The Hope

Jay woke up the voice of Aries, "it's your appointment with Dr Ana", Jay rubs her eyes, "at this hour, can you let me sleep", he holds Jay's head and pulls it upward, "it's morning in Manila, she'll on line in 5 minutes, get up". She kept yawning, "can't you do it from my side".

Aries flicked over her forehead, "wake up Jay-Jay", Jay finally opens up her eyes, "you're so rude", she pushed Aries, he retaliates with a light smack, "I came early in the morning from my dorm for your appointment and you're blaming me". 

She sighed, "thank you". He dials the doctor, "hey Jay! how're you?", the doctor politely asked. She replied in the same tone, "I'm fine Doc Ana, thank you for this special call". 

Ana asks some more questions regarding her routine and all, "so you still need valium pills to sleep", she nods, "it's been long I've used them and I'm not sweating while sleeping as well". Doc smiled, "that's a great progress, I'm changing some medicines and rescheduling your therapies, I'll ask Doc Ruth to help you". 

Jay nods, "thanks a lot, I'm doing well", and in the end with those repeated advise, "don't burn out yourself, be with your loved ones and share your inner thought", the doc hangs up. Aries's expressions were light, "it took two years, but you're healing Jay", she smiled, "all thanks to you, for your constant efforts", she sighed, "otherwise how'd I've handled this all".

Aries yawns, "still there's time for lectures, get back to sleep", and he lays over the bed, Jay too makes her way, "I've submitted your assignment", he said, and Jay scratches her head, "but it's incomplete", he sneered, "I did it", she pulls his hairs lightly, "you're the best Ari..", he shrugged off her hands, "stop being dramatic".

In morning, everyone sits for breakfast, "Kuya Aries, you're here as well", Keigan greets him, and he nods, it's normal for everyone but a rare moment for us. 

Jay gets a call, she excuses herself, "yes", her words stuck in her throat for a moment, "are you sure, Rory?", the answer was positive, [yes, it's a strong lead Jay, my asset has traced someone resembling with Keifer in Canberra, my intuition is saying that it's him], she hang up the call "two years.. it took two years just to get just a link, Keifer, I hope it'll take you to me".

She immediately contacts the manager, "we're going to Canberra for the deal, inform Herberts about this, they don't have to come and make some arrangements for the visa, I'm sending you a number he'll help you". 

Jay informs Keigan, Keiran about their visit to Canberra, "but Keigan is a minor, don't you think they'd come", Aries asks, "yes, but they're insisting on high security, it's better we'll visit us and of course Australia is such a beautiful place, it'll freshen up the mind", Jay replied. Keiran became excited, "yes Ate, it'll be fun. It's been a long time since we've been on vacation". 

Australia

"Memories to be kept in heart forever", the man sighed, "these lines seem so simple but carrying a lot of weight, whoever wrote them is surely missing someone precious in life", he gets a call, "your work is done", and he smiled. 

He instantly approaches Mr Herbert, "Uncle Samuel, my visa is not approved for London", he informs, Samuel sighed, "what can be the reason? don't worry I'll contact the embassy they'll do it". 

"Uncle, is it important to go to London? can't they come", his son in law kept his concern, "but why, Keifer?", Samuel asked, he sighed, "I'm afraid, I really don't know why but I'm afraid of air travels"

Diana joins the conversation, "there's no need to worry my Prince, I'll be there with you", she wraps her arms around him, he smiles, "I know, but it's even dangerous for you to go outside, you know the threatening situations". Samuel got the call, "oh okay, that's great", he hung up, "the problem is solved, my secretary just informed me that they're visiting us".

Jay's POV

As I walked into the office, damn I had to see that asshole again, Clyde, "good morning", he greeted me, I just nod. He followed me, "you and Keigan are going to Australia for the deal, but why? you never left London since Keifer's death". I wanted to punch him hard, shove his head into the wall for using this word for Keifer, but I ignored him. 

He came inside my cabin, "well, Mariano, you're too involved in Watsons, why don't you become one?". I know what's coming, "it's not me, but elders are saying this, just marry me and be an official Watson", I just kept my gun on the table and stared at him. 

He raised both of hands, "alright! do your work". The pain in the... damn, I've to prepare documents for the visit, I wish the visa process can go smoothly. 

Final touchdown at Canberra International Airport, a hope, a little hope has brought me here Keifer and in my dream as well, we met here, maybe our destiny has decided to bring us together again.

Keiran was sleeping by keeping his head in my lap and Keigan when the plane lands, Aries and Rory were on back seat, we get off the plane, Herbert arranged transport and hotel for us, the city was adorable, a beautiful place and more than that it's holding a hope for me. the air seems so pure and warming. The swaying tress and chirping birds welcoming us, don't disappoint me Canberra.

We reached the hotel, Keiran insisted on being with me and everyone else took their personal rooms, "thank you Ate, for this super vacation", Keiran thanked me, I ruffled his hairs, "no need for it". He hugs me, "I don't remember living with my parents, it's Kuya who always took care of me, but he's not here with us, thank you for all the love". I got tears in my eyes, don't worry kiddo, you'll get your Kuya soon and we'll be a happy family again.

It's night, after having dinner, me and Rory met the asset James who provided us the lead, "I saw the man in picture near UK embassy", and he shows the picture he clicked, though the angle was not clear but I can recognize my man even from his little glance, "it's him, Rory it's really him". my voice became heavy, "it's him", and Rory hugged me.

I asked, "where can I find him? any idea?" James nods, "I followed him but soon he entered the lane which goes towards the region where rich and noble families reside". Rich and noble families, what does this mean. Many questions knocked my head, it's Keifer in pictures but why didn't he come back? It's only him who can give replies, now I'm too close to you I'll find this out anyhow. 

We walked back to our rooms when Aries stopped us, "what are you two up to?", his eyebrows knitted and arms crossed, well he's really turning into Kuya Angelo, same attitude, same tone, he scares me like him. Rory whispers into my ear, "you two are really related, identical for sure". 

Huh? Really? I'm not cold blooded, it's Keifer who's his twin and both a copy of Kuya Angelo. That's not the point right now, "ahh.. we just went out for a walk", I clarified. Aries was looking dissatisfied with my answer, but we escaped as Ella called him if it's not her presentation she'd have come and kept him busy.

As I went back to my room, my phone had several missed calls from my father, I called back and I know it'll be the same thing, "Jay, you can handle others business but not your own father's, join me Jay everything belongs to you". I nod, "you never gave me what I wanted, your time and love, so what will I do with your empire dad". He was also aware of my responses, "okay fine, but can you meet Albanese there, he's our business partner, at least you can do this". I agreed for it and hung up.

The meeting with Herbert was scheduled in noon, it's a meet with royal people thus I decided to wear a dress and look presentable, of course living with Watson already turned me into woman from a schoolgirl, more confident with the words and a girl carrying elegance with herself. With a little make up and platform heels, I headed out, Keigan was already waiting. 

I went there with Keigan and our manager, they sent a car for us and Mr Herbert's Secretary came to pick us up, as we rode through the way, the infrastructure was really exceptional in central part of the city. The Sec told us about the royal lane, "is this what James mentioned? Will I be able to find him here?".

We arrived at Herbert's mansion shortly, the house was really beautiful, of course it's one of the oldest nobles, we were welcomed by servants, and they showed our way towards the meeting hall. Mr Herbert was already waiting, I can see Keigan was nervous, so I just held his hands to assure him, "I'm here, be confident". Though this boy was extraordinarily smart maybe more than Keifer in such cases, who just knows how to annoy me or flirt with me. He's really sincere for the work. 

The meeting seems like just a formal one, maybe they already made the mind to collaborate, a lady soon joined us, she's wearing a beautiful gown with beautiful heels, her skin was shining, 'is she a princess?", I gasped. Mr Herbert introduced her, "my daughter, Diana Herbert, the heir of empire", she shakes hands with me, "hello, nice to meet you", she reverted with a bright smile. Thank God I chose to dress up myself well otherwise I'd have just buried myself into the floor.

Diana looked at me after greeting Keigan, "I've seen you somewhere, I'm unable to recognize but yes, have we met before this?". I nod in negation, "I don't think so". My manager said, "maybe in press conferences of our company, she represents us". The proposal they had was literally engaging, but they want to visit London once before final agreement to see the location. The meeting was over, and Diana asked us to stay for lunch. I also have to visit Albanese as dad asked for it.

I remember they mentioned the fiancé of Diana, he's not looking anywhere and like Mr Herbert heard my inner voice, "where is your Prince?", she blushed a bit, "I insisted on staying but he said he's got something urgent, so he left". Rory calls me, "Jay, I've traced him, following his car, I'm sending you my location come on", I asked Keigan and manger to leave and myself followed Rory. 

Rory was waiting for me near a shopping complex, "where is he?", he nods in disappointment, "we're following him, but due to traffic we lost it". I folded my fists, "fuck..fuck why? once again". Rory consoled me, "don't worry, we've come so far, we'll find him". 

Mr Albanese calls me and invites for the night party he's arranged with everyone, as dad asked me to go so, I've to join. Diana already gave me an existential crisis once; I was not in the mood but I'd like to look good and represent both Mariano and Watson. I bought a black dress and all the required accessories. 

Aries too calls me, "where are you? Uncle Jasfher has been asking me to go to the party", I pursued him to join, in the evening we all arrived at the party, Jame's words in my head, that he's been seen near the royal region, maybe I can find him. Keigan forwarded his hand and gestured to me to hold his arms, I smiled as I remember Keifer doing the same every time we visited anywhere, he's really a copy of him. 

Mr and Mrs Albanese were very happy after seeing me, "you're a kid when we visited you, now a grown-up lady, so beautiful", Mr Albanese said. I was literally overwhelmed with her words and soon they introduced me to someone, "he's Benjamin, our son". Ben? I saw him in the dream as well, have I have some supernatural powers to see in the future.

He forwards his hands, "nice to meet you, hope you'll enjoy the party". I smiled, is it a blind date, Oh God dad, you're unbelievable, I kept holding Keigan's arms to avoid the interaction. My eyes kept scanning the room and fuck, I can't believe like it literally happened. 

My heart sank, I forgot to breath and my eyes were stuck, "he...he's here", Keigan asked me, "Ate? what's wrong?", I pointed at a corner, a man's back, he's a tall man, having a black blazer on the shoulder holding champagne and talking with someone, Keigan looked at him carefully, "who's he", I didn't heard anything and moved towards him. 

The way to him was steps away but felt like miles, my view was blurry because of tears welling up in my eyes, two years.. two damn years and he's literally in front of my eyes, my wait was not useless, my unstoppable search was worth it, he's alive, he's here. 

I tapped his shoulders, he turned, I don't know what's happening around me but all I could see was a face, "Keifer", I palmed my face, "Keif..Keifer... finally I found you", and I threw my arms around him, 'I found you". I didn't feel any response from his side. 

I looked into his eyes, "you bloody jerk, dumbhead, how much I searched for you? where the hell were you?", his face was expressionless, why was he silent? I held his hand, "Keifer, why are you not responding?', he took a deep breath, "I'm sorry, I think there's some misunderstanding Miss". 

what's he saying? What are you up to? I pushed him lightly, "are you kidding me? playing with me? stop this all". Before we could have more interaction, he pulled off his hands, "I don't know what.."

"Papa", a little kid said, and Keifer looked at her, my gaze shifted as well, and Diana was holding a girl almost a year old, and she moved towards us, "do you know Ms Mariano, Prince?", everything went blank, Prince? is she addressing my Keifer as her Prince and that girl in her hand, what the actual fuck is going on?  Am I dreaming again, my head spined. 

I held Keifer's hand again, "what is this Keifer? I'm asking you?", Diana interrupts, "you really know his real name, girl, who are you? Prince, can you tell?". Once again that baby girl calls, "papa" and jumps into Keifer's arms. 

I literally lost my balance, Aries and Keigan held me; my view became blurry then completely dark. 

To Be Continued...

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Hello! hope you're all good. So, I hope you're not going to curse your author.. well Keep reading ✨

So, did you guys see the teaser of S2, damn it's much better than I imagined while reading the book. The whole cast is giving their best, it's gonna be a hit.