Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Stella was completely taken aback.
She smiled at Keegan and asked, "How did you even come up with such a method?" Keegan appeared slightly uneasy and took
his time before responding, "Wasn't there a trend online about romantic gestures from science students? I thought I'd give it a
shot." Vermont chuckled, "Haha, trying out your science-student romance in front of us liberal arts folks? Good thing you didn't
use this to confess your love, or else you'd be stuck with me for life!" Felicity remarked, "You're a bit of a slacker academically, so
of course, you wouldn't get it.
Stella's a top student; this is top- student romance." Stella quickly waved her hands.
"No, no, I won't get it either." Afterward, she worried about when Keegan might pull another " romantic gesture of a science
student" on her and cautioned him, " I don't like these science student romantic gestures.
I prefer the tycoon-style romance." Keegan paused for a moment, still not reacting.
Vermont jumped in, "Instead of small talk, why not just give a grand gift? Stella and I have similar tastes.
Now you know what to give us in the future, right?" Keegan was speechless.
Felicity pinched him.
"You're incorrigible!" Just then, Aldor wheeled in a cake with Aurora helping him carry two bottles of wine.
The birthday song started softly, and Stella sang along quietly, with everyone joining in humming.
The candle flames on the cake flickered, casting light and shadow on each familiar face.
Keegan's throat tightened, and his eyes began to water slightly.
Birthdays were always about fearing people remembered and fearing they didn't.
He wasn't like Vermont, with a large social circle that organized big birthday parties with lots of people.
He preferred inviting a few close friends to a bar for a drink or two, reminiscing about the past and chatting about the present.
Stella understood him.

As the birthday song ended, Stella whispered, "Husband, make a wish." Keegan nodded, closed his eyes before the candles,
and sincerely made his birthday wish for the year.
A few seconds later, he opened his eyes, blew out the candles, and everyone applauded and congratulated him.
After cutting the cake, Stella handed Keegan a plate of strawberries and quietly asked him, "What did you wish for?" Keegan
glanced at her and said seriously, Wishes don't come true if you say them out loud." Stella said, "Even if you don't say it, I know
it's definitely related to our babies." Keegan smiled briefly, not fooled.
Children had their own lives.
Growing up, they would eventually leave their parents.
As long as they grew up healthy, everything else would follow naturally.
What he wished for was that year after year, the people by his side would remain the same.
Before finishing the plate of strawberries, Jaylene Saun's call came in.
Stella hadn't spoken yet when Keegan hung up the phone and turned it off.
He said, Today, I just want to be with you all.
I don't want to pretend with her." Stella smiled, "I didn't intend for you to answer anyway." Keegan grunted in response and
suddenly kissed her on the lips.
Stella was taken aback and quickly looked around.
The others were engrossed in their card game and didn't notice.
Keegan whispered softly, ''No one saw that." Stella's ears grew warm, and she whispered back, "Don't do this in public.
I have a reputation to maintain!" Keegan chuckled and pulled the nearby flower basket closer to them, effectively blocking them
from the group.
With one arm around Stella's waist, they snuggled together on the courtyard swing, gently swaying.
The fragrance of jasmine wafted over them, and Keegan suddenly felt amovement under his palm.

He froze for a moment, then looked at Stella abruptly.
Stella wore the same stunned and shocked expression.
"They moved," she whispered softly.
Keegan swallowed nervously, not quite believing it, and placed his hand over again.
Sure enough, they moved again, a bit more pronounced than the last time.