Albert had been living with Xenia recently to provide better care for the “baby” growing in her belly. He had also become remarkably accommodating toward her needs. [Everytime I go to the bathroom, he’d worry that I might accidentally give birth in the toilet.] Xenia texted Stella.
Upon reading that message, Stella chuckled for quite some time, picturing Albert’s anxious demeanor. He displayed the same behavior when Rainee successfully got the IVF. He was obsessed with ensuring everything was perfect. He would pre-squeeze Rainee’s toothpaste every morning and serve her warm porridge.
For that brief period of bliss, Rainee entertained the idea that she would have a happy family life. However, that illusion was shattered when she suffered an unexpected miscarriage.
The truth was Albert did not harbor genuine affection for any of the women in his life. His occasional glances at Xenia only reminded him of the son he once had and not Rainee.
Stella found it both amusing and pitiful watching Albert being manipulated by Xenia’s fake pregnancy.
Albert was quick to answer Keegan’s call. He seemed genuinely surprised and addressed Keegan with familiarity while engaging in light conversation. Though, Keegan had no patience for pleasantries with a man who had mistreated his wife. He cut to the chase and asked, “Mr. Jewell, are you
considering selling the Spade mansion in Greenwood Grove? If
Stella was shocked to hear that. She leered at him and thought, ‘Wasn’t he supposed to charm his way in?!’
Albert was equally taken aback. “Why the sudden interest in buying that mansion, Keegan?” he cautiously probed.
‘Could it be that something new is being developed in the area?’ he thought.
With an arm casually placed around Stella’s neck, Keegan pulled her closer as he explained, “I was thinking of gifting it to Stella for her birthday.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted (Stella and Keegan)