'It's one thing to have a string of bad romantic encounters, but it's another when his genitals can't even function correctly!' Felicity muttered to herself. 'I can't possibly like Vermont. It must be because of all the time I've spent with him lately. I've always been into brilliant scholars like Doctor Steven!"Soon, Marshall showed up at the party. He bumped into Felicity at the entrance, but she left before he could greet her. He surveyed the room and spotted Vermont sitting in a corner with a slightly furrowed brow."Why are you sitting here all alone?" Marshall asked.Hearing that, Vermont snapped out of his thoughts and invited Marshall to take a seat."The others are probably changing right now to soak in the hot spring," answered Vermont. He then paused momentarily before adding, "Why are you late?""I had some work to do at the law firm," Marshall replied, taking a sip from the glass of water the server had brought him. "What's up with Ms. Thompson? I ran into her earlie
Vermont often had a way with words. He was also good with his actions, making it hard to complain. Even Felicity had to admit that her grudge seemed somewhat unreasonable.'It seems like I can't be mad at him now. He's not to blame when I'm the one who has feelings for him,' she thought.As Felicity stepped into the water, Vermont took her hand. "Here. Hold onto me. Don't slip."Felicity's head was in a mess at that point. In the end, she found herself sitting where Vermont had saved for her.Following that, Vermont settled beside her and extended his arm protectively around her. "Feels nice, right?" He tilted his head and said.Felicity was about to answer when Vermont's well-defined chest appeared before her eyes. She could vaguely see his firm abs under the water.This sent her into a whirlwind of emotions.'Why doesn't he have a beer belly? Considering his indulgent lifestyle, shouldn't he be carrying some extra weight? How is it possible that he looks like a fitness model?
Felicity only caught the first part of Vermont's explanation and thought, 'I knew he's into the small-waisted and busty type—a classic playboy.'Meanwhile, Stella had decided not to get in the water with Felicity and Vermont. Instead, she wanted to swim in the pool nearby.When Keegan heard about her plans, he immediately wanted to join. "You don't even know how to swim. Are you going to just sit there and watch me? Stay here and enjoy the water. I'll be back after a few laps," said Stella.But Keegan was insistent. "Teach me," he said.Stella looked at him and continued, "Didn't you say you don't want to learn how to swim the last time I said I wanted to teach you?"'Well, I can't just sit here and watch other men hit on you, can I?' Keegan asked himself. Though, he said, "It's good to have another skill in my pocket. You never know when it might come in handy."Stella thought about it and agreed that having extra skills couldn't hurt. 'Plus, it'd be nice if he could join me in
Stella turned to see Marshall smiling at her in the water not too far away. He wore a short-sleeved swimsuit, no longer concealing his scarred arms that he used to keep hidden under long sleeves.The sudden change surprised Stella. She had always seen Marshall as someone who was a bit reserved. 'It must have taken a lot of determination to make such change,' she thought.Stella was not one to hold back her praise, so she gave him a thumbs-up and said, "Looking dashing, Mr. Moore!"Seemingly a bit shy, Marshall looked down, and his ears turned red.Keegan's eyes twitched upon seeing that. 'Why the hell is he blushing?!' He pushed Stella's raised thumb back into the water and said, "I'm not done learning yet!"His reaction left Stella at a loss for words. "You're never gonna learn how to swim if you don't get your breathing right," she said."The water keeps getting into my ears. It's uncomfortable," Keegan pouted."Then... You can just float around with your flamingo," Stella sai
With those thoughts in mind, Stella inquired, "How did he nearly drown?"Stella found it strange that Keegan had a near-drowning experience when he was younger since Cordelia always kept an eye on her beloved grandson."I'm not too sure about the specifics. All I remember is that it was pretty serious, and he was in a coma for three days. He didn't want to talk about the incident when he woke up, so we didn't press him for details," said Marshall.However, the actual circumstances were even more perilous than Marshall's account. When Keegan was still unconscious, he was diagnosed to be in critical condition multiple times. Doctors said that the longer he remained in a coma, the higher the chance he was brain dead.At that point, the Kane family had even started contacting funeral services. Fortunately, Keegan was able to escape from the brink of death.Given such an experience, it was only natural that Keegan developed a phobia of water. Stella then understood why he was reluctant
Stella gave him a sidelong glance and asked, "What are you referring to?""You know... When you mouthed that we'd get remarried if I learned how to swim." Keegan whispered.Initially, Stella said those words to motivate Keegan. However, after discovering his near-drowning incident from Marshall, she felt it was unfair to put that pressure on him."I would still marry you if you don't, but I do hope you'd give it a try. My mom... I mean, Ms. Spade used to tell me that it's always beneficial to acquire new skills. You never know when they might come in handy. Swimming is a useful skill, so it'd be good if you can learn. But if you can't, then no pressure. I can support you in the water," she said softly.Keegan's heart melted at the sound of that. He gently pulled Stella's hand and whispered, "I'll give it another shot.""You don't have to force yourself to do it if you're scared. I only asked because I didn't know about your drowning incident," said Stella.Keegan was surprised. "
Dahlia had never been a competent mother, especially to Keegan.After listening to his story, Stella struggled to find the right words. She wanted to ask Keegan why he cared about someone who treated him so poorly. But the question itself was unanswerable.'People often cling to what they cannot have. Maybe he's hoping to receive some motherly love from Dahlia. Or perhaps he wants to fulfill his father's dying wish. Keegan is not a heartless person, which is probably why he suffered so much in his complex relationship with his mother,' thought Stella."We can't rewrite our past, but we can choose not to replicate our parents' behavior," she sighed."Swimming really isn't as intimidating as it seems. I promise I'll be right there to save you if you fail." Stella's gaze was soft yet determined. She was like a light in the darkness.Noticing this, Keegan smiled and said, "I'll try my best."Stella smiled back. "Hold onto me, and let's practice breathing a few more times."Just as K
Jaylene's birthday party was a blast. It was evident that the rich knew how to have fun. Her group of close friends had invited over a dozen stunning and well-built male strippers to dance live at the event. While their dancing might not have been top-notch, the fact that they were all shirtless and gyrating was enough to set the scene on fire. A glance around the room revealed an array of chiseled muscles; the people's hormones were practically sizzling in the air.Felicity quickly stood up from the hot spring, eager to capture the scene on her phone. But Vermont wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her back. "Don't forget you have a boyfriend. Show some respect, won't you?"Felicity did not care. She pushed Vermont's hand away and gritted her teeth, saying, "After years of suppressing my desires, I finally get a taste of some eye candy, and you want to rain on my parade? Where's your humanity?"Vermont's lips twitched upon hearing that. He placed her hand against his chest
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