Chapter 116
The video showcased a slice of life from a recent family event at the local community center.
Keen, who had just snagged first place in the games, was surrounded by a throng of young admirers. His face radiated with pride and a touch of smugness. One of the kids asked, “Keen, were those your parents who came to watch the games?”
Keen hesitated for a moment before nodding.
The circle of kids around him erupted in envious murmurs.
“Keen, your dad is so cool and charismatic! He’s amazing at games!”
“Yeah, and your mom is really pretty and super sweet!”
These compliments seemed to elevate Keen even higher, and he tilted his chin up, basking in the admiration.
Another kid blurted out, “Wait, Keen-you never talk about your mom. We kinda thought you didn’t have one. Is she like… a doctor or something?
Keen replied with obvious pride, “My mom’s a violinist. She’s incredible! She’s got a concert tour coming up in a few months.”
“Wow!” The kids gasped in unison, clearly impressed. “Your mom’s so awesome, Keen!”
“Totally! No wonder you keep her a secret. If I had a mom that amazing, I’d hide her too so no one could steal her away.”
“If only my mom were that cool… But she’s a stay-at-home mom. My grandma says she’s like a couch potato… It’s kinda embarrassing. I’d rather not talk about her. Keen, your mom is way better.”
The kids continued their chatter, their words inflating Keen’s ego a bit too much.
Another child asked, “Keen, I saw a pretty lady dropping you off at school recently. I thought she was your mom.”
Keen’s smile dropped like a stone. His whole face went stiff. “She’s not my mom,” he spat. “Just some nanny we hired.”
The video ended there, leaving the room in the meeting hall in silence.
Stella’s hands clenched involuntarily, even though she had already heard about Keen’s feelings from Rachel and Marvin. Seeing Keen say those words was still a painful sting to her heart.
As the video played, a flicker of confusion crossed Keen’s eyes.
Rachel, seated beside him, gently patted his hand, calming him down enough to regain his composure.
The following videos were mostly everyday scenes from the daycare, nothing particularly noteworthy.
That is, until the final clip caught everyone’s attention.
In the video, Marvin approached Keen. “Keen, why did you lie?”
Keen was focused on his drawing, but when he looked up and saw Marvin, he turned away with a look of annoyance.
“Lie?”
“Stella is your mom. Why did you say that mean lady was your mom?”
Keen shrugged, clearly uninterested in explaining himself, responding in a dismissive tone.
“None of your business.”
Marvin’s voice rose with frustration, “Don’t you know how much that would hurt Stella?”
“So what? No matter what I say about her, she’s still my mom.”
Marvin’s voice grew stern, “I won’t let you talk about Stella like that!”
Keen, annoyed by Marvin’s persistence, snapped back. “Why do you care so
much about what I say about my mom? Are you jealous because you don’t have one?”
Marvin’s face went pale, as if Keen had struck a nerve.
Witnessing this, the teachers in the room couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Marvin.