Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Tatiana smiled and said, “Then let’s go eat noodles together.”

Aaron drove off with Tatiana. Maybe because things were going well, Aaron talked more with her. He was surprised to find how much they had in common—similar tastes and interests. She could discuss anything with him without just agreeing for the sake of it.

As they chatted more, they both felt like they had met too late. Aaron remarked, “If we’d met a few years earlier, we could have been great friends.”

Tatiana smiled, “It’s not too late now.”

Aaron wanted to continue, but seeing her yawn, he said, “You should rest. It’ll be a while before we get there. I’ll wake you up when we arrive.”

Tatiana murmured “Okay” and closed her eyes.

When they reached their destination, Tatiana was still asleep. Aaron noticed how peacefully she was sleeping and hesitated before deciding not to wake her. He quietly got out of the car, leaving the engine and air conditioner running, and went to order food.

As soon as he left, Tatiana’s eyes snapped open, clear and alert. She grabbed her phone and messaged Vermont, “Everything’s going well. We’re ready for the next step.”

Vermont quickly replied, “So soon?”

Tatiana responded, “I thought it would be more challenging, but he caved as soon as he saw my photo.”

Vermont sent an “awesome” emoji and asked, “Where are you now?”

Tatiana: “Having dinner with my future husband, bonding.”

Vermont: “Confident, huh?”

Tatiana: “Honestly, aside from his poor taste in women, he meets all my standards. He’s rich, kind, looks good, and while he’s a bit chubby, he’s not off-putting. It’s like he’s made for me.”

I expect a

my parents’ seats—as long as your gift is

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

about Jaylene. I

called her, saying, “Jaylene’s talented—she writes well, plays the piano, draws, she’s pretty much good at everything. But she’s also

to her, my strengths aren’t

replied, “They are. You’re tougher, sharper, and more determined than she is. She can’t compete with you in

as she smirked, “Vermont, my marriage hasn’t even started yet. I have my sister-in-law’s WhatsApp. You might want to think

you can definitely outmaneuver her. Go all in, and

smiled as she noticed Aaron returning to the car. “I could use

friend Keegan’s sister is getting engaged, and Jaylene is likely to be there since she likes Keegan. Aaron will want to see her, so she’ll find a way to attend. I’ll set it

door. Seeing she was on the phone,

woke me up. Sorry to keep

was

the engine and gently said, “Let’s go, it’s time to

and followed him out of

Just as Tatiana was about to use her bag to shield

though they didn’t know each other well, he made sure the umbrella covered her more, letting his shoulders get wet.

asked softly, “Aaron, are you always this kind

was taken aback and instinctively stepped back. When he realized she got wet because of it, he quickly moved

took hold of the umbrella and moved closer to him. Aaron stepped back again but was stopped by a car behind him. Tatiana cornered him between her and the car, raising the umbrella to

should hold the umbrella. I can’t reach,

of his daze, took the umbrella, and said, “Oh,

help you. I don’t know if it will work, but even if it doesn’t, I hope you won’t doubt yourself. You’re a good guy—smart, caring, and talented. If she doesn’t see that, it’s

used to receiving compliments, especially from someone other than