Keifer's POV
"Did you pack your stuff already?"
Keigan turned to me, currently looking dazed. His brow arched as he stared at me. "Why would I pack my stuff?" He looked so confused.
Not again.
I let out a heavy sigh. "Tell me, Keigan, do you have a problem?"
He shook his head. "Do I look like I have a problem?"
I rubbed my chin. Every day that I don't see Keigan, he seems to become a different person. Some days he's bossy, and some days it's like he doesn't even know us.
"What's my name?" I asked him, and he laughed.
"You don't remember your own name anymore?" he said while laughing.
I looked him straight in the eye. "What is my complete name, Keigan?"
It looked like he realized I was serious. He scratched his head a bit. "Mark Keifer Watson."
"What's the name of your younger brother?" I quickly followed up after he answered.
"Mike Keiren Watson."
"What's your full name?"
"Mir Keigan Watson."
"Where did you get the scar on the side of your right big toe?"
"From your broken toy that was lying around in your room."
"How old were you when you found out you had astigmatism?"
"Fourteen, after having headaches."
"Where did you hide Keiren when you decided to scare him?"
"Basement. Beside your favorite room—what is this all about?!"
"Just checking your memory."
He let out an irritated laugh before standing up and walking away. I held my temples. He looks fine at a glance, but there's really something off about him. I don't want to force him to open up. It might only push him farther away from me.
"Keifer! You ready?" It was Honey, walking toward me.
I stood up and fixed my necktie. I picked up the coat draped over the back of the sofa, gave it a quick shake, and put it on.
"I'm ready." I said and started walking.
She followed behind me, carrying her expensive bag and a pink briefcase. I ended up looking like the secretary because of her flamboyance.
"Uncle said a lot of their investors pulled out because of the data breach issue. Why would you still invest in them?" she asked as she tucked the paper she was holding into the briefcase.
"I know their Vice Chairman. He once said there's no such thing as losing. It's either winning or learning." I pressed my car key to unlock my car. "I'll invest in him because I know he won't give up. People like that are the hardest to take down in the business world."
I got into the car, and so did she. I drove smoothly to our destination. I plan to invest in the company owned by Angelo's friend.
Tiger was the one who told me about the current problem with his company. It's not just about money that I'm investing in him. I know I'll need him too in the future.
We arrived at the address Honey gave me. The building of their company was big and far from ordinary. I'm not even surprised—he's been flaunting his wealth since way back.
"After this, let's eat, okay? I want steak."
My forehead creased. Then later she'll complain that she's gaining weight, but all she eats is meat.
Maybe that's why Felix doesn't want to court you.
Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by the employees. They smiled at us and almost greeted us in unison.
"Mr. Richardson is waiting for you," said one of the men.
I simply nodded before following him. We approached the elevator, and when it opened, there were only four of us inside.
"Would you like anything? Coffee, tea, or cola? Would you also like something to eat while in the meeting?" one of them asked me.
It was Honey who answered. "Café latte and whiskey," she said while typing on her phone.
"Whiskey?" they confirmed.
"If you have none, champagne or red wine will do."
I adjusted the buttons of my coat. I don't know why, but suddenly I felt nervous. I don't usually feel nervous when I'm sure about what I'm going to do. This is the first time.
We arrived at the office floor we were heading to. The man assisting us knocked before opening the door.
I had barely taken two steps in when I saw who was inside. It was Mr. Richardson—and the one and only... Angelo.
"Mr. Watson. I'm glad you made it," said the man I came to see.
"Mr. Richardson," I said and walked closer to them.
He offered his hand for a handshake and I accepted it. I couldn't help but glance at Angelo. He sat on the long sofa, staring seriously at us.
Looks like he's the reason I suddenly felt nervous.
"Stop calling me 'Mr.' like we haven't been through things together. Call me by my nickname."
"Don," I said, and he nodded.
He motioned for us to sit, and Honey did just that. Don's attention immediately shifted to her.
"And who's this beautiful woman?" Don approached her and reached for her hand to kiss the back of it.
Honey quickly snatched her hand back. "Keifer's secretary."
Don turned to me. "Such a shame. You keep her only as a secretary."
"We're both taken," we said in unison.
My eyebrow nearly rose. She doesn't even have a boyfriend, so how is she taken?
Maybe she has an imaginary one.
I glanced at Angelo when he gave me a meaningful look. I know he knows I'm referring to Jay-jay.
"Really? With each other?" Don said, then laughed.
I shook my head."No. With his cousin." I pointed at Angelo.
He looked at him in disbelief. Then he turned back to me, then to him again. Don suddenly burst out laughing. He even pointed at me and Angelo while shaking his head.
"For real?" he asked while laughing out loud.
He walked over to Angelo and laughed right in his face. Angelo, however, didn't move—he just kept glaring at me.
"Seriously, Angelo? You teach him to how to approach women and he ends up approaching your cousin," he said, and Angelo suddenly looked at him with deadly eyes. Don stopped laughing and straightened his necktie. "Told myself to shut up already."
"Start your meeting. We still have things to talk about so make it quick," Angelo said, and Don pressed the intercom to call his secretary.
"Send the papers here now," he said.
I sat directly across from Angelo. I couldn't sit still because of the way he was staring at me. It was like he was burning holes through me.
What the hell is wrong with him?
We started the meeting with the Mission and Vision. Then discussed the work done and the events they held before. I asked a few questions that Don answered right away.
With complete details, we finished the meeting in less than two hours. Angelo patiently waited for us to finish. He didn't say a single word while observing us.
"So, would you like to close the deal now?" Don asked me.
"Sure."
Don called his secretary and had the contract sent over. It wasn't long before it arrived and was handed to me.
I read through it briefly before signing, and Don did the same. After the meeting, we all fell silent.
An awkward silence.
"Miss Beautiful." Don called out to Honey. "Can you leave us for a while? We have a private matter to discuss."
Honey looked at me. I gave her a nod, signaling her to leave. She obeyed, carrying the contract copy and her expensive bag with her.
Almost at the same time, we all stood up as soon as Honey stepped out. At first, we were puzzled, but apparently, we were all about to do the same thing—take off our coats. Don also removed his, followed by his necktie.
"You two really are in sync, huh?" Don said, pointing at me and Angelo.
I sat down after hanging my coat on the back of the chair. Angelo did the same, which made me furrow my brows.
"What are we going to talk about?" I asked them.
They looked at each other first before answering.
"About the fraternity," Angelo said. "I want you to know what they did to us and what they'll do to you."
"They'll take advantage of you. That's what they did to us," Don added.
I arched a brow. Are they telling me this just to make me lose interest in joining the group?
"They come to you when you're desperate. Of course, people cling to anything at that point, and that's how they manipulate you," he added. "...That's what they did to Angelo and me."
"I know what you're doing. You're saying all this just to convince me not to join," I chuckled.
They exchanged meaningful glances.
"Can you kill someone?" Angelo asked, making me stop. "That's their initiation."
"You can't be serious."
"We're dead serious, Keifer," Don answered me. "The more desperate you are, the more they'll play with you. Sometimes they'll ask you to do the most unexpected thing."
I was at a loss for words. I didn't know if they were messing with me or if they were actually telling the truth. But ending someone's life is no joke.
"What did they make you do?" I asked them.
"They asked me to kill someone, but I didn't do it. I wasn't that desperate, so they gave me a different initiation," Don said and looked at Angelo.
"They asked the same from me, and I almost did," he said, looking me straight in the eye.
"Why didn't you? And who was it?"
"A kid. An innocent and clueless kid. He didn't know anything about my agenda, and I saw no good reason to end his life. So I chose not to."
He didn't even blink while staring at me and saying those words. There was something different in the way he said every word. That kid… is there a possibility...?
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Introduction," Don said, gesturing with his hands. "Get to know the group you're about to join."
"They only have a few members. Most of them are old money, filthy rich, or tycoon billionaires," Angelo added.
"How did you get in? You're not that rich."
He smirked. "There are things you haven't discovered about me."
"Sometimes it's not just about money," Don said, but I doubted that. From the initiation to becoming a member, money is involved. So how could it not be about money?
If what they're saying is true, then there's a chance they might ask me to kill just to become a member. But if I don't join, where else would I find people like them? Having alliances like them is a big win on my side.
I have to think wisely. This isn't just for me. This is for my siblings and for Jay-jay. If I don't join their group, when will I meet another person like them?
I'll just hope for the best.
"I still want to join," I said without hesitation.
They both let out a deep sigh.
"Stubborn. Just like you," Don said to Angelo. "You spoiled him too much."
"Shut up!" Angelo snapped at him before turning to me. "Are you sure about this?"
I nodded with full confidence. It was a shot in the dark, but it was the only thing that made sense to me right now.
"I'll give you some time, Keifer," he said. "When that time is up, I'll ask you again. And if that's still your answer..." He looked at Don first, then faced me again. "...I'll recruit you."
He stood up and walked out of the office. I was left with his friend, who kept his eyes on him until the door closed behind him. Only then did we face each other again.
He smirked at me. "Just a reminder. There's no backing out once you start." I nodded. "Don't try to act cool or arrogant around the others, and most of all..." He paused as if thinking, then smiled wickedly. "...Whoever recruits you is the one who handles your initiation."
Fvck!
Angelo's the one recruiting me. Fvck this! He'll definitely make a joke out of me. What if it's even worse than I imagined? Shit! I should've just asked Ervin to recruit me instead.
Don burst out laughing.
"You're turning pale!" he said, laughing so hard.
"Whatever. I'm leaving."
I grabbed my coat from the chair back. I turned my back on him while he was still laughing.
When I stepped out of the office, Honey immediately came up to me.
"Steak," she said, grinning like a child.
My stomach must've heard her because it suddenly growled. So even though I didn't feel like it, I just nodded. I walked ahead of her while she followed behind.
Employees kept greeting us as we passed them on the way to the parking lot.
"I know a place," she said while checking her phone.
"Just tell me the direction."
I drove the car while Honey gave me directions. I wasn't even sure where we were headed anymore.
If I hadn't already agreed to eat, I might've driven straight home.
"Turn there at that corner. Then you'll see—THERE IT IS!" she excitedly pointed to the steakhouse.
I looked for a space to park when I noticed a familiar car.
Is that... Percy's?
I immediately pulled into a spot once I found one. I got out quickly, and so did Honey. I walked fast toward Percy's car.
"Hey! What are you doing? Don't you already have a car like that?" Honey said, waiting for me.
"I know this car. It belongs to someone I know," I said, looking through the steakhouse window, hoping to see him... and her.
"Who?"
My heart suddenly pounded harder and louder. She's here. With Percy. I could see her talking to him.
"So? Who is it? Are they inside?" she asked again, trying to peek in.
"Jay-jay is here. With someone."
She gave an exaggerated "oh" while looking at me. "She replaced you already?"
My forehead creased. "No."
She fixed herself, ran her fingers through her hair, and lightly slapped her cheeks. "I get you. Let's go in and show her what she's missing."
Looks like she was thinking something else. She didn't seem to believe me either.
"What?"
She didn't answer. She just grabbed my arm and dragged me inside. I quickly fixed myself.
"Table for two?" an usher asked us.
"Yes, please," Honey answered.
Before the usher could find us a spot, I signaled him to wait.
"Sir?"
"Follow me and I'll tell you where I want to sit."
I pulled Honey along, heading toward Percy's table. They hadn't seen us yet, which made it easier for me to walk right up to them.
I stopped right in front of them, and so did Honey.
"Keifer?" Percy asked.
"Percy..." I said, then turned to Jay. "...Jay."
She turned her head to face us and gave a fake smile.
"You're here? I didn't notice."
"Didn't notice or just ignored us," Honey said, provoking her.
"Both..." Jay replied.
"Maki..." Honey called me. "...introduce me to your blue-eyed friend."
I almost arched a brow. She doesn't know Percy? And why would she want to? Even though I was confused, I still did it.
"Percy, this is Honey Bee Raider. My lawyer's niece." I tapped her hand. "...Honey, this is Percy Coll—Mariano."
She offered her hand for a handshake, and Percy accepted it.
Honey asked a question, but I didn't hear it. All of my attention was on Jay-jay. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I didn't want to—because what if the next time I blink, she's gone?
"Introductions are done... Now leave," she said, still smiling.
There was a bitter pain in my chest. I couldn't help but feel hurt.
"Rude," Honey muttered.
I wanted to hush her before the two of them started fighting again.
"Jay, don't be like that," Percy scolded her.
She clearly didn't like it but chose to say nothing.
"Since we're eating here too, mind if we share the table?"
Finally! Honey asked the question I wanted to ask earlier. I knew they'd refuse, so I jumped in right away.
"That's a great idea."
I signaled the usher and told them our request. They quickly added a couple of chairs and a table beside theirs. Jay immediately moved when she saw that I was about to sit next to her.
The waiter handed us the menus.
"Red wine for four people," I said, handing over the menu.
Honey took the liberty of ordering the steak I liked. I didn't want to take my eyes off the person in front of me.
Her short hair waved a little every time she moved. I only noticed her haircut now—last time I saw it was on C-in's birthday. I hadn't paid attention then, because to me, she looked beautiful with any hairstyle.
Even bald.
"So, how did you become step-siblings?" Honey broke the silence.
Jay answered her. "None of your business."
I nearly smacked my forehead. Here we go again.
"I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to him," Honey said, pointing at Percy.
"I'm not talking to you either, I'm talking to..." She looked around for someone to point to. "...him," and ended up pointing at Percy.
They exchanged glances before Percy finally agreed.
"Y-yeah... She's talking to me."
I shook my head in disbelief. He clearly just said yes to avoid the hassle.
Our orders arrived, and we started to eat—everyone except Jay-jay. She was obviously struggling to slice her steak.
"Let me slice it for you," I said, about to reach for her plate.
But she handed it to Percy instead.
"Please slice this... Thanks!" she said, grinning.
I wanted to throw my plate at Percy's face. I just wanted to treat her like a queen. My Queen, to be exact.
"Percy, do you have a girlfriend?"
I almost raised a brow at Honey. It was obvious she was interested in the guy across from her. What would happen if she found out he's Felix's brother?
"N-no..." Percy answered uncomfortably.
Someone still hadn't moved on. Not that I could blame him—he really loved Freya.
"I'll just go to the comfort room," he said and left.
I still hadn't taken my eyes off Jay. This was my chance to talk to her properly.
"Honey..." I called her. "...make him busy."
Honey stood up quickly. "My pleasure," she said, and followed Percy.
I saw that Jay was starting to get restless. She couldn't leave. Not now—not when I finally have the chance.
"We need to talk." I said.
"You're already talking."
So savage.
"Listen to me..." I started. "...I don't know where to start—"
"At the starting line." she cut me off.
My forehead creased, and I was starting to feel irritated. I loosened my necktie—almost to the point of ripping it off.
"Okay..." I released a heavy sigh. "...I'll start from the beginning."
"Better at the end—more fun that way." she said while grinning.
She's testing my patience.
"Jay... I'm trying to be nice here." I said with authority.
I took a sip from the glass of wine in front of me. I didn't want to get angry right now. Not here. Not in front of her.
"Please, Jay. I want to explain everything to you. So please, calm down and listen to me."
She went silent, which made me think she was finally going to let me speak. But then I saw the sadness in her eyes.
"That's enough, Keifer. Don't explain anymore." she said calmly, but I could hear the slight tremble in her voice.
I didn't want to see her cry again—especially not because of what I've been keeping in. I was ready to tell her everything if it meant she wouldn't walk away from me.
"I have to. I want you to know everything."
"I don't want to anymore..." She looked down. "...I don't want to listen to you."
I bit my lip. I didn't want to force her. I might just hurt her even more. But if I don't say it now... then when?
"Enough... Please. I'm tired.I'm tired of loving you even when I'm not doing anything.I keep trying to distance myself, but you keep pulling me back." I saw the tears fall from her eyes.
Don't go. You don't have to go.You have no reason to walk away from me.It's my fault. I'm the reason you're in pain.
"Why? Why are you running away from me?"
I'm the one who should be giving you space.
"Because that's what's right. There's no reason for me to stay, right? I love you but you don't love me. It's enough that I once made a fool of myself believing your lies—I don't want to go through that again."
No. That's not the right thing to do.You have so many reasons to stay.I don't love you? Impossible. Absolutely impossible.
I didn't say anything. I let her speak. I'm letting her say the things she's been holding back. All the pain and agony she's carried inside.
"If it were up to me, I'd want to leave your Section. Because your presence alone makes things harder for me. When you're around, it feels like my heart is being crushed...It's torture for me to go to school, b-because I remember everything we did. All the happy memories we shared——a-and then suddenly, it turns out it was all just lies."
She tries to hold back her tears. "It hurts..." She pointed at her chest. "...so much."
I badly wanted to wipe her tears.
"So please, Keifer." She looked at me. "...That's enough."
Maybe it's not the right time to tell her the truth. My presence causes her pain, and every word I say cuts like a dagger. I want to tell her the truth because I'm afraid to lose her. But if I force it now, she might walk away for good. Right now, her mind is still closed off because everything I did is still fresh.
She's not the one who should leave. But if my presence only causes her pain, then maybe… maybe I should be the one to go.
I placed the table napkin down and stood up, stepping a little closer to her.
"You..." I started, leaning in. "...You're making me crazy."
She wiped her tears while looking at me, confused.
I'll leave, just like she wants—but not to give up on her.I'm doing this to make sure she doesn't suffer because of me anymore.I will work hard for us. I'll do everything for us. Because…
"I'm Mark Keifer Watson. I'm smarter than you think. I'm stronger than you know..." I smirked. "...And I'm the King of Ulupongs."
From where I stood, I walked closer beside her. I held the nape of her neck and pulled her gently toward me. Closer to my lips.
I'm marking her now. Sealing a promise with our lips.She's mine. And I am hers.
I pulled away a minute later to catch our breath. I rested my forehead against hers.
I don't want to let go, but I have to.This is making me crazy—but I don't care.Being in love makes everyone lose their sanity. They're just too proud to admit it.
"Only you, Jay... You're the only girl who's ever made me feel this way."
I let go of her nape and sat on the chair next to her.
"Y-you're the one who's making things hard for me." she said with irritation.
I held her hand and kissed the back of it. I pressed it to my cheek while looking at her. I'm exhausted, but I will work hard just to win this game.
As I kept staring at her, everything came back to me—why I was doing this, and whether I should keep doing it.
"I'm scared." I said, forcing my lips to smile. "...I'm scared of many things..."
But what scared me the most...Is losing you.
I closed my eyes as I felt the numbness creeping into my throat. My eyes had a mind of their own. My tears fell on their own—right in front of her. Right in front of Jay-jay, the girl I love more than I love myself.
"Yuri is right. I lied to him, I lied to you, and I lied to myself. I have feelings for you that you can never imagine." I confessed.
This is the right thing to do.
"K-Keifer..."
I cupped her cheek with one hand. She stiffened.
"I'm scared to even touch you even though I want to—so badly. I don't want to hurt you the way I hurt Freya. But when jealousy eats me alive, I lose control."
My lips formed a thin line as the thought crossed my mind— I might turn out like my father. I remembered the times I made her cry because of my uncontrollable anger.
"...I won't let that happen again." I said, suddenly remembering that we were leaving tonight.
I wouldn't even get to spend my birthday with her. I smiled and closed my eyes.
"My birthday's coming up... and you're the only gift I want."
I could feel her hesitation. She was having doubts, and that's normal. I let her go and wiped my face with my bare hands.
"You want me to stop? Then I will." I paused and watched her reaction. "...But that's only for a while."
"What the—" She let out a heavy sigh. "...You'll stop, but only temporarily? W-why? What are you even thinking?"
Her brows furrowed deeply, confusion all over her face.
"I'm giving you space."
I know she's probably thinking about spaceships now.
"...But when I return, you're officially mine—whether you like it or not."
She was just about to complain when someone suddenly jumped in front of us. It was Percy, with messy hair and clothes.
He quickly grabbed Jay-jay and rushed to leave. I didn't stop them. He looked like he was running from something terrifying.
"Where's Percy?" Honey asked as she sat beside me.
"Left. He got scared of you." I said, taking a sip from my wine glass.
She pouted. "I thought he enjoyed it. I even gave a full performance."
I arched a brow. Full performance where? What the hell did she do?
"Maybe he didn't like it."
She looked at me in horror. "He did like it!"
"What exactly did you do?"
She gave a mischievous smile. "What do you think?"
I didn't answer—more like, I didn't want to answer. My imagination wouldn't stop playing tricks on me once I found out. So better to leave it in the dark.
"You didn't answer." she said and picked up her phone. "What's his full name? I'll add him on Facebook."
"Percy Rey Collins." I intentionally used his old surname.
Just as I expected, Honey looked at me, shocked. I smirked.
"OMG! He's the brother of—aaaaahhhhkkkk!"
I had to cover my ears because of the pitch of her scream. Everyone started looking at us.
I let her be. My mind was elsewhere—thinking about leaving tonight. I wouldn't see her for quite some time.
I hope I can last a day without seeing her.