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
Lucas' accusations left Larissa a little bewildered. After a moment, she covered the phone's microphone and stood up. She whispered to Kevan, "I need to go outside and take a call.""Okay." Kevan nodded.Outside the restaurant, Larissa finally let go of the microphone and hissed into the phone, "When did I ever bring Lana to a bar?""Lana has been with you these past few days. If it wasn't you who brought her, then who could it be?" Lucas demanded in a confrontational tone. His insolent attitude successfully angered Larissa."I apologize, Mr. Hermes, but it wasn't me who took your girlfriend to the bar," Larissa spoke calmly with a steely gaze. "I don't know who she went with, but if you wish to know the details, why don't you ask her directly instead of making baseless assumptions and unjustly accusing the innocent? I admit that I'm not the best caretaker, so it is best to assume responsibility for looking after your girlfriend yourself!" Lucas was at a loss for words. "By
Larissa could faintly hear the voice of a young man comforting Lana on the other end of the call. "Don't cry, Miss," he said. The man did not sound like Lucas.So, Larissa asked, "Where's Lucas? Isn't he with you?""Don't mention him!" Lana involuntarily raised her voice the moment Larissa mentioned him as if she had had enough of him."Larissa, please, come and pick me up! It's so cold outside ... I feel terrible … " Lana's tone softened in the end. She sounded pitiful with all her sniffling and sobbing.Larissa did not feel like picking Lana up. After all, she had just been scolded by Lucas, and taking Lana in right now would only create more trouble for herself. However, considering Lana's current condition, it was not suitable for her to go back alone. So, Larissa relented. She hurriedly rushed to the door but did not see anyone. She thought Lana had left on her own, but when she turned around, she saw two people sitting inside the security booth.The young security guard timidly h
Lana's desire was admirable and worthy of respect. However, in Larissa's eyes, her sister's decision to give up everything and start anew in Covenford seemed too hasty and even impulsive. Ultimately, Larissa believed that Lana's smooth-sailing life, coupled with her lack of encounters with many setbacks, had led her to view the workplace as child's play."Finding a job isn't easy, especially for someone like you who isn't a recent graduate and lacks substantial work experience. It might be challenging to land a position in a big company," Larissa cautioned.However, Lana brushed off the concern. "Well, I can ask my friends to introduce me to job opportunities. I have quite a few friends, and they are in various industries. Besides, my main goal is to gain experience, so I don't have high salary expectations."Since Lana had made up her mind, Larissa saw no need to convince her otherwise. Lana would learn when to retreat if she faced setbacks, although she might also choose to persist.
Lana would often ask about Kevan when she lived with Larissa."Larissa, why haven't I seen you going on dates with Mr. Rogers?""Why don't you invite him to join us for a meal?""Maybe I should go back to my own room, so you can ask Mr. Rogers to come and hang out for a while?"The constant mention of Kevan made Larissa suspect that Lana had developed feelings for him.She wasn't Kevan's real girlfriend, and Lana had unilaterally broken up with Lucas. Neither Lana nor Kevan were officially in a committed relationship, so it shouldn't be a big deal even if Lana really liked Kevan.But the problem was that Lana didn't seem to care that Kevan was Larissa's "boyfriend" and kept talking about him and bringing him up in conversations. That annoyed Larissa slightly.So, Larissa deliberately said, "Yes, you will." And Lana's expression quickly turned gloomy. "You prioritize romance over sisterhood!" She half-accused Larissa in a joking manner."Yeah, you're right," Larissa replied calmly.…It
The middle-aged woman, who had been observing from inside the house, immediately reached for her phone. Meanwhile, the man threw aside whatever he was holding and forcefully shut the anti-theft door in front of Larissa. Fortunately, she swiftly stepped back, narrowly avoiding a potentially broken nose from the impact.She didn't attempt to knock on the door again. After picking up her papers from the floor, she silently stood at the doorway, patiently waiting for the police to arrive. She had no fear of the man calling the police. In fact, she wanted them to come and investigate the situation. Finally, after about twenty minutes, two young police officers leisurely arrived.They glanced at her. Even though they initially considered her the "female intruder" mentioned by the person who reported the case, their hesitation grew when they observed her calm demeanor."Are you the owner of this place?" the taller officer inquired."This is my house, but I don't know the people inside." She p
"Are you a resident here?" the taller officer asked Maria upon hearing her conversation with Larissa."Yes, I am," Maria replied as she turned and pointed at her apartment. "I live right across.""Then, do you know her?" The officer pointed at Larissa."Of course I do! We've been neighbors for over a year! I got to know her when she came over every day during the renovation," Maria clarified confidently."What if you two are colluding?" the middle-aged man questioned.Maria walked directly to the opposite apartment without uttering a word, opened the door with her keys, and called, "Honey!""Hey!" her husband cheerfully greeted. "Working overtime again today? Why are you back so late?"The middle-aged man had nothing to say after witnessing this exchange.The officer then coldly instructed the middle-aged man, "Call the landlord and have them come over for questioning."Reluctantly, the man made a call in front of everyone, putting it on speaker. Larissa immediately recognized the voic
After the police had left, the middle-aged man immediately changed his demeanor. He stood with his hands on his hips and arrogantly declared, "I don't care who owns this house. I signed the contract and paid three months' rent. I'm not going to move out before the tenancy expires!"He then slammed the door shut with no intention of discussing a resolution with Larissa. Later, Larissa called and explained the situation to the real estate agent and entrusted Dylan to send a lawyer's letter to Janine. She learned that Andrew had temporarily suspended his studies and returned to his hometown with his parents. He'd paid off his debts and hired someone to renovate a new house using the one million dollars given by Yvette. However, despite having enough money, they still greedily held onto the rent of over ten thousand dollars."People are never satisfied. They're just greedy!" Dylan twirled his pen and chuckled. "After all, who would complain about having too much money in this world?"Laris
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