Out of the blue, Kevan, who was usually distant, struck up a casual conversation with Lucas. "Not heading back to Bartham for New Year's?"Lucas seemed taken aback by Kevan's sudden "enthusiasm", and his smile turned stiff as his voice trembled a little. "No, I'm busy with work here. I don't have time to go back."Kevan nodded in response and asked, "I heard you helped the two anchors from StreamWave Studios establish a connection and secure the endorsement deal with Yenti Clan?"Lucas' face slightly reddened upon hearing that. "Yeah, well, it just so happened that Yenti Clan was looking for spokespersons, and I knew those two anchors, so I made a recommendation. I didn't expect it to work out."There was a significant discrepancy between what Lucas said and what Kevan knew. In reality, Lucas had used several million dollars from Torqua's external device procurement funds and the future exclusive supply rights for external devices to secure the endorsement deal with Yenti Clan.Of cour
"Huh?" Larissa was puzzled. "Why should I go home with you?" However, Kevan didn't answer her question directly. Instead, he said, "We're getting married tomorrow.""Married? What are you talking about?" Larissa couldn't quite grasp Kevan's statement.He slightly pursed his lips and replied, "We're going to register our marriage."She could sense a hint of displeasure seeping through his cold tone.Simultaneously, her new phone made a "ding" sound, and a bank notification popped up on the screen. "Your debit card ending in 4408 received a deposit of 20,000,000 dollars on January 2, 2019, at 20:07. Your balance is now 20,023,125.86 dollars."She stared at the amount, counting the zeros behind the "2" multiple times just to be sure."20 million dollars?"This amount …She looked at Kevan, who also noticed the message. He calmly uttered, "Dowry." Instantly, she felt flustered and apprehensive."I demanded 20 million as a dowry just to scare Jay away ..."She had no intention of asking Ke
Kevan continued reassuring her, saying, "Our marriage will remain confidential and will only be revealed to our respective families. We can terminate it anytime if you have any issues with my family."Larissa no longer hesitated and replied, "Deal!"...New Year's Day was a public holiday, and naturally, the City Hall was closed. However, Kevan somehow managed to find a way to expedite their marriage registration on that day. While Larissa was quite comfortable throughout the whole process since she had been through it before, Kevan was the "novice" and was overly nervous. The photographer even had to remind him multiple times to relax his stiff smile during the photo session. In the end, they could only select one photo where Kevan looked relatively natural from the dozen or so shots taken.Once they received the marriage certificate, she briefly glanced at it and casually slipped it into her backpack. On the other hand, he stared at their wedding photo for a long time, even gently c
Larissa moved into Kevan's place, and since she didn't have many belongings, the move was relatively easy. They only had to make two trips, and it was all settled.Kevan didn't want to push his luck, so he arranged for her to stay in the guest room next to the master bedroom.Once they were settled, Larissa took the marriage certificate from her bag and placed it on the table. She snapped a photo of it with her phone and went to the study to find Kevan. "Can we take a selfie, please?"Kevan was busy with pending company matters on his computer, but he promptly released the mouse upon hearing her request. Intrigued, he raised a brow and asked, "What kind of selfie do you have in mind?"She hesitated for a moment as she struggled to find the right words before saying, "Um ... a more intimate one." Her face turned red as soon as she finished speaking."Sure," Kevan generously agreed. He rose to his feet and walked over to her side, asking, "How intimate would you like it to be?"He mainta
Larissa was captivated as she looked at the selfies, feeling her heart racing."How do they look? Are they good?" Kevan asked, leaning in closer to get a better view of the photos on the phone. His warm breath brushed against her face, tickling her senses.The instant she realized the proximity and her disarray, she quickly moved a foot away, trying to distance herself from his embrace. Only then did her heartbeat gradually return to normal."They turned out great," she replied nervously, avoiding his gaze. Despite noticing her reaction, Kevan remained composed. He smiled and said, "That's good."She forced herself to focus solely on her phone, intentionally avoiding looking at Kevan, who was sitting beside her. She selected one of the photos Kevan took and uploaded it with the marriage certificate to her Facebook post, restricting its visibility to Lana alone. Accompanied by the caption, "We're married!" Larissa concluded with a cute emoji to add to the effect. Kevan watched as she m
There were plenty of restaurants near Foxtail Garden, so Larissa assumed Kevan would randomly choose one for dinner. However, he drove past the bustling street and continued until they arrived at Microworks Building.That left her confused. "Are we ... going to the office to work overtime?"He ignored her question. He simply pulled out the key, opened the door, and stepped out of the car. He then walked around to the passenger side and reached out as she opened the door.She hesitated for a moment before she cautiously took his hand. He smiled slightly. His fingers gently enclosed hers. He noticed that her hand was significantly smaller than his."Come with me."The building remained brightly illuminated even though it was the New Year holiday and the time was past 6 pm. The vigilant and energetic security guard on the ground floor showed no signs of slacking off.Kevan led Larissa to his private elevator and pressed the button for the top floor."The 70th floor?" She couldn't help but
Kevan didn't care. He clapped, and two waiters appeared out of nowhere. Then, they served them food.The main course consisted of a tender steak served with a glass of wine. As Kevan raised his glass, a deep, captivating light gleamed in his eyes. "Cheers to our marriage," he said to Larissa. Larissa gently clinked glasses with him. "Cheers to our marriage." They exchanged glances with a smile and finished the wine in a gulp. The neon lights illuminated the night, casting a vibrant display of colors. Larissa cut her steak and looked outside. With genuine admiration, she remarked, "It's beautiful here.""If you like it here, we can come whenever you like." Kevan stared at her, and his tone was gentle.Puzzled, Larissa turned to look at him and met his burning gaze. It made her heart pound, and she could feel her cheeks burning."That's great," she murmured, her voice tinged with a gentle softness as she lowered her head.Suddenly, the music stopped, and the chandelier ove
Kevan had put in a lot of effort to arrange this so-called romantic dinner. However, the atmosphere became increasingly awkward as they finished their dinner. After the waiter cleared away their plates, Kevan asked, "Would you like to stay a while longer?" "No, I'm a little tired. I think I'll go home and sleep," Larissa chuckled. To support her excuse, she covered her mouth and yawned. At the same time, Kevan's phone vibrated. It was a text from his assistant, who had been waiting for him in the cold breeze for an hour. The message read, "Mr. Rogers, when do you need us to release the fireworks?" Larissa had already stood up and was ready to leave.Kevan pursed his lips and quickly replied, "Cancel it. You can deal with them.""How should I deal with them?" His assistant replied instantly. Why did he ask him about such an insignificant matter? Irritated, Kevan typed, "I don't care."At that moment, he made a decision that he would get a new assistant tomorrow. On the wa
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