KEIFER'S POV
My left arm is covered with bandages, while an IV cannula is inserted into my right hand. I watch as the fluid drips slowly from the hanging bag.
It's been an hour since I woke up, but I still haven't heard anything from the doctor. I glance at Honey, who's clearly enjoying texting someone.
"Have you heard anything from the doctor?" I ask her.
She looks at me, clearly annoyed. "You asked the same question... twelve minutes ago."
I sit up in bed and look around, seeing nothing but the white curtain separating my bed from the others.
I start peeling off the tape around the cannula. My left hand is still free, and Honey looks confused when she sees what I'm doing.
"Stop it, you dimwit!" she scolds, slapping my hand.
I flinch as pain shoots through my elbow from her hit. I glare at her.
"Wait for your doctor!" she adds firmly.
"I need to see Keigan," I say, almost pleading.
Honey sighs. "Fine. Wait here. I'll go find the doctor."
I smile briefly as she pulls the curtain aside and walks away. But I never said I would stay.
I go ahead with my plan and pull the cannula out of my hand. I groan slightly as blood trickles out, wiping it off on my clothes.
I stand up quickly and head out to find Keigan. Honey had told me that he was also found unconscious next to me. The only difference is that he had a high fever and low blood pressure, which is why he was admitted for observation.
All my tests came back fine—X-rays, CT scan, MRI. I'm just waiting for the doctor's go-ahead to be discharged. I rush to the nearest nurse's station to speed up my search.
"I'm looking for my brother's room. His name is Keigan Watson," I tell the first nurse I see.
"Room 0413, third floor," she replies after checking the computer.
"Thank you," I say before dashing to the nearest elevator.
I find one already open and step in quickly, pressing the button for the third floor. Waiting for the doors to open feels like forever.
I want to see my brother. I want to make sure he's okay. He finally admitted to me that something is happening inside him. I've been afraid to face it, but now I know. He might be suffering from a mental illness.
As soon as the elevator door opens, I rush out and find his room within seconds.
I'm about to knock when I notice the door is slightly ajar. I can see Keigan inside—he's awake and appears to be talking to someone.
I slowly push the door open and slip inside quietly. Then I see it clearly—he's talking... but to no one.
He's talking to himself.
"You hurt my Kuya," Keigan says, his voice filled with both worry and anger, with a hint of trembling.
He pulls at his own hair and looks up.
"Shut up! It's your fault! You talk too much," he snaps, his tone shifting so drastically that it's like he's a different person. "You're going to report to your stupid brother. We'll end up in a mental institution."
He lets go of his hair. "I deserve to be locked up."
It's like I'm watching two different people arguing, but only one person stands in front of me—my brother, battling with himself.
"Do you want me to wake him up? Just talk to him."
"N-no! Don't let him come out."
"Are you afraid? He's just going to be Keigan. You're a coward."
Seeing him like this makes my knees go weak. Tears fall from my eyes, but I don't bother to wipe them away. I cry silently as I watch him. It hurts so much. My brother has been struggling, and I kept ignoring it.
But now, it's right here in front of me. I can't deny it anymore. No more excuses. No more lies.
It's my fault! I shouldn't have let him stay with that monster. This is what he's been trying to tell me. I don't know why he couldn't tell me earlier, but I know he tried.
I know he'll be hurt when he finds out that I know the truth. I don't want to add to the burden he's already carrying. I quietly step back, intending to leave, but suddenly someone knocks on the door. My heart pounds. I think he's going to notice me.
Luckily, Keigan doesn't look toward the doorway. He just shuts his mouth and pretends nothing happened.
A nurse walks in and starts checking his vitals, noting them down. I don't move from where I stand, just watching.
My brother looks so innocent—too innocent for this cruel world. I don't understand why he has to suffer like this. I'm so lost in thought that I don't notice the nurse leaving the room.
"Brother?" Keigan's voice snaps me back. "Are you okay?"
I quickly wipe my face and nose. "Y-yeah. I'm okay now."
He looks down. "B-before—"
"Right, what happened earlier? I don't remember anything." I lie, because I don't want him to feel guilty. He didn't mean to do it. It wasn't really him—it was someone else inside him.
He looks at me, amazed. "We were talking, and then—"
"Keifer!" Honey's voice interrupts him. "Seriously?! What is this?! Hide and seek?!"
She came in sleepily and crossed her arms in front of me. If I don't feel gloomy right now, I might actually roll my eyes.
"I was just making sure my brother was okay."
"You fooled me!"
"Honey, please. Not now," I said, sounding restless.
It's good that she immediately understood I wasn't joking. I turned to face my brother again.
"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 said with another forced smile.
"It's your birthday—you still have a party to attend tonight."
"I don't think I can make it."
"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 smiled genuinely. "I'll be okay, Kuya."
I gave him a short nod, then 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 looked at my brother one last time before leaving him completely. I saw some bodyguards approaching. They slightly bowed and greeted me.
I continued to follow Honey. She led me to the doctor's office—the one who took care of me. We didn't stay long and went straight home.
I rested for a while but had to get dressed right away for the party later. Unlike the party last night, this one would start earlier.
I had a hard time getting dressed because of my bandage, but I managed. I was fixing my tie when Honey entered my room.
"Where are your manners, Honey?" I asked.
She rolled her eyes. "I set them aside—since your fiancée is here." I held my breath. I still hadn't recovered from what happened. I would have preferred a quiet celebration tonight.
"I'm going out," I said, and she walked out of the room.
I looked at my secret phone for a moment before heading out. Just like Honey said, Ion was here—and clearly waiting for me.
Her dress was very simple, but because of the white color and the length of her legs, she looked elegant. She stood up when she saw me and immediately came over.
She held my bandaged arm. "They should've put a cast."
"It's not a broken bone."
"But still—"
"They should put a cast on your face," Honey said as she walked away.
Ion clearly didn't care about what Honey said. She just focused on my tie, which was out of place.
"Let me," she said and fixed it.
She seemed very focused on what she was doing. I let her finish. When she was done, she smiled at me, but I could clearly see the fear in her eyes.
She should be afraid—after tonight.
"Let's leave!" It was Honey shouting from outside.
I walked out and Ion immediately followed me. We were all quiet during the flight to Watson Mansion.
The celebration was at the same venue. But unlike before, no relatives could attend this party. My brothers weren't there to accompany me.
When we arrived at the mansion, there were more cars parked outside. I saw a lot of people coming in, most of them in casual or semi-formal attire.
As we got out, I immediately saw some of my cousins—the ones I had introduced before. Whether illegitimate or unrecognized by the main family, they were still here.
The music from the hall was loud—unlike last night, when only classical instruments were playing. We went straight in and were surprised by the number of people. It was noisier than last night.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" someone spoke into the microphone. "The celebrant is here!"
People immediately turned to look at me and applauded. Unlike before, they all smiled as if they were genuinely happy to see me.
"Since you're here, let's start the party!"
The music turned up, and there was a mini disco in the middle. People greeted me with genuine smiles. Ion held my arm. Maybe he hadn't expected this many people.
"So it's true—you got hurt," said Hazel.
"Blame that monster."
"You mean yourself," she said sarcastically, raising a brow.
I looked at her intently, but Ion changed the mood.
"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 and didn't interrupt their conversation. I roamed around, looking for a familiar face.
"So, how's the celebrant?" Schnee suddenly jumped in front of me.
I could smell his cigarette. "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 mine."
He's stoned.
I couldn't believe this jerk was a member of Angelo. I turned my back on him and walked around some more. I saw some of my cousins I had met when I got here. They seemed to be enjoying the party—except for the Elders.
I couldn't believe they even showed up. They looked down on the cousins who weren't recognized by the main family.
But I was hoping to see someone.
Angelo.
And I didn't have to wait long. The music died down and murmurs grew louder. I looked in the same direction everyone else was looking.
He walked slowly into the middle of the room, one hand in his pocket, a cold expression on his face as he looked straight at me. At that moment, it was clear—he could definitely pass as a Watson.
His gestures, his expression—everything about him mirrored my own. No wonder he fooled so many people into believing he was a Watson.
"Is that him?"
"He really does look like a Watson."
"Geez, he's a hottie."
I heard them talking, but my attention wasn't on them. Ion was with Hazel, and I knew she was looking at him right now.
"Now tell me, do you still want me to marry?"
"Seriously, Keifer?" Angelo said, glancing at my arm.
He stopped a few feet away from me. I looked around and saw everyone watching us.
"Where's my gift?" I asked.
He raised a brow. "Is that required?"
"Yes, and I prefer Jay-Jay as my birthday gift."
"How about a coffin for your funeral?" he replied, immediately raising his middle finger.
I let out a humorless laugh. Before I could respond, I felt the Elders approaching where I was standing.
"Keifer," the Eldest said, then looked at Angelo.
I could see a glimpse of excitement in her eyes. That's what your grandson suspects!
"This is Angelo Fernandez, the cousin of my beloved woman," I said, already knowing he was plotting my assassination in his head.
The Eldest extended his hand to Angelo. "I am Maverick Watson, Keifer's grandfather."
Angelo accepted the handshake but didn't acknowledge the other Elders. They introduced themselves to him anyway. I watched them talk to him briefly.
"Nice to meet you all," he said after the introductions.
"Would you like to have a seat? I have a lot to ask you," the Eldest offered, but Angelo shook his head.
"Thanks, but I have something to discuss with Keifer," he said, locking eyes with me.
"If you'll excuse us, we'll be back shortly," I said and walked away.
Angelo followed me. We left the hall and entered one of the private rooms. He closed the door, and for a moment, there was silence.
"What would you like to discuss?" I asked, looking out the window.
"First things first," he said—and then I heard a gunshot.
I immediately turned around. I wasn't mistaken—his gun was already pointed at me.
"Happy birthday, asshole."