Keifer's POV
Ion stares at my secret phone for a while.
"Her name is Jay-jay? I thought she's a guy." She said and smiled. "She's cute. But why does she look like this in the picture? Can I see a decent photo of her?"
The picture I showed her was from Ci-N, and obviously, she's not looking at the camera. Her nostrils are flared wide while giving someone a death glare.
Ci-N never gave me a proper shot of her.
"Swipe the screen, maybe you'll find one." I said before sitting down beside her.
I had just finished changing into my outfit for the party. Ion helped me choose after I cried a river. And I can't believe I did it in front of her like a child. I only cried like that in front of Jay-jay.
She smiled when she saw a few funny faces of my queen.
"I like her already." She said and handed back my secret phone. "She's the reason why you don't want to marry me?"
"And her cousin is the reason why you want to marry me." I stated.
Her smile faded, and she seemed to process what I just said.
"Cousin? She's a cousin of—oh dear." She looked shocked, worried, but then laughed in the end. "What did he say? I know you two are not in the same boat."
"Well, he obviously doesn't like the idea of me being with his cousin. Sometimes I receive curses or threats."
She giggled. "He's always been that possessive guy. I didn't know he'd be the same with his girl cousin."
I arched a brow. I could see a glimpse of amazement in her eyes.
"Only to her." I said and stood up.
She followed me. I arranged my things and my mom's gift. She always had a surprise for me. She had so much faith that I would receive her gifts.
"How'd you find me anyway?" I asked.
"I called your brother, then he called your driver." She smiled innocently.
I nodded once. I made sure my mom's gift was placed somewhere others wouldn't easily find it. I had no plan to bring it to the party. There were a lot of important documents inside. I walked out, and Ion followed. I saw Uncle getting ready, fixing his bow while his butler stood beside him.
"Ready?" He asked me.
"I think." I answered, and he chuckled. "I'll wait for you outside."
I went out first. I knew Ion was just behind me. I walked toward the car that had brought her here.
"See you at the party tonight." I said while opening the door.
She walked closer and stopped in front of me. "You mean tomorrow night?"
"Tss. There's no difference. It's my birthday in a few hours."
"Then it's almost your birthday." She smiled and leaned closer.
I thought she was going to kiss me on the cheek, but she was aiming straight for my lips. I quickly moved back to avoid her, but I bumped into the car door. She took advantage of my situation and continued her scheme.
I tried to look away, but her lips still reached the side of my lips. I slightly pushed her and looked at her coldly.
"Ion." I said with authority.
She smiled innocently. "Happy Birthday, Keifer. I will always be your first kiss." She got inside the car.
But you won't be the last.
I closed the door and walked away.
I stopped when I saw Uncle and his butler. They were both looking at me intently. I heard Ion's car start.
Uncle shook his head. "Young generation is so complicated."
"I-it's not what you think." I tried to explain, but they turned their backs.
"What can I say? You're a Watson, after all."
He got into his car, leaving me standing there. I watched them leave and drive away.
I let out a deep sigh and went straight to my car. My driver started the engine and followed Uncle's car. I wiped the side of my lips.
Fvck this! Fvck this! Fvck this!
If they find out what she did, I'm doomed. I can't believe I let her do this. I let her kiss me—yes, it was indirect—but still a kiss.
Jay-jay must never find out about this. She's already about to give up on me. If she hears about this, she might leave me for good.
The hours of my journey were spent thinking about what might happen and how I could keep others from finding out what Ion did.
I was staring at my secret phone when we reached Watson Mansion. Expensive cars were parked in front of the mansion. I checked the time on my secret phone.
1 hour.
The car stopped, and I immediately stepped out. Uncle and his butler were waiting for me. They stood near the door.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting." I said.
"Are you ready, Birthday Boy?" Uncle asked.
I massaged my nape. "Please don't call me that."
He laughed and turned. We started walking toward the mansion door. Some of our relatives walked with us toward the hall. Some of them greeted Uncle, but they ignored me as if they didn't see me.
I wasn't sure if they didn't know me or if they just chose to act like I didn't exist.
When we arrived at the hall, the staff opened the doors. Music immediately blasted from inside. A classical piece played on the piano.
Let me vomit.
Uncle walked first, and his butler and I followed almost at the same time. Some people looked at us, and the moment they recognized me, their expressions changed. Some quickly avoided me, some whispered among themselves, while others gave me plastic smiles.
We weren't even close yet, but I could already hear the loud laughter of the Elders. I should prepare myself for their insults.
"Kier, you shouldn't be here." The Oldest said when we reached them.
"This is also my house. I have the right to be here, Maveric." Uncle said with a deadpan look.
"I'm talking about your health." The Oldest answered irritably.
I saw the superiority in him. Intimidating despite his age.
Funny. I've been here for so long, but I just now found out the first name of the eldest. Maybe because I don't usually give a fvck about him.
"My health never matters to you."
I wanted to laugh at how blunt Uncle Kier was with him. It was also obvious that he was getting annoyed. I looked at the other Elders, who were clearly unhappy to see us.
One of the Elders, standing right next to the oldest, looked at me.
"Keifer. Go find Hazel." He commanded.
I nodded briefly and bid my goodbyes to them. I walked around, looking for my cousin as they had asked me to.
So many rich people.
I almost laughed at my own thoughts. They wouldn't be Watsons if they weren't rich. I watched how they displayed their sophistication—jewelry shining from different parts of their bodies, expensive clothes swaying with their movements. Too many voices, too many conversations. Drinks were everywhere, and so was the buffet.
This was only the first celebration, and this is how a Watson organizes a party. When they say Watson style, they mean it.
Party like there's no tomorrow. Drink like it was your last drink. Dance like no one is watching.
And they say rich people are boring.
A Watson birthday party consists of two celebrations. The first one starts at midnight, waiting for the clock to strike 12 AM. It's their way of welcoming the celebrant's special day. The second celebration is held at the end of the day.
The first celebration is usually for the celebrant's relatives, while the second is for anyone they choose to invite.
I don't see the point of having two parties. They both end up the same way—introducing the birthday celebrant, eating, small talk, dancing, and then heading home. So what's the difference? This is just a waste of time.
I spotted Hazel talking to someone. I was planning to avoid her, but she had already seen me and started walking in my direction.
She greeted me with a light slap on the cheek. People nearby turned to look at us, but Hazel just smiled and adjusted my clothes.
"That's not how you wear Gucci." She said with a forced smile.
"Yeah, right." I replied sarcastically.
She leaned in and whispered, "That's for hurting my brother."
I already knew that from the start. My lips curled into a smirk, and I leaned closer to her ear.
"He deserves it."
She pushed me slightly, and I saw the anger in her eyes. We do have the same eyes when we're mad. Must be a Watson trait.
"Don't start with me."
"Your brother started it. He's always testing my patience."
She sighed. "I'll let it pass for now. But next time, I'll make you pay."
I rolled my eyes. She could make me pay now if she wanted. I was curious to see what she was capable of as a Watson. She linked her arm through mine and tugged me towards the people she had been talking to earlier.
"Keifer…" She got my attention. "These are our other cousins."
I looked at them and almost raised a brow. It was obvious they didn't want to meet me. The only thing they gave me was forced smiles. Some even eyed me from head to toe.
No one wanted to come forward and introduce themselves, so Hazel did it for them. She let go of my arm and approached one of them.
"Keifer, this is Angelica Louise Sendrijas. She owns the Sendrijas pharmaceutical company in Germany."
She tried her best not to show her irritation, but I could still sense it. She extended her hand for a handshake.
"Nice to meet the only heir of Watson's inheritance." Angelica said sarcastically.
I merely looked at her hand before turning away indifferently to face the others. From the corner of my eye, I saw how pissed she was. She couldn't take it anymore and walked away.
Hazel glared at me. Next, she introduced another cousin.
"I want you to meet the head of the Orcas Foundation, Hannah Luisa Orcas."
Hannah just smiled at me but didn't bother offering her hand. I showed no reaction.
Next, she introduced the twins who had been staring at me the whole time.
"This is Ayana Rain and Dana. They run a very famous jewelry shop in Paris." Hazel said, and both of them smiled at me.
She dragged me over to another group of people.
"Gierence…" She called their attention. "This is Keifer, our cousin from the Philippines."
I almost raised a brow. That introduction is incomplete. She should have mentioned that I'm the heir of the family.
Gierence offered his hand for a handshake, but I immediately ignored it. He simply nodded and pulled the woman beside him closer.
"This is my wife, Samantha, by the way." He introduced her, but I noticed the way he glared at me.
I know that look.
I'm not interested in his wife. I have my beautiful Jay-jay.
Hazel introduced me to several more cousins. We spent almost all our time meeting different people.
But my suffering in her hands finally came to an end when the eldest of the Elders stepped onto the mini stage and spoke into the mic.
I saw our other cousins signaling for us to move closer to the stage. Hazel was the first to walk ahead, and I followed.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As the eldest member of this family, I would like to thank you for joining us…" He said, raising his glass of champagne. "As you all know, the only heir of this family is celebrating his upcoming birthday. He is now of legal age to accept the first term of my late brother Keeper's last will and testament."
Yup, I had the same name as him.
"From this night on, he will no longer be the bastard of this family but the next CEO of Watson Enterprise. So please, come closer and join us in welcoming the day of his birth."
A large cake was brought onto the mini stage as the guests applauded. It was a shining black cake with gold lettering of my name and 'Happy Birthday.' Very simple, yet it looked so elegant and expensive.
Keigan was the one pushing me toward the center.
Uncle Kier pushed me to get on the stage. My face remained expressionless as I looked at all of them.
Keigan smiled at me while clapping. "Happy Birthday, Kuya."
I ruffled his hair. "Thank you, Keigan."
He stepped aside and let me approach the cake. The guests all started singing the never-ending birthday song together.
"Happy Birthday to you…"
While looking at them and listening to their song, I can't help but think of my friends. We used to celebrate together—having all-night drinks and nonstop food parties. They even rented a karaoke machine just to watch Ci-N sing the entire songbook.
We celebrated like there was no tomorrow. I can imagine how happy I was, and I would be even happier if Jay-jay were here with us.
The song ended, and the guests waited for me to blow out the candles. I did as they expected, and loud applause followed.
Keigan handed me the mic. "Please thank them for attending your party."
I took the microphone and spoke.
"Thank you for attending my birthday party."
I looked at everyone, and just then, my eyes landed on an unexpected guest. The Monster.
"…but I don't need you here. So please leave and make sure I will never see your faces again." I said without taking my eyes off him.
I heard the Eldest gasp, and Keigan called my name. The guests began whispering harsh comments. Some called me a bastard, while others called me disrespectful.
One by one, the people started leaving, except for him and his men.
"Keifer! What the hell is this?!" The Eldest called out.
"He's here." I said, almost whispering.
They all turned their eyes to where I was looking.
"Kaizer." Uncle Kier muttered.
I felt Keigan's presence behind me. "K-Kuya."
"Sshh… I'm here, Keigan. I won't let him hurt you." I reassured him without turning around.
One of the Elders ordered the crew to act. They quickly moved to shut the doors after the last guest had left.
All the bodyguards appeared, surrounding the entire hall.
The monster clapped as he walked toward us.
"Happy Birthday, my son." He said, spreading his arms as if expecting a hug.
We all stepped down from the mini stage and cautiously moved closer to him.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" Uncle Kier asked, his voice full of threat.
"Attending the party of my precious son." He said, giving us a purely evil smile. "Of course, I wouldn't miss my child's special day. After all, I'm his father."
For some reason, my heart pounded faster when he emphasized that last word. I wanted to puke, but I knew there was a deeper meaning behind it.
"What do you want?" I asked, trying to stay calm. "You will never get a single penny from my inheritance."
He smiled while shaking his head. "You're just like your mother."
I glanced at his men. I saw Dylan, his hitman, staring at Keigan behind me. I subtly blocked his view.
"Leave now, Kaizer, or I will make you." The Eldest threatened.
"Oh, please, not yet." He pretended to plead but smiled anyway. Then, he looked at me seriously. "We have some important things to talk about."
"Say what you want to say." I glared at him coldly.
He smirked. "You're the one who will say something to me."