When the door closed, Kevan set his cutlery down on the table."Aren't…" Before Dylan could finish his sentence, Kevan discarded all the remaining food into the trash can, including the lobster he had peeled. "Hey!" Dylan exclaimed, but it was too late for him to stop Kevan. "If you don't want to eat it, you can give it to me," Dylan complained. However, Kevan ignored him and cleaned the table with a cold expression. Once he was done, he put all the plates into the sink. Then, he turned on the tap and washed away the dirt on his hands. He pointed at the sink and told Dylan, "You're responsible for washing the dishes." After saying that, Kevan went to take a shower. Dylan was still there when he came out, sitting on the sofa and watching TV. Kevan noticed that the sink was now empty. Kevan draped the towel around his neck and asked impatiently, "Why are you still here?"Dylan crossed his legs and adopted a serious expression. "I need to teach you a lesson," he declared.
When Larissa reached her office, she locked the door behind her, feeling a sense of unease settling in. Unable to fully concentrate on her work, she found herself constantly on edge, listening intently to any sounds or movements outside her office. When someone passed by her door, she would freeze and be on high alert. Even after the person had moved on, she still felt tense. By the morning's end, her state of tiredness was no different from when she got off work.Close to noon, Larissa saved the report she had done halfway and was about to grab lunch. Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside her door again. This time, the footsteps came to a halt right outside her door. Subconsciously, she held her breath, her senses on high alert as she tried to discern the sounds. Her heart was racing. Suddenly, there came three knocks on her door, causing her to involuntarily swallow nervously. Then, she asked, "Who's there?" "It's me," came the voice of a young man, sounding oddly familiar.
After a few days of being on high alert, Larissa never encountered Yvette again. She surmised that Yvette must have returned to Bartham. Larissa thought that Yvette had probably learned from the Hardy family that her disobedient daughter had finally received a deserving punishment. Although she was slightly hurt by the whole ordeal, at the very least, her reputation wouldn't be affected. Hence, she didn't need to stay in Covenford anymore.While Travis' funeral was taking place, Larissa seized the opportunity to accompany Dylan to the courthouse. With Travis no longer alive, the need for a divorce dissipated. Nevertheless, Larissa had to address matters concerning the house. Substantial evidence emerged, prompting the housing authorities to acknowledge their errors and declare the transfer procedures for Travis' property as invalid. As a result, the ownership transfer was revised, designating Larissa as the rightful owner.The entire process was not without its challenges. Fortunatel
The waiter soon found Larissa's name and said, "Okay. Please follow me." Larissa stepped inside and was taken aback by the sight of the hall brimming with pink roses. The walls, ceiling, tables, and even the chandelier, were adorned with artful arrangements of pink roses. As a result, the warm yellow lights reflected a soft pink hue, enhancing the ambiance with a gentle and dreamy atmosphere. While still in the hobby, she overheard the roses being flown in from abroad. There were about six large crates of it, and it took a team of dozen people to meticulously decorate the venue. It was evident that Lucas had spared no expense or effort in organizing this banquet. Lucas had reserved a small ballroom with approximately thirty tables. The guests' names were placed on each chair to ensure everyone was in the right place. Larissa was seated at a table positioned in the center of the hall. To her surprise, there was an empty seat opposite her, and as she looked closer, she noticed that
The girlfriend turned out to be Lana. Larissa wondered how she forgot that October 23rd was Lana's birthday.As she recalled the past, she clenched her handbag so tightly that she began trembling. Before she left the Seymours, she had spent every October 23rd hiding under the covers of her blanket in her room. She refused to watch the joyful occasion happening outside her room or listen to the laughter that echoed outside. They were nothing but a reminder of how unwelcome she was in that family.As old memories and negative emotions arose, her breathing turned shallow. Despite the warm temperature of the venue, she began to shiver.Just then, Lucas cleared his throat in the microphone, which silenced the audience immediately. The abrupt silence brought Larissa back to her senses. She got to her feet, deciding to slip away quietly before Lana noticed her. However, before she went far, she ran into someone. A faint, familiar, manly scent filled her nostrils.She froze in her tracks.
With everyone's attention on her, Lana, the little princess, smiled proudly during Lucas' speech."Two years ago, we were both in Bartham, celebrating her birthday with her family. However, due to my job transfer last year, we were separated by distance, spending more time apart than together. It caused my little princess a great deal of hardship. She left her family behind and flew to Covenford to spend her 24th birthday with me today." Lucas' hand gradually moved upward, wrapping around Lana's waist. Affection filled his gaze, and his tone grew gentler as he said, "I hope you like everything I've prepared for you."As his words fell, Lana turned her head to look at him."I really like it," she said softly.The audience began to cheer, shouting, "Kiss her! Kiss her!" They seemed more excited than Lucas himself. Blushing, Lucas laughed along with the crowd. He looked at Lana but made no moves.After a while, he shook his head and said, "I'm shy. Let's skip that."Immediately,
Thinking her eyes were playing a trick on her, Larissa pushed Kevan's hand away from her face, but Lana had already turned around. Soon, the waiters served the dishes, and everyone's attention immediately shifted to the food.Lucas and Lana were seated opposite Kevan and Larissa, as those were the only two vacant seats in the venue.As soon as they stepped down from the stage, Lucas rushed towards Kevan."Mr. Rogers!" Lucas' face was flushed, but one could hardly tell if it was due to the warm temperature of the venue or his overwhelming excitement from seeing Kevan.Lana, whom he had left behind, was a few steps behind him. Although she furrowed her brows in anger, Lucas was too happy to see his idol that he did not notice.Larissa sighed internally, thinking that men were really clueless.Kevan stood up and nodded at Lucas. Smiling at Lana, he said gently, "Happy birthday, Ms. Seymour."Having been addressed specifically by him, Lana immediately put on a perfunctory smile. H
"Ms. Seymour!" Lucas exclaimed excitedly. "I knew it! It was you who got Mr. Rogers here!"With her back still facing them, Larissa politely replied, "It has nothing to do with me, Mr. Hermes. He came because of you.""Don't be modest! Mr. Rogers just said that he came because of you," Lucas insisted, grinning from ear to ear."Oh, wait!" Lucas suddenly exclaimed, smacking his forehead. "I almost forgot." Holding Lana's hand, he led her over to Larissa and Kevan and made himself some space between them. "Let me introduce you to them, Lana. This is Larissa Seymour, the manager of the housekeeping department at Regal Dynasty Hotel, and she's also Mr. Rogers's girlfriend. I always thought you two looked alike, and interestingly, you even share the same last name—"He was interrupted by Lana before he could finish his sentence."Larissa? My sister?" Her voice trembled, and her eyes widened in disbelief.Sister. Larissa hadn't heard that word for many years, and she didn't miss it
Wendy said, "You have to walk faster than this, Larissa! It's almost time! Your husband can't wait!""Alright!" Larissa quickly gathered up her skirts and followed her.The sun was out.Its golden rays shone softly on the red carpet through the rose petals.Larissa suppressed her desire to stay here for a little while longer and quickly walked toward the end.It was the door to the glass hall.Gary held Aster's hand and his cane in the other, waiting for her at the entrance.When he saw her, Aster immediately let go of Gary's hand and rushed toward her. "You're so pretty today, Mommy!"Larissa patted his head and smiled gently. "Thank you."Aster was her flower boy. Like Gary, he was wearing a tuxedo with a little bowtie.He was holding a basket that was proportionate to his body. In it were rose petals of various colors and shapes.The music suddenly began playing.Gary walked up to her and extended his arm toward her. "Let's go."He looked at her with a smile, his eyes g
Gary and Lewis left Bartham after two days.Blue Star did not give them time off. They couldn't stay for long.Larissa's holidays were coming to an end as well. Half of the time, she was in the Rogers' villa.Because of the pandemic, most of the shops weren't open yet. She slept and ate at home most of the time and accompanied her family. It was quite nice.After the holidays, Kevan and Larissa went back to work.Aster was sent to the kindergarten that he'd been to before. Violet was the one who drove him to and fro.In fact, in order to better take care of him, the parents moved out of Rogers' villa and bought a house in Kevan and Larissa's neighborhood.The days passed in the blink of an eye.Blue Star's company in Bartham was quickly built. Lewis sent over a few loyal and trained employees to hold the fort with Larissa and hired people according to the company's needs. The company was soon on the right track, and the headquarters' work was moved over.Larissa grew busier an
Violet had set aside Larissa's breakfast for her.Larissa ate with reddened cheeks. Kevan and Aster, who had been waiting for her, got up at the same time. Violet brought out a boxful of pie from the kitchen."Don't forget this." She put the box in Kevan's hands."Alright. Thanks, Mom." Kevan looked at Larissa and asked, "Can we go now?"Larissa wanted to ignore him, but in front of Violet, she couldn't express her emotions right now."Yes," she replied, pulling Aster toward her. She said goodbye to Violet and strode out the door.Kevan smiled in slight annoyance and followed suit.…Kevan had told Aster beforehand that they were going to see Great-Grandpa. Thus, all of Aster's questions on the way there revolved around him."Why is great-grandpa called 'Great-Grandpa'?""Is he Grandpa's dad?""Is Great-Grandpa fierce?""If he's dead, how is he going to eat the pie?"…Kevan patiently answered all of his questions.Meanwhile, Larissa looked out the window silently.Keva
Since Larissa had gone downstairs alone, it was natural to expect a few questions."Where's Kevan? Why isn't he coming down with you?""Where's Daddy? He said he would launch fireworks with me."Larissa walked over calmly and made up an excuse. "He's tired, so he showered and slept."The older people did not doubt her. Only Lewis stared at her thoughtfully."Oh … Why did Daddy sleep so early?" Aster pouted in disappointment."You can get him to launch fireworks with you tomorrow. It'll be the same." Larissa patted his head, keeping a calm expression on her face.Anthony and Violet gave the gifts they'd prepared to Larissa and Aster.Violet looked at them, tears falling down her cheeks."I have no regrets now," she said."Thank you, Mom." Larissa gave her a big hug.Violet was stunned, and she cried harder."Good girl." She hugged Larissa back, smiling widely.After Anthony and Violet, Gary and Lewis gave them their gifts. However, they were calm. Aster was so happy that he
"Happy Reunion Day!"For some reason, Larissa's eyes became a little moist. Her voice even sounded a bit choked up."What's wrong?" Kevan nervously held her face, urging her to meet his gaze. "Didn't you like the fireworks just now?"She shook her head. "No, I really liked them!""Then, why are you crying?" Kevan couldn't stand seeing her cry; it tugged at his heart."I'm just very moved."She buried her face in his chest, speaking emotionally, "Welcoming the big family reunion dinner with the person you love is wonderful."The corners of Kevan's mouth gradually curved up as he heard what she said.The hand around her waist tightened inch by inch."I love you too, Lari."He lowered his head and planted a kiss on the top of her head.She hurriedly pushed him away as she sensed his body's response. But she couldn't move him much."They're still waiting for us downstairs!" she reminded him.Lewis knew she was awake, and the fireworks were already over. If they stayed he
It was a rare occasion to have the entire extended family gathered together like this for the big family reunion dinner. In the evening, everyone was in high spirits, having enjoyed a bit of alcohol. Violet took advantage of the festive atmosphere and insisted that Gary and Lewis stay.Since Larissa woke up early after a day without proper rest, she was already feeling quite sleepy even though the reunion dinner TV celebration had just begun.Violet was understanding and told her to go to bed.Larissa tried to muster her energy to stay up."No, I'll at least wait until after midnight."She wasn't someone who adhered to rituals or traditions.In previous years, she wouldn't have stayed up late specifically to welcome the big family reunion dinner day.But this year was different.She had the companionship of her family.She was no longer a drifting, rootless plant in a foreign land.Kevan furrowed his brows slightly and gave her a gentle push."You should get some sleep.
Larissa recalled that there was indeed such an incident.However, Kevan's excuse to her was that he needed to go to Westonia to handle matters concerning Edmund."Kevan knows how the customs work better than you! You're not even married. Yet, you're already taking his side!"Gary scoffed.His displeasure was quite obvious.Larissa chuckled awkwardly, then decided to come clean and reveal the whole truth. "Well, the truth is, Kevan and I never actually got divorced. I married him over six years ago."Gary hadn't heard this from Kevan.So, his emotions seemed conflicted upon first hearing that. He clutched his chest. It was as if he were experiencing some discomfort.Larissa and Lewis quickly approached him, asking with concern, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"In a sudden change of demeanor, Gary used his other hand to playfully tap Larissa's forehead.His expression instantly returned to normal. However, the tap was quite forceful, causing Larissa to wince in pain."If yo
Larissa had to pick up Gary and Lewis early tomorrow morning. So, after having dinner, she returned to her room to freshen up and get ready for bed. As she lay down on the bed, she found herself tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep no matter what she did.Kevan had just managed to put Aster to sleep before coming into the room. He noticed that the lights were still on.He furrowed his brow and asked, "Why haven't you fallen asleep yet?"Larissa lifted the blanket and sat up abruptly. "I'm feeling very anxious right now," she admitted.Her hair was in disarray.There was a troubled expression on her face."Anxious about what?" Kevan inquired."Well, my dad is coming over tomorrow. What if he doesn't get along with your parents?" The mere thought of that possibility gave her a headache."Uncle Gary is a reasonable person. He won't easily give anyone a hard time," Kevan defended Gary.His words brought a smile to Larissa's face. "Are you saying he hasn't been gi
"Alright, then. We shall head out." Larissa gathered her belongings and pulled Kevan toward the exit."I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning. It's almost the big family reunion dinner day. "So, it's hard to find a cab on the road. You might even find yourself waiting for half a day without coming across an empty cab."Gary didn't refuse. Instead, he requested, "Then, you come alone tomorrow."Her steps hesitated a moment, and she sighed inwardly. Gary really hadn't changed."Alright," she agreed.…As soon as they closed the door, Larissa began complaining to Kevan, "I thought my dad had really come around! Turns out, he still has reservations about you!"Kevan tightened his grip on her hand and smiled."Take it slow; there has to be a gradual process."He didn't expect Gary to change his attitude overnight. But as long as things were moving in a positive direction, he was content.She shrugged upon hearing that."Well, it's not me who's being wronged here; it's y