Chapter: The Truth in Angelo's House
(Keifer's POV)
Angelo's house was quieter than I expected.
It was a large place, but it didn't feel cold like most mansions. It felt lived in. Warm lights, family pictures on the walls, the faint smell of coffee coming from somewhere in the kitchen.
It reminded me of something I hadn't had in a long time.
A real home.
I sat on the couch in the living room while Angelo poured two glasses of water.
He handed one to me before sitting across from me.
For a moment neither of us spoke.
Then he leaned back slightly.
"Alright."
His voice was calm.
"You said my sister was in danger."
"Yes."
"And that's why you left her."
I nodded.
Angelo watched my face carefully.
"You're going to explain that now."
I looked down at the glass in my hand.
Then I said the name that had been sitting between us since yesterday.
"Yuri."
Angelo's expression hardened immediately.
"That man again."
I continued.
"Two years ago, when Jay and I were still together… Yuri approached me."
Angelo frowned.
"For what?"
"To warn me."
"Warn you about what?"
I finally looked up at him.
"About what would happen if I stayed with your sister."
The room felt colder suddenly.
Angelo leaned forward slightly.
"What did he say?"
My jaw tightened remembering that conversation.
"He said if I didn't leave her… he would destroy your family."
Angelo's eyes narrowed.
"Destroy how?"
"Your company."
His fingers clenched slightly.
"He already had plans to take over FER Crop."
That part Angelo already knew.
"But that wasn't the only threat."
The silence grew heavier.
I continued quietly.
"He said accidents can happen."
Angelo's expression changed instantly.
Dangerous.
"You're telling me he threatened Jay."
"Yes."
My voice stayed steady.
"He made it very clear that if I stayed with her… she would suffer for it."
Angelo stood up slowly.
His anger was obvious now.
"That bastard."
I looked at him calmly.
"So I made a choice."
Angelo turned to me.
"You chose to leave her."
"Yes."
"And you told her you used her."
My chest tightened remembering her face that day.
"Yes."
Angelo ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
"She believed it."
"I know."
"She cried for weeks."
I looked away.
"I know."
The room went quiet again.
Then Angelo asked the question that had been bothering him since yesterday.
"Why didn't you tell her the truth?"
"Because Yuri would know."
Angelo frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"Yuri had people watching."
My voice stayed calm.
"He wanted to make sure I stayed away from her."
"So you left for London."
"Yes."
"And kept your distance."
"Yes."
Angelo shook his head slowly.
"You idiot."
I almost smiled.
"That's what my brothers say too."
Right at that moment—
Footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Two voices followed.
"Kuya Angelo?"
"Is that Keif?"
Angelo looked toward the hallway.
"They're still awake?"
Two young men walked into the living room.
Both of them looked almost like younger versions of me.
Keigan.
And Keiran.
They had been staying here with Angelo and Jay's family while I was in London managing the company.
Keigan was the first to speak.
"KEIF!"
He walked over quickly.
"You're finally back."
Keiran followed behind him calmly.
"We thought you'd stay in London forever."
I stood up as Keigan pulled me into a quick hug.
"You two behaving here?" I asked.
Keigan grinned.
"Of course."
Angelo laughed.
"That's a lie."
Keiran glanced between Angelo and me.
"You two look serious."
Keigan's eyes suddenly lit up with curiosity.
"Wait."
He looked at me suspiciously.
"Did you finally tell him?"
Angelo raised an eyebrow.
"Tell me what?"
Keiran answered calmly.
"The truth."
Keigan nodded.
"About Yuri forcing Keif to break up with Jay."
Angelo crossed his arms.
"Oh, he just did."
Keigan groaned.
"Took you long enough, brother."
Keiran looked at me.
"So what happens now?"
I didn't answer immediately.
Because the answer wasn't simple.
Jay still hated me.
Or at least…
She thought she did.
Keigan suddenly asked the question that had been on both their minds.
"So…"
He leaned forward slightly.
"How's hipag Jay?"
Angelo smirked a little hearing that.
"Hipag already?"
Keigan shrugged.
"She's been our sister-in-law in our minds for years."
Keiran nodded.
"True."
I sighed quietly.
"She told me not to come near her again."
Keigan winced.
"Ouch."
Keiran looked thoughtful.
"That's understandable."
Angelo leaned back on the couch again.
"Well…"
He looked straight at me.
"Now that I know the truth…"
His voice became serious.
"I won't stop you from fixing things."
My eyes met his.
"But," Angelo continued,
"If you hurt my sister again…"
Keigan immediately added with a grin,
"…we'll help him beat you."
Keiran nodded calmly.
"Agreed."
I let out a quiet breath.
Fair enough.
Because the truth was simple.
No matter how angry Jay was…
No matter how many times she pushed me away…
I wasn't giving up.
Not this time.