Celebration
Kael already had an idea of how rich people celebrate events but this is far more surprising than he anticipated. He couldn't help but roam his eyes around the whole venue—from the sheer white and gold fabric draped on the ceiling that imitates a tent shape, countless micro lights twinkling along with it, and massive crystal-like chandeliers hanging, to the round tables dressed in white and gold linens with a set of gleaming kitchenware.
This is by far the grandest celebration he has attended.
Most tables had already been occupied by some guests dressed in tuxedos and gowns. A wide stage adorned with white and gold fabrics and accessories was placed at the end of a long white runner stretched down the center aisle.
Wearing a paired white tuxedo laced with gold intricate patterns, seated with the boys whom he hadn't seen for a few days.
"It's been very hectic in the company lately. I feel like my head's gonna burst if this drags on," Leon whined, slamming himself on his chair, before he reached out for his wine glass and sip on it.
Javier nodded in agreement. "Cole isn't home often." Cole isn't with them at the moment.
"How come Zenon is always at home?" Kael couldn't help but ask. If Zenon left the house, it would just take a few hours and he'll be back, working inside his own study.
"Apparently, that's because someone keeps on running away from home despite getting into dangerous situations." Their eyes looked to the person approaching their table with a plate full of dessert in one hand and went straight beside Javier.
Kael pouted with Cole's comment. "I can handle myself just fine."
"Yeah?" His brow raised, definitely disagreeing. "Remember what happened in the restaurant?" Cole reminded him.
"I was just unlucky that day," Kael wanted to brush off that memory already. What happens already happened and there will be no recurring.
Cole took his time serving Javier, even slicing the cake and feeding it, and everyone on the table could only watch in envy while Javier's ears blushed with the Alpha's actions. Noticing their silence, Cole spoke again without glancing at them.
"Word of advice, you can't be lucky often. Stop wandering by yourself. Not until each of those behind these attacks are catched."
"Cole's right, cousin-in-law. It's best that we're being vigilant." Leon agreed.
Kael can only pout as he couldn't argue with what Cole said. "Geez, would you stop saying such things. You might jinx my luck on my birthday."
"That's right, couz. If this whole year turns out unlucky for my cousin-in-law, it would be your fault," Leon butted, squinting his eyes.
Cole paid no attention to them but Javier while Kael couldn't help but stare at this Alpha. Really, which side is he on?
Kael was about to leave to find out whether Ms. Sato had arrived with Amir when he spotted Zenon's dad heading in his direction alongside a man of similar age. Both men were wearing fine black suits that sharpened their refined features. Oh to be born with premium genes.
"Kaisen, son," Zeke Acosta immediately called for Kael's attention as soon as they got close. "Was the celebration to your liking?"
Kael inclines forward in a restrained bow, the corners of his mouth lift as his gaze settles on them. "Absolutely, sir. My previous birthdays failed in comparison!" the Omega exclaimed while his eyes sparkled that the gentleman couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
"Ha, you're really such a bright child. However, you must not say that, your father would be jealous." Kaisen and his father. Kael found himself wondering how he was to Kaisen when he was still alive. How great it would have been if he were such a great father to Kaisen and Kael.
Mr. Acosta instantly regretted including his late friend in the conversation when he noticed how the Omega's smile faded. The gentleman cleared his throat, "By the way, this is Mr. Liam of the D&T Corp."
A huge marketing company? Well, Kael just read it somewhere.
The Omega offered another bow for the other gentlemen which only responded with a nod. Now he felt a bit shy. Kael instinctively glanced at their table.
"Ms. Jang had already met with Mr. Liam, however as the sole scion of your father's company, it is right for you to know whom your company is affiliated with," Mr. Acosta proceeded.
Mr. Liam suddenly stretched out his hand and Kael accepted it with both hands to shake in panic. The two gents laugh by the way the Omega reacted. They thought it was cute while his cheeks burned with a blush.
Are they making fun of him? Kael thought as he let go of Mr. Liam's hand and hid his own behind his back.
"Perhaps you have a sister? My William is still unmarried. That son of mine is too workaholic. It would be nice to have an in-laws with beautiful genes."
"Huh?" was the only response Kael could utter as his eyes drifted to Mr. Acosta by instinct. Help?
Mr. Acosta let out a heartfelt laugh. "Right?" Then he laughed once more. What a happy fella. "Too bad Kennedy has only one child. Try your luck with the grandchild, your descendant might still get a shot," he continued, tapping the man's shoulder in encouragement.
The two excused themselves shortly after.
"What's with old people? Always talking about getting in-laws and grandchildren," Kael murmured as he slumped himself back on his chair.
"Well, they aren't getting young. That's classic generational radar kicking in," Ben answered as he was sitting next to him.
Kael brushed off the tension that was on his shoulders with an exhale.
In that lively reception hall that was full of ladies and gentlemen in fine gowns and suits, two young men shared a table that was situated on the opposite side of where the Omega is. Both were holding drinks in their hands.
"Aren't you joining them?" the one with an aviator questioned, eyeing the table where Kael was busy chatting with his friend's friends.
But he was just ignored.
"Oh look! Your dad and the Liam dad. They look like they're planning a remarriage for the Omega."
"Fuck off, Fernando Ramirez!" The Alpha snapped but Fern just laughed it out. Pikon kaayo.
Frankly, there is no need for Fern to point it out. From the moment Kael had stepped in the reception hall, everyone had set their eyes on the Omega in his white suit. With his hair styled away from his face, revealing his innate beauty, everybody just stared in awe.
Everybody is everybody. That includes Zenon, who wished he didn't invite all these people at all and just settled with a private celebration instead. Shit! This is because his father insisted on doing all of this.
Zenon felt a teasing eye on him and who would it be from? He looked at Fern at the side of his eye and he was right. This bastard was grinning at him.
"Do you know what you look like right now?" the bastard teased.
"Fucking pissed. Now shut the fuck up," turning him down coldly.
"You look like you want to take him home this instant, my dear friend. Well, that would not be a problem since he's already living with you anyway. He'll be there. Oh, I heard from a little bird that you even shared a room last night."
Zenon's brow pulled into a hard crease as he bore holes on Fern. His darkened expression gave away the 'who-fucking-told-you' look. Fern laughed under his breath, with hands shown as a defeat.
"It was a cute baby bird that brought a stuffed bunny around the house."
Ah, Amir. That child seemed to have taken a liking to the Omega. Which isn't surprising at all.
Zenon diverted his gaze at the wine glass in between his fingers. Looking back, the idea of living with that Omega isn't so bad at all. The fact that he wasn't the other person is much better. If he isn't just as stubborn as he is. And not to mention careless. The Alpha mindlessly wandered his eyes among the crowd until his gaze met Kael's.
It's like the world stopped between them.
"Isn't he lovely~" but that singing voice interrupted.
"Isn't he beautiful~" and he even dared to continue.
Zenon is so close to sending him back to the Philippines.
A few guests approached Zenon that the Alpha had no choice but to greet them for formality. However, when they finally left, no matter how many times he roamed his eyes around, Zenon couldn't spot the Omega anymore. And Fern seems like he was also busy talking with someone he knows and just finished.
"Oh I saw him dragged the Liam son somewhere."
He felt a wild anger as soon as he heard this. Zenon immediately looks for Leon and the others and they are damn busy talking with some guests.
These useless bastards!
Zenon slammed his glass on the table with unrestrained strength causing it to break. Because of the current lively music playing, only a few noticed but never dared approach him and just watched the Alpha march away, exiting the reception hall with a scary look on his face.