Keifer's POV
My left arm was covered with bandage while my right hand had an IV cannula inserted. I watched the fluid drip down from the bag above.
It had been an hour since I woke up, yet I still hadn't heard anything from the doctor. I looked at Honey, who was clearly enjoying texting someone.
"Have you heard anything from the doctor?" I asked her.
She looked at me, annoyed. "You just asked the same question, twelve minutes ago."
I sat up from the bed. I looked around and saw nothing but the white curtain that divided my bed from the others.
I removed the tape wrapped around the cannula. I still had some mobility in the fingers of my left hand. Honey panicked when she saw what I was doing.
"Stop it, you dimwit!" she said and slapped my hand.
I winced as pain shot through my elbow from the force of her smack. I gave her a deadly look.
"Wait for your doctor!" she added.
"I need to see Keigan," I said, my voice almost pleading.
Honey took a deep breath. "Wait for me here. I'll look for that doctor."
I gave a short smile. She pulled aside the curtain and left to do what she said she would.
But I never said anything about staying.
I continued with my plan and removed the cannula from my hand. I let out a small groan as I pulled it out and blood spilled slightly. I just wiped it on my clothes.
I stood up quickly and walked out to look for Keigan.
Honey had explained to me that he had also been found unconscious beside me. The only difference between us was that he had a high fever and low blood pressure. That's why he was admitted—to ensure he'd be okay.
All my tests had come back fine, including the X-rays, CT Scan, and MRI Scan. All that was left was the go-signal from the doctor.
I headed straight to the nearest Nurse Station to speed up my search.
"I'm looking for my brother's room. His name is Keigan Watson." I said to the first person I saw at the station.
"Room 0413, third floor." the nurse quickly answered after checking the computer.
"Thank you." I said and ran to the nearest elevator.
I caught one just as it was about to close and quickly stepped in. I immediately pressed the number 3 on the panel. It felt like eternity waiting for the elevator doors to reach the floor.
I wanted to see my brother. I wanted to make sure he was alright. He had just admitted to me that something was happening inside him. I was scared to admit it to myself, but now I know. He could be suffering from a mental illness.
The elevator door opened and I practically flew down the hallway to find his room. I found it in just a few seconds.
I was about to knock when I noticed that the door was slightly ajar. I could see my brother inside. He was awake—and it looked like he was talking to someone.
I gently pushed the door open and stepped inside quietly, without letting him know I was there. I started to see it clearly.
He was talking—but not to someone.
He was talking to himself.
"You hurt my Kuya." Keigan sounded worried and angry, but there was a hint of shakiness in his voice.
Gripping his own hair, he looked up.
"Son of a b*tch! It's your fault! You're too talkative." His tone had changed in a way that made me almost believe he was a different person. "You're going to rat us out to your dumb brother. He'll throw us in a mental hospital."
He let go of his hair. "I deserve to be in an institute."
It was like I was watching two different people arguing with each other. But there was only one person in front of me—having an argument with himself.
"Do you want me to wake him up? You idiot! Just talk to him yourself."
"N-no! Don't let him come out."
"You're scared, aren't you? Just let him be Keigan, since you're such a coward anyway."
Seeing him like this made my knees weak. It was only then that I realized I had started crying—but I had no intention of stopping the tears. I cried silently as I watched him.
This is painful. My brother has a problem, yet I kept brushing it off. But now—it's here, right in front of me. No more denying, no more avoiding, and no more lying to myself.
This is my fault. I shouldn't have let him stay with that monster. This is exactly what he was trying to tell me. I don't know why he couldn't say it earlier, but I know he did his best.
I know he'll be hurt once he finds out that I know the truth. I don't want to add to the burden he's already carrying.
I stepped back, ready to leave him be—but then someone suddenly knocked on the door. My heart pounded so fast. I thought he would find out I was there. It was a good thing Keigan didn't look toward the doorway. He just shut his mouth and pretended nothing had happened.
The nurse walked right in and approached him. I chose not to move from where I stood.
I watched as the nurse took his vitals and jotted down notes.
My brother looked so innocent for this cruel world. I couldn't understand why even he had to suffer.
I was so deep in thought that I didn't notice the nurse leaving the room.
"Kuya?" Keigan called me, snapping me back to reality. "Are you okay now?"
I simply wiped my face and nose. "Y-yeah. I'm okay now."
He looked down. "E-earlier—."
"Oh right. What happened earlier? I don't remember a thing."
I had to pretend, because I didn't want him to feel guilty. He didn't mean to do that—and it wasn't him anyway. It was someone else inside him.
He looked at me, amazed. "We—we were talking, then—."
"Keifer!" It was Honey who cut him off. "Seriously?! What is this?! Hide and seek?!"
She barged in and crossed her arms in front of me. If I wasn't feeling so gloomy right now, I would've definitely rolled my eyes.
"I just wanted to make sure my brother's okay."
"You fooled me!"
"Honey, please. Not now." I sounded exhausted.
Thankfully, she got the message that I wasn't joking. I turned back to face my brother.
"Maybe… let's talk about it some other time," he said and forced a smile.
"Yeah, I understand. You should rest. I'll come back here after talking to the doctor."
"Or maybe not. It's better if you go home after." He forced another smile.
"It's your birthday. You still have a party to attend tonight."
"I don't think I can still attend—."
"You have to," he cut me off. "A lot of people will be there. They'll expect the celebrant."
"Keigan…" I couldn't help but worry.
He gave me a genuine smile. "I'll be okay, Kuya."
I gave him a small nod. Then I turned to Honey, who was currently raising an eyebrow at me.
"Where can I find that doctor?"
"Follow me," she said and walked away.
I glanced at my brother one last time before finally leaving him. On my way out, I saw a few of the bodyguards arriving. They slightly bowed their heads and greeted me.
I continued following Honey. She brought me to the office of the doctor who attended to me. We didn't stay long, and we headed straight home afterward.
I rested for a bit, but I also needed to get dressed right away for the party later. Unlike last night's party, this one would start earlier.
It was hard to dress up because of my bandage, but I managed to pull it off.
I was fixing my tie when Honey entered my room.
"Where's your manners, Honey?" I asked her.
She rolled her eyes. "I set it aside, since your fiancée is here."
I let out a sigh. I still hadn't recovered from everything that had happened. I would've preferred a quiet celebration for tonight.
"I'm heading out" I said, and she walked out of my room.
I glanced briefly at my secret phone before finally leaving. Just like Honey said, Ion was here—obviously waiting for me.
Her dress was very simple, but because of her fair skin and long legs, she looked elegant. She stood up when she saw me and immediately walked toward me.
She held my arm—the one with the bandage. "They should've put a cast."
"It's not a broken bone."
"But still—."
"They should put a cast on your face," Honey said and walked away.
Ion obviously didn't care about what Honey said to her. She just focused on fixing my necktie, which was out of place.
"Let me," she said and began to fix it.
She seemed concentrated on what she was doing. I let her finish. When she was done, she smiled at me, but I could clearly see the worry in her eyes.
You should be, after this night.
"Let's leave!" It was Honey, shouting from outside.
I walked out, and Ion immediately followed. We were all quiet during the ride to Watson Mansion.
The celebration was held at the same venue. But unlike before, now even non-relatives could attend the party. My siblings, however, weren't around to accompany me.
Upon arriving at the mansion, I saw more cars parked outside than before. I also saw a lot of people entering. Most of them were wearing casual or semi-formal attire.
As we got out of the car, I immediately saw some of my cousins who had been introduced to me before—the illegitimate ones or those not recognized by the main family.
The music from the hall was loud, unlike last night when it was all classical instruments. We went straight there, and we were shocked by how many people were already inside. It was much louder compared to last night.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" someone spoke into the microphone. "The celebrant is here!"
Everyone turned to look at me and began clapping. Unlike before, they all smiled at me as if they were truly happy to see me.
"Since you are here! Let's start the party!"
The music got louder, and a mini disco started in the middle of the hall. People were greeting me with genuine smiles.
I felt Ion hold onto my arm. She probably didn't expect this many people either.
"So it's true, you got hurt." It was Hazel.
"Blame that monster."
"You mean yourself," she said sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.
I looked at her intently. But it was Ion who diffused the tension.
"Hi Hazel. Congratulations, you did a great job organizing this party," she said, and Hazel looked at her sweetly.
"Thank you. Finally, someone appreciates my hard work."
I chose to leave them without interrupting their conversation. I roamed around, looking for a familiar face.
"So, how's the celebrant?" It was Schnee, who suddenly jumped in front of me.
I could strongly smell the cigarettes on him. "You smell like shit."
He sniffed himself. "That's not shit! That's the smell of handsomeness."
I shook my head. "I don't remember inviting you."
"It's your family who invited my family."
He's stoned.
still couldn't believe that this idiot is a member of Angelo's group. I chose to turn my back on him and continued roaming around. I saw some of my cousins whom I met when I arrived here. They seemed to be enjoying the party—except for the Elders.
I couldn't believe they even came. They were giving dirty looks to my cousins who weren't acknowledged by the main family.
But I was hoping to see someone.
Angelo.
And it looks like I don't have to wait any longer. The music died down and murmurs started rising. I looked in the same direction everyone else was looking at.
He was slowly walking in the middle with one hand inside his pocket. Wearing a very cold expression while looking directly at me. And this moment proved that he could really pass as a Watson.
His gestures and expressions had all the traits I had. No wonder he fooled so many people into thinking he could be a Watson.
"Is that him?"
"He does look like a Watson."
"Geez, he's a hottie."
I heard them say, but my attention wasn't on them. Ion was with Hazel, and I knew she was looking at him right now.
Now tell me if you still want to marry me.
"Seriously, Keifer?" Angelo said, eyeing my bandaged arm.
He stopped a few feet away from me. I looked around and saw everybody watching us.
"Where's my gift?" I asked.
He raised a brow. "Is it required?"
"Yes, and I prefer Jay-jay as your gift."
"How about a coffin for your funeral?" he answered and immediately raised his middle finger.
I laughed—humorlessly. Before I could respond, I felt the Elders approaching me.
"Keifer," the Eldest said before turning to Angelo. I could see the glimpse of excitement in her eyes.
There—there's the grandson you've all been suspecting!
"This is Angelo Fernandez. The cousin of my beloved woman," I said, and I already knew he was plotting my assassination in his head.
The Eldest extended her hand to Angelo. "I am Maveric Watson, Keifer's grandfather."
Angelo accepted it, but didn't say a word. The other Elders also introduced themselves to him. I watched them talk to him briefly.
"Nice to meet you all." That was his only response after all the greetings and introductions.
"Would you like to have a seat? I have lots of things to ask you," the Eldest asked, but Angelo shook his head.
"Thanks, but I have something to discuss with Keifer," he said while looking at me.
"If you'll excuse us, we'll get back sooner," I said and walked away.
Angelo followed me. We left the hall and entered one of the private rooms. He closed the door, but both of us remained silent.
"What would you like to discuss?" I asked, looking out the window.
"First things first," he said, and I heard the click of a gun.
I immediately turned to face him. I wasn't wrong—he already had his gun pointed at me.
"Happy Birthday, assh*le."