Chapter 35: Lunch Turned Disaster
Jay's POV
The moment we stepped out of the building, I already regretted suggesting lunch.
Why?
Because the universe hates me.
Because today is cursed.
Because Keifer Watson exists.
But whatever. I invited Kuya and Aries, so I have to commit like a normal functioning adult.
We walked the five minutes to the restaurant. Kuya Angelo kept looking around like I dragged him into a dangerous zone, and Aries looked suspicious of every passing person, like New York was plotting against him.
Typical Fernandez cousins.
We reached the restaurant — quiet, classy, calm.
Perfect for catching up.
We got seated, water poured, menus handed.
So far… peace.
Suspicious peace.
Angelo: "Jay, since when do you like places like this?"
Jay: "Since I became CEO and had to pretend I have my life together."
Aries: "Wow. You've changed."
Jay: "Thank you? I think?"
We ordered food.
Kuya got grilled chicken.
Aries picked pasta.
I ordered something I didn't even read properly because my brain was still halfway thinking about the neck-kissing incident I'm trying to erase from my memory forever.
We started talking.
Updating.
Laughing.
Arguing a little.
Basically every Filipino family reunion ever.
For a split moment, I felt… relaxed.
Safe.
Normal.
And then—
The door opened.
I swear I felt it before I even heard it.
Like a cold breeze.
Like the ghost of my peace leaving my body.
I didn't have to look.
My stomach already told me.
Jay: "…no."
Aries: "What? What happened?"
Jay: "Don't—don't turn around—"
Aries turned around.
Of course he did.
And there he was.
Keifer Watson.
Walking in like he owned the whole building.
Like he owned the street.
Like he owned gravity.
His eyes immediately found ours.
Correction — mine.
He smiled.
NO NO NO NO NO.
Angelo: "Jay… why is a man staring at you like that?"
Jay: "I don't know. Ask God."
Keifer started walking toward us.
Each step = my soul leaving my body.
Aries cracking his knuckles.
Kuya Angelo looking like he wanted to bless water.
He reached our table.
Keifer: "Jay."
He said it like we were the only two people in the room.
Aries instantly stood up.
Aries: "Who are you?"
Keifer: "Mark Keifer Watson. And I'm here for Jay."
EXCUSE ME SIR WHO INVITED YOU TO TALK LIKE THAT.
Jay: "No you are not."
Keifer: smirks "Yes, I am."
Aries' whole face changed.
Like "break-his-jaw" changed.
Aries: "Jay didn't invite you. So leave."
Keifer: "I wasn't asking for permission."
KUYA ANGELO ACTUALLY GASPED.
I covered my face with my hands.
Jay: "CAN EVERYONE STOP MAKING SCENES?? WE ARE IN PUBLIC."
Keifer ignored me and pulled a chair like he was joining us.
Before he could sit—
Aries slammed his hand on the table.
Not violent, just loud enough to make people stare.
Aries: "Don't you dare sit. She clearly doesn't want you here."
Keifer's jaw tensed.
His eyes didn't leave mine.
Keifer: "I'm not leaving until she talks to me."
Aries: "Then you're not leaving conscious."
OH MY GOD NO NO NO.
Jay: "ARS—STOP. Sit. DOWN."
Aries didn't sit.
Keifer didn't move.
The tension between them?
Enough to power the entire building.
I exhaled so loud the table shook.
Jay: "Fine. You want to talk to me, Keifer?"
He nodded.
Jay: "Then wait. Outside. Five minutes."
His expression softened—just a little.
He stepped back.
Keifer: "Five minutes. Don't make me wait more."
Then he left the restaurant.
I collapsed back into my chair.
Angelo: "Jay."
Jay: "What?"
Angelo: "Is that your… ex?"
Jay: "Unfortunately."
Aries: "He talks like he owns you."
Jay: "He doesn't."
Aries: "Good. Because if he tries anything again—"
Jay: "PLEASE don't assault anyone today. I already had enough problems."
Aries took a deep breath, sat, and muttered something in Tagalog about Keifer needing holy water.
Kuya Angelo nodded in agreement.
And me?
Yeah.
I had five minutes before facing Keifer Watson again.
Kill me now.