The Novak's Heir Arises

3. True identity revealed

Travis stared at the two people in front of him, wondering if they had gone insane.

"Pardon?"

Keegan pinched the bridge of his nose. "We were supposed to do this subtly, Eva. You don't just drop this kind of news like a bombshell."

Eva didn't look remorseful. "He needs to know the truth." 

"Truth? What are you talking about?" Travis asked. Realizing Eva's hand was still in his, he withdrew it.

Keegan shifted his gaze to Travis. He sighed and took out his phone. He said as he typed on the screen. "This is the DNA test result we carried out with your sample." He handed him the phone.

With a frown, Travis's eyes scanned the screen. His eyes widened. The results stated that their DNA samples matched. 

How could he be a child of the Novaks? The thought of it never even crossed his mind. He always thought his parents were ordinary citizens.

"We took some of your samples discreetly and conducted a test. It's proven. You are our son." She cupped his cheeks.

"Wait, hold up." Travis removed her hands from his cheeks subtly. "I don't understand all of this. Adam found me by the riverside. How am I your child?"

Keegan and Eva stared at each other, their faces a mask of concern and uncertainty. 

Eva spoke. "It's a long story. We actually thought you were dead."

Travis blinked. For a scary moment, he started noticing striking similarities between him and Eva’s facial features.

Before she could speak again, Keegan said. "There was a lot going on during your due month for delivery. Heir fighting and all. Then the biggest problem came upon us. You were born that day, unfortunately. The day we fought with the other big families."

"The Big Clash? I know that," Travis said.

Adam didn't really talk much about his birth but he figured it out himself. He had assumed his parents lost their life in all the havoc and chaos during that day, and somehow, he ended up at the riverside in the forest where Adam found him. 

"Do you also know you were one, if not the most important target of that day?"

"What?" Travis frowned. 

Keegan continued. "I was the heir of the Novak, soon to be head. Enemies would try any means possible to make sure I didn't make it. That includes threatening and possibly killing you." 

Travis's eyes widened. 

Eva went on. "During the Big Clash, I was attacked at home. I managed to escape into the forest with a damaged womb. I gave birth before any fatal harm was done to you but I fainted after it. When I woke up, you were gone."

Eva's face was a mask of sadness as she recalled that day.

"We have been living in despair since then. My womb is damaged, so you are the only child from my womb." Her face brightened. "I'm glad you are alright and strong."

All thanks to Adam. Travis thought with a heartache.

"See? We didn't leave you. I'll never leave you alone." Eva took his hands, her face filled with love. 

Travis wasn't sure how to feel about her affection. He was used to receiving affection from Adam alone. Would he ever consider this woman his mother?

"How did you find me?" He stuttered, taking his hands off hers.

Eva, trying to hide the pain she felt, faced Keegan, who said, "Well, it's really strange. Someone gave us information about you. Like… like they knew who you were."

Travis scowled. That was strange.

"We investigated and found out they were correct. We also got word that the Baxter family found out. How? We are not sure."

"Wait, those men were from the Baxter family?" Travis's eyes widened. 

Keegan nodded. "Luckily, we got the news on time and sent our men to save you."

They didn't come on time. If they had, they could have saved Adam.

"All of this must be very confusing. For now, let's just welcome you to the family." She cupped his cheeks. "I missed you so much. You have no idea what I went through when I lost you. But now... I'll make up for all the years we've lost. We could..."

"Look," Travis said, taking her hands away from his cheeks gently. "I appreciate what you guys have done for me, but all of this… it's crazy."

"The DNA result proves you are our son, including results from investigations." Keegan deadpanned, staring at Travis with a flat expression.

"Yes, it does. But...still, the Novak..." His voice faltered.

"Travis, I'm sorry. If I had known you were alive, I'd have turned the earth upside down to find you. Forgive me, please. I–" Her voice shook as her eyes watered.

"Enough, Eva." Keegan chided her. "I'm guessing he has a personal vendetta with the Novak family like every other imbecile that blames us for the Big Clash."

Travis's blood boiled. "Don't call them imbeciles. We have good reasons to hate your family. Your little rivalry clash caused lots of destruction to innocent lives, while you have people protecting you."

"You don't know what really happened that day, but that's a story for another day. And it's 'our' family, not 'your' family."

"I can choose my path. I've lived all these years without you after all."

"No matter what you think, no matter how much you despise us, it doesn't change the fact that you have the blood of the Novak family running through your veins."

Travis's jaw clenched. 

Eva was on the verge of tears. She couldn't handle the pain of seeing her son hate her.

"Anyway, you must stay with us if you want to live."

Travis glared at him. "Is that a threat?"

Keegan glared back. "The Baxters know your identity. Knowing the Baxters, they'd have spread the news around. The Lloyds probably know by now, plus a couple of other enemies. Without our protection, you are not safe."

Travis clenched his fist. "So, my life is in danger now, huh?"

"Being a member of the Novak is never easy."

"Why bring me here then? Why drag me to this damn forsaken life?"

"Travis," Eva said, sounding on the verge of crying. "Please, that wasn't our intention. We love you."

"Would you rather be in the custody of the Baxters? Trust me, that isn't something you'd like." Keegan deadpanned.

Travis fumed. "Great. My life is fucked up now. Thanks, you two."

"Travis," Eva croaked, her eyes watering.

Keegan held Eva's shoulders. 

"We'll talk later. I'll send Khloe to show you your room."

"Where's my father's body?" Travis asked. That was the only thing he cared about now. And he deliberately said 'my father' instead of 'adoptive father'. 

If he was affected by this or not, Keegan didn't show as he answered. "Khloe will also take you to it. Also, hide your identity for your own safety. Don't tell anyone, not even your best friend."

Travis frowned. 

"We'll leave for now. Think about what we discussed."

Keegan turned to leave. Eva looked like she wanted to say something.

"Come on, Eva."

She stared at Travis sadly before following her husband.

Travis collapsed on the bed with a grunt. He hated this family; now he was part of them? Well played, fate. Well played.