Keifer's POV
"Did you already pack your things?"
Keigan turned to me, his expression dazed. He raised an eyebrow, staring blankly.
"Why would I pack my things?" He looked genuinely confused.
Not again.
I released a heavy sigh. "Tell me, Keigan—do you have a problem?"
He shook his head. "Do I look like I have a problem?"
I pinched the bridge of my nose. Every day I don't see Keigan, he seems like a different person. Some days he's bossy, other days he acts like he doesn't even know us.
"What's my name?" I asked.
He laughed. "You don't remember your own name anymore?"
I locked eyes with him. "What is my full name, Keigan?"
His smirk faded. He scratched his head.
"Mark Keifer Watson."
"What's the name of your younger brother?" I fired back immediately.
"Mike Keiren Watson."
"What is your full name?"
"Mir Keigan Watson."
"Where did you get the scar on the side of your right big toe?"
"From your broken toy lying around your room."
"How old were you when you found out you had astigmatism?"
"14, after getting constant headaches."
"Where did you hide Keiren when you decided to scare him?"
"The basement. Next to your favorite room—what is this all about?!"
"Just checking your memory."
He scoffed before standing and walking away. I rubbed my temples. On the surface, he seems fine—but something's definitely off. I didn't want to push him. He might just pull further away.
"Keifer! You ready?" Honey called, striding toward me.
I adjusted my tie, grabbed my coat from the sofa, and shrugged it on.
"I'm ready." I headed out, Honey trailing behind with her designer bag and a pink briefcase. Now I look like the secretary thanks to her theatrics.
"Uncle said a lot of their investors backed out after the data breach scandal. Why are you investing in them?" She asked, tucking a document into her briefcase.
"I know their Vice Chairman. He once told me there's no such thing as losing—only winning or learning." I unlocked my car. "I'm investing in him because I know he won't give up. That kind of man is hard to break in business."
We drove smoothly to the destination—a company owned by Angelo's associate. Tiger had tipped me off about their current struggles. This isn't just about money. I'll need him in the future too.
The company's building was massive, far from ordinary. No surprise—he's always flaunted his wealth.
"After this, let's get steak. I'm craving it," Honey chirped.
My forehead creased. Then she'll complain about gaining weight while eating nothing but meat.
No wonder Felix won't date you.
Inside, employees greeted us with synchronized smiles.
"Mr. Richardson is expecting you," one said.
I nodded, following him to the elevator. Only four of us rode up.
"Any requests? Coffee, tea, or cola? Would you like snacks during the meeting?"
Honey answered before I could. "Café latte and whiskey."
"Whiskey?" they confirmed.
"If you don't have that, champagne or red wine will do."
I adjusted my coat buttons. Why am I suddenly nervous? I never second-guess myself when I'm certain—yet this was a first.
The elevator doors opened to our floor. The assistant knocked before ushering us in.
Two steps in, I froze.
There was Mr. Richardson—and Angelo.
"Mr. Watson. Glad you could make it," Richardson said.
"Mr. Richardson." I forced myself forward, shaking his hand.
My gaze flicked to Angelo. He sat rigidly on the sofa, eyes locked on us.
So this is why I felt uneasy.
"Enough with 'Mr.'—we're past formalities. Call me by my nickname."
"Don." I obliged.
He gestured for us to sit. Honey crossed her legs, immediately drawing Don's attention.
"And who is this beautiful woman?" He took her hand, kissing the back of it.
Honey yanked her hand back. "Keifer's secretary."
Don turned to me, grinning. "Such a shame. You keep her only as a secretary?"
"We're both taken," we said in unison.
I nearly raised an eyebrow. She doesn't have a boyfriend—how is she 'taken'?
Maybe she's dating her imagination.
Angelo's sharp stare cut to me. He knows I meant Jay-jay.
"Really? With each other?" Don laughed.
I shook my head. "No. With his cousin." I pointed at Angelo.
Don's smile dropped. He looked between us, then burst into laughter, slapping Angelo's shoulder.
"For real?"
Angelo didn't move, his glare burning into me as Don howled in his face.
This just got complicated.
"Seriously, Angelo? You teach him not to hit women, yet you end up hitting your cousin?" Don said, laughing—until Angelo's deadly glare silenced him. "Fine, fine. Shutting up now."
"Start your meeting. We have other matters to discuss, so hurry up," Angelo ordered. Don pressed the intercom, calling his secretary.
"Send the papers now."
I sat directly across from Angelo, his piercing stare making my skin crawl. What the hell is wrong with him?
The meeting began with their company's mission, vision, and past projects. Don answered my questions effortlessly. Within two hours, we were done—Angelo watching silently the entire time.
"So, ready to close the deal?" Don asked.
"Sure."
The contracts arrived. I scanned them briefly before signing, Don doing the same. Then—awkward silence.
"Miss Beautiful," Don suddenly addressed Honey. "Give us some privacy? We have… sensitive matters to discuss."
Honey glanced at me. I nodded, and she left with the contract copies and her designer bag.
The moment the door closed, all three of us stood—and, weirdly, shrugged off our coats in unison. Don loosened his tie.
"You two really share the same brain, huh?" He pointed between me and Angelo.
I draped my coat over a chair, frowning as Angelo did the same.
"What's this about?"
They exchanged glances.
"The fraternity," Angelo said coldly. "You need to know what they did to us—and what they'll do to you."
"They'll exploit you. That's their game," Don added.
Are they trying to scare me out of joining?
"They wait until you're desperate. Then they own you," Don continued. "That's what they did to Angelo and me."
I scoffed. "Nice try. You're just trying to talk me out of it."
Angelo's next words froze my blood.
"Can you kill a man?" His voice was ice. "That's their initiation."
"You're joking."
"Dead serious," Don confirmed.
"The more desperate you are, the worse they make it. Sometimes… it's the unthinkable."
My throat tightened. Are they lying? But murder isn't something you joke about.
"What did they make you do?" I demanded.
"They ordered me to kill someone. I refused—I wasn't that desperate. So they gave me… an alternative," Don said, glancing at Angelo.
Angelo's gaze never wavered. "They gave me the same order. I almost did it."
"Why didn't you? Who was it?"
"A kid. Innocent. Clueless." His jaw clenched. "I saw no reason to end a life. So I walked away."
That kid… is there a chance…?
"Why tell me this?"
"Introduction," Don said smoothly. "Know the group you're joining."
"They have few members—old money, billionaires, tycoons," Angelo added.
"How'd you get in? You're not that rich."
He smirked. "There's a lot you don't know about me."
"Sometimes it's not just about money," Don said.
Bullshit. Money's always involved.
If they were telling the truth, I'd have to kill to join. But if I didn't, where else would I find allies like them? This was about more than me—it was for my brothers, for Jay-jay.
I have to risk it.
"I still want in," I said without hesitation.
They both exhaled deeply.
"Stubborn. Just like you," Don muttered to Angelo.
"You spoiled him."
"Shut up!" Angelo snapped before turning to me. "You're sure?"
I nodded. This is my only shot.
"I'll give you time to reconsider," he said. "When that time's up, if you still say yes…" He glanced at Don. "I'll recruit you myself."
He stormed out. Don smirked.
"No backing out once you start. No arrogance. And most importantly…" His grin turned wicked. "Your recruiter handles your initiation."
Fvck.
Angelo would be my recruiter. Fvck this! He'd humiliate me—or worse. I should've asked Ervin instead.
Don burst out laughing. "You've gone pale!"
"Whatever. I'm leaving." I grabbed my coat.
His laughter followed me out. Honey was waiting, grinning like a kid.
"Steak," she announced.
My stomach growled. Damn it. I nodded, leading the way as she trailed behind.
Employees kept greeting us as we walked to the parking lot.
"I know a place," Honey said, checking her phone.
"Just give me directions."
I drove while Honey navigated. The route felt unfamiliar—I wouldn't be here if I hadn't agreed to her steak demand.
"Turn at that corner. Then you'll see—THERE!" She pointed excitedly at a steakhouse.
As I parked, a familiar car caught my eye.
Is that… Percy's?
I hurried out, Honey trailing behind. My steps quickened toward Percy's car.
"Hey! What's with the car? You already have one like it," Honey teased.
"This belongs to someone I know." My eyes darted to the steakhouse windows, searching—for him… and her.
"Who?"
My heart hammered. She's here. With Percy. I could see her talking to him inside.
"Well? Who is it? Are they in there?" Honey pressed, trying to peek.
"Jay-jay's here. With someone."
Honey gasped. "She replaced you already?"
My jaw tightened. "No."
She fluffed her hair and pinched her cheeks. "I get it. Let's go in and show her what she's missing."
She's got the wrong idea.
"What?"
Ignoring me, she yanked my arm and dragged me inside.
"Table for two?" the host asked.
"Yes, please," Honey answered.
Before they could seat us, I intervened. "Follow me. I'll choose where we sit."
I pulled Honey toward Percy's table. Neither he nor Jay noticed us approaching—until we stood right in front of them.
"Keifer?" Percy blinked.
"Percy…" I turned to Jay. "…Jay."
She looked up, flashing a fake smile. "Oh, you're here? Didn't notice."
"Didn't notice… or chose not to?" Honey taunted.
"Both," Jay fired back.
Honey nudged me. "Introduce me to your blue-eyed friend."
Since when does she care about Percy?
"Percy, this is Honey Bee Raider. My lawyer's niece." I tapped her hand. "Honey, meet Percy Coll—Mariano."
They shook hands as Honey asked something I didn't catch. My focus was locked on Jay—I couldn't look away. If I blink, she might vanish.
"Intro's over. Bye now," Jay dismissed us, her smile razor-sharp.
A bitter ache twisted in my chest.
"Rude," Honey muttered.
Shut up before you start a war.
"Jay, don't be like that," Percy chided.
Jay clenched her jaw but stayed silent.
"Since we're eating here too… mind if we join?" Honey asked—exactly what I wanted to say.
"Great idea," I jumped in, signaling the staff before they could refuse.
Chairs were added. Jay immediately scooted away as I sat beside her.
The waiter handed us menus.
"Red wine for four," I ordered, barely glancing at the menu. Honey rattled off my usual steak order, but my eyes stayed on Jay.
Her short hair swayed with every movement. I noticed it at Ci-N's party but ignored it then. She's beautiful—no matter the haircut.
Even bald.
"So… how'd you two become step-siblings?" Honey broke the silence.
Jay didn't look up. "None of your business."
Here we go.
"Wasn't talking to you," Honey sneered, pointing at Percy. "I was talking to… him." She redirected her finger back to Percy.
They exchanged confused glances before Percy caved. "Uh… yeah. She's talking to me."
Pathetic.
Our food arrived. Jay struggled to cut her steak.
"Let me—" I reached for her plate, but she handed it to Percy instead.
"Cut this for me? Thanks!" She beamed at him.
I want to smash this plate into Percy's face.
"Percy, got a girlfriend?" Honey asked abruptly.
What the—?
"N-no," Percy stammered.
Still hung up on Freya, huh?
He excused himself to the restroom. Finally—my chance.
"Honey…" I ordered. "Keep him busy."
"My pleasure." She chased after him.
Jay fidgeted, but I blocked her escape with my gaze.
"We need to talk."
"You're already talking."
So savage.
"Listen—"
"Start at the beginning," she cut in.
My tie suddenly felt like a noose. I loosened it with a sharp tug.
"Fine. From the start then."
"Or skip to the end for fun," she smirked.
Testing my patience.
"Jay. I'm trying to be civil." I gulped my wine, forcing calm. Not here. Not in front of her.
"Please. I need to explain everything. Just… let me."
She fell silent, but her eyes brimmed with sadness.
"Stop, Keifer. No more explanations." Her voice wavered.
I can't stand seeing her cry because of me.
"I have to. You deserve the truth."
"I don't want to hear it!" She stared at her lap. "I'm tired… tired of loving you when you give me nothing back. I try to leave, but you pull me back in." A tear fell.
Don't go. You don't need to. The fault is mine—I'm the one hurting you.
"Why run from me?"
I should be the one giving you space.
"Because I have to. You gave me no reason to stay. I loved you, but you never loved me. Fool me once—I won't fall for it again."
No. That's wrong. You have every reason to stay. Me not loving you? Impossible!
I stayed quiet, letting her unleash the pain I'd caused.
"If I could, I'd switch sections. Your presence tortures me. Every class with you… it breaks me. All our happy memories? Just lies." She pressed a hand to her chest. "It hurts… so much."
Let me wipe those tears. But my hands stayed frozen.
"So please, Keifer..." Her tear-filled eyes met mine. "...Just stop."
Maybe now isn't the right time. My presence alone wounds her—every word from my lips like daggers twisting deeper.
I want to confess everything before I lose her completely, but forcing the truth now might drive her away forever. Her wounds are still too fresh, her mind still closed to me.
She shouldn't suffer—least of all because of me. If my existence causes her pain, then perhaps... I should be the one to leave.
I dropped my napkin and stood, closing the distance between us.
"You..." I leaned in until our breaths mingled. "...You're making me crazy."
She wiped her tears, confusion flashing across her face.
I'll walk away like she wants—but not to give up on us. I'll do this to spare her pain. I'll work harder. Fight smarter. Because—
"I'm Mark Keifer Watson. Smarter than you think. Stronger than you know..." A smirk curled my lips. "...And I'm the King of Snakes."
In one swift motion, I cupped the back of her neck and crushed my lips to hers—marking her, claiming her, sealing my promise. She gasped against my mouth, but I didn't relent until we were both breathless.
When I finally pulled away, I rested my forehead against hers. I don't want to let go—but I must. Love makes fools of us all, and I'll gladly lose my sanity for her.
"Only you, Jay... Only you could wreck me like this."
I released her and sank into the chair beside hers.
"Y-you're the one wrecking me!" she spat.
I caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles before resting them against my cheek. Exhaustion weighed on me, but I'd play this game until I won.
Staring into her eyes, everything became clear again—why I'm doing this, why I'll never stop.
"I'm scared," I admitted, forcing a smile. "...Of so many things."But nothing terrifies me more than losing you.
My throat tightened. Tears I couldn't control spilled over—in front of Jay-jay, the woman I love more than myself.
"Yuri was right. I lied to him, to you... to myself. What I feel for you—it's beyond anything you can imagine."
This confession is long overdue.
"K-Keifer..."
I cradled her face, feeling her tense beneath my touch.
"I'm terrified to hold you—even though I crave it. I never want to hurt you like I hurt Freya... But when jealousy consumes me, I lose control."
The ghost of my father's temper haunted me—all those times I made her cry in my rage.
"...I won't let it happen again." Then I remembered—we're leaving tonight. I won't even be here for my own birthday.
My smile turned wistful. "My birthday's coming... and you're the only gift I want."
I felt her hesitation—normal, expected. Releasing her, I dragged my hands down my face.
"You want me to stop? Then I will." I watched her reaction carefully. "...But only temporarily."
"W-what kind of—" She exhaled sharply. "'I'll stop but only for a while'? W-why? What are you planning?"
"I'm giving you space."
She's probably imagining spacecrafts right now.
"...But when I return? You'll be mine—whether you like it or not."
Before she could protest, Percy came stumbling back—hair disheveled, clothes askew. He yanked Jay away, fleeing like the devil was at his heels.
Let them go. That fool clearly met his match.
"Where's Percy?" Honey plopped down beside me, pouting.
"Gone. You scared him off." I sipped my wine.
"But I gave him a full performance!"
Full performance? My eyebrow arched. What the hell did she do?
"Maybe he didn't like it."
She gasped in outrage. "He loved it!"
"What exactly did you do?"
Her grin turned devilish. "What do you think?"
I didn't answer—better not to know. My imagination would torture me endlessly if I learned the details.
"You're not answering," she singsonged, pulling out her phone. "What's his full name? I'm adding him on Facebook."
"Percy Rey Collins."Deliberately using his old surname.
As expected, Honey's eyes bulged. "OMG! He's the brother of— AAAAAHHHH!"
Her shriek made me clutch my ears. The entire restaurant stared.
I let her be. My mind was already elsewhere—on the flight tonight, on the days ahead without Jay.
I hope I can survive even a single day without seeing her.