The Novak's Heir Arises

2. Eva and Keegan

The scent of medicine filled his nostrils as Travis's eyes fluttered open. His sight cleared up gradually and the most exotic hospital ward he had ever been in greeted him.

"He's awake," said a man in a lab coat, arranging some equipment on the nearby table. Everything in the ward was made of great quality. This had to be one of the wealthiest private hospitals in the city. 

Another person sat in a corner of the ward. She wore a grey tank top and sweatpants. Her black hair was tied to form a double ponytail.

"Where am I?" muttered Travis. 

Then, the events of the previous night returned to his mind.

"Where's my father?"

The doctor, who was about to check up on him, glanced at the lady nervously, then back at him. "I need to check up on you..."

Travis sat up. His head spun. He hissed and placed his hand on his head.

"Don't hurt yourself." The lady chided. 

Travis focused his blurry sight on her. "My father...is he really..."

She cleared her throat and looked away.

Travis's shoulders slumped. How could he be gone just like that? He gripped the blanket tight, his heart wrenching in grief. His eyes watered.

The doctor stood awkwardly until the lady gestured for him to leave. She sat in silence, letting him process everything.

Travis sniffed and looked up. Wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, he asked. "Where is he...his body, I mean? Where am I anyway?"

"Freshen up and have something to eat first," the lady said.

Travis blinked. "My father is dead. I don't know where his body is, and you expect me to just freshen up and eat?" 

"Your father's body is all right. It's with us as we speak. However, dad… uh, I mean… the master would like to see you first."

Travis's brow furrowed. "Master? Okay, where the hell am I?"

As she was about to reply, a woman barged into the room. She wore a wealthy gown that only people of the high class had, although she was acting frantic now. Her hair looked like it was hastily brushed.

The lady's lips parted in surprise. "Mum? Weren't you in Brazil?"

The woman sighted Travis. Relief washed over her face and she hurried towards him.

Travis got a clear look at her face. His eyes widened.

Eva Novak?

She took both of his hands in hers as if he were a long-lost treasure just found. 

"Is it really you?" She said in a soft voice, her eyes full of happiness, sadness, and a mix of other emotions. 

Travis, who hadn't gotten over his shock of seeing Eva here, was even more shocked by her action and words.

"Uh–”

"Mum, we haven't told him yet." The lady told Eva, gently lifting her up.

"Why?"

"A lot happened last night–"

A man barged in, interrupting her and Travis got another shock of his life.

"What are you doing here?" demanded the man, his jaw clenched. "Didn't I tell you to stay put?"

Eva crossed her arms and scoffed. "Did you expect me to remain there when my son is here? No way. And you didn't even tell me he was attacked."

Travis blinked. Son?

"Because I knew you would… never mind." He breathed deeply and glanced at Travis.

The man standing before him was Keegan Novak, head of the Novak family, the most influential family in the country. Eva was his wife. What were they doing here with him? Travis was dumbfounded.

Keegan placed his hands in his pockets. "Regain your strength first and freshen up first, then we'll talk."

Before Travis could reply, Eva said. "What's the point of waiting? Let's just tell him."

Keegan glared at her. "Eva–"

"Let him decide. This concerns him after all."

They faced him. Travis gulped, feeling inferior under their gaze. 

"We can talk now," he said. The curiosity about what they wanted to tell him and how serious it was got the best of him.

Keegan clenched his fist and forced his voice. "Alright, if that's what you want."

Travis sensed the tension between the couples, making him wonder if they were always like this. 

The lady patted Eva's shoulder. "I'll be in the garden."

After she left, Eva sat beside her husband, beaming and smiling. Travis wondered what made her happy and excited. They've never met.

"Sorry about your adoptive father." Keegan started. "We've caught the people responsible. They are in our custody as we speak."

"Oh, thank you."

"Adam's body is with us. You'll see it soon, but we need to talk first," Keegan said.

Travis nodded. 

Eva looked like she wanted to speak, but Keegan held her hand and gave her a meaningful look.

"So, how long has Adam been with you?"

Travis replied. "Since my birth. He said he found me by the swamp in the Elmwood Forest and adopted me." 

Adam had told him the story countless times.

"Ever wondered who your biological parents are?" 

Travis frowned. What's up with the questions? "Well, sometimes I wonder who they are, but Adam treats me so well, so I don't really think much about it."

He realized he was talking in the present tense as if Adam were still alive. He swallowed the lump in his throat.

"So, would you like to meet your biological parents?" 

Travis frowned. "Um… I don't know. It's complicated."

"Enough, Keegan. Tell him already." Eva chimed in. 

Keegan's face hardened. "Eva–"

She ignored him and took Travis's hand in hers. "Travis, we are your biological parents.”