be on me now.

Somehow, all that feels lighter than carrying their expectations ever did.

When I open my eyes, Jordan is watching me from the middle of the room, worry etched across his face.

"Are you okay? I hate that they are doing this to you."

I cross the distance between us and pull him into my arms. "Come here."

He melts against me, careful of my injury. I bury my face in his hair, breathing him in. "I have you. I'm more than fine."

We hold each other for a long minute, the warmth of his body grounding me. When we finally pull apart, Jordan brushes his thumb across my cheek. "I have to go to class in a few. You should rest up and I'll catch you up later."

"My butt is fine. My head is fine. I can listen," I say, smiling. "I'm going with you."

Jordan doesn't argue. He just smiles softly and nods.

Walking across campus with him feels different today. The usual noise and bustle of students rushing between buildings wraps around us, but everything feels brighter instead of annoying. I keep stealing glances at him, at the way the sunlight catches in his hair, at the small smile that keeps tugging at his lips when our shoulders brush...

For the first time in years, I'm not carrying the weight of who I'm supposed to be. I'm just... me, walking between classes with my boyfriend.

Our fingers keep finding excuses to touch; a hand on his lower back as we navigate the crowds, his fingers brushing mine when we sit side by side in lecture. Every laugh we share settles something deeper inside me. Happiness. Real, uncomplicated happiness.

After our last class, we walk out together. Without thinking, I reach down and lace our fingers. Jordan's eyes widen slightly in surprise, but he doesn't pull away.

The simple act of holding his hand in public sends a thrill through me. I have never done this before. Never let myself.

We are halfway across the main field surrounded by students heading to their next destinations when the urge becomes too strong to ignore. I tug Jordan toward me with my good side, cup his face gently, and kiss him fully. Not a quick peck but a real kiss, lips smashed against his, tongue exploring his mouth, wet and deep and full of everything I feel for him.

A girl walking past lets out an appreciative whistle. "Damn! That's the hottest and most beautiful thing I've seen on this campus."

We break apart, both smiling. Jordan's cheeks are flushed, eyes bright with surprise and joy. I squeeze his hand. "Lunch together?"

He nods, still grinning. "Yeah. Definitely."

The cafeteria is loud and crowded, but the moment we sit down with our trays, Elise appears with her roommate, Tessa. Her face lights up when she sees us.

"Oh my god, look at you two!" She practically bounces over, pulling us both into quick hugs before sliding into the seat across from us

She is genuinely excited, her eyes sparkling as she looks between us. It's surreal. The girl my father once pushed as the perfect match for me is now one of our biggest cheerleaders. "I'm so happy for you both. Seriously. You look good together."

"Thanks, Elise," Jordan says sweetly.

We fall into easy conversation. Elise teases me about finally growing a spine. The laughter flows naturally warm and light.

"So... is this like official official?" she asks, leaning forward.

"Oh yes," I say, glancing at Jordan with a smirk. "And very public. I think Jordan is about to complain about my PDA now."

Jordan laughs, the sound rich and happy. "Not a chance. I have wanted this too long to complain. Now I think I'm finally receiving my prize."

I reach across the table and take his hand, my thumb brushing over his knuckles. "I'm sorry I tried to drag you back into the closet."

Jordan shakes his head, squeezing my fingers. "No more apologies. Eyes forward now, let's build from here."

Elise and Tessa let out simultaneous "awwws." Tessa nudges her dramatically. "Wanna turn gay with me?"

Elise bursts out laughing. "What?"

"I think I have FOMO," Tessa declares with a pout.

The four of us dissolve into hearty laughter that carries across the cafeteria. I look around the table--- at Elise's bright smile, at her friend's playful energy, and especially at Jordan, whose eyes are already on me, soft and full of love.

For the first time in years, I feel free. I don't have the safety net of wealth anymore but I have something richer than anything my father could ever offer. I have family that doesn't love me with conditions--- Elise, Lucas, and Jordan.

My gaze holds Jordan's a beat longer, and a slow, genuine smile spreads across my face. This is home.