Keifer's POV
"What are you up to?" I asked Keigan.
He looked at me and raised a brow. "What?"
"Arranged marriage? That's old school."
"I told you, I just acted before the elders did. That was their plan too."
I chuckled and crossed my arms. "How did you find out?"
"One of them talked to me and asked how to tame you. I didn't answer, but I decided to create a plan—."
"Without consulting me?! What the hell, Keigan?!"
I couldn't stop my voice from rising. I just wanted to talk to him and make him stop whatever he and Ion were planning.
He shook his head in disbelief. "Would you have listened? Your brain is occupied with that girl! You're doing unreasonable things. Tell me, how was I supposed to consult you about this?"
"You're going too far!"
"I have to! How else would you do what you're supposed to do? Tell me how, when everything you're planning is just for her." He smirked, full of insult. "There's no 'for us,' just for her."
Why can't you see, Keigan?
"No, it's not. You're wrong. All of this—."
"I really don't like that woman. She changed you into someone I've never seen before." He sighed and shook his head again. "I'm starting to see the curse on you."
"There's no curse."
"There is. You are the living proof." He said and walked away.
I wiped my face with my palm. This is not what I expected to happen.
"That was intense." It was Honey.
I glared at her. She was holding a cigarette between her two fingers. Again.
"Throw that away, or I will throw you!" I said and left.
I went straight to my room to check my secret phone. The first thing that greeted me was a message from Sir Alvin.
From: Alvin S.
Message: Your brother wishes to talk to you. Call me when you're available.
I let out a breath. I'm not ready to talk to him yet. My brain is about to explode. There are too many things on my mind, too many things I want to do, but I can't even begin.
It's almost my birthday in the Philippines. I know Keiren wants to greet me.
I took a deep breath and called Sir's number. A few rings before he answered.
["Hey…"] he greeted me.
His voice sounded lifeless, like he was forced to wake up and face a crowd.
I can't blame him. Section E's building is in jeopardy. And for some reason, Angelo doesn't seem to have any plans of interfering.
The worst part is, I can't pull any strings to stop them because Keigan is blocking me. I hope I make it in time. I hope I can stop them before that building is demolished.
"Can I talk to Keiren?" I asked.
He didn't answer, but I heard some shuffling sounds. I also heard him knocking on a door, a little conversation, then more rustling sounds.
["Kuya?"]
"Hey, how are you?"
Instead of answering, he giggled.
["Happy Birthday, Kuya! I have a gift for you."]
I smiled. "Really? What is it?"
["Secret. I will give it to you soon."]
"Thank you, Keiren."
["When are you coming back here?"]
"I'm not sure."
["I hope soon. I miss you and Kuya Keigan. Even though he has many names, I know he's still Kuya Keigan."]
My forehead creased. What does he mean by 'many names'?
"Keiren? What is your Kuya Keigan's full name?"
["Mir Keigan Watson, but sometimes he says his name is different. Almost every day, he keeps telling me to stop calling him Kuya Keigan."]
I wiped my face. Keiren is the one who notices Keigan's changes the most since they're often left alone at home.
"Don't mind him. He's probably just messing with you."
[ "I hope so. I'll go ahead now, Kuya. Ma'am Cindy will tutor me now." ]
I didn't get the chance to say goodbye because he already ended the call. If before, he would often be grumpy and playful with me, now he seems so affectionate.
It looks like staying at the couple's house is actually having a good effect on him.
I know something is missing in Keiren's life. And that something is called parents. Even if he doesn't say it, I can feel that it's what he longs for—a loving set of parents who will take care of him.
Every time he asks me about them, it breaks my heart. Not because of the real reason, but because I don't know how to answer him in a way that won't hurt him.
I hid my secret phone when I heard a knock on the door.
"You have a visitor." It was Honey, and I could sense irritation in her tone.
"Come in." I said, and the door opened.
Instead of Honey, it was Ion who came in. She gave me a small smile as she walked toward me.
"Hi, I'm here to pick you up."
I glanced at Honey when I noticed her repeatedly rolling her eyes. It looked like her irritation toward Ion had intensified.
"Where to?"
"The Watson's mansion. Your cousins are requesting you there."
I let out a deep sigh. I just want this to be done. I sighed again before walking out of my room. Ion and Honey followed behind me.
Before leaving, I asked Honey to check on Keigan for me. He's emotional, and I'm scared that it will affect him severely.
After giving instructions, we left. Ion couldn't look at me the same way she did before. She was avoiding my gaze. We remained silent even though it was just the two of us in the elevator.
"I'm giving you time." I said without looking at her.
"Time for what?"
"Time to stop this crap."
"The decision is not just mine." She said, and the elevator door opened.
She walked ahead of me out of the hotel. I noticed the car she approached. It's not the usual car that Keigan uses to pick her up.
"I'll use my car. Let me look for my driver."
"You can ask him to follow you. It's better if we go there together." She said and got inside.
She's starting to get on my nerves. I asked one of the bellboys to send a message to my driver. Then, I got inside the car.
We were sitting next to each other, but it felt like there was a huge wall between us.
We stayed silent the entire trip to the mansion. And I thought they would never let me step foot in that place again.
What are the odds.
I was quite familiar with the route, so I decided to look outside the window. Even from a distance, I could already see the Watson mansion—the wide green grass field in front, the pebbled driveway making a sound whenever the rubber wheels of the car passed over it. The car circled around the Victorian-style fountain before stopping in front of the entrance.
I got out first and opened the car door for Ion.
She let me do it and gave me a short smile.
We walked in together. The huge doors opened, and my idiot cousin Clyde was obviously waiting for us.
"Ion, my dear." He greeted her with open arms.
Ion gave him a peck on the cheek before hugging him.
"Nice to see you again."
Clyde shot me a mocking look before letting her go. She stepped back to my side.
"Keifer. Good thing you came." He said and was about to hug me.
I immediately raised my middle finger and stuck it in his face to stop him.
"I'm not in the mood."
He stepped back and raised both his hands in surrender, as if trying to calm me down.
"Is that how you repay your cousins who worked hard for your party?"
Oh great.
I immediately shoved my hands into my pockets. Coming down from the grand staircase was the eldest of the Elders. The sound of his cane hitting the polished floor echoed through the room.
He walked toward us, and Clyde immediately tried to help him, but the Elder raised his hand to stop him.
"Set aside your bad manners, you're in my house." He said to me.
"You mean my house?" I said, raising a brow.
He shot me a deadly glare. I couldn't help but feel uneasy around him. Despite his age, he still carries the superior aura of a Watson. But I made sure he wouldn't see that I was affected.
"The deed is not yet yours."
"But about to…" I looked at my wristwatch. "…In a few hours—."
Ion grabbed my arm.
We looked at him.
"K-Keifer. He's your grandfather, please show some respect." She said calmly.
The Elder chuckled. "You forgot to introduce your fiancée."
I just looked at Ion, and when she realized I had no intention of introducing her, she did it herself. She let go of me and stepped slightly closer to the Elder.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Janine Ion, I'm Keifer's fiancée." She offered her hand, and the Elder accepted it, but instead of shaking it, he brought it closer to his lips and kissed the back of her hand.
Ion took a step back but managed to compose herself. The Elder looked at her with a sweet smile. I rolled my eyes.
Gross.
Ion smiled awkwardly before pulling her hand back. I heard Clyde chuckle.
"She's indeed a darling," the Elder said before looking at me. "Your brother knows better than you."
I sighed to calm myself. I've wanted to punch Clyde in the face for a while now and kick this old man standing in front of me.
"Tell me something about yourself, young lady," he added, motioning for us to walk.
We followed. Ion and the Elder walked together, while Clyde and I walked behind them.
"I'm a general surgeon but currently on hiatus. I was taking my residency when I decided to stop due to some important matters," Ion explained.
"So you're a doctor. What a great profession," the Elder said, and I sensed the mocking tone. "A very hardworking person. Women like you are welcome in my family."
"Thank you, I'm flattered to hear that."
"You really suit my grandson, Keifer. Unlike another woman I know…" the Elder started, and my forehead creased. "…A bastard who can't find her father, adopted by her relatives, and can't even show gratitude. And her mother, who is on her sixth—seventh husband."
"Oops." I heard Clyde whisper.
My fists clenched, ready to punch someone. I'm not surprised that he knows these things about Jay-Jay, but I don't understand why he brought her up.
What are you trying to prove?
"Those kinds of women will never suit my grandson."
"You crazy old man." I said calmly, and Ion immediately looked at me with wide eyes.
Clyde and the Elder stopped, clearly confused by what I had just said. Ion tried to calm herself and forced a smile.
"What did he say?" The Elder asked her.
She shook her head. "Nothing important."
"I said you're crazy."
Clyde's forehead creased, obviously struggling to understand what I had just said.
"Keifer…" Ion awkwardly smiled at me. "A little respect, he's your grandfather."
Her words said one thing, but her expression said another. She was clearly trying her best to divert their thoughts from what I had actually said.
"He's crazy. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy." I repeated in a flat tone.
Try to understand what I'm saying.
The two of them looked even more confused, especially when Ion stepped closer and gripped my arm tightly.
"Keifer." There was a threat in her tone.
"Is there something we should know?"
Clyde stepped forward, crossing his arms.
I looked at him blankly.
"You have no brains. And you're useless."
Ion awkwardly smiled at him. She tightened her grip on my arm, and I could feel her nails digging into my skin. I made sure not to react, even though it stung.
"N-nothing. He's just asking how to say thank you." She said, trying to save my ass.
I don't need to be saved.
"We should continue." The Elder said, and they resumed walking.
Clyde followed after giving me a warning look. Ion was still holding my arm. I pulled it away in one swift motion.
"I don't need your help." I said, walking away from her.
"It's her, isn't it?" She asked, stopping me.
"The woman your grandfather was talking about. She's the reason you're holding on to hope."
She walked closer to me. I looked at her with a warning stare. One wrong word, and I might not hold back.
"Who is she? Keigan told me that he needs me to get rid of a woman in your life. She's that woman, right?"
My fists clenched. "She's none of your business."
"She is now. I can help you with her."
I laughed as if she had just made a joke. I'm a Watson. I don't need help when it comes to the woman I love.
"I don't need any help. What I need is for you to stop this bullshit."
I turned my back on her and continued walking. But she really had no plans of stopping. She kept up with my pace.
I saw Clyde enter a large door. That's probably the biggest hall where they're planning to hold the event.
"Listen to me, Keifer, your brother can ruin her."
Fvck this.
I stopped and turned to face her again. I leaned in close so she could hear every word clearly.
"And I can ruin my brother or anyone who tries to touch her! I can do anything to protect her, even if it means hurting myself!"
I caught my breath after saying that.
She just stared at me, clearly in awe.
"You're really like Angelo. You both turn selfless…" Her face darkened. "…and selfish at the same time."
She turned her back on me and walked away, entering the hall.
I shook my head. I really don't like being compared to that demon.
Not with him.
His name may sound angelic, but he's a real demon. A fraud.
I followed them and entered the hall. As expected, most of the servants were there, setting up for the event. A few of my cousins were also there.
"Keifer." One of my cousins called out while walking toward me.
Hazel Watson.
She handed me a paper bag.
"Please change. We need your photos for the program tonight." She said and walked away.
I looked at one of my cousins. He was holding a camera and talking to someone while searching for the best place for the photoshoot.
This is crap, just like them. I didn't know all of this was necessary. Such a waste of time.
"Just do what she said. You won't like it when my control freak sister gets mad." Clyde said while drinking champagne.
You won't like it when I get mad.
"Whatever."
I took the paper bag and went straight to the washroom. I changed as Hazel instructed. It was a tuxedo from a very expensive brand.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I'm quite surprised that it fits so well.
As I adjusted my pants, I glanced at my secret phone, which was resting on my discarded clothes.
It's been a while since I last talked to Jay-Jay.
I decided to send her a message.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Hey. How are you?
I was planning to wait for her reply, but suddenly, the door opened, and Clyde walked in without hesitation. I quickly hid my secret phone under my clothes.
"Don't you know how to knock?" I asked, sounding pissed.
He raised an eyebrow. "Don't you know how to lock?"
I sighed. It's useless to argue with him.
I fixed my clothes and was about to leave when the door suddenly opened again.
Clyde and I both complained at the same time when Hazel barged in without warning.
"Damn it! Don't you know how to knock?"
Clyde asked while trying to zip up his pants.
Hazel raised a brow. "Don't you know how to lock?"
They're definitely siblings.
Hazel turned to me and snatched the clothes I was holding. She placed them on the table near the door before quickly pulling me out.
"Can you move a bit faster?" She said, dragging me like a child.
"What is this for?" I asked, but she didn't answer.
We reached the center of the hall, and she finally let go of me. I heard a few clicking sounds—it was the camera pointed at me.
What's the purpose of this?
I heard Hazel shouting, instructing me to pose in front of the camera.
I saw Ion watching from behind Hazel. She seems to be enjoying the show.
I rolled my eyes. I just went along with what my cousin wanted so this could be over quickly. I badly want to end this crap. I gain nothing from this party anyway.
The photographer stopped for a moment. Hazel spoke with him and Ion. I suddenly felt uneasy. I think I know what's about to happen.
Not with her.
And just as I suspected, Hazel dragged Ion closer to me. She tried to position us side by side and even pulled my arm to wrap around Ion's shoulders, but I stopped her.
"What are you doing?" Irritation was clear in my tone.
"Couple picture." Hazel said in an almost innocent tone.
I immediately stepped away. "No. This is enough. We're done."
"What? No, we are—."
"I said we are done!" I shouted and glared at her.
She took a step back and gulped. "O-okay."
I turned my back on her and started walking away.
That's when I noticed Clyde, grinning as he stared at a phone—
Fvck! That's my phone.
Something snapped inside me, and adrenaline rushed through my body. I ran and immediately grabbed my phone from him.
Rage filled me when I saw that he had replied to Jay-Jay's message. My hand automatically grabbed his shirt.
He was still smiling, and that made me even more livid.
"How dare you?!" I shouted at him.
He just responded with loud laughter.
I punched him twice, but he didn't stop laughing.
"Keifer! Stop!" I heard Ion shout.
"What the hell?! Stop! Someone stop him!" Hazel yelled.
But I didn't listen to anyone.
I kept punching him.
Blood was pouring from his nose and mouth.
Someone tried to stop me, but they just received a punch from me as well.
I turned back to Clyde, but the Elder's roaring voice made me stop.
"KEIFER!"
I breathed heavily. My fists were still clenched.
I badly want to break Clyde's skull and watch his blood color the shiny floor.
Hazel and a few others immediately rushed to help Clyde. Some began cleaning up the mess I had made.
"K-Keifer." It was Ion, and I could sense that she wanted to touch me.
I turned to the Elder when I heard his cane striking the floor.
He looked at me, full of disappointment, before walking away.
"What happened, Keifer?" Ion asked calmly.
"None of your business."
I looked around and saw nothing but darkness.
I decided to leave and abandon all of this. This place is nothing but fvcked up.
I saw my car and my driver waiting outside the mansion.
He immediately opened the door for me.
"Uncle Kier's place." I said as he got inside.
He looked at me with hesitation. "S-Sir, there is an order—."
"I don't give a fvck!"
He didn't say anything else and drove the car away from that place.
I checked my phone and Jay-Jay's messages.
I let out a deep sigh after reading them.
That fvcking asshole.
He even had the nerve to send her a picture of me.
I felt a bit relieved when I saw that he hadn't replied with anything that could hurt Jay-Jay.
I wouldn't be able to take it if she found out about this engagement setup.