Leighton glanced at it and gave it back to Keegan. "I don't smoke."Keegan laughed. "It's not a lighter, but a prank toy my friend gave me. I'm too old for this, but I figured kids like you might like it."Although Leighton did not like being referred to as a kid, he felt a little tempted when he heard it was a prank toy. He lifted his gaze and asked, "Is it a lighter that sprays water?"'It would be boring if that's all it does, judging by how well it's made.' Leighton said inwardly.Keegan glanced at him. "Why would I bother giving you something like that?"'It's not?' Leighton got more interested in it. "What does it do then?"Keegan grabbed his phone and sent him a picture. "Read the instructions yourself."Leighton read it, and his eyes immediately lit up. He wanted to have it, but he hesitated because it was given by Keegan, his crush's ex-husband. 'What kind of man am I if I accepted this gift?' Leighton thought to himself.Then, he cleared his throat and said, "I didn't
Leighton was different from everyone else in the room; he had never met Freesia, so he did not share a deep relationship with her. That was why he had not paid much attention to this cousin, who seemed to appear out of nowhere.However, he was quite pleased to have a new cousin in the family. It meant he now had someone to use as a shield if his father ever complained about him again in the future. After all, this cousin did not grow up in his family, so he figured she could never be more outstanding than him. In that way, he would no longer have to be the worst-performing member of the family and be despised by his father.Leighton pushed the door open after adjusting his clothes. Then, he saw his crush sitting in the middle of his family.He was shocked.Stella was stunned too. She paused and was unsure whether she should put the piece of prawn into her mouth or not. Keegan had previously told her about the relationship between Leighton and Trevor, so she already knew that Leight
Trevor was a petty person. He refused to reveal Stella's identity to Leighton when he asked for a photo of his long-lost cousin. His plan was to let him find out during the family gathering and make a fool of himself. He found it entertaining to know that Leighton would have to suppress his anger and frustration in front of Edith and Wilfred, especially since he was not letting him have his way.However, to his surprise, Leighton laughed strangely instead of getting upset.When Trevor inquired about the reason behind the laughter, Leighton composed himself and said, "I'm just overjoyed to know that my celebrity idol is my cousin."His words left Edith stunned. "Stella is your celebrity idol?" she asked."Yeah, grandma. Remember the voice actor I told you about?" Leighton's voice softened as he explained.Edith had taken the time to know her grandson's interests, so she knew who he was referring to. "You mean Dusk Galaxy?"Leighton nodded.Edith was not familiar with animated cha
Seeing Wilfred and Edith's reaction, Stella realized that she had misspoken. She was about to rectify her words when Wilfred said, "We have plenty of fountain pens at home. They're not THAT rare. Besides, it's the thought that counts. I personally think tea leaves are a better choice than a pen."Stella was a bit surprised to hear that. "But, I've never seen a Carpi fountain pen in all life," she said, trying to justify its value through its rarity.Unexpectedly, Wilfred unwrapped the gift box Darcie brought and presented Stella with a Carpi fountain pen. "Here. Take a good look. It's yours if you like it. If you don't, we can go to Royalburgh and pick out one of the many fountain pens in my study. And, if you like them all, I can give you my entire collection," he said.Wilfred's generosity shocked Stella. She tried to decline the offer and said, "That's okay, Grandpa. I'm not particularly skilled in calligraphy. I was just curious."However, Wilfred insisted. "What do you mean? Y
Trevor was surprised to hear that Leighton stopped him only to give him a lighter. 'Is he really okay with Stella being part of the family?' he wondered."Is that all? Is there nothing else you want to talk about?" he asked. Despite their less-than-friendly relationship, Trevor could not bear to see Leighton in distress as they grew up together.Leighton glanced at him and said, "What do you want me to say? Do you want me to talk about how you kept me in the dark and screwed me over just to prevent Keegan from getting close to your sister?"Taken aback, Trevor froze for a moment. He cleared his throat before he said, "It's not like that. I just didn't want you to get hurt, since I know how much you liked Stella."'You didn't want me to get hurt? Hah,' Leighton coldly snorted."I don't think I would've been hurt. Sure, I would've been upset. But, I know that Stella liked Keegan. So, even since the beginning, I never had a chance. Although, that is a good thing. Family over everythi
Aldor already knew what Keegan had in mind when he approached him for the custom lighter. Being kind-hearted, Aldor was worried that Keegan might offend Trevor, so he tried to talk him out of it. But, Keegan dismissed his concern and said, "Just do as you're told." Aldor did not expect Keegan to use Leighton as a pawn in his game.Despite being friendly toward Trevor and calling him his brother-in-law, Keegan kept track of his actions and planned his revenge. 'Sorry, Leighton, but I had to,' he thought.Soon after, Stella emerged from the building. Keegan pulled up in his car, and Stella quickly got in. As she fastened her seatbelt, she pulled out three envelopes from her purse and said, "Look at what I got..!"Keegan could not help but smile when he saw how happy Stella was. "Are those from your grandparents?""Yeah, and this one's from Uncle Daryl, and this is from Mr. Sa— I mean, my dad." Stella was still trying to get used to the idea of having such a loving father like Wenham,
An unusual feeling crept into Stella's heart. She had always been sensitive to scents. Moreover, she had been curious about the various fragrances emitted by plants since she was a child. This further developed her passion for cultivating flowers and plants. She had even created potpourri sachets back then. Now she realized where her unique hobbies might have come from."Why did Darcie take over the business instead of Trevor?" Stella asked, seeking clarity."Well, Darcie was the co-founder of Enchanted. But, your mother was the one who created the signature perfume that established the company's reputation in the industry. It's called Secret Garden," Keegan explained."After Aunt Freesia passed away, your Uncle Daryl managed the business for a while, but he didn't know much about perfumes. So, he handed it back to Uncle Wenham after a couple of years."Wenham did not fully comprehend the world of fragrances either, but he wanted to keep his late wife's legacy, so he decided to ass
Stella's heart fluttered when Keegan said that they would be together even after death. "You're such an idiot," she said after a while.The next day, news came from Xenia that Albert and Hylda had gotten into a heated argument. In the end, Hylda was kicked out of the house.When Albert went to the police station to pick up Hugo, he noticed Hylda's nervous demeanor, which raised his suspicion. He called Sophia to the hospital and had the two children take a DNA test along with the deceased baby from the miscarriage. The results showed that only Sophia was Albert's daughter. Hugo was not his biological child.Albert was furious and started a physical altercation with Hylda at the hospital. Despite Hylda's defiance, she refused to reveal the identity of the biological father. This did not please Albert, and it caused him to leave Hylda and Hugo at the hospital. He then visited Xenia and unloaded everything on her the following day."Albert looked like he was afraid of Hylda. I can't b
Keegan moved from initial resistance to reluctantly listening, and eventually to questioning."Why do these novels portray men as so stupid and brainless, yelling at the female lead as if they have intermittent explosive disorder?""Is the male lead sick? Forcing the female lead to donate a kidney, is he out of his mind?""How many years would they get for calling the police in their world?""Why is he so dumb? The supporting actress claims the female lead pushed her into the water and he believes it? Is checking surveillance footage illegal?""Stella, are you making fun of me?""I can't learn this. It all feels so neurotic. What does the female lead see in him?"Stella retorted, "Who cares if it's neurotic? Just mimic that stupidity, that's how these innocent women like men who protect them like that."Keegan was very reluctant, but his brain was more compliant than his body. Without needing to study deliberately, everything he heard stuck in his mind.So when Keegan mentione
Keegan's expression darkened with anger. "You're being completely unreasonable!"Stella crossed her arms, wearing an expression that seemed challenging. "You let her take it. Let's see if I dare."Jaylene hadn't actually wanted those junk items in the first place; she was deliberately trying to stir up discord between them. Now that her goal was achieved, she put on a sympathetic look."Keegan, I don't want it anymore. Don't be angry. Your health is more important. Didn't the doctor say to keep your emotions stable?"Turning her head, she reproached Stella. "Stella, are you here to help Keegan recover his memory or just to provoke him?""Shut up, you brat! Do you even have a say here?"Acting under the guise of a drama, playing the role of someone lacking in manners, was incredibly satisfying.She’d wanted to curse this brat for a long time!Jaylene's lips twitched, but she held back, tearfully saying, "Stella, if you don't like me, I'll leave. There's no need to humiliate me l
Jaylene understood the situation perfectly. Even though she didn't particularly like these cold, mechanical devices, she put on a pretense of surprise, saying, "Really, Keegan?"Keegan nodded. "Choose one you like.""Keegan!" Before Stella could finish her sentence, she couldn't hold back her sharp voice, "With your pile of junk that I can't even touch normally, she takes a look and now you want to give it to her? What's the meaning of this?!"Keegan frowned, apparently not comprehending her current anger at all. "Jaylene gave me a gift, and I'm giving her one in return. What's the problem?""What problem?" Stella's eyes started to redden. "I can't touch them, so why should she be able to? Have you forgotten, or do you have inappropriate feelings for her?"Keegan's expression darkened. "This makes no sense!"Jaylene secretly delighted in this, hypocritically trying to calm things down, "Forget it, Keegan. Since Stella minds so much, I don't want it anymore. You've strained your r
The standoff lasted for over twenty minutes before Keegan grabbed a book and knocked the beetle off Jaylene's neck. The beetle fluttered twice and suddenly flew up, landing on Jaylene's face.Jaylene screamed, rolled her eyes, and fainted.As she collapsed, the bug flew off again."Jaylene?"Keegan called out to her.He looked up at Stella and said, "You go start the car, I'll carry her to the hospital."As he spoke, he signaled to Stella.She understood and coldly grunted, "So troublesome."Walking over to Jaylene, she squatted down beside her and slapped her face twice.Jaylene immediately opened her eyes and reached out to push her away. "What are you doing!"Stella was prepared and had already moved back before she could be pushed.She shook her tingling hand and innocently said, "Jaylene, you fainted because of the bug. I was just saving you. Don't believe me? Ask Keegan."Jaylene nearly ground her teeth. Did she think she hadn't heard? She was intentionally exposing h
Her fingertips trembled with a mix of horror and excitement. Just as the teapot was about to slip from her grasp, Keegan suddenly said, "Jaylene, don't move."Jaylene froze, instinctively thinking Keegan had regained his memory. She had barely twitched when Keegan loudly stopped her again, "Don't move, absolutely don't move."Jaylene wanted to say something, but then felt an itching sensation on her neck, as if something was crawling slowly. Goosebumps erupted all over her body.By now, Stella had turned around and saw Jaylene standing stiffly with the teapot in hand. Her eyes quickly assessed the situation and then she noticed the beetle crawling on Jaylene's neck.It was an unknown species, not overly tentacled but as long as a little finger, its mouthparts slightly twitching, genuinely alarming in appearance.Stella murmured, "It's so big."Jaylene couldn't see what was on her neck, unsure if it would bite or if it was venomous. She stood frozen in place, her voice trembling,
Seeing him, Stella even lowered her eyes and softly praised, "Mr. Kane, you acted very well."Keegan glared at her, his voice low and intense. "If you keep watching like this, Coco will cut ties with me tomorrow."Stella replied confidently, "No, she won't. After accepting the red envelope, she can tolerate you a little longer."Keegan asked sharply, "Did you teach her to ask for red envelopes like this?""Don't falsely accuse me; I didn't teach her.""You may not have taught her directly, but you set an example. Have you forgotten how you always make me buy things for you?"Stella was speechless. Whenever she wanted Keegan to buy her something, she would often say, "Gifts are only surprises when given voluntarily. If reminded, it shows they don’t like me that much."It had to be said, Coco had learned the essence of it.Stella also felt a bit awkward, thinking that in the future, she needed to avoid such flirtatious conversations between spouses in front of the children. They
Could she figure all this out?Keegan frowned, casting a disappointed look at Coco. "Are you not listening to me now?"Coco raised her gaze defiantly and stated, "Aunt Stella taught me that if I don't want something someone gives me, I can say no. I don't want this hairpin.""Didn't she teach you that even if you don't like something, you should still say thank you?"Coco fell silent for a moment, then reluctantly said to Jaylene, "Thank you, Aunt Jaylene, but I don't want it."Jaylene hesitated with her hand extended, unsure whether to retract it or leave it there, managing a strained smile. "Then what do you like? Next time, I will get you something you do like."Coco asked, "Do you want me to do something for you?"Jaylene was taken aback. "What?"Coco replied seriously, "Aunt Stella says offering help without reason is either deceitful or thieving. Since you don't like me, why else would you give me something? You want me to do something for you, right?"Jaylene forced a s
Leighton's incident did indeed revive their suspicions.Jaylene was gullible, but Darcie might see through this scheme. "Keegan, why didn't you go to work today?" Jaylene chose to ask directly at first.Keegan remained composed. "I've been busy with the press conference lately and haven't had much rest. Now that things have slowed down, I thought I'd take a break and relax."Jaylene spoke gently, "You should rest well. Since you came back, you've been busy, and you've been postponing Dr. Stone's follow-up appointments. Keegan, I'm really worried about your health. Since you're resting these days, I'll arrange for Dr. Stone to give you another check-up. Stella has been living here to assist your recovery for so long. We need the doctor to give a clear assessment of whether there's been any improvement. Otherwise, it's not good for Stella's reputation to stay here so long, unmarried and under one roof."Keegan nodded. "Okay, please arrange it. Thank you."His response was decisive,
Stella had just descended the stairs when she heard that remark, causing her eyelids to twitch as she thought to herself, “Damn it! He really knows how to come up with excuses!”Upon hearing this, Jaylene's eyes briefly flashed with disdain, but she ultimately accepted the shoe covers Keegan handed her. As Keegan led Jaylene into the house, her eyes continued to scrutinize every corner.There were a couple of pillows on the sofa, couple mugs on the table, wedding photos of Keegan and Stella on the walls, and even headbands and hair ties scattered on the table. The house exuded an unmistakable feminine touch.Jaylene's expression darkened, but when Keegan turned to ask if she preferred tea or coffee, she adopted a gentle, harmless demeanor. "Tea would be perfect."Keegan invited her to take a seat and called for Maria to prepare tea. Jaylene spoke softly, "Keegan, I heard from Stella that you brew Dragon Well tea better than anyone else. Is there a special technique?"Stella paused