After a busy morning of work, Larissa remained in her office while others from the department headed to the cafeteria for lunch. She was organizing the reports that Lotus hadn't had the chance to hand over to her yet.Someone knocked on the office door twice, and she looked up to see Edmund standing at the doorway with a smile on his face."Still busy?" he asked.She immediately set aside the mouse and stood up, exclaiming, "Mr. Rogers!""No need to be so formal," he said while his smile deepened. "I'm about the same age as you. You can call me Edmund."His casualness caught her off guard, and she suddenly remembered what Kevan had said."Well, you're my superior, so I'll stick with 'Mr. Rogers'," she said, trying to maintain her distance, even though that title might confuse him with Kevan. Regardless, she was making an effort to create some space between them.Edmund didn't insist. "As you wish."There was always a hint of indulgence in his tone, which made Larissa uncomfortable. She
Edmund had no clue about being discreet—perhaps due to his inherently carefree nature or simply not caring about external opinions. In the span of a single afternoon, he made two visits to Larissa's office. Although their interactions were work-related, Larissa could easily discern through the transparent glass that several employees from the marketing department had been stealing glances and peeking inside during their breaks.Larissa purposely left the blinds open and even left the door slightly ajar to avoid any misconceptions, showcasing her innocence regarding Edmund. However, he remained completely oblivious to all of this.Their conversation carried on until the end of the workday. Edmund was aware that Larissa resided in the hotel, so he took the opportunity to invite her to have dinner together. Feeling helpless, Larissa had no choice but to decline, citing her desire to lose weight and skip dinner. Edmund didn't suspect anything and merely displayed a hint of disappointment.
To avoid encountering Edmund, Larissa spent most of the following days wandering around the guest rooms downstairs. Whenever she spotted a housekeeping staff member cleaning a room, she would enter to conduct a "surprise inspection." She understood that developing habits took time, and despite the housekeeping staff's efforts, there were still some minor shortcomings. For less serious issues, she corrected them and let them go. But for more severe problems, she made a note and imposed fines. Those who disobeyed her management and were dissatisfied with the penalties were simply fired.In just a week's time, she earned the nickname "Devil" among her colleagues. However, instead of feeling offended, she felt somewhat satisfied—after all, everyone was afraid of her and conscientiously carried out their work.The only burden she felt was during the weekly department meeting when Edmund specifically praised her and made a joke about her being called the "Devil" by her subordinates. Althoug
Edmund hadn't anticipated Larissa's strong reaction. He looked at her with a hint of admiration in his eyes."The applications will get rejected if we submit them frequently," he said."How about this—let's try a different approach. You stay here for now, and I'll submit another application once the housekeeping department is back on track after the big family reunion dinner. To be honest, we need you more here than in Covenford. Departmental reforms can't be accomplished in just two weeks. It's a long process, which is why I hope you can stay in Bartham."Everything about him—his words, tone, and demeanor—all seemed genuine. If it weren't for Kevan's initial warning and her aversion to being in Bartham, she might have been convinced by him already."I disagree," she firmly rejected. "If you can't resolve this, I'll contact headquarters myself."...Due to Edmund's persistence, Larissa had no choice but to seek help from her actual superior to explain the situation to headquarters. She
"Can you help me?" Larissa asked tentatively "It's not impossible." Kevan crossed his legs as he sat on the sofa. Then, he continued, "What will I get for helping you?" It was the same when he helped her with Zero's incident. He always treated mutual assistance between friends as transactions. Larissa wasn't going to ask him to help in vain. Plus, she didn't like to owe others. However, the reward he requested posed a challenge for her. That was why she wouldn't turn to him for help unless she had no other choice left. She pursed her lips and asked, "What do you want in return?""Hmm …" Kevan frowned. After a moment, he said, "My head hurts."Then, he looked at Larissa. "Give me a massage." That was much easier than a kiss, a hug, or anything of that sort. Anyway, Larissa felt it was something she could handle. "Okay." Larissa walked over to him, knelt on one knee on the sofa, and leaned over to massage his forehead. Her movements were gentle, and she happened to apply pr
The meeting lasted the whole morning. After Kevan left the meeting room, his assistant handed him his phone. As Kevan glanced at the screen, he saw the chat history between his assistant and the Human Resource Department manager of Regal Dynasty Hotel. He had requested the other party to transfer Larissa back to Covenford as per Kevan's instruction, but the request was denied. The other party replied, "Old Mr. Rogers ordered the transfer. If Mr. Rogers has any objection to this, he should discuss it with Old Mr. Rogers directly. We can't do anything about it." Kevan narrowed his eyes. He had thought this was Edmund's arrangement and that Bernard and his family were involved. He hadn't expected his grandfather's involvement in this. If that was indeed the case, the situation had become even more complicated. "Got it," Kevan said. Then, he returned to his office and called his grandfather. Roland answered the call and asked, "You're calling me because of Lari?" His grandpa was
Kevan got straight to the point, informing Larissa, "You can't be transferred back to Covenford for now.""Why?" Larissa was in disbelief. She wondered if even Kevan couldn't handle this matter. Could it be that Edmund held a higher position than him in the group? "Actually, it was Grandpa who transferred you over." Kevan couldn't think of any other excuse, so he decided to tell her the truth."As you know, Grandpa isn't doing well from our last visit. He felt that his days are numbered. He also felt lonely. Therefore, he hopes we can visit him more often." Larissa liked Roland a lot. It might be due to the lack of love she received as a kid. Therefore, she cherished elders that were kind to her. If it was Roland who wanted her to stay …"Then I won't leave." Kevan was shocked by how quickly Larissa agreed."Didn't you say you dislike Bartham?""Yes, it's because I don't like the Rogers family. However, now that I have people I like here, I'll try to like this city." Larissa
Larissa was taken aback. "Why do you want to ask me out?'Edmund unveiled a shy smile before bowing his head. The effeminate demeanor he displayed didn't seem out of place on his feminine face. "You might not believe me …" Edmund bit his lip. Then as if he had made up his mind, he suddenly raised his head and stared at Larissa. "Actually, on the day you scolded the housekeepers … I fell for you at first sight. It was out of my personal interest to transfer you here." Larissa felt as if she had been struck by lightning, and her mind went blank. It took her a while to regain her composure, and she chuckled, saying, "Mr. Rogers, please don't play such a prank on me." Edmund knew she didn't believe him and seriously said to her, "I'm not joking. I really like you." His serious expression and tone caused Larissa to panic. While she had experienced many love confessions in the past, this was the first time she felt flustered. She didn't know how to reject him. After all, Edmund was
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