"You're eating takeout every day?"Kevan's reproachful tone was evident, intensifying the inexplicable guilt Larissa felt."I only ordered takeout because I injured my shoulder and can't cook," she explained."You injured your shoulder?" Kevan narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping between her shoulders, as if he was trying to see through her coat to her injuries beneath."My right side. I have a mild fracture." Larissa tapped the spot of her injury lightly. "It's not that big of a deal. A few more days' rest and I'll be as good as new.""How did you injure yourself?" Dylan asked.Larissa lied instinctively, "I accidentally hit a wall."Dylan did not believe her. "Did you really hit it yourself? Are you sure it has nothing to do with your ex-husband and his family?"His questions frightened and startled her. If it hadn't been for the suspicion in his eyes, Larissa would've thought that he already knew the truth behind her injuries."Tell me the truth," Dylan said. "If it was rea
Larissa went to the hospital for a follow-up examination. When she exited the hospital, she stood by the road, waiting for her ride.The street in front of the hospital was always congested, and most drivers disliked coming to the area.After struggling to find a ride through her e-hailing app, she was just about to open the passenger door when a figure rushed out suddenly from the corner and jumped into the back seat before she could get in."Come here! Hurry! Get in here!" the figure shouted to someone else at the back.Larissa thought his voice was oddly familiar. Taking two steps back, she looked into the back seat.It turned out to be her ex-father-in-law, Travis' dad!If he was still in Covenford, did that mean her ex-mother-in-law—Sure enough, not that far away, Janine Hardy was carrying several bags in one hand and holding Amber's hand in the other. The pair were scrambling in their direction hurriedly.Amber's face was displeased as she complained impatiently, "Slow d
Larissa's greatest flaw was her tendency to be overly forgiving.Travis had gone so far as to say those kinds of things and did all those things for her. If she didn't agree to get back together with him, she would appear to be too cold-hearted.Moreover, in reality, she couldn't actually bear to be without him.Later, when she married Travis, they'd bought a house together in Covenford.His parents had initially suggested that they live together with the two of them, but Travis had refused adamantly.His parents had blamed her for Travis' refusal. They thought she had been the one to influence his decision. Their judgment and negative opinions toward her only further increased after that.Furthermore, as she failed to get pregnant as time passed, Janine brought up her intentions to bring Larissa to a famous naturopathic doctor in their village when they returned home for the New Year. When she refused, the two of them started convincing Travis to divorce her and marry someone el
As if someone had cast a spell on her, Larissa lay there, unmoving, watching as the car sped closer and closer toward her.A rational part of her urged her to run, but her body refused to oblige.The screech of brakes engaging pierced the air.And then, it felt like the whole world had stilled.Some passersby covered their eyes in fear. Some of them turned their gaze to the scene.She didn't know how much time had passed. Maybe it had been a few seconds, or a few minutes—perhaps it had been ten minutes or tens of minutes. Slowly, sound seeped into Larissa's ears again.Unexpectedly, she had not been hit. The car's bumper had barely touched her when it stopped completely. There wasn't even a single scratch on her.Due to the incident, the remaining cars that passed by had slowed down as the number of people gathered around gradually increased, trapping her in the middle of the crowd."Miss, are you alright?""Can you stand?""You haven't lost your mind, have you?"…The pass
"I'm fine," Larissa said."But your shoulder—" He glanced at her swollen right shoulder."I injured my shoulder about a week ago. My shoulder was refractured because I'd been hit by a bag, not because of you or your car," she explained.The man's expression did not relax. "Did the doctor prescribe any medication for you? I can go get it for you."Larissa shook her head."So, can you walk? Do you need me to help you? It's so congested outside right now, trying to call a cab won't be an easy feat. How about I send you home."His eagerness made her wary. "It's fine," she repeated, searching for another excuse. "I'll call my friend to come and get me."Sensing the distance and resistance in her tone, the man defended himself hurriedly. "Don't get me wrong, I have no intentions of taking advantage of you or anything like that! I'm just worried about you getting home alone in your condition. If you don't want me to send you home, I'll wait here with you until your friend arrives."La
Kevan had no intentions of chatting further with Lucas. He replied with a simple "Oh," and said no more.Lucas was not deterred by his indifference. Quite the contrary, he continued rambling as he attempted to express his excitement. "I didn't think I'd actually see you here, Mr. Rogers! You know, you've always been my idol!"Kevan nodded indifferently. "Are we leaving or not?" he asked Larissa.He turned and started walking in the opposite direction. Larissa followed hurriedly.Lucas followed the two of them and leaned closer toward Larissa. "Is Mr. Rogers your friend?" he whispered.Friend? Of course not. But she did say before that her friend would be here to pick her up. She just didn't know why Dylan had turned into Kevan—Larissa was faced with a dilemma. She swallowed and nodded lightly.Lucas' eyes sparkled."In that case, can you introduce me to Mr. Rogers? I want to be friends with him too!" He grabbed her hands."I—" Larissa glanced at Kevan's cool and elegant silh
Dylan withdrew his gaze and asked Larissa curiously. "What he said just now—remember what I told you—what was that?""I—uhm—" Larissa was a bit hesitant. "That is…a secret for now.""Tsk." Dylan teased. "You just met him, and you already have little secrets between you two."No wonder Kevan had left with a sour face.Kevan did not bring his car keys with him. Having arrived at the car earlier than the other two, he could only wait for them outside.Dylan unlocked the car, and Kevan slid into the passenger seat without hesitation."Huh?" Dylan looked like he'd discovered something new. "I thought you only exclusively sat at the back."Even if it was the two of them, Kevan had never offered to sit in front.Dylan had criticized him countless times before because of this. "Do you really take me as your driver?"Kevan had always remained indifferent to his complaints. Now, however, he looked straight ahead and said coldly, "It's dirty."Dylan chided, "Didn't you sit at the back w
When Larissa's shoulder had healed to the point where she could return to work normally at the hotel, two weeks had already passed.Her colleagues celebrated her return by booking a private room at the most upscale fine-dining restaurant in Covenford. They hung banners, inflated balloons, and even bought her a big cake.Larissa felt guilty about accepting their grand gesture. As such, she accepted every single toast that came her way—And…she got drunk again.Some of the others wanted to send her home, but they didn't know her address. When asked about her family or friend's contact number, she could only stare back blankly without saying a word."Ah!" Someone raised their hand suddenly. "I have Ms. Seymour's husband's contact number! One time, Ms. Seymour's phone died, and she borrowed mine to give her husband a call. I conveniently saved his number back then!""Call him! Call him!" the group urged.Someone spoke up weakly. "Aren't Ms. Seymour and her husband…divorced?"This w
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