Stella watched Jaylene, a mix of surprise and respect brewing inside her. Despite the harsh confrontation at the Saun residence, where Stella had slapped Jaylene, she still conversed calmly with Stella in front of Keegan. This was an unexpected show of tolerance.Stella knew Keegan was charming, so she did not understand his slow progress in extracting vital information from Jaylene. Her concern for his wellbeing grew. So, when Jaylene proposed they all dine together, Stella readily agreed, "Sure. We were planning to grab a bite anyway."However, Keegan declined, "I have to pass. Work's calling at the company."Their exchanged glances spoke volumes, both puzzled by the other's intentions.Stella offered a smile, "If you're tied up, don't let us hold you back. Spencer and I will keep Jaylene company."Keegan remained stoic, his thoughts wandering, 'Spence... I recall Vermont using nicknames for his high school girlfriend. Such terms are vague, yet so personal from those bygone days
Stella fought back her laughter, carefully avoiding Jaylene's gaze to maintain her composure. She found herself torn between amusement at Keegan's straightforwardness and bemusement at Jaylene's naivety.Having been a frequent visitor to the Kane residence, Stella was well aware of Keegan's deep affection for Coco. A wiser approach for Jaylene would have been to endear herself to Coco, as winning the child's heart was as crucial as winning over Keegan and his family. Competing with a child was, in Stella's eyes, a futile effort.Stella eyed Jaylene's carefully chosen attire, deducing her preference for Joplonese cuisine. Jaylene's self-consciousness was apparent. She always strived to present her best self to Keegan. Yet, Stella knew that perfection was not the key to a lasting relationship. It was about embracing each other's strengths and accepting their weaknesses.Keegan, who is experienced in dealing with various personalities, would likely be unimpressed with insincerity.Mea
Spencer, unfazed by Stella's request for drinks, flashed a smile and casually asked, "Enjoying the meal? How about we add a few drinks to the mix?"Stella shot back, "Ever the chatterbox, aren't you?"Jaylene, displaying genuine concern, frowned at Keegan, "You really shouldn't drink, Keegan. You're still recovering. Alcohol and cigarettes are the last things you need right now."Keegan responded calmly, "It's fine. I'll just have a few drinks with Spence."Spencer did a double-take. Surprised, he thought, 'Did he just call me "Spence"?'"Please, Keegan. Think of your health," Jaylene implored, her worry evident.Keegan replied with warmth, "I'll go easy then. Why don't you drink a bit more on my behalf? I owe a lot to his family. They were there for me during tough times."Feeling a sense of inclusion in Keegan's circle, Jaylene could not hide her satisfaction. She glanced at Stella, whose mood seemed to sour further, and quickly agreed, "Since it's your request, I can't say no
Lost in nostalgia, Spencer continued, "To pique her interest, I started asking her about class lessons, feigning academic concern. At first, she was puzzled. Why would I, the perpetual sleeper, suddenly have an academic awakening? I played it off, saying my dad promised me four dollars for every point I scored. I've got my eyes on a figurine worth over six grand. I needed to score as high as I could."Her reaction was immediate. She became my earnest tutor, lending me notes and patiently explaining concepts. She stood out during our second year when the curriculum intensified, and everyone became protective of their study time. She sacrificed her time for me, meticulously breaking down each topic and asking if I understood."I had heard numerous rumors about her from the boys' dormitory. They said her family was well-off. Her parents did charity work and adopted a girl from an orphanage. But they were only using the girl for publicity, and they actually treated her poorly. She was sa
Spencer continued with a hint of nostalgia in his voice, "I couldn't help but laugh at myself. All this time, I had never considered that she simply wasn't drawn to my looks. It was a hard pill to swallow. I started paying more attention to my appearance, insisting on wearing a pristine white shirt, controlling my facial expressions, and even modulating my voice when I spoke to her. Slowly, she began to notice, often getting lost in thought while discussing our studies."He chuckled, "She was terrible at concealing her feelings back then. While others sneaked glances, she would openly stare. Thank goodness for my resilience. Anyone else might have felt unnerved."Spencer's laugh was light, "One day, just before a mock exam, out of the blue, she asked if I had ever been in love. I was taken aback, my cheeks burning. I admitted I hadn't felt that way about anyone before her."She then suggested we date to explore what love felt like. I agreed, and though I kept a cool demeanor, I was
Spencer's tone wavered with emotions as he continued, "When I realized she knew about my plans to study abroad, I was shocked. I hadn't told anyone outside my family. It dawned on me that my father must have met with her, probably to discourage her from pursuing a romantic relationship with me because of our family backgrounds."I was kept at home until my departure, losing all contact with her. Abroad, I found myself isolated, keeping a distant eye on our group chats. She soared during her university years, excelling in the performing arts at Trinity University. Her talent was unmistakable, even mentioned in the campus forums. With makeup on, I couldn't recognize her as the lead in King Lear. She had transformed, leaving her high school self far behind."Rumors reached me about her being paraded by her father at banquets, seeking a marriage alliance for financial gains. I heard her mother had an accident, and her family's company was in trouble. That idiot, using a marriage alliance
Spencer turned toward Stella with a mock glare, "Aren't you tempted to ditch him and run into my arms?"She rolled her eyes in response, "You really should call someone to pick you up. You're completely sloshed. How did I never realize you were such a master of nonsense?"Spencer snorted dismissively, "I'm planting a thorn in your heart on purpose, hoping to stir some guilt. Why should you find happiness before me?"Chuckling, Stella retorted, "You overestimate your influence. I'm heartless, remember? Any thorn you plant would just end up in my stomach."Undeterred, Spencer shot back, "Then I'll make sure it pricks you there!"Stella dismissed his words with a scoff, "Grow up, Spencer."Spencer wobbly called his friends, who were nearby. Soon enough, his friends arrived to escort him home. Before leaving, he pulled Keegan aside, whispering something. His friends then hurriedly led him away.Curious, Stella inquired, "What did he say to you?"Keegan replied cryptically, "Just so
In the car, Aurora, who had abstained from alcohol, took the driver's seat. Keegan settled into the passenger seat while Stella and Aldor occupied the back, flanking a thoroughly drunken Jaylene.Throughout Spencer's ramblings, Stella had tested Jaylene's level of intoxication, finding her slurring her words to the point of incoherence. Stella tapped her fingers against the car window, her face tight with thought. Abruptly, she turned to Keegan, "Did Jaylene ever give you that drug?"Keegan's expression tightened, recognizing Stella's line of thought. He said, "That substance is in a legal gray area here, but it's banned abroad. It's a psychoactive drug, far from harmless."Stella's expression darkened further at the thought of Jaylene using such a dangerous drug on Keegan. She asked, "Where is it now?""I disposed of it," Keegan responded, his voice firm.Unconvinced, Stella turned to Aldor, "Where did you put the drug?"Aldor hesitated before answering, "There are a few pills l