Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book - 2) English

Jay-Jay's POV

I waited. I waited to feel angry about what I did—rushing, reprimanding—but nothing. None of them did anything.

I watched them while setting the dining table. Grandma laughed while talking to Andy about an apple.

I'm making a video here! An apple?!

"Jay-Jay!" Aunt Gema called me. "Help your Mama in the kitchen."

I nodded stiffly. "S-sure, go ahead."

Andy went to the kitchen almost at the same time as me. He was slightly ahead, and Mama immediately greeted him with a kiss.

The kind of kiss that makes you cringe. Yuck!

"Jay... daughter, please bring this." Mama handed me a large bowl full of rice.

She smiled at me while pointing at it. I made her wait before taking it, then headed straight to the dining room.

When I looked up, I almost dropped the bowl in shock.

Son of ....!

"Hi..." Yuri greeted me with a small wave.

It's really pouring today. But why does it feel like I'm the only one getting drenched?

I set the bowl down on the table and looked at him. I wanted to curse out loud—so loudly that heaven itself would reject me.

He was holding a bouquet. It should have looked beautiful, but honestly, it would've looked even better on top of his grave. Just seeing him irritated me. I wasn't happy about his arrival, and I wanted him to know that.

The truth is, I still felt bad about him. After all, he was the one who set up this damned—marriage. I don't know... it feels like they ganged up on me. I was already being a pain to Mom, and now she's siding with him too?

Great! Let's give them a round of applause!

"And who is this handsome young man?" Mama asked flirtatiously. Ahem!

Yuri smiled ear to ear. Oh wow, look at the floor! The floor is so beautiful! I was still mad at him, so I shouldn't be admiring him.

"Good evening. I'm Yuri Hanamitchi," he introduced himself, handing the bouquet to Mama. "This is for you."

She accepted it immediately, clearly delighted as she smelled the flowers.

Int!

"You will be my daughter's husband," Mama said with a smile. "Call me 'Mom' too."

Something about the way she said it felt... off. Strange, Mom!

A sudden sipping sound caught our attention. We turned to Andy, who was standing right behind Yuri.

"Oh! This is my fiancé, Andy Estrada," she introduced him.

Yuri extended his hand. Andy hesitated for a moment before shaking it.

Suddenly, I felt invisible.

Can I just be a ghost? No one even noticed me once Yuri arrived.

Not that I was sad about it. It actually worked in my favor—I managed to slip out of the house unnoticed.

Kuya Angelo was busy on his phone. Grandma was chatting with Aunt Gema while serving food.

The sky was dark, the air was cold, and the wind was still. It looked like it was going to rain again. I checked my phone, hoping for a reply to at least one of my texts.

Still nothing. Shit!

I'm starting to regret it. Why did I let Yuri kiss me that day? The reason was simple: I didn't make sure we were okay before going back to our respective homes.

I sensed someone behind me. Turning slightly, I saw him also gazing up at the sky. I exhaled deeply.

"What are you doing here?" I asked Yuri.

"Coming with you—"

"Not here!" I interrupted, annoyed, pointing at the road. "I mean, what are you doing here at my house?"

He lowered his head slightly. "Angelo texted me. He said he wanted to introduce me to your mom."

I didn't respond. Instead, I looked up at the sky again, letting the silence settle in.

With a sigh, I brushed my fingers through my hair.

"Your mom..." Yuri broke the silence. "You look like her."

I raised an eyebrow. "Really? I didn't know that."

Instead of being annoyed, he actually laughed. That wasn't my intention. I said that to irritate him, not to make him happy. Of course, I'm her daughter—plenty of people have told me I look like her. Nothing new there.

"She looks so young... How old is she?" he continued, ignoring my irritated expression.

"Thirty-four," I replied flatly. "I'm not exactly sure, so don't ask me."

"Thirty-four? That means she got married at 16 or 17?"

"Yeah... just like us if this wedding goes through," I said sarcastically.

He chuckled softly. "I'm not planning on getting you pregnant right away."

What?!

I nearly gagged. That was the worst way to phrase it! Creepy! He could've chosen literally any other way to say that!

I scowled at him. "Tsk! Go inside!"

"W-why?"

"I don't want to be with you. Stay inside."

His expression darkened with sadness. "Jay-Jay... I know you hate me. I can't change that. But I still want to apologize."

I covered my face with my hand, then ran it down to my cheek. I exhaled sharply, trying to ease the tightness in my chest.

I didn't want to be angry with him.

"If you don't realize it yet, I'll explain it to you... If you hadn't arranged this marriage, we wouldn't be in this mess. I wouldn't be confused, and—most importantly—I wouldn't have hurt you." I spoke calmly.

I could be inside, eating right now.

"At first... I prepared myself for the pain. I knew you felt differently about Keifer, so I already had an idea that your feelings for him were different." He looked up at the sky. "...But I still hoped—especially when you agreed to this engagement."

"Because I thought there was no other choice. Kuya Angelo and I would've just kept fighting until this marriage was forced on me. Besides..."

I hesitated but knew he needed to hear it.

"...Like your mom, I can't stand seeing you hurt. I want you to experience happiness too..." I lowered my gaze. "...But I just can't do it."

If only you knew how much I want to love you the way you love me.

But I can't force myself.

Because no matter how hard I try, I can't control my heart.

Every time I close my eyes, Keifer is the first person who comes to mind—smirking, scoffing, invading my thoughts.

He's there, effortlessly charming, holding a wine glass in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Wearing red boxers with a reindeer head— Wait. What?!

Why am I thinking this?!

"I understand... but there's no turning back. I won't take it back. I won't give up, and I won't let you end up with Keifer," he said seriously.

My mouth dropped open. My tongue retreated when I tried to speak. They never got together again, even when I wanted to say so much.

That's right, Yuri!

"Jay-Jay? Yuri?" Mama called from the gate.

Yuri looked at her while I remained still, frozen in place.

"Come in... let's eat," Mama said, smiling at us.

"Alright. You go ahead, we'll follow," Yuri replied.

Mama smiled at him and went inside. Yuri turned back to me. I stayed exactly where I was.

"Come on... they're waiting for us inside," he said as he stepped closer.

I immediately took a step back. "I-I don't understand you."

He sighed deeply. "Right now, you really don't."

I just shook my head. Everything was already a mess, and he was making it worse. I stormed inside, leaving him outside. I knew he would follow.

It's okay not to!

I headed straight to Aunt Gema's dining area, where I could hear their laughter and conversation. There were many empty seats, but the one next to Mama already had a plate set.

I didn't want to sit beside her, so I chose the seat next to Grandma. There were no plates or cutlery there. Grandma gave me a curious look, but I ignored it.

"Jay-Jay... sit here next to me," Mama instructed.

"I'd rather sit here with Grandma," I replied firmly.

She could only smile in response. I knew they were all staring at me, but I chose to ignore it. Even Kuya Angelo's gaze felt suffocating.

I might die!

Yuri sat next to Grandma—right where I would have been if I had chosen that seat. I avoided looking at him and focused on the table. The maid handed me a plate and cutlery.

"Let's pray first," Grandma said hesitantly.

We followed her lead and began praying. Then, everyone started eating.

I had no appetite. No matter how much delicious food was in front of me, I didn't feel the slightest bit hungry.

"Eat, dear," Grandma whispered.

I smiled and was about to take some food when suddenly, the maid entered.

"Excuse me," she said hesitantly. "...there's someone outside asking for Miss Jay-Jay."

Everyone turned to look at me. I had no idea who it could be.

"Are you expecting a visitor?" Aunt Gema asked.

I shook my head.

"Who is it?" Kuya asked the maid.

"I-I don't want to say," she answered.

"Go, Jay. It might be important," Grandma urged.

Yuri stood up as well. I looked at him, unsure whether he was Jay-Jay right now or Yuri.

"I'll go with you," he said.

"Don't... I'll go alone," I replied, feeling uneasy.

I didn't wait for his response. I left the dining area and walked outside, my mind racing with possibilities.

Something felt off.

As soon as I stepped out of the gate, I froze. It felt like everything around me had stopped. Even time itself seemed to halt.

Almost four days.

For almost four days, he didn't answer my calls or texts. For almost four days, I visited his house repeatedly, hoping to see him. For almost four days, he stayed out of my sight. For almost four days, I stayed awake, thinking about him.

"Keifer..." I barely whispered.

His messy hair, tired eyes, and disheveled clothes made him look exhausted. But even so, he was still handsome. He gave me a small smile. I slowly walked toward him.

I wanted to scream at him, scold him, punch him for making me worry so much. I had so many things to say. I thought his father had hurt him.

But when I met his gaze, my words failed me.

Almost four days had passed, but it felt like ten years.

I had so many questions. Why did you disappear? Why didn't you show up? Why?

I even called him! But out of all the questions in my mind, this was the only thing that came out of my mouth:

"H-have you e-eaten?"

He chuckled softly and walked toward me.

"W-why—?"

Oh no!

I didn't get to finish my question. He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. Shocked, I stumbled against his chest. He wrapped his arms around me tightly.

"I missed you..." he whispered.

I closed my eyes, savoring every word. His voice sounded so unfamiliar, as if I were hearing it for the first time. My hands instinctively clung to him. His embrace tightened, as if making up for the days we had spent apart.

"I missed you more," I whispered back.

I let myself melt into his hug, taking in his scent. A mix of alcohol, cigarettes, and perfume. It was an overwhelming combination.

But right now, to me, it was the most comforting scent in the world.

"W-where have you been?" I asked, still holding onto him.

"London," he answered simply.

I pulled away and stared at him in shock. Seriously?!

"London?"

"London. England. United Kingdom," he clarified.

"W-who's there?"

"I met my cousin," he replied seriously.

"You could've explained that properly," I complained.

One question, one short answer—it wasn't enough. If we continued like this, we'd still be talking by tomorrow.

"It's about Kaizer... my dad," he sighed. "I went to visit my cousin and other relatives, hoping one of them could help me..." He took a deep breath. "...but they refused. They don't care about us anymore."

So that was the reason for his absence. He must have been struggling with his problems with his father. I couldn't blame him—I would've been overwhelmed, too.

"W-why?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

They were family. They should have helped him. Now that Keifer had no guardian by his side, they should have supported him.

"That's the problem with the Watsons," he said with a bitter smile. "If there's no benefit for them, they don't care. They have nothing to gain from me, so they won't help me."

I looked down.

He had no mother. No close relatives to lean on. His situation was much worse than mine.

I always complained about my life, about not having a father, about not feeling like I had a mother. But at least I had Aunt Gema, who made me feel cared for. Compared to Keifer's struggles, I had no right to complain.

He's rich... and you're not.

"W-why didn't you even text me?" I asked, changing the topic.

"I didn't want to worry you," he admitted, holding my hand. "If I read your messages or heard your voice, I would've come back immediately just to see you."

I didn't know whether to be happy or annoyed by his answer. I had thought he was ignoring me out of anger, but he had left for something so serious.

You're such an idiot, Jay!

"Did you just get back?" I asked, observing his tired expression.

"Yeah... I came straight here because I wanted to see you," he said with a smile.

Crazy!

"You should rest. There's school tomorrow," I reminded him.

"Let's not go in."

I frowned. "What?!"

"Let's go out instead. Let's have a date."

A date?!

I liked that idea. We had never had an official date before.

But if we skipped, Kuya Angelo would definitely find out... and then I'd be in trouble.

"Maybe just on weekends," I suggested.

"No. It's tomorrow. Please…" Please talk to him. "…I'll take you to the beach."

I want that!

It's hard to refuse him. He brought my hand to his mouth and kissed the back of my palm and fingers.

"Because, Keifer… I might be able to reach you, Big Brother," I said, looking at him sadly.

"Please, Jay… I really miss you so much."

I bit my lower lip and looked at the house for a moment. I really wanted to go, but I was afraid of Kuya. The day he wanted us to go on a date was on my day off. I didn't want to disappoint him, so I was confused.

Keifer kept kissing my hand. I felt like that was his way of convincing me. A silly smile flashed across my face. I wanted to be with him, and that's why…

"Alright. Let's go on a date tomorrow," I whispered to him.

He smiled and was about to touch my cheek, but suddenly, he looked at the gate and stopped. I immediately looked at him, afraid he might have seen Kuya Angelo, but it turned out that wasn't the case.

"You're back home," Yuri said, sounding bored.

His usual attitude…

"Yeah…"

"Hmm…" Yuri nodded.

His gaze shifted to Keifer's hand. I tried to withdraw mine, but Keifer tightened his grip. I just lowered my head, biting my lip.

Seriously?!

I didn't know if it was intentional, but they might end up fighting right in front of the house. If that happened, Kuya Angelo would find out everything. He would be furious!

"Yuri! Have you seen Jay-jay?" Mom's voice called out.

Keifer still wouldn't let go of my hand. It felt like a child refusing to give up a toy. My hand almost went numb from trying to pull away, but he still wouldn't release it.

"Yuri… Where is—?" Mama stopped mid-sentence.

She froze when she saw Keifer holding my hand. Even I was stunned by the sight. Yuri didn't react or move.

Come on, bro!

"Jay-jay," Mama called my name, as if ordering me to explain.

"Keifer…" I whispered. "…let go. My mom is right in front of us."

I looked at him before finally pulling my hand away. I walked toward Mama, who was now staring at me strangely.

"Good evening," Keifer greeted Mama and stepped closer. "You're Jay-jay's…?"

"Mother," Mama answered before he could finish.

"Are you sure? You could pass for her sister," Keifer said.

I saw Mama smile slightly but try to suppress it. She was obviously trying to act tough. I just wasn't sure if she could keep it up.

What is it with this King and flirting?!

"I'm Mark Keifer, by the way," he said, extending his hand to Mama.

Mama shook her hand, and the Devil King immediately kissed the back of her palm. He didn't take his eyes off her, as if showering her with admiration.

Her cheeks immediately turned red—ugh! King of Flirting! I couldn't help but smile at her reaction.

Did I inherit this flirtatiousness?!

"Ahem. H-have you eaten yet?" Mama asked, flustered.

"Not yet. I just got back from a trip."

"Then eat here," Mama offered, making my eyes widen. She looked at Yuri. "That's okay, right?"

"Yes, of course. Besides, Keifer is a friend of mine," Yuri answered with a smile.

I wanted to scream in protest. No, because this can't happen! If Kuya Angelo found out the truth, there would be chaos. And if tensions rose, a fight could break out.

Mama led Keifer inside. Yuri followed, leaving me standing there, dumbfounded by everything that was happening.

Here comes the flirting!

First, my grandmother had been a victim. Now it was Mama's turn. Who was next in my family?

Try Aunt Jenny.

I rushed inside. Yuri was already seated, but Grandma had moved her seat. I glanced at Kuya and Aunt Gema.

They both looked surprised and questioning why this guy was here. Thankfully, Aries was still in the hospital with Uncle Julz. He was the number one protester.

"Sit here," Mama instructed, pointing to my usual seat.

Wait… where was I supposed to sit?!

I glanced at the bench between Keifer and Yuri. Grandma was no longer there, and when I looked for her, she was already seated next to Mama.

"Thank you," Keifer said, winking at Mama.

Mama turned to me, her cheeks still flushed. I winced at the sight.

She looks like a lovestruck teenager!

"You sit here, daughter," Mama repeated, pointing to the bench between Keifer and Yuri.

I reluctantly sat down, and Mama returned to her seat. I looked at Andy, who didn't seem pleased with Mama's actions.

You're not alone.

Dinner started. Even though I had no appetite, I forced myself to eat. I kept glancing around with every bite, feeling like something was about to explode.

"What are you doing here?" Kuya asked directly.

Everyone turned to look at him. The question was blunt. Aunt Gema shot him a warning look, but he ignored it.

"To see Jay-jay," Keifer answered casually.

"For what?" Kuya asked again.

I lowered my head. There was something off about Kuya's questioning. I wasn't sure if he was just being protective or if he was actually suspicious.

"No particular reason," Keifer replied.

The two of them locked eyes. I had to admit, the tension was rising. And to make things worse, this Snake King seemed to be enjoying it. I knew everyone else could see the silent battle between them.

"Hmm… If you don't mind, may I ask your name?" Andy interjected.

Here comes the troublemaker!

"Keifer. Mark Keifer Watson," he answered.

Mama's expression suddenly changed. She smiled, looking amused.

"You're a Watson? No wonder you have such a unique charm," Mama said, glancing at Aunt Gema.

Aunt Gema gave her a sharp look, as if saying, Don't start.

Keifer's father had once mentioned knowing Mama and Aunt Gema. Maybe that was why Mama reacted this way, but I didn't understand Aunt's expression.

"What is your relationship with Jay-jay?" Andy asked.

I almost choked on my food.

Oh, come on! Can't he just eat and stay quiet?!

I wanted to bang my head against the table.

"He will be my best man," Yuri suddenly said while looking at me.

"No. You will be my best man," Keifer retorted.

Now they were exchanging sharp glances, and I was still stuck between them. I might get injured at this rate!

"Are you getting married?" Yuri asked sarcastically. "Let me know when, so Jay-Jay and I can make sure we're available."

Stop!

"Of course. Just make sure Jay-Jay can make it," Keifer smirked. "It would be a shame if my bride didn't show up." 😂

Yuri's eyebrows furrowed. Keifer was obviously enjoying his teasing. I couldn't help but shrink in embarrassment because of their bickering.

"Excuse me… What the hell is going on?" Kuya's authoritative voice cut in.

He sounded irritated, clearly unimpressed with whatever these two were implying. I bit my lower lip. I could feel it—he was suspicious.

"Jay-Jay!" He called my name, making my body tremble. "...What exactly is your relationship with Keifer?"

Damn!

I looked at Keifer and Yuri, both waiting for my answer. But I couldn't say anything—I had no idea what to say. My eyes darted to grandma, who looked worried, then to Aunt Gema, who shared the same expression. Mama and Andy were also waiting for my response.

"T-they—"

"We're more than friends, but NOT less than lovers," Keifer cut in.

A loud thud echoed as Kuya slammed his hand on the table. I instinctively bowed my head, just as he smacked me.

Shit! It's over! They all know now! Keifer, you idiot!

"When?!" Kuya demanded angrily.

I didn't answer. My forehead remained pressed against the table. I wanted to cry because I knew I had just dug my own grave.

Jay-Jay, you're doomed.

"Angelo, calm down first," Aunt Gema tried to soothe him.

"Calm down?! How do you expect me to do that?!"

As Kuya continued to rant, I suddenly felt a hand on my thigh. When I looked down, it was the King's hand. I smacked it away, hard.

Crazy bastard!

"S-Sir Angelo?" the maid suddenly interrupted, her voice hesitant.

"What?!" Kuya snapped.

"T-the phone… They said they're at the h-hospital," the maid answered, trembling.

I immediately lifted my head and looked at her. Was it about Aries? My heart pounded. What if something had happened to him?

You won't have a grumpy cousin anymore.

Aunt Gema and Mama stood up at the same time, both visibly worried. It made sense for Aunt Gema—Aries was her son. But with Mama, I couldn't help but wonder.

Kuya Angelo stormed out to take the call. Aunt and Mama hurried after him, with Andy following close behind.

There was no video.

Only the four of us remained in the dining room, and grandma was staring at me strangely.