Chapter-295 Birthday

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 beat the elders to it. 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 help but raise my voice. I only 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 could I have consulted this with you?"

"You've gone too far!"

"I had to! How else are you going to do what you need to do? Tell me how, when everything you're planning revolves around 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 rubbed 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 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 I saw was a message from Sir Alvin.

From: Alvin S.

Message: Your brother wishes to talk to you. Call me when you're available.

I exhaled heavily. I wasn't ready to talk to him yet. My brain's about to blow. I had too many things on my mind, too many things I wanted to do, but I couldn't start anything.

It's almost my birthday in the Philippines. I knew Keiren would want to greet me.

I sighed deeply and called Sir's number. It rang a few times before he answered.

["Hey..."] he greeted me.

His voice sounded lifeless. Like he was forced to wake up and face a crowd.

I couldn't blame him. Section E's building is in jeopardy. And it seemed like Angelo had no plans of intervening for some reason.

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 brought down.

"Can I talk to Keiren?" I asked.

He didn't answer, but I heard a few ruffling sounds. I also heard him knocking on a door. A little conversation and more shuffling noises followed.

["Kuya?"]

"Hey, how are you?"

Instead of answering me, 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 if he has so many names, I know he's still Kuya Keigan."]

My forehead creased. What does he mean by 'so many names'?

"Keiren? What is your Kuya Keigan's whole name?"

["Mir Keigan Watson, but sometimes he says his name is different. Almost every day he keeps saying that I should stop calling him Kuya Keigan."]

I rubbed my face with my hand. Keiren is the one who often notices Keigan's changes since they're usually left at home together.

"Don't mind him. He's probably messing with you."

["I hope so. I'll go ahead now, Kuya. Ma'am Cindy will tutor me."]

I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye because he already ended the call. Back then, he used to be so bratty and clingy—now he's become so sweet.

Looks like staying at the couple's house has had 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's what he's longing for. Loving 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 in a way that won't hurt him.

I hid the secret phone when I heard a knock on the door.

"You have a visitor." It was Honey, and I could sense the irritation in her tone.

"Come in," I said, and the door opened.

Instead of Honey, it was Ion who came in. She gave a slight smile as she walked closer to me.

"Hi, I'm here to pick you up."

I looked at Honey when I noticed her constant eye-rolling. Looks like her annoyance with Ion just got worse.

"Where to?"

"The Watson's mansion. Your cousins are requesting you there."

I sighed. I just want this to be done. I let out another breath before walking out of my room. Ion and Honey followed behind me.

Before leaving completely, I instructed Honey to check on Keigan for me. He's emotional, and I'm scared it will affect him severely.

After giving instructions, we left. Ion can't look at me the same way she used to. She's 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 as the elevator door opened.

She went out of the hotel ahead of me. I noticed the car she approached—it's not the usual one 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 my message to my driver. I got into the car afterward. Ion and I were seated side by side, but it felt like there was a massive wall between us.

We were both quiet for the entire trip to the mansion. And I thought they'd never let me set foot in that place again.

What are the odds.

I'm quite familiar with the route, so I decided to look outside the window. From afar, I could already see the Watsons' grand house. The wide green grass field at the front of the mansion. The pebbles on the road making noise every time they're hit by the car's rubber wheels. The car circled briefly in front of the Victorian-style fountain before stopping right at the doorstep.

I got out first and helped Ion with her door. She let me do it and gave me a slight smile. We walked inside together. The huge door 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 gave 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 backed off and even raised both hands—trying to calm me and signaling defeat.

"Is that how you repay your cousins who work hard for your party?"

Oh great. I shoved my hands into my pockets.

Descending the grand staircase was the oldest of the Elders. The loud tap of his cane echoed on the shiny floor. He walked toward us, and Clyde immediately tried to assist him, but the Elder raised a hand to stop him.

"Set aside your bad manners, you're in my house." he said to me.

"You mean my house?" I said while raising a brow.

He gave me a deadly look. I couldn't help but feel tense around him. Despite his age, he still carried the commanding aura of a Watson. But I made sure he wouldn't see any sign that I was affected.

"The deed is not yet yours."

"But about to..." I glanced at my wristwatch. "...In a few hours—" Ion grabbed my arm.

We both 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 noticed I had no intention of introducing her, she took the initiative. She let go of me and stepped slightly forward to face him.

"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 close to his lips and kissed the back of her hand.

Ion stepped back but managed to compose herself. The Elder looked at her with a sweet smile. I rolled my eyes.

Gross.

Ion smiled awkwardly before taking her hand back. I heard Clyde chuckle.

"She's indeed a darling." the Elder said and looked at me. "Your brother knows better than you."

I sighed to calm myself. I've been wanting to punch Clyde in the face and kick this old man standing in front of me.

"Tell me something about yourself, young lady." he added before motioning for us to walk.

We followed. Ion and the Elder walked together while Clyde and I trailed behind them.

"I'm a general surgeon but currently in hiatus. I was taking my residency when I decided to stop due to some important matter." Ion explained.

"So you're a doctor. What a great profession." the Elder said, and I could sense the mocking tone. "A very hardworking person. Women like you are welcome in my family."

"Thank you, I'm flattered to hear that."

"You're really suit my grandson Keifer. Unlike another women that 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 them gratitude. And her mother, who's on her 6th—7th husband."

"Oops." I heard Clyde whisper.

My fist clenched, ready to punch someone. I'm not surprised he knows those things about Jay-jay, but I couldn't understand why the old man had to bring her up.

What are you trying to prove?

"Those kinds of women will never suit my grandson."

"You're a crazy old man. (in filipino)" I said calmly, and Ion immediately looked at me, eyes wide.

Clyde and the Elder stopped too, clearly confused by what I said. They don't understand filipino language. Ion tried hard to compose herself and forced a smile.

"What did he say?" the Elder asked her.

She shook her head. "Nothing important."

"I said you're a crazy. (in filipino)"

Clyde's forehead furrowed, clearly struggling to grasp what I meant.

"Keifer..." Ion awkwardly smiled at me. "...a little respect, that's your grandfather.(in filipino)"

Her words didn't match her expression. She was clearly doing her best to divert their thoughts from the real meaning of what I said.

"He's crazy. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy." I repeatedly said in a flat tone.

Understand what I'm saying.

It was clear the two were confused, especially when Ion came closer and gripped my arm tightly.

"Keifer." There was a threat in her tone.

"Is there something that we should know?" Clyde stepped forward and crossed her arms.

I looked at him and stared blankly, showing no reaction.

"You're brainless. And a coward.(in filipino)"

Ion smiled awkwardly at her. She gripped my arm tighter, and I could feel her nails digging into my skin. I made sure not to react to what she was doing 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 went on walking.

Clyde followed him after shooting me a warning look. Ion was still holding onto my arm. I shrugged her off with one swift motion.

"You don't need to help me." I said, walking away from her.

"It's her, isn't it?" she asked, stopping me in my tracks. "The one your grandfather was talking about. She's the reason why you're holding onto hope."

She stepped closer. I looked at her, full of warning. One wrong word and I might not be able to hold back..

"Who is she? Keigan told me he needs me to get rid of a woman in your life. She's that woman, right?"

My fist clenched. "She's none of your business."

"She is now. I can help you with her."

I laughed like she just told a joke. I'm a Watson—I don't ask for 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 forced herself to walk beside me.

I saw Clyde entering 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 back to her. I leaned closer so she could understand every word coming out of my mouth.

"And I can ruin my brother or anyone who tries to touch her! I can do anything just to protect her—even hurt myself!" I caught my breath after saying those things.

She just stared at me, clearly stunned.

"You're really like Angelo. You both turn selfless..." Her face turned fierce. "...and selfish at the same time."

She turned away and walked toward the hall.

I shook my head. I really don't like being compared to that demon. Not with him. He might have an angel's name but he's a demon in disguise. A deceiver.

I followed them and entered the hall too. As expected, most of the servants were already there setting up for the event. A few of my cousins were also inside.

"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 glanced at one of my cousins. He was holding a camera and talking to someone while scouting for the best place for the pictorial.

This is crap, just like them. I didn't know we had to go through things like this. 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 sipping 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 requested. It was a tuxedo from a very expensive brand.

I looked at myself in the mirror. I'm quite surprised that it fit so well. While adjusting my pants, my eyes fell on the secret phone resting on the clothes I had taken off.

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 the door suddenly opened and Clyde walked right in. I quickly hid the secret phone under the pile of clothes.

"Don't you know how to knock?" I asked, sounding pissed.

He raised a brow. "Don't you know how to lock?"

I sighed. It's useless to argue with him. I finished fixing my clothes and was about to leave when the door opened again.

Clyde and I both complained at the same time as Hazel walked in like she owned the place.

"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 what I was holding. She placed it on the table near the door and quickly dragged me out.

"Can you move a bit faster?" she said, pulling me like a child.

"What is this for?" I asked, but she didn't answer.

We reached the center of the hall and she let go of me. I heard several clicking sounds—it was the camera pointed right at me.

What's the purpose of this?

I heard Hazel shouting and instructing me to pose in front of the camera. I saw Ion watching from behind her. She seemed to be enjoying the show.

I rolled my eyes. I just followed what my cousin wanted so this could all be over. I badly want to end this crap. I won't gain anything from this party anyway.

The photographer paused. Hazel talked to him—and to Ion. I suddenly felt uneasy. I think I already know what's about to happen.

Not with her.

And it looked like I was right. Hazel dragged Ion toward me. She forced us to stand side by side and even tried to pull my arm so I'd put it around her, but I stopped her.

"What are you doing?" Irritation was evident in my tone.

"Couple picture." Hazel said in an it's-not-obvious kind of tone.

I quickly 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 stepped back and gulped. "O-okay."

I turned my back and walked away. That's when I noticed Clyde smiling while looking at a phone—fvck! That's my phone.

Something snapped in me and adrenaline rushed through my body. I ran and immediately grabbed the phone from him.

My anger shot up the moment I saw that he replied to Jay-jay's message. My hand automatically grabbed his shirt. He remained smiling, and it made me livid.

"How dare you?!" I shouted at him.

He only answered with a loud laugh. I punched him twice, but it didn't stop him. He kept laughing at me.

"Keifer! Stop!" I heard Ion shout.

"What the hell?! Stop! Someone stop him!" It was Hazel.

But I listened to no one. I kept punching him. Blood was pouring down from his nose and mouth.

Someone tried to stop me, but he just received a punch from me. I went back to Clyde, but then I heard the roaring voice of the Elder that finally made me stop.

"KEIFER!"

My breathing was heavy. My fists were still clenched. I badly wanted to break Clyde's skull and watch his blood color the shiny floor.

Hazel immediately rushed to Clyde along with the others to help him. Some of them began cleaning up the mess I had made.

"K-Keifer." It was Ion, and I could sense she wanted to touch me.

I turned to the old man when I heard the sound of his cane hitting 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 everything. This place is nothing but fvcked up.

I saw my car and the driver waiting just outside the mansion. He quickly opened the door for me.

"Uncle Kier's place." I said when he got inside.

He looked at me with doubt. "S-Sir. There is an order—"

"I don't give a fvck!"

He said nothing more. He 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 sent her a picture of me. I could only breathe a little easier after making sure he hadn't said anything that could hurt Jay-jay.

I wouldn't be able to handle it if she found out about this engagement setup.