Chapter 2021

Keegan was taken aback. 'This does indeed sound like something I would say. Or rather, more like the kind of thing mom would throw my way back when I was younger.' No matter how stellar Keegan's achievements were during his childhood, Dahlia always had a way of cutting him down. "Don't be too proud. Someone might surpass you next time." "Your dad and I spent a fortune on your education, it's the least you can do," she'd say. Keegan rarely received praise from Dahlia. Naturally, he struggled to share his achievements with his partner properly. What he intended as uplifting encouragement often sounded more like belittlement. Dahlia wasn't the best role model for Keegan. Despite thinking he'd distanced himself from his mother, constant praise from those around him blinded him to how much he mirrored her in specific aspects. Looking at Stella with puppy eyes, Keegan asked softly, "So, do you prefer the old me or the current me?" Stella chuckled and whispered in his ear, "You're the