Keifer's POV
My left arm was covered with bandages, while my right hand had an IV cannula inserted. I watched the fluid drip down from the bag.
It had been an hour since I woke up, but I still hadn't heard anything from the doctor. I looked at Honey, who was obviously enjoying texting someone.
"Have you heard anything from the doctor?" I asked her.
She looked at me, annoyed. "You just asked the same question 12 minutes ago."
I sat up from lying down. 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. At least my fingers on my left hand are still free.
Honey panicked when she saw what I was doing.
"Stop it, you dimwit!" she said and slapped my hand.
I winced as my elbow ached due to the force of her slap. I looked at her with a deadly stare.
"Wait for your doctor!" she added.
"I need to see Keigan," I said, sounding like I was pleading.
Honey took a deep breath. "Wait for me here. I'll look for that doctor."
I gave a short smile. She pushed aside the curtain and left to do what she said. But I never said anything about staying here.
I continued with my plan and removed the cannula from my hand. I groaned as I pulled it out, causing a little blood to spill. I just wiped it on my clothes.
I quickly stood up and walked out to find Keigan. Honey had explained to me that he was also found unconscious beside me. The only difference was that he had a high fever and low blood pressure. That's why he was admitted, to ensure he would be okay.
All my tests, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, were normal. We were just waiting for the doctor's approval.
I went 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 before it closed and quickly stepped inside. I pressed the number 3 on the floor buttons. It feels like an eternity waiting for this door to open.
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'm scared to admit it to myself, but now I know. He could be suffering from a mental illness.
The elevator doors opened, and I almost flew as I searched for his room. I found it in just a few seconds.
I was about to knock when I noticed the door was slightly open. I could see my brother inside. He was awake and looked like he was talking to someone.
I carefully pushed the door open and entered without making a sound. Then, 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 tone.
He grabbed his own hair and looked up.
"Damn it! This is your fault! You're too talkative," his tone was different, almost as if he were a different person. "You're going to snitch on your idiot brother. He'll have us locked up in a mental institution!"
He let go of his hair. "I deserve to be in an institution."
It's like I'm watching two different people arguing. But there's only one person in front of me, and he's arguing with himself.
"Do you want me to wake him up? You idiot! Just talk to him instead!"
"N-no! Don't let him come out."
"You're scared, aren't you? Why don't you let him be Keigan instead? After all, you're a coward."
Seeing him like this made my knees weak. I only realized I was crying when I felt the tears falling, but I had no intention of stopping them. I cried silently while watching him.
This is painful. My brother has a problem, yet I kept putting it aside. But now, here it is, right in front of me. No more denying, no more avoiding, 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 tell me earlier, but I know he did his best.
I knew he would be hurt if he found out that I knew the truth. I didn't want to add more burden to what he was already going through. I took a step back, planning to leave, but suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
My heart pounded fast.
I thought he would find out.
Luckily, Keigan didn't look toward the doorway. He just shut his mouth and pretended nothing had happened.
A nurse walked straight in towards him. I chose to stay still where I was. I watched as the nurse checked his vitals and took notes.
My brother looks too innocent for this cruel world. I don't understand why he has to suffer too.
I was too busy thinking that I didn't notice when the nurse left the room.
"Kuya?" Keigan called out, waking me from my thoughts. "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 in amazement. "We—we were talking, then—."
"Keifer!" It was Honey who cut him off. "Seriously?! What is this?! Hide and seek?!"
She walked straight in and crossed her arms in front of me. If I weren't feeling so gloomy right now, I would have definitely rolled my eyes.
"I just wanted to make sure my brother was okay."
"You fooled me!"
"Honey, please. Not now," I sounded exhausted.
Thankfully, she understood immediately that I wasn't joking. I turned back to my brother.
"Maybe, let's talk about it some other time."
He 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 a 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 smiled genuinely. "I'll be okay, Kuya."
I nodded briefly. I turned and faced Honey, who was currently raising an eyebrow at me.
"Where can I find that doctor?"
"Follow me," she said and walked away.
I took one last look at my brother before leaving. I saw some bodyguards arriving. They slightly bowed their heads and greeted me.
I continued following Honey. She took me to the doctor's office, where my checkups had been handled. We didn't stay long and immediately headed home.
I rested for a while, but soon, I had to get dressed for the party tonight. Unlike last night's party, this one would start earlier.
It was difficult to get dressed because of my bandaged arm, but I managed. I was adjusting my tie when Honey suddenly entered my room.
"Where's your manners, Honey?" I ask her.
She rolled her eyes. "I set it aside since your fiancée is here."
I sighed. I haven't even recovered from everything that happened. I preferred having a quiet celebration tonight.
"I'm going out." I said, and she walked out of my room.
I glanced briefly at my secret phone before finally stepping out. Just as Honey had said, Ion was here, obviously waiting for me.
She was wearing a simple dress, but because of its white color and the length of her legs, she looked elegant. She stood up when she saw me and immediately walked toward me.
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 and walked away.
Ion obviously didn't care about what Honey said. Instead, she focused on my tie, which was not properly adjusted.
"Let me." She said and fixed 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!" Honey shouted from outside.
I started walking out, and Ion immediately followed. We were all silent during the entire ride to the Watson Mansion.
The celebration was at the same venue. But unlike before, non-relatives could attend the party. The only downside was that my siblings weren't there to accompany me.
When we arrived at the mansion, there were more cars parked outside. I could also see a lot of people entering. Most of them were wearing casual or semi-formal attire.
As soon as we stepped out of the car, I spotted some of my cousins who had been introduced to me before—the illegitimate children or those unrecognized by the main family.
Loud music was playing from the hall, unlike last night when only classical instruments were used. We headed straight inside, and to my surprise, the place was packed. It was much noisier compared to last night.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Someone spoke into the microphone. "The celebrant is here!"
Everyone turned to look at me and started clapping. Unlike before, they all smiled at me as if they were genuinely happy to see me.
"Since you're here! Let's start the party!"
The music got louder, and a mini disco started in the middle. People were greeting me with genuine smiles.
I felt Ion's hand holding 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 a brow.
I looked at her intently. But it was Ion who broke 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 smell the cigarette 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.
I couldn't believe this idiot was a member of Angelo's group. I turned my back on him and continued walking around.
I saw some of my cousins whom I had met upon arriving here. They seemed to be enjoying the party—except for the Elders.
I couldn't believe they actually showed up. They were looking at my cousins, the ones unrecognized by the main family, with contempt.
But I was hoping to see someone.
Angelo.
And it looked like I didn't have to wait any longer.
The music lowered, and whispers started spreading. I looked in the same direction as everyone else.
Slowly walking in the middle, with one hand in his pocket, his face held a cold expression as he looked at me. This moment proved that he could truly pass as a Watson.
His gestures and expressions all carried the same traits as I did. 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 I wasn't paying attention. 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 while eyeing my arm.
He stopped a few feet away from me. I looked around and saw that everyone was 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 presence of the Elders approaching me.
"Keifer." The eldest spoke before turning to Angelo.
I could see the glimpse of excitement in her eyes.
That's the grandson you've been suspecting!
"This is Angelo Fernandez, the cousin of my beloved woman." I said, and I already knew that in his head, he was plotting my assassination.
The eldest extended her hand toward Angelo.
"I am Maveric Watson, Keifer's grandfather."
Angelo shook her hand but remained silent. The other Elders also introduced themselves to him. I watched them talk for a short moment.
"Nice to meet you all." That was his 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 be back soon." I said and walked away.
Angelo followed me. We left the hall and entered one of the private rooms. He closed the door, and we both remained silent.
"What would you like to discuss?" I asked while looking out the window.
"First things first," he said, and then I heard the sound of a gun being cocked.
I immediately turned to face him. I wasn't mistaken—he was pointing a gun at me.
"Happy Birthday, assh*le."