This was the first time Larissa had ever sat in the same car as Xavier. When Larissa was a child, she remembered watching Xavier and Lana from the window. Every morning, Xavier would send Lana to school. For a long time, her biggest wish was to be able to ride in Xavier's car too.Unfortunately, the fulfillment of her wish came too late now that she had a complete change of heart since her childhood. At this moment, she didn't even feel the slightest bit of joy; instead, she felt like she was on pins and needles. Xavier closed his eyes and took a nap, refusing to speak to her. The two bodyguards in the front seats didn't talk to her either. Larissa stared out the window in a daze, hoping that this drive would end quickly. Xavier had booked flight tickets in the first class and Larissa was given a seat as well. She thought that this was probably the only nice thing she experienced throughout the journey. As this was Larissa's first time in first class, her cautious
Larissa had no idea what act Yvette was putting on this time. Even if she had to sleep separately from Xavier due to her illness, there were enough rooms on the second floor. There was no need for her to stay on the third floor. Feeling uneasy, Larissa climbed up the stairs slowly to the third floor and walked along the corridor. Nearing the end, she saw a door that was slightly ajar. Voices could be heard from inside the room."Mom, Dad said he will bring Larissa home. Don't worry about it!" "Your sister has such a stubborn temper. Even if your dad intervenes, it's not guaranteed that he can persuade her … ""It can't be. Larissa will definitely come back once she realizes how serious your illness is!" "Nana, I really regret it … If only I had reconciled with your sister earlier! I don't have much time left now, in case … " "Mom, please don't think about nonsense like that! As long as you follow the doctor's instructions, the symptoms of your illness can be controlle
The layout and furnishings of the guest rooms in Seymour Mansion were all identical, even the bed sheets and covers were the exact same shade of white. Larissa was momentarily confused. She felt as if she was in her old room where she had slept for over ten years. Yvette was reclining on a bed that was placed in the center of the guest room. Her sallow cheeks had sunken in more since the last time they'd met, and her complexion appeared jaundiced.She was wearing an expensive silk nightgown, her long hair hanging loose. In the dim light, she appeared even more haggard."Mom! Larissa is back!" Lana exclaimed happily.Yvette's eyes welled up with tears. "Larissa … " Her voice choked as she reached out her hand toward Larissa. "Come to me quickly so that I can take a look at you!"However, Larissa stood rooted at the spot, afraid to approach her mother. She was afraid that as soon as she came closer, Yvette would transform into the sinister monster who tormented her during
Larissa couldn't think of a reason why they were acting like this. Therefore, she decided to wait and see."Sure, I'll stay," she said. "Tomorrow, I shall accompany you to the hospital for chemotherapy."A panicked expression appeared on Yvette's face. "Chemotherapy treatments need to be scheduled in advance!" Her voice shook as she plastered an unnatural smile on her lips. "Besides, the doctors are all on holiday during the New Year. We have to wait for an appointment after the holidays are over." Larissa pretended to believe the nonsense she was spouting. "Okay, after New Year's Day, I'll accompany you to make the appointment.""Alright." This time, Yvette agreed readily. Larissa had a premonition that something would happen during the three days of the New Year holiday.It was already late, and Larissa decided to go back to her room to sleep.Lana insisted on going with her."Mom had someone clean your room every day! Isn't it clean?" Lana declared proudly.Larissa
Around 9 am, someone knocked on her door. "Miss Larissa, are you awake?" the staff asked in a very respectful manner. It seemed like they had all been informed of Lana's threat yesterday. Lying in bed, Larissa called out, "Not yet!" "Do you want me to bring you breakfast in bed, or will you come downstairs later to eat?" the staff continued. Larissa was pleasantly surprised by the luxurious treatment. At the same time, she felt increasingly anxious. The Seymour family had gone all out in catering to her every whim. Larissa was concerned if she wasn't cautious enough, she might fall into their trap unknowingly. She sat up with disheveled hair and opened the door to take her breakfast tray. On the tray were pancakes and some side dishes. This was Larissa's favorite breakfast since she was a child. She carried her tray inside and finished her breakfast before returning to bed, feeling ill at ease. Anyway, since they didn't do anything to her yet, she would stay put.
Larissa was tempted to give Lana a standing ovation for her profound words and heartfelt declaration."Great, I'll go with you." Larissa turned off the TV and sat up enthusiastically. "Let's greet Mr. Cole and his family properly."She was curious to see how Lana and Yvette would introduce her to the guests.Jay Cole, the boss of Summer Entertainment, was nearly seventy years old.However, he took great care of his appearance. There was not a single strand of white hair on his head, and his face had very few wrinkles. Jay appeared younger and more energetic than many middle-aged men in their forties and fifties. This could be seen from his recent marriage to a 23-year-old model, Annabell Willis, as his fourth wife.Working at the Regal Dynasty Hotel, Larissa had the chance to come in contact with several production crew members and staff working within the entertainment industry. Listening to the gossip that was spread among them, she knew a thing or two about Jay. Jay h
As expected, Yvette didn't disappoint her. Larissa sneered inwardly. Yvette made up an explanation in a hurry, "She is indeed my niece. However, she has addressed me as her mother since childhood because I raised her along with Nana." As she spoke, she gestured with her eyes, hoping Larissa would back her up. Larissa had no intention of helping her cover up this lie and stood aside with a poker face. Lana had no choice and continued with a wide smile on her face, "To me, Larissa is just like my real sister! Mom and Dad have always treated her as their own daughter, and we have a great relationship as a family!" Jay accepted their explanation without further questions. In contrast, Reuben stared at Larissa with a slightly peculiar expression after hearing all this."Larissa, let me introduce you." Jay pointed to the woman who was clinging to his arm. "This is my wife, Annabell."Larissa pretended not to know Annabell's age and greeted her respectfully, "Hello, Mrs. Col
Dorian smiled and his beady eyes almost disappeared from view. His puffy cheeks trembled as he spoke, making Larissa's stomach churn. Larissa wasn't someone who judged people by their appearance, but Dorian really made a poor impression on her. She endured the nauseating disgust and shook his hand reluctantly. "Glad to meet you too," Larissa forced a smile and said insincerely.As she was about to retract her hand, Dorian gripped it forcefully and ran his sweaty palm over the back of her hand, leaving a patch of moisture on her skin. Larissa was so turned off that goosebumps appeared all over her. She couldn't tell him off in front of everyone, so she restrained herself. Fortunately, Dorian had some sense of propriety and didn't harass her any further. With a lewd smile, he finally let go of her hand. Larissa clenched her fists in anger and quickly moved away, increasing the distance between her and Dorian. The guest room on the third floor didn't have any chairs,
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