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

Keifer's POV

"…I'm gonna take my horse on the old town road…"

I watched him sway his hand, clearly enjoying the song from the internet. I had no idea how he even learned to use it.

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

Hide his post?

"U-Uncle?"

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

"You don't have to greet me online," I replied.

He pouted slightly. "But I want to."

I shook my head. Uncle Kier looked much better now. I even saw him playing Mobile Legends on his phone when I arrived. He was acting like a real millennial. I approached him and closed his laptop.

"I'd appreciate it more if you greeted me in person," I said, smiling slightly.

He leaned back in his chair, studying me intently.

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

"Well… h-he doesn't know I'm here," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck.

He chuckled, shaking his head.

"To hell with his rules."

I smiled as he looked me up and down.

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

"Costume?" I frowned.

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

"Your cousin Hazel?" he clarified, and I nodded.

He chuckled. "Hazel and her twin Clyde are quite the combination. Hazel, the feminist, and 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 perfect example of a thick-headed human. Uncle Kier stood up, and I quickly helped him. He even stretched his back with a groan.

"Ow, my bones," he muttered as he walked slowly. "I miss my younger days."

I followed him as he headed to the same room he had entered earlier—the one where he had taken the photo album. I waited outside, and fortunately, he didn't take long. He emerged holding a wrapped box with a ribbon. The wrapping paper looked old, probably due to its faded color.

"Happy birthday, my grandson," he said, handing me the gift.

I accepted it with a smile. "Thank you, Uncle."

"Would you like to open it now?" he asked, his expression suddenly serious.

I hesitated but nodded.

"I'll leave you alone for this," he said before walking away.

I made my way to the patio. The sliding glass door was open, and I sat in Uncle Kier's usual spot. Carefully, I untied the ribbon and unwrapped the gift. That's when I realized—the wrapping paper wasn't designed to look old; it was old.

Inside was a box, slightly smaller than a shoebox. I opened it and found various photographs and papers. Some of the papers were folded and fragile. I picked one up and carefully unfolded it.

My heart nearly stopped when I read the name at the top—Angelo.

It was a last will and testament.

"What the hell…?"

I read it carefully. It was handwritten, with a fingerprint marked in blood as a signature.

I read the name aloud. "A-Angel Watson?"

The guy who was always with my Monster Dad. The one my grandfather had adopted. But why would he leave all his money to Angelo? I hoped I was wrong.

I rummaged through the box and found more photos—pictures of that guy and… Angelo's mom?!

She looked so young, probably in high school, judging by her uniform. There were more documents, all supporting the will, with my own mother's signature. At the very bottom of the box, I found a handwritten letter from my mom.

My chest tightened when I noticed the dried water stains on the paper. Those aren't just water drops… those are her tears.

My Mom.

Slowly, I began to read. Every word pierced my heart.

💌

Keifer, my son,

Forgive me for giving you so many responsibilities at such a young age, but I had no choice. How I wish I could finish what I started, but I know that's impossible.

There was a stain on the paper—spilled ink, likely smudged by her tears.

I want to hold you and beg for your forgiveness. I've made so many mistakes—not just to you, but to your father and your friend, Angelo.

I frowned. Angelo? What does he have to do with this?

Your dad loves me with all his heart, but it wasn't enough. I wasn't enough. So, I decided to carry on with my plan. The inheritance should be yours—no one deserves it more than you. But I had to distract them, to divert their attention.

And then… your friend's mother arrived. Gemini Fernandez.

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

A young, intelligent, and beautiful woman. Everyone admired her instantly. Your father was interested in her, but she wasn't the only one. Your uncle, Angel, pursued her as well.

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

I put down the letter and washed my face. I didn't like what I had just read. I wanted to burn the letter, but I needed 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 neither confirmed nor denied the rumors. I did nothing to stop them. Until she gave birth to a healthy boy.

But who was his father? He couldn't be my brother. I couldn't accept that. I would reject myself from this family if the Elders' suspicions were true.

I knew the entire Watson Empire would search for that child. They would do anything to uncover the truth about him. So, I did what I thought was right—I erased the existence of everyone who knew the truth.

I crumpled the paper in my hands. Did she really eradicate them? My mom couldn't have done such a thing.

One by one, I watched them bleed and beg for their lives. Until your Uncle Angel discovered it was me who was eliminating them. He did everything he could to save the others, including Gemini. He tried 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, who bargained to keep her son alive, she ensured no one would uncover the truth.

If someone asked, she stayed silent. If someone dared to investigate, she told me, and I ended them. Our little game continued until Angelo showed up at our house—a teenager on the journey of discovering himself. He was searching for his biological father. I didn't know how he ended up in front of me, but I knew he was determined to find him.

There was no way he would find what he was looking for, yet I still gave him a location. It took him just a week to find his father's grave. Without a single clue from me, without a tombstone or marker, he still managed to find him.

He's dead! Angelo is not my brother. The rumors were false. I 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 him beg his mother for answers. But that wasn't what disturbed me—it was his capabilities. He could do things beyond what I had expected from him. One day, he would grow wiser, and it wouldn't take long before he discovered the truth. I had no choice but to act.

Using Angel's last will, I ensured his son followed my plans, just as his mother had done for me. He became the diversion. He successfully managed to draw their attention. He fooled everyone—except for one person.

Your father.

Did they think they could deceive that monster? If he had touched Angelo's mother, perhaps they could have tricked him. But he wasn't fooled. What did that mean?

I kept reading, despite the passing time.

Once your father discovered your grandfather's last will, I knew he would kill you. I needed to divert his attention, too, but I failed. Everything slipped out of my control. My plans crumbled, and things went from bad to worse.

I picked up the next paper. Just like the first, it was stained with water, the ink smudged.

I'm terrified of what your father might do to us—to you. Sooner or later, he will find out about my plan, but I haven't told the truth to that Angelo kid.

I know I will no longer be alive by the time you read this. So please, do me a favor. Give the rest of the documents to Angelo and put an end to this game—this game that started with you and his true identity.

Ask for his forgiveness on my behalf, please. Speak to Gemini as well, and tell her that Angel loved her until his last breath.

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

Did you know I got your name from the man who saved me? The man 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—his name was originally Kim Renz, but I changed it to be closer to yours. 💌

I wiped the tears from my eyes. I just realized how special our names were to her. I kept reading until the very last part.

She kept asking for forgiveness—not just from me but from Angelo's family, too. She explained every detail of her plan, who I could trust, and who I should seek help from. It took four pages to finish the letter. And after reading it, I made a decision.

I put the letter back in the box, lowered my head, and clenched my fists.

These past few days, I've been wondering if I should continue this fight. I miss Jay-jay too much. I haven't been able to take care of my siblings properly. But after reading my mother's letter—after understanding her sacrifices and regrets—I know now. I have to keep going.

I stared at the open box for a moment. Angelo needs to know the truth. He also needs to receive his full inheritance. No wonder he can afford the annual fees for his membership. He has hidden wealth. He just chooses not to use it to pay off his company's debts.

Why? What is he up to?

I closed the box and walked inside the house. My uncle stood there, hands behind his back. He looked at me for a moment, then at the box I was holding.

"I know there are times when you want to give up and leave everything behind." He stepped closer. "But I saw how hard your mother worked. I can't bear to see you abandon everything she sacrificed for."

I nodded briefly and forced a smile. "I know. I understood that from the start. 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 to wait a little longer."

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

He let go and pointed toward a room nearby. I followed his gaze and approached it. As I opened the door, what I saw inside stunned me.

It was a room filled with clothes. From accessories to shoes and ties—all branded, all expensive. Some were limited editions, others were exclusive designs meant for well-known individuals.

"That's your mom's gift," he said, nodding toward the box in my hands. Then, he gestured toward the clothes. "And this is mine. Now, suit yourself and get ready."

He turned his back to me and closed the door.

I let my eyes wander around the room. I'm not really into expensive clothes. I don't care about brands. But seeing all of this still excites me.

If only Jay-jay could see this…

I softened as I remembered what I had to do. My original plan was to go back home the day after my birthday. But that won't happen. I need to secure everything I'm leaving behind before I return.

So much for my birthday.

I just wanted this day to end. I decided to buy some clothes to wear, just as Uncle suggested. As I continued browsing, I felt the vibration of my secret phone. I took it out of my pocket. An unregistered number was calling me. The number looked familiar, but I couldn't recall who it belonged to.

I had no intention of answering it, but for some reason, my gut told me to. I picked up the call, making sure to stay alert and silent.

["Hey... Gagang Baliw."] I covered my mouth. I knew that voice. ["...It's me! Jay-Jay is beautiful."]

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

["Who are you, really?! Because your trip is so strong I can't ride it."]

What?

[It's too late! You know that! Tell me who you are! You're so stressful!"] she said, and I could sense her irritation. ["Can you please say something? My mouth is drying up here, and you're still speechless."]

I wanted so badly to speak. To shout that I missed her. If only I could hold her right now. I closed my eyes, just listening to her voice. At least, in my imagination, she was right in front of me.

["Hey! Whoever you are, I know you're close to Keifer. Maybe... what... please say..."] She paused for a second. ["...Nyappi Brrritttday."]

Nyappi? Is that even a word?

I tried not to laugh, but I couldn't stop myself. I slightly moved the phone away from my mouth.

Now she thinks I'm not Gagang Baliw, or maybe the other way around. She thinks Gagang Baliw isn't me. WHERE DID THAT CRAZY NAME COME FROM?!

["Alright. Laugh. Enjoy yourself,"] she said.

She paused again. I knew she was thinking about something, and I had a bad feeling about it.

["...Maybe you can also say..."] She sighed heavily. ["...please tell him that when he is coming back. His Ulupong fellows are suffering..."]

I sat on the floor, my body numb. I knew they were struggling. I knew she was struggling. And I was struggling too.

["...Section E needs him..."] What about you? Do you need me too? ["...many are counting on him..."] Do you trust me too? ["...he also wants to be with his friends..."] And I hope you want to be with me. ["Please tell him... whatever he's dealing with, please hurry."]

I wiped my face. One of my biggest fears—she's losing patience. Please, just hold on a little longer.

["...I also have a birthday wish for him. I hope he stays true to his feelings..."]

My eyes blurred with tears, but I still managed to smile.

Wish granted.

["...I also wish he could forgive me..."] She has no reason to apologize. I should be the one saying sorry. ["...for what I did to him."

Her voice was changing, as if there was a lump in her throat. Why does it feel like she's saying goodbye?

Oh God, no.

["I really hope he comes back soon... but if he can't, it's okay. We'll accept it."] Stop. Don't say things like that. ["...please tell him all of this? I'll wait for an answer."]

She's giving up. She can't wait for me anymore.

Tears fell from my eyes. I pulled the phone away from my ear, no longer listening to the rest of what she said. My other hand covered my face.

She doesn't want to wait anymore. I let go of my phone. Forever. I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. She doesn't want to be with me anymore. I only asked for a little more time. I can't just leave everything behind.

Please, Jay.

"Keifer."

I looked up to see who it was.

To my surprise, Ion was standing beside me. She knelt down, looking 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 once had a crush on.