At 7 am, Larissa was roughly awakened by Lana. They had only slept for less than two hours. As they walked to the supermarket, Larissa couldn't stop yawning. She had to put in much effort to keep her drooping eyelids open; otherwise, she would just fall asleep at any second. On the other hand, Lana was full of energy. She seemed to have forgotten everything that had happened yesterday. "Hurry up, Larissa! If we are late, we won't be able to buy fresh ingredients!" Dragging her sister, Lana walked at a brisk pace. The supermarket was different from the farmers' market. It officially opened at 8.30 am. When they arrived, the store clerks were still moving boxes of freshly delivered vegetables into the supermarket. Some shelves were still empty, and no one was at the weighing station or the checkout counter. Standing at the entrance of the supermarket, Lana complained, "Larissa, why didn't you tell me that they open at 8.30 am? If I had known, I would have put on some makeup be
Larissa got out of the taxi and walked briskly towards Lana.Staring at Larissa's backpack, Lana stretched out her palm. "Where is the visitor's pass?" "I don't have a visitor's pass," Larissa said.Lana's expression immediately darkened, and she demanded harshly, "Then why did you come here without a visitor's pass? Are you here to see me make a fool of myself?" Her brazen attitude annoyed Larissa. She had planned to ask the security guard she met last time to let Lana in, but she had now changed her mind. "I made plans to meet a friend nearby, so I came here to let you know that I don't have a visitor's pass. I'll be on my way now. You can try calling Mr. Rogers again. Maybe his meeting is already over."Suddenly, the automatic doors opened. "Ms. Seymour!" The security guard she was acquainted with appeared and greeted her warmly, "Why have you come?" Larissa quickly put on a smile. "I just happened to pass by.""Oh?" The security guard was taken aback for a moment and
Larissa asked Lana, "How many servings did you pack?"Since Larissa had prepared all the dishes, Lana insisted on personally packing the food as a way to express her sincerity.Larissa decided to let Lana do it since packing food required no skill at all. She didn't pay close attention to how much Lana had packed into the lunchbox. Avoiding Larissa's gaze, Lana lowered her head and said in a trembling voice, "I only brought enough for Mr. Rogers. What's wrong?" "Nothing." Larissa had no right to criticize Lana for not being considerate. She herself hadn't thought of reminding Lana to bring an extra portion for Dylan before he questioned her."You go upstairs first. Mr. Rogers' office is on the 69th floor. When you get there, ask someone for the exact location. I'll go out and buy something for Mr. Shields. After all, he also helped a lot yesterday."Lana's jaw dropped when she realized her mistake. Covering her mouth, she exclaimed in regret, "Mr. Shields! How could I forget ab
Everyone, including Lana, was stunned by Larissa's words.The woman with wavy hair was the first to regain composure. She retorted, "How can you prove that you're Mr. Rogers' family and not some crazy woman infatuated with him? You might be making this up!" With that, she glared at Lana with disdain. Switching to another approach, Lana burst into tears and threw herself into Larissa's arms. "Larissa, they're bullying me! I just wanted to express my gratitude to Mr. Rogers, but they accused me of trying to seduce him! As my older sister, you should stand up for me!"The woman with wavy hair was appalled when Lana revealed that Larissa was her sister. "You're her sister? She just claimed to be Mr. Rogers' friend! Both of you are dishonest fraudsters! Carol, call the security guards to kick them out!""Okay!" A woman, presumably Carol, immediately picked up the phone on her desk.Larissa wasn't worried at all since the security guards at Microworks Building knew her. "I really a
"What?" Larissa instinctively hid the paper bag behind her back and smiled awkwardly. "No, it's not for you."Lana stepped forward, proudly holding the bag up in her hand as if it were a precious treasure. Enthusiastically, she piped up, "This is the one for you!" Kevan gave her a nonchalant glance, showing little interest in Lana's gift. "Let's go to my office," Kevan said as he grabbed Larissa's hand.The astounding scene left everyone's jaws dropped in disbelief.Gritting her teeth in anger, Lana trailed after the two of them. Kevan's office turned out to be smaller than what Larissa had imagined. It was about the same size as his bedroom. It was divided into two areas, a workspace and a reception area for guests. The workspace had a desk, a few chairs, and a large bookshelf filled with books. The reception area had only a sofa and a coffee table. Despite its small size, the office looked spacious due to the lack of boundaries between the two areas. The monochrome design
Lana was even more worked up than Larissa. "I'm sorry, Mr. Rogers! I had no idea!" Hurriedly, she packed the food back into the lunch box. To remedy the awkward situation, Lana blurted, "Let me treat you to a meal instead! We should go to a restaurant you like and order your favorite dishes!" Kevan declined politely, "There's no need for that. I saved you yesterday because your sister was worried about you. If you want to thank someone, you should thank your sister properly."Lana's smile froze on her face. After a few minutes, she regained her composure and winked at Larissa cheekily. "Of course. I definitely have to thank my sister. However, you got involved with those thugs and injured yourself while trying to save me. That's why I wanted to thank you as well!" Larissa thought to herself, "Injured?" Then, she glanced at Kevan instinctively. When she arrived at Quinn Bar with the police yesterday, Kevan and Dylan had already subdued that group of thugs. Since she didn't witn
Kevan proceeded to undress, deliberately unbuttoning his shirt one button at a time. His movements were graceful and unhurried, exuding an air of elegance. Inexplicably, Larissa couldn't tear her eyes away from him. Her gaze followed as his hands moved down the shirt gracefully, exposing his chest and abdomen. Larissa already knew that there was no wound on his face or neck. Looking intently, she couldn't see any injury on his chest and abdomen except for the firm muscles that rippled under his flawless, unblemished skin. Larissa frowned when she noticed Kevan dawdling. She urged him anxiously, "Quickly, take off your shirt."Kevan chuckled lightly and asked in a teasing manner, "Are you in such a hurry?"It was only then that Larissa realized how ambiguous her words sounded. "I ... I just wanted to inspect the injuries on your body." Her face blushed crimson. Kevan glanced briefly at her and took off his shirt in one swift move before tossing it aside. Holding her waist, h
The massage oil had a strong, pungent, medicated scent that was rather repulsive. Kevan's first thought was to get up, but Larissa's warm touch on his back was so comforting that he decided to put up with the unpleasant smell. Kevan closed his eyes and bit his lower lip instinctively, restraining himself from all thoughts of trying to escape. The expression on his face twisted into a grimace, making Larissa think that she had applied too much force. She carefully reduced the pressure on his back. "Does it hurt?" she asked Kevan.Kevan shook his head. "It doesn't hurt at all."He had survived worse injuries, such as getting shot at or stabbed with a knife. A massage from her was nothing more than a mosquito bite, let alone painful. "If it hurts, you must tell me!" Larissa reminded him. She was truly worried about his injury. Coincidentally, Dylan heard this sentence when he opened the door and entered Kevan's office. Immediately after, he saw Kevan half-naked on the sofa
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