"Yes." Larissa forced a smile on her face, her voice sounding more airy than before. "I was born and raised in Bartham. Later I got into a university in Covenford, and after graduating, I found a decent job, so I settled down here."She skimmed over the past casually, as if those were nothing more than fleeting memories, including her memories with him. Kevan instantly felt downcast. "Have you not been in contact with your family all these years? Your sister said she has been looking for you," he asked.Larissa pursed her lips, took a moment to think, and then shook her head. "Why?" Kevan felt his heart tighten suddenly. Although he somewhat knew the reasons, he still wanted to hear her express them in her own words. However, Larissa remained silent. The two of them fell into a moment of silence, each lost in their own thoughts, creating a strange sense of understanding between them.They remained silent until they left the hotel. As the cold wind blew, Larissa shivered, fina
In the afternoon, Larissa was called into the office by her general manager. To her surprise, Lana was also there.Lana didn't greet her warmly or approach her affectionately this time. Instead, she sat on the sofa, wearing a polite smile and exuding an air of elegance. The general manager, still unaware of their relationship, said to Larissa, "I'd like to introduce you to the daughter of Mr. Seymour, the president of Cosmic Entertainment. She's an esteemed guest at our hotel."Larissa nodded and followed Lana's suit of pretending not to know each other. She greeted politely, "Nice to meet you, Ms. Seymour." Lana mimicked her and replied, "Nice to meet you too.""Ms. Seymour is from Bartham, and this is her first time in Covenford. She wants to spend a few days here, so please make arrangements to show her around and explore Covenford's charm for the next two days." The general manager finally revealed the purpose of calling Larissa.Larissa had previously thought that Lana was a
Lana remembered Kevan telling Lucas at the banquet the previous night that he needed to fly to Bartham early that morning. "Oh, okay … if that's the case. Three of us having a meal together sounds great too!" Lana sent her a cute emoji.On the first day, Larissa and Lana agreed to meet outside the Regal Dynasty Hotel at eight in the morning. Worried that Lana would be early, Larissa arrived at 7.50 am and texted Lana upon her arrival, but she didn't receive a reply. She waited in her car until 8.10 am, but Lana was nowhere to be seen, so she called her."Hello?" Lana said in a voice that was thick with sleep. She obviously hadn't gotten out of bed. Larissa felt a little angry, but she reminded her mildly, "It's already 8.10 am.""Huh? What!" Lana shrieked and explained hastily, "Sorry, sorry! I set an alarm for 7 am, but I turned it off when it rang. I told myself I'd sleep for just ten more minutes, and I didn't realize how much time had passed … " "Just hurry up and get ready. I
"Here's your breakfast," Larissa said as she turned around and reached for the takeaway bag from the backseat. She pressed her palm against it to check the temperature and added, "The car heater has been on the whole time, so it should still be warm.""Thanks, sis!" Lana's smile stretched until her eyes nearly disappeared, but she did not immediately open the bag after taking it. Instead, she assessed the car's interior. "Larissa, why do you drive such a cheap car?" Lana asked casually, but Larissa still saw the scorn and disdain in her eyes. At last, Lana rested her gaze on Larissa and said, "I heard from Mom that she gave you a credit card with one million dollars when you left home. Didn't you use it?"Larissa recalled the credit card incident. It was back when she had just graduated from university and started working at the Regal Dynasty Hotel. One day, Yvette phoned her, showering her with warm regards and concern for her, causing Larissa to feel uneasy. Yvette had then uttered
There was no way she could forget her own birthday, so the only valid explanation was that Yvette had never set the PIN number to her birthday at all! However, she couldn't be sure if Yvette had remembered her birthday wrongly or just lied to her. When she got home, she cut the credit card in half with a pair of scissors.Larissa took her sunglasses from the glove compartment and put them on to hide her icy gaze. "No," she answered plainly. "Why don't you use it?" asked Lana in confusion. Then, she seemed to have thought of something, and tears welled up in her eyes. "Larissa, do you still hate Mom and Dad?" Her voice quivered, growing softer with each word. Larissa pursed her lips, using her silence as a confirmation. Lana blinked, and her tears streaked down her face. "Actually, Mom and Dad were doing it for your good … Back then, the man they wanted you to marry was the director of Soaring Corporation … Although he's much older, you could have lived the life of a queen if you h
"I've never been to a bar … " Lana complained meekly. "You know how strict Mom and Dad are with me. As long as they think that something's bad, then they won't let me do it. I'm already 24, but they still treat me like a kid, worrying about this and that. I thought they would be less controlling once I had a boyfriend, but they didn't change at all. I only had someone new bossing me around, and that's Lucas! I've wanted to go to bars and see more of the world since I came of age, but I've never even set foot in one until now." Lana leaned against Larissa and rubbed her cheek against Larissa's arm like a kitten. "Lyssa, I'm begging you. Just take me once … please?"Though Larissa had never approved of Yvette and Xavier's parenting methods, she found herself agreeing with them for once. "Bars are messy and dangerous. It's no place for a girl to visit." Especially more so for girls like Lana, who looked cute and innocent. They would easily become prey to men with bad intentions. Perhaps,
That was why Larissa was very worried about Lana, fearing that she would face the same predicament. She knew better than to venture into such places alone, as not only would she be unable to protect Lana effectively, but she might also become entangled in trouble herself. However, she couldn't tell Lucas, so she had no choice but to ask for Dylan's help.Dylan stopped his car outside the building and rolled down the window. "Sit in the back," he instructed. Larissa, puzzled by the request, nodded and opened the rear door nonetheless. To her surprise, someone was already inside. The dim lighting cast a soft glow, lending a warm aura to Kevan's face. The collar of his brown jacket was pulled up to his chin, obscuring a quarter of his face, and his eyes looked brighter than usual in the dark. Larissa paused, and her heart inexplicably skipped a beat. However, the moment she remembered that Lana was still in danger, she cast all her other thoughts aside and quickly climbed into the car.
Quinn Bar had a total of three floors. The first floor was the lobby, the second floor was a bar, and the VIP rooms were on the third floor. Several staff members stood as sentinels, stationed near the staircase between the first and second floors. The guests could only enter the bars after having their identification cards checked. Upon reaching the second floor, Larissa instinctively covered her ears, taken aback by the deafening electronic dance music that engulfed the space.The bar was dimly lit. The multicolored lights overhead cast a purple-reddish hue on the patrons mingling below, masking everyone's faces with the same color.A group of stylish youngsters was dancing on the dance floor, swaying their bodies to the music freely. The booths nearby were filled with groups of people drinking. Lana mentioned that she was trapped in the women's restroom on the second floor.Larissa stopped a passing waiter to ask for directions. Although she shouted at the top of her voice
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