Chapter-296 Nyappi birtthdayy

Keifer's POV

"🎶...I'm gonna take my horse on the old time road... 🎶"

I watched him sway his hand. He was obviously enjoying the song from the internet, which I still don't know how he learned to use.

"Keifer..." he called me. "...How can I hide my post from a specific person?"

Hide his post?

"U-uncle?"

"I will greet you on Facebook but I don't want my jealous brother to see it."

"You don't have to greet me online."

He pouted a bit. "But I want to."

I shook my head. Uncle Kier looks good now. I even saw him playing Mobile Legends on his phone when I arrived. He's acting like a real millennial.

I walked up to him and closed his laptop.

"I'd much more appreciate it if you greet me in person." I said, smiling a bit at him.

He pressed his back against the chair's backrest. He looked at me intently.

"I just remembered... Did my older brother allow you to visit me again?"

"Well... H-he doesn't know that I'm here." I said while massaging my nape.

He chuckled lightly while shaking his head.

"Fvck his rules."

I smiled. He looked at me from head to toe.

"What's with the tuxedo?" he asked. "Is that your costume for tonight?"

Costume?

"I don't think so. I wore this for the so-called photoshoot organized by Hazel."

"Your cousin Hazel?" he asked, and I nodded in response.

He chuckled a bit. "Hazel and her twin Clyde are a great combination." He shook his head. "Hazel the feminist while Clyde the masculinist."

"More like a woman hater."

"He hates them because his fiancée left him. Poor boy."

I simply shook my head. She left him because he's an idiot. A good example of a dck-headed human.

I saw Uncle about to stand, so I quickly helped him. He even held his waist to stretch properly once he stood up.

"Ow, my bones." he said and walked slowly. "I miss my younger days."

I followed him as he went straight to the room he had entered before. The same room where he took the photo album. I waited for him outside the room. Good thing he didn't take long to finish whatever he was doing inside.

He came out carrying a box wrapped with ribbon. The texture looked old—probably because of the color of the gift wrap.

"Happy Birthday, my grandson." he said and handed me the gift.

I accepted it and smiled. "Thank you, Uncle."

"Would you like to open it now?" he asked and gave me a serious look.

I got confused, but I still nodded.

"I'll leave you here alone." he said and left me.

I decided to walk toward the patio. The sliding glass door was open. I sat down in the same spot where Uncle always sits.

I slowly removed the ribbon and wrappers. Then I realized the wrapper was really old, and it wasn't just a design. A box appeared in front of me—a bit smaller than a shoebox.

I opened it and found various photos and papers. Some of the papers were folded and looked fragile. I took one and carefully unfolded it. My eyes widened in confusion when I saw Angelo's name—and it was a fvcking last will and testament of someone.

What's with that Demon?

 I carefully read what was written. It was a handwritten testament, and blood was used to mark the fingerprint as a sign of signature or authenticity.

I read the name out loud. "A-Angel Watson?"

The guy beside my Monster Dad. The guy that my grandpa adopted before. But I couldn't understand why he left money to Angelo. And it says here that he's leaving all of his money to him.

I hope I'm wrong about what I'm thinking.

I checked the rest of the box. I saw a few photos of that guy and… Angelo's Mom? She looked so young. Probably in high school based on her clothes, which was a school uniform.

A few more papers supported the last will—with the signatures of my own Mother. And finally, at the very bottom of all the documents and photos, a handwritten letter from my Mom addressed to me.

My chest suddenly felt heavy when I saw the marks of dried water on it. I knew those weren't just ordinary drops of water.

Those were her tears.

My Mom.

I slowly read it. Each word struck me, aching more and more in my heart.

Keifer my son, forgive me if I gave you so many responsibilities at a young age but I have no choice. How I wish I can finish what I started but I know it's not gonna happen.

There was a blot on the paper from smudged ink. Must be her tears while writing this letter.

I want to hug you and repeatedly ask for your forgiveness. I made a lot of sins not just to you but to your father and to your friend Angelo.

I arched a brow. Angelo? What does he have to do with this?

Your Dad loves me with all his heart but it's not enough, I'm not enough. So I decided to continue my plan. The inheritance should be yours. No one deserves it but you. But I needed to distract them, to divert their attention. And your friend's Mom came, Gemini Fernandez.

Angelo's Mom! What the hell is this?!

A young, intelligent and lovely woman. A lot of people loved her instantly. Your father showed an interest—but he's not the only one. Your uncle named Angel also pursued her.

And things happened. She got pregnant without knowing who the father was. But I know who. I know exactly.

I briefly set the letter down and wiped my face with my hands. I didn't like what I was reading. I wanted to burn the letter— but I had to find out what this was all about.

I took advantage of her situation, especially when the news spread like wildfire. Some said it was your Dad's child. I didn't say or do anything to stop the rumor. Until she gave birth to a healthy boy.

But who is really the father? He can't be my brother. I won't accept that. I'd rather disown myself from this family if what the Elders suspect is true.

I know the whole Watson Empire will look for that child. They will do anything to find out the truth about him. So, I did what I thought was the right thing to do. Eradicate the existence of those people who knew the truth.

I crumpled the paper in my hand. She—she eradicated them? My Mom can't do such a thing.

One by one, I watched them bleed and beg to be saved. Until your Uncle Angel found out that it was me who's eliminating them. He tried his best to save the others, including Gemini. He decided to make a deal with me—but he betrayed me and I had no choice but to end him.

The mystery of Angelo's real identity remained. With the help of his own mother—as an exchange for keeping her son alive—she made sure no one would find out the truth.

If someone asked, she would shut her mouth. If someone dared to investigate, she'd tell me and I'd end them. Our little game continued until Angelo showed up in our house. A teenager who was obviously discovering himself. He was looking for his biological father. I don't know how he ended up in front of me, but I knew he was determined to meet him.

There was no way he would find what he was looking for—but I still gave him the location. It only took him a week to find the grave of his father. Without any clue from me, without a tomb or marker, he still managed to find him.

He's dead! Angelo is not my brother. The rumor is fake. I badly wanted to jump and shout like a caveman discovering fire. And here I thought I was related to that demon.

That kid, Angelo, was in pain. I saw how he begged his Mom, seeking answers. But that's not what bothered me. His capabilities. He could do things beyond what I expected from him. One day, he'll grow wiser—and it won't take long before he finds out. I had no choice but to make a move.

Using the last will of Angel, I made sure that his son would follow what I wanted. Just like what his mother had done for me. He became the diversion. He successfully managed to get their attention. He fooled everyone—except for one person.

Your own Dad.

They also tried to fool that monster? Of course, if he had touched Angelo's Mom, he could be tricked—but he wasn't. What does that mean?

I continued reading despite the time.

Once your father found out about the last will of your grandfather, I knew he would kill you. I needed to divert his attention too—but I failed. Everything got out of my hands. My plan was ruined and things only got worse.

I went on to read the next paper. Same as the first one. There were water stains, and the ink had almost bled all over the sheet.

I'm scared of what your father can do to us… or to you. Sooner or later, he'll find out about my plan—but I haven't told the truth to that Angelo kid. I know I'm no longer alive when you receive this. So please, do me a favor. Give the rest of the documents to Angelo and end this game that started with you and his real identity.

Ask his forgiveness for me, please. Talk to Gemini as well and tell her that Angel really loved her until his last breath.

I have so many regrets from my past, but I will never wish to turn back time—because I know I may not have you as my son. And I will never regret the day I first held you in my arms.

Did you know that I got your name from a guy who saved me? The guy I truly fell in love with. I marked him as my keeper.

Can you tell Keigan that it was your father who named him, but I know it was after a Royal knight. And Keiren was originally Kim Renz, but I decided to change it close to your name.

I wiped the tears from my eyes. I just realized that our names were quite special to her. I continued reading to the last part.

She kept asking for forgiveness—not just to me, but to Angelo's family too. She explained every part of the plan, whom I should trust, and to whom I should ask for help. It took four pieces of paper to finish the letter. And after reading her letter, I made a decision.

I returned the letter to the box. I lowered my head at the same time as I clenched my fists.

These past few days I kept thinking if I should continue this fight. I've been missing Jay-jay too much. I can't even take care of my siblings properly. But after reading my Mom's letter—about her sacrifices for us and her regrets—I know deep down that I have to continue.

I looked briefly at the open box. Angelo needs to know the truth. He also needs to receive the full inheritance left to him. No wonder he can pay the annual fee of his membership. He must be hiding some money. But it seems like he doesn't plan to use that to pay for their company's debts.

Why? What are you up to?

I closed the box again and went back inside the house. Uncle was standing with both hands behind his back.

He looked at me briefly and at the box I was holding.

"I know, there are times that you want to give up and leave everything here." He stepped a bit closer to me. "But I saw how your Mom worked hard. I can't afford to see you giving up everything she sacrificed for."

I nodded slightly and forced a smile. "I know, from the start, I already understood. But my life, my world, my future Queen is waiting for me." I closed my eyes and sighed. "And it looks like she'll have wait a little longer."

Uncle chuckled and hugged me. "Happy Birthday, Keifer. I know you can do it."

He let go of me and pointed at a room near us. I walked toward it just as he wanted. I opened the door and what's inside surprised me.

It's a room full of clothes. From accessories to shoes and ties. All branded and expensive brands. Some are limited editions, and the others are never-before-seen designs meant for a well-known person.

"That is your Mom's gift." He pointed at the box. "Here is mine." He gestured to the clothes. "Now, suit yourself and get ready."

He turned his back on me and closed the door.

I let myself look around. I'm not really into expensive clothes. I don't give a fvck about the brand. But all of this still excites me. If Jay-jay could see this…

I went weak at the knees when I remembered what I had to do. My original plan was to go back home after my birthday. But that's not how things are going to happen. I need to secure everything I'm leaving behind here before I return.

So much for my birthday.

I just want this day to be over. I decided to just choose the clothes I'll wear like Uncle told me to.

While I kept looking, I felt the vibration of my secret phone. I took it out of my pocket. An unregistered number was calling me. The number felt familiar, but I couldn't pinpoint who it was.

I had no plans of answering it, but for some reason, my gut told me to. I answered the call, but made sure I was alert and didn't say a word.

"Hoy... GagongBaliw."

I covered my mouth. I know whose voice that is.

"...It's me! Jay-jay."

I bit my lip to hold back a smile. I miss her voice so much.

"Who are you really?! Your games are getting too much, and I don't get them. It's frustrating! Do you even know that!?" Just tell me who you are! You're so freaking stressful!" she said, and I could sense her irritation.

"Can you please say something? My mouth's drying up here from talking and you're still speechless."

I badly want to speak. I want to scream that I miss her so much. If only I could hold her right now. I closed my eyes to savor her voice. At least she's in front of me in my imagination.

"Hoy! Whoever you are—I know you're close to Keifer. Maybe you could... um... please tell him..." She paused for a second. "...Nyappi Brrritttday."

Nyappi? Is that even a word?

I tried not to laugh, but I still couldn't help it. I just moved the phone slightly away from my mouth.

Now she probably thinks I'm not GagongBaliw—or the other way around. She thinks GagongBaliw isn't me. WHERE THE HELL DID THIS GAGONGBALIW EVEN COME FROM?!

"Fine. Laugh all you want. Enjoy yourself." I heard her say.

She paused again for a while. I know she's thinking about something, and I have a bad feeling about it.

"...Maybe you could also tell him..." She sighs heavily. "...tell him to come back already. His fellow snakes are struggling..."

I sat down on the floor as my knees weakened. I know they're having a hard time, and I know she is, too. And I'm struggling just as much.

"...Section E needs him..."

How about you? Do you need me?

"...there are so many counting on him..."

Are you counting on me too?

"...his friends want to be with him again..."

And I hope you do, too.

"Also tell him... whatever it is he's doing. Please hurry it up."

I wiped my face with my hands. This is one of the things I was afraid of. She's growing impatient.

Please hold on for a while.

"...It's also my birthday wish. For him to be true to what he feels..."

My eyes are starting to blur, but I still manage to smile.

Wish granted.

"...and I wish that he'd forgive me too..."

She has no reason to say sorry. I should be the one apologizing.

"...for everything I've done to him."

Her voice is starting to change, as if there's a lump in her throat. Why do I feel like she's saying goodbye to me? Is she giving up?

Oh God, no!

"I just really hope he comes back soon... but if he can't, that's okay. We'll accept it."

Stop! Don't say things like that.

"...Please tell him all of that, okay? I'll be counting on you."

She's giving up. She can't wait for me anymore. Tears started falling from my eyes. I moved the phone away and couldn't hear the rest of what she was saying. My other hand covered my eyes.

She doesn't want to wait anymore.

I completely let go of the phone. I ended up grabbing at my own hair. She doesn't want to be with me anymore. All I'm asking for is a little more time. I can't just leave everything here behind.

Please, Jay!

"Keifer."

I looked up to see who it was. I was quite surprised to see Ion standing beside me. She knelt down and looked at my face.

"W-what happened?"

For some reason, I saw the Ion I used to know. The Ion who always cared about other people's well-being. The Ion who used to force me to call her ate.

The Ion I used to have a crush on.