"Jobel?"
"Yeah. Alexander told me that you called his son as Jobel this morning."
Alexander, that's the name of Cedric's father? Wow, not only do his eyes on his, but also the ear? Ricky poured another drop of wine to his glass before smiling. He then look at his father who's waiting for his answer.
"Cedric and I were just making fun of each other. He called me Daveryl too."
"Daveryl? That's a great name. It reminds me of your Aunt Maureen." His father giggles.
"Aunt Maureen? Who's that?" Ricky raised his brows out of curiosity.
This is the first time he heard that name. Well, maybe because he has no memories of Ricky's before the differentiation. He doesn't even know who are his father's brothers. Or is he ever have them?
"Oh! Sorry. She's your Aunt on your mother side. She left the Philippines when she was 15 years old. I heard her told your mom that if she ever had a son, she'll name him Daveryl. Unfortunately, it didn't happen because, she got a daughter whose name Avryl."
Ricky's stopped gulping. Causing him to cough. Though his father helps him while laughing, he remains silent for quite a few seconds. He's secretly shaking. What if...
"And, how old is her daughter now?" He asked curiously.
"Um? If I'm not mistaken, she's 20."
"20? She's ready to have a family."
"Haha! Of course she is. Her parents, your aunt Maureen and her husband, planned to marry her to her father's friend's son. I don't know if both parties agreed."
"Arranged marriage? Dad, if you ever did that to me, I'll hate you for sure." Ricky was just joking but his father caughs several times. "Wait, are you planning to marry me to someone you know?" He shockingly added.
"What kind of thinking was that? Of course not!" Richard denied. Although it's written all over his face.
"Hmp! You better not. Anyway, back to the topic, who is she going to marry?" Ricky raised his glass and was about to drink his wine when he heard his father's answered.
"I forgot the name but, I heard his surname is Ortega?"
A loud crashing sound surprised Richard. Because the glass that Ricky's holding, shattered on the pool side. And Ricky is now bewildered. His heart is beating too fast as if there are a lot of horses racing inside it. His hands are trembling noticeably too.
"Rita! Bring slippers here!" Richard shouted to call the maid's attention. He immediately stood up to make his son stays on his seat. "Don't move, there are shattered glass shards everywhere."
On the other hand, Ricky remains quiet. Only when the maid arrived he finally able to move.
Is it really possible? Now that he remembers it, his mother's name was Avryl. Then, Ricky is his cousin? What a shocking discovery! But why is his parents poor? What happened?! Is there something wrong in their marriage?
"I'm sorry Dad. It slipped on my hand." He said first.
"You're drunk already? We didn't finished the whole bottle of wine yet." Richard laugh while tapping his son's shoulder.
Ricky shakes his head as he smile. "It's my first time drinking. Maybe you're right, I'm a bit drunk." He said. "Damn! I feel uncomfortable for some reason." He also added.
His father laugh loudly. He then ordered the other maid to prepare their dinner. "We better get inside. Dry yourself then change your clothes. Let's eat before you go to sleep."
Ricky nodded his head and gradually follows his father. "By the way Dad, Is Aunt Maureen also living a good life?" He suddenly asked.
"Seems so. I'm not sure. I didn't see her since she left, yah know? Only your grandfather told me the news."
"Grandpa?"
"Yeah, on your mother side. My father-in-law." Richard answered.
They both entered the butterfly design door and his father called Alexander. Ricky heard him order the butler to call for the party organizer. And out of curiosity, he asked his father what it's for.
"Two months left for your 19'th birthday. And before that, your college life will starts too. So I'm sure, you'll invite your future classmates here to celebrate?"
Wow! A big celebration huh! What a good news for him. He never experienced grand celebration. Well, except for attending the birthday of his father's boss. Jaime Razon. Espeaking of Jaime Razon, is his family also in the country?
"You're spoiling me so much. Sure, I'll invite them." Ricky answered without looking at the butler.
"Should I tell my son too, young master?" Alexander asked with a smile on his face.
Ricky flinched. He then scoffed secretly. "Is he one of my classmates?" He asked coldly.
"W-What?" Alexander astounded reaction brings joy to Ricky.
"Haha! Ricky Baby, have you forgotten? Two months ago, you asked Alexander to bring his son here everyday." Richard, even he's laughing, his eyes are full of questions.
He's actually observing his surroundings. For sure, he noticed the uncomfortable atmosphere between these two people in front of him.
"I did? I'm sorry I forgot. But, I only asked Alexander to bring his son here, not inviting him to my upcoming birthday party, didn't I?" Ricky titled his head. Waiting for Alexander's reaction.
And he didn't get disappointed. Because he saw Alexander frown even for only a second. He couldn't hide his true colors in the end.
"Well, yes. Then, y-you don't want to invite him, young master?"
"He's pushing it, huh!" Ricky told himself. He turned around before answering. "Dad only mentioned, classmates. If your son is my classmate, then he'll receive an invitation. But if he's not, what reason should he be invited?"
He didn't hear Alexander speaks again so he decided to continue walking towards stairs. He also did not look back so he doesn't know what his father's reaction be. Since he already accepted his new identity, there is no reason for him to get close to Cedric.
Even that man knows the truth about himself, He also knows Cedric's secrets. So fair enough, they don't need to get to each other's nerves. And the only way to avoid his tragic ending, is to stay away to his murderer.
After dressing up, he went downstairs to eat his dinner. His father changed the topic into their business. And because he have no idea about those medicines, he just listened to his father's nonstop talking and finished his food as quickly as possible.
He needs to make plans for his revenge. Ricky gives him a chance to live once again, so he needs to do the right thing to ensure the safety of his family. He is certain, the him in the future is already having a good life. And if Ricky really possessed his body, Daveryl is one hundred percent sure that Jobel is no longer his love interest.
The only question is, who is his future wife or husband then? Well, if he's giving another chance, he'll try to seduce Jaime Razon, instead. He's handsome and rich, even though he's cold and difficult to approach.
Never mind! It's Ricky's right to choose now. So Daveryl also has a right to choose from now on too.
"Let's do our best, then." He mumbled before sleeping.
The next day, he's woken up by the noise outside his room. He heard the door opening. And after that, footsteps getting closer. He immediately smelled the pheromones in the air.
"Good morning little cat! The sun is already high yet you're still in your bed. Get up!"
It's Cedric. He's mortal enemy in his previous life, and also in this life.
"Shut up Cedric. Who told you to enter my room?" His hoarse voice sounds sexy.
"Doesn't matter who did. The important is I'm here. I heard that you have schedule for enrollment today? I'll accompany you." Cedric seats on his bed and shuffle his hair.
What a bold move. So irritating. "Get your hands off me before I asked my father to cut them off." He said before getting up.
Instead of feeling scared, Cedric smile and leaned closer. Leaving only three inches distance to his face. "You sure you want to cut them off? Then, how could I help you if my father tried to put you in danger?" He whispered.
Making him stunned. Hold on, isn't Cedric also part of his father's schemes? So, what the heck is talking about?!
Or, is he trying to know if he's aware of their plans? What a Bastard.
Ricky smirked and leaned closer too. One inch left between them. If he opens his mouth and talk, there is a possibility that their lips might touch each other. So he withdrew a little.
"Your father maybe planning to put me in danger. But the one who I should avoid the most, is no one other than you. That's what the owner of this body's last words, for your information." He whispered back.
Making Cedric grits his teeth. Slowly, the sparks on his eyes disappeared. Until only one emotion left. Sadness.
"I know you can do it. Since you're no longer him. But..." Cedric leaned again. Causing Ricky to lie down on his bed. "As I've told you, as long as this body is breathing, I'll do everything I can to make sure, that it's not damaged nor touched by others. Including this lips of yours.." He whispered using his hoarse voice.
Making Ricky feels thirsty all of a sudden. And with their eyes locked to each other, he couldn't help but gulped.