Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book - 3) English (On-going)

Keifer's POV

"Have you got your things ready?"

Keigan turned to me, looking completely dumbfounded. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Why should I prepare my stuff?" he asked, confused.

Not again.

I let out a heavy sigh. "Tell me, Keigan, do you have a problem?"

He shook his head. "Do I look like I have a problem?"

I held my chin, observing him. Every day that I don't see Keigan, he seems like a different person. Some days he's bossy, and other days, he acts like he doesn't even know us.

"What's my name?" I asked.

He laughed. "You don't remember your own name anymore?"

I looked him straight in the eye. "What is my full name, Keigan?"

His expression turned serious as he scratched his head slightly.

"Mark Keifer Watson."

"What's the name of your younger brother?" I quickly asked.

"Mike Keiren Watson."

"And your full name?"

"Me? Keigan Watson."

"Where did you get the scar on the side of your right big toe?"

"From your broken toy scattered around your room."

"How old were you when you found out you had astigmatism?"

"Fourteen, after suffering from headaches."

"Where did you hide Keiren when you decided to scare him?"

"The basement, next to your favorite room—wait, what is this all about?!"

"Just checking your memory."

He let out an annoyed laugh before standing up and walking away. I stayed still, my thoughts unsettled. He seems fine, but something about him feels off. I don't want to push him too hard—he might just distance himself from me even more.

"Keifer! You ready?" Honey called out, walking toward me.

I stood up and adjusted my necktie. Grabbing my coat from the back of the sofa, I gave it a shake before putting it on.

"I'm ready," I said, walking ahead.

She followed, carrying her beloved bag and a pink briefcase. Since she was the secretary for this business, I let her handle some details.

"Uncle said many of their investors withdrew because of the data breach issue. Why are you still investing with them?" She asked while tucking some papers into the briefcase.

"I know their vice chairman. He once told me, 'There's no such thing as losing. It's only winning or learning.'" I pressed my car key to unlock the vehicle. "I'll invest in him because I know he won't give up. A person like that is difficult to bring down in the business world."

I got into the car, and Honey did the same. I drove smoothly to our destination—Angelo's friend's company.

Tiger had told me about the company's current problems. But money isn't the only reason I'm investing. I know I'll need him in the future.

When we arrived at the given address, I wasn't surprised by the sight of their massive, high-end office building. Angelo has always enjoyed flaunting his wealth.

"After this, shall we eat? I want steak," Honey said.

I frowned. She always complains about gaining weight but still eats nothing but meat. Maybe that's why Felix doesn't want to date you. As soon as we entered, the employees greeted us warmly, their smiles synchronized.

"Mr. Richardson is waiting for you," a man informed us.

I simply nodded before following him. We stepped into the elevator, which only had four people inside.

"Would you like something? Coffee, tea, or cola? Perhaps something to eat during the meeting?" one of them asked.

Honey answered before I could. "Café latte and whiskey." She said this while typing on her phone.

"Whiskey?" the staff member asked for confirmation.

"If you don't have that, champagne or red wine will do," she replied nonchalantly.

I adjusted the button on my coat. Strangely, a wave of nervousness crept up on me. I usually don't feel nervous when I'm certain about what I'm doing. This was the first time.

When we reached the floor of my target's office, the man assisting us knocked before opening the door.

I barely took two steps inside before spotting the people present. Mr. Richardson and—of course—Angelo.

"Mr. Watson, it's good that you've come," Mr. Richardson greeted.

I aimed my gaze at him.

"Mr. Richardson," I said as I walked closer.

He extended his hand for a handshake, and I accepted. But my eyes kept flickering toward Angelo. He was seated on a long sofa, watching us with an unreadable expression.

So this is why I felt nervous.

"Stop calling me Mr. It makes it seem like we have nothing in common. Call me by my nickname," he said.

"Don," I said, and he nodded.

He gestured for us to sit, and Honey wasted no time doing so. His attention immediately shifted to her.

"And who is this beautiful woman?" Don asked, stepping toward her and reaching for her hand to kiss.

Honey swiftly grabbed her hand. "Keifer's secretary."

Don turned to me. "Such a shame. You keep her only as a secretary?"

"We're both taken," Honey and I said in unison.

I nearly raised an eyebrow. She doesn't have a boyfriend, so how is she taken? Maybe she has an imaginary one. I glanced at Angelo and gave him a knowing look. I was sure he knew I was talking about Jay-Jay.

"Really? With each other?" Don asked, laughing.

I shook my head. "No. With his cousin." I pointed at Angelo.

Don's eyes widened in disbelief. He looked at me, then back at her, then at Angelo again. Suddenly, he burst into laughter. Angelo and I exchanged looks, silently warning him to stop.

"For real?" Don asked between laughs.

He walked over to Angelo, laughing right in his face. Angelo remained motionless, staring at me with an unreadable expression.

"Seriously, Angelo? You taught him how to hit on women, and he ended up going after your cousin?" Don teased.

Angelo shot him a deadly glare, and Don immediately straightened, adjusting his necktie. "I told you to shut up."

"Start the meeting now. We have a lot to discuss, so let's hurry up," Angelo said, turning to Don.

Don pressed the intercom. "Send the papers here now."

I sat across from Angelo, but I couldn't ignore his intense stare. It was as if he was trying to burn a hole through me.

What the hell is wrong with him?

We started the meeting by discussing the mission and vision, followed by a review of past work and events they had organized. I asked a few questions, which Dan immediately answered.

With all details covered, we wrapped up the meeting in less than two hours. Angelo waited patiently for us to finish, silently observing the entire time.

"So, would you like to close the deal now?" Don asked me.

"Sure."

Don called his secretary to send over the contract. It didn't take long before the secretary arrived and handed me the papers.

I took my time reading through them before signing, and Don did the same. After the meeting, silence filled the room—an awkward silence.

"Miss Beautiful," Don called out to Honey. "Can you leave us for a while? We have a private matter to discuss."

Honey glanced at me. I nodded, signaling her to go. She left, taking a copy of the contract and her beloved bag with her.

Angelo and I stood up almost at the same time. We were surprised at first but quickly realized we were the only ones removing our coats. Don followed suit, taking off his coat and then his tie.

"You two really share a brain, don't you?" Don said, pointing at me and Angelo.

I hung my coat on the hanger and sat down. Angelo did the same, frowning at me.

"What do you want to talk about?" I asked them.

They exchanged looks before answering.

"It's about the fraternity," Angelo said. "We want you to know what they did to us—and what they'll do to you."

"They'll take advantage of you. That's what they did to us," Don added.

I raised an eyebrow. Were they saying this to make me lose interest in joining their group?

"They target people when they're desperate," Don continued. "And they always have a knife at your back to ensure you follow their orders. That's what they did to us."

"I know what you're doing. You're trying to convince me not to join," I said, chuckling.

They exchanged meaningful glances.

"Can you kill someone?" Angelo asked, making me freeze.

"That's their initiation."

"You can't be serious."

"We're dead serious, Keifer," Don replied.

"The more desperate you are, the more they'll manipulate you. Sometimes, they'll make you do the most unexpected things."

I was at a loss for words. I didn't know if they were trying to deceive me or if they were telling the truth. But taking someone's life was no joke.

"What did they make you do?" I asked them.

"They asked me to kill someone, but I didn't do it. I wasn't desperate enough, so they gave me a different initiation," Dan said before glancing at Angelo.

"They asked me the same thing, and I almost did," Angelo admitted, looking me straight in the eye.

"Why didn't you? And who was it?"

"A kid. An innocent, clueless kid. He didn't know anything about my agenda, and I saw no good reason to end his life. So, I chose not to."

He didn't blink while speaking, and every word hit differently. That kid… Could it be possible?

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.

"Introduction," Don said, gesturing with his hands. "You should first know the group you're joining."

"They have only a few members. Most of them are old money—filthy rich or billionaire tycoons," Angelo added.

"How did you get involved? You're not that rich."

Angelo smirked. "There are things about me you haven't discovered yet."

"Sometimes, it's not just about money," Don said, but I doubted that. From joining to becoming a member, money was involved. Why pretend otherwise?

If what they were saying was true, then there was a chance they'd also order me to kill someone to become a member. But if I didn't join, where else would I find powerful allies like them? It would be a huge advantage for me.

I had to think wisely. This wasn't just about me—it was for my brothers and Jay-Jay. If I didn't join, when would I get another opportunity like this? I could only hope for the best.

"I still want to join," I said without hesitation.

Both of them took deep breaths.

"Stubbornness. That's yours," Don said to Angelo. "You've spoiled him too much."

"Shut up!" Angelo snapped at him before turning to me. "Are you sure about this?"

I nodded confidently. I would punch the moon if I had to, but this was the only thing that made sense to me.

"I'll give you time, Keifer," he said. "After that, I'll ask you again. If your answer remains the same..." He glanced at Don before looking at me again. "...I'll recruit you."

He stood up and walked out of the office. His friend followed. Once the door closed, Don and I faced each other again.

He smirked. "Just a reminder—there's no turning back once you start."

I nodded.

"Don't be flashy or arrogant to others, and above all..." He paused as if deep in thought, then smiled wickedly. "...Whoever recruits you will be the one to conduct your initiation."

Fuck!

Angelo would be the one to recruit me. Fuck this! He would definitely make fun of me. Or worse. Shit! I should have asked Ervin to recruit me instead.

Don burst into loud laughter.

"You're turning red!" he teased, laughing hard.

"Whatever. I'm leaving."

I grabbed my coat from the hanger and turned away from him, still hearing his laughter. The moment I stepped out of his office, Honey greeted me excitedly.

"Steak," she said, grinning like a child.

At the mention of food, my stomach reacted. Hunger hit me suddenly, and though I didn't want to admit it, I nodded. We walked together, with Honey checking her phone.

"I know a place," she said.

"Just tell me the directions," I replied.

I drove the car while Honey keeps giving me directions. I'm no longer sure of the road we're taking. If I hadn't been with them, I might have just driven home.

"Turn there at that corner. Then you'll see the AYAN—NOW!" Honey excitedly points to the steakhouse.

As I looked for a parking space, I notice a familiar car.

Is that… Percy's?

I parked the car as soon as I find a spot. I immediately get out, and so does Honey. I quickly approach Percy's car.

"Hey! Do you want that? You already have a car like that, don't you?" Honey teases while waiting for me.

"I know this car. It belongs to someone I know," I say, glancing at the window of the steakhouse, hoping to see him… and her.

"But?"

My heart suddenly beats faster and louder. She's here—with Percy. I see her talking to him.

"What is it? Who is it? Are they inside?" Honey asks again while trying to look in.

"Jay-Jay is here with someone."

She lets out an "Oh" while looking at me. "Have you been replaced?"

I frown. "No."

She fixes herself, running her fingers through her hair. She even slaps her cheek lightly.

"I get it. Let's go inside and see her."

She seems to be thinking something else. She also looks like she doesn't believe me.

"What?"

She doesn't answer. I just grab her arm and pull her inside. Inside, I immediately straighten up.

"Table for two?" an usher asks.

"Yes, please," Honey answers.

Before the usher can lead us to a seat, I signal for them to stop.

"Sir?"

"Follow me. I'll tell you where I want to sit."

I dragged Honey closer to Percy and Jay. They don't notice us yet, making it easier for me to approach them. I stop in front of them, and Honey follows suit.

"Keifer?" Percy asked.

"Percy…" I say, then turn to Jay. "...Jay."

She lifts her head to look at us and forces a smile. "Oh, you're here? I didn't notice."

"Didn't notice, or didn't want to notice?" Honey provokes her.

"Both," Jay replies.

"Honey…" Honey calls me. "...introduce me to your friend with blue eyes."

I almost raise an eyebrow. Doesn't she know Percy? And why does she want to? Even though I'm surprised, I introduced them.

"Percy, this is Honey Bee Raider, my lawyer's nephew." I tapped Honey's hand. "...Honey, this is Percy Coll-Mariano."

She offered her hand for a handshake, and Percy accepts it.

Honey asked a question, but I don't hear it. My full attention is on Jay-Jay. I don't take my eyes off her—I don't want to. Maybe if I blink, she'll disappear.

"Introductions are done… You can leave now," she says with a smile.

A bitter pain grips my chest. I can't help but feel hurt.

"Rude," Honey mutters.

I want to calm her down before they start arguing again.

"Jay, don't do that," Percy scolded her.

She clearly doesn't like it but chooses to stay silent.

"Since we're eating here too, mind if we share a table?" Honey finally asked the question I wanted to ask earlier. I know I— Before they can refuse, I took the lead.

"That's a great idea."

I signal the usher and tell them my request. They quickly set up a pair of benches and a table for us. Jay immediately shifts away when she sees me sitting next to her. The waiter hands us the menu.

"Red wine for four," I say, handing the menu back.

Honey orders the kind of steak I liked. I don't wanted to take my eyes off my partner.

Her short hair waves slightly every time she moves. On Ci-N's birthday, I noticed her hair, but I didn't pay much attention—because to me, her hair is beautiful no matter what.

Even if she were bald.

"So, how did you two become step-siblings?" Honey broke the silence.

Jay responded immediately. "Please."

I almost slapped my forehead. Here they go again.

"I'm not talking to you," Honey said, pointing at Percy. "I'm talking to him."

"I'm not talking to you either," Jay retorted, searching for someone else to point at. Finally, he settled on Percy. "...I'm talking to him."

They exchanged glances before Percy sighed and gave in.

"O-okay... I'm talking to her," Percy muttered.

I shook my head in disbelief. He was just forced to play along.

Our food arrived, and we started eating—except for Jay-Jay. She was struggling to cut her food.

"Let me slice it for you," I offered, reaching for her plate.

But she handed it to Percy instead.

"Slice it for me, please. Thank you!" she said with a grin.

I wanted to throw my plate at Percy's face. I just wanted to treat her like a queen—my queen. 😂

"Percy, do you have a girlfriend?"

I almost raised an eyebrow at Honey. She was clearly interested in him. What if she finds out he's Felix's brother?

"N-no..." Percy answered, looking uncomfortable.

Someone still hasn't moved on. I can't blame him. He loved Freya too much.

"I'll just go to the restroom," he said before leaving.

I kept my eyes on Jay. It was my turn to finally talk to her properly.

"Honey..." I called out. "...Keep him busy."

Honey stood up immediately. "My pleasure," she said, following Percy.

Jay looked restless. She couldn't leave—not now, not when I had this chance.

"We need to talk," I said.

"You're already talking."

So savage.

"Listen to me..." I started, "...I don't even know where to begin—"

"Start at the beginning," she interrupted.

I frowned, feeling my patience wear thin. I loosened my tie, tempted to take it off completely.

"Okay..." I exhaled heavily. "...I was there from the start."

"Finally, just for fun," she teased, grinning.

She's testing me.

"Jay... I'm trying to be nice here," I said firmly.

I took a sip from my glass of wine. I couldn't afford to lose my temper—not here, not in front of her.

"Please, Jay. I want to explain everything. Just sit down and listen to me."

She went quiet, and for a moment, I thought she would let me speak. But then I saw the sadness in her eyes.

"Don't, Keifer," she said, her voice calm but trembling slightly. "Don't explain anything."

I don't want to see her cry because of me again. I'm ready to tell her everything—I just don't want to lose her.

"I have to. You deserve to know."

"I don't want to know..." She lowered her gaze. "...I don't want to listen to you."

I bit my lip. If I forced her to listen, I might hurt her even more. But if I didn't tell her the truth—then when?

"That's enough... please. I'm tired. I'm tired of loving you—even when I'm not doing anything." Her voice cracked. "I try to stay away, but you keep pulling me back." Tears streamed down her face.

Don't go. You don't have to leave. You have no reason to run away from me. I'm the one at fault. I'm the reason you're in pain.

"Why? Why are you running away from me?"

It should be me giving you space.

"Because that's how it should be," she whispered. "There's no reason for me to stay, right? I loved you, but you didn't love me. I was right to make a fool of myself once by cheating—I don't want to do it again."

No. That's not true. You have so many reasons to stay. I don't love you? Impossible.

I stayed silent, letting her speak. She needed to get this out—all the pain and agony she had been holding in.

"If I had a choice, I'd leave your section. Because your presence torments me. Every time I see you, it feels like my heart is being crushed. Walking into class is torture, because I remember everything. All the happy memories we shared—then suddenly, they all turned out to be a lie." She tried to hold back her tears.

"It hurts..." She pointed at her chest. "...so much."

I wanted to wipe her tears away.

"So please, Keifer," she looked at me, eyes pleading. "...Just stop."

Maybe this isn't the right time to tell her the truth. My presence causes her pain. Every word I say feels like a dagger in her heart.

I wanted to explain—because I'm afraid of losing her. But if I push too hard, she might disappear from my life forever. Right now, her mind is closed off. Everything I've done is still fresh in her memory.

She can't stay away, but my presence hurts her. Maybe it's best if I'm the one who leaves. I set my napkin down and stood up. Slowly, I walked toward her.

"You..." I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. "...You're driving me insane."

She wiped her tears, looking at me in confusion. I would leave, as she wanted—but not to give up. I would do it to protect her, to make sure she wouldn't suffer because of me. I would work hard for us. I would do anything for us.

Because...

"I'm Mark Keifer Watson. I'm smarter than you think. I'm stronger than you know..." I smirked. "...And I am the King of Ulupongs."

Then, without hesitation, I closed the gap between us, gently holding the back of her neck to pull her closer.

Closer to my lips. I was marking her now. Sealing a promise with our kiss. ❤️

She was mine. And I was hers.

A moment later, I pulled away, catching my breath. I rested my forehead against hers, unwilling to let go. This was madness. But who cares? Love makes everyone lose their sanity. They just don't want to admit it.

"You're the only one, Jay..." I whispered. "...The only girl who has ever made me suffer like this."

I let go of her nape and sit on the chair next to her.

"You're the one who makes me suffer," she says with irritation.

I hold her hand before kissing the back of it, pressing it against my cheek while staring at her. I'm exhausted, but I will work hard to win this game. By looking at her, everything comes back to me—why I do this and whether I still want to.

"I'm scared," I say, forcing a smile. "...I'm scared of many things..."

But what scares me the most... Is losing you.

I close my eyes, feeling the numbness in my throat. My eyes have a mind of their own, and my tears fall spontaneously in front of her. In front of Jay-Jay, the girl I love more than myself.

"Yuri was right. I lied to him, I lied to you, and I lied to myself. I have feelings for you that you can never imagine," I confessed.

This is the right thing to do.

"K-Keifer..."

I touch her cheek with one hand. She stiffens.

"I'm afraid to touch you, even though I want to. I don't want to hurt you like I did Freya. But when jealousy eats me up, I can't control myself."

My lips press into a thin line as I think about becoming like my father—remembering the moments I made her cry because of my uncontrollable anger.

"...I won't allow that to happen again," I say, suddenly remembering that we're leaving tonight.

I can't even celebrate my birthday with her. I smiled and closed my eyes.

"My birthday is coming up, and you are the only present I want."

I feel her hesitation. She's having doubts, and it's normal. I let her go and wipe my face with my bare hands.

"You want me to stop? Then I will," I pause, watching her reaction. "...But only for a while."

"What the hell..." She releases a heavy sigh. "...It will stop, but only temporarily? W-why? What are you thinking?" Her forehead creases with confusion.

"I'm giving you space." I know she's probably thinking about a spaceship now. "...But when I return, you'll officially be mine—whether you like it or not."

She's about to protest when someone suddenly jumps in front of us. It's Percy, with messy hair and disheveled clothes.

He tries to pull Jay-Jay away and hurries off. I just let them go—he seems afraid of something.

"Where's Percy?" Honey asks before sitting beside me.

"He left. Got scared of you," I say, taking a sip of my wine.

She pouts. "I thought he enjoyed it. I was still in full performance."

I arch a brow. Full performance? Where? What did she do?

"Maybe he didn't like it," I say.

She looks at me in horror. "He did like it!"

"What did you do?"

She smiles foolishly. "What do you think?"

I don't answer—not because I don't want to, but because I know my imagination won't stop playing tricks on me once I find out. It's better to keep it in the dark.

"You're not saying anything," she says, picking up her phone. "What's his full name? I'll add him on Facebook."

"Percy Ray Collins," I say, deliberately using his old last name.

As expected, Honey looks at me in shock. I smirk.

"OMG! He's the brother of—aaaahhhhkkkk!"

I covered my ears because of her shrill scream. People around us immediately turn to look.

I just let her be. My mind is more occupied with my departure later. I haven't seen her in a long time.

I hope I can last a day without seeing her.