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 seat at the head table

have my parents’ seats—as

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

“Now, tell me more about

writes well, plays the piano, draws, she’s pretty much good at everything.

to her, my strengths

than she is. She

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

reassured her, “Anyway, if it comes down to it, you can definitely outmaneuver her. Go all in, and our

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

“There’s an opportunity soon. My 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 up so you both

agreed just as Aaron opened the car door. Seeing she was on the

and said, “The call woke me up. Sorry to keep you

replied, “I didn’t wait long. I was about to call you when you woke

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

and followed him out

was drizzling outside, and the air was foggy. Just as Tatiana was about to use her bag to shield herself, Aaron came over with an umbrella and held it

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

looked up at him and asked softly, “Aaron, are you always this kind

he realized she got wet because of

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,

at him and said softly, “Aaron, you should hold the umbrella. I can’t reach,

took the umbrella, and said, “Oh,

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 her

to receiving compliments, especially from someone other than family. Even Jaylene never praised him