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
Kevan had arranged Larissa's first encounter with Roland at the last minute, so she didn't prepare any gifts. She felt regretful about it. On the day they were meeting Roland for dinner, she pulled Kevan out of bed early in the morning. She needed him to accompany her to choose something that Roland would like. Not taking it too seriously, Kevan obliged and accompanied her on the search for the perfect gift. "Just buy anything. Grandpa will like it anyways. He has everything, and he only cares about the giver's sincerity," Kevan persuaded her after their fruitless search in all the famous malls."Sincerity?" Larissa pondered for a moment, and then an idea struck her. She eagerly tugged at Kevan's sleeve. "Didn't Grandpa mention how he misses the homemade pies that Grandma used to make for him during the holidays?" Kevan remembered that there was indeed such a thing. Their family loved pies, and they would prepare pies during different holidays. The pies at home were made by th
The kitchen area was separated from the main house and looked ancient. Larissa almost thought they would be using firewood for cooking. However, the moment she entered, it was filled with the latest kitchen equipment. Kevan offered to help, and Larissa agreed. She was responsible for making the pastry while he made the fillings. Just as they started, they heard Ben announcing, "Young masters Cody and Edmund are here."Larissa was taken aback at the mention of Edmund's name, halted what she was doing, and turned her attention to Kevan. Shocked, she inquired, "Edmund Rogers is here?"Still engrossed in chopping the ingredients, Kevan responded nonchalantly, "It seems like they are here.""Why are they here? Didn't Grandpa say he only invited the two of us?" Larissa panicked. Kevan was like a ticking timebomb while Edmund was the catalyst. When Kevan would explode depended on how Edmund stimulated him."Grandpa didn't call them over, but it doesn't mean they won't visit." There was
"Kevan! Come and take a seat!" Cody smiled and beckoned to him.Kevan complied, calling out, "Cody." "Kevan …" Ruby also greeted him, her voice soft and gentle. With a smile, she continued, "You're back?" Her smile carried a hint of flattery. Kevan did not sit beside Cody. Instead, he led Larissa to take a seat on the other side of Roland. Finally, Cody turned his attention to Larissa and inquired, "And who might this be?"Kevan replied, "This is my wife, Larissa Seymour."Larissa smiled at Cody and nodded. At the same time, she caught a glimpse of Ruby's face, which had turned pale.Cody acted surprised and questioned, "When did you get married? Why didn't you tell us about it?"He wore an unhappy expression and continued, "Do you consider us as outsiders?" Kevan simply replied, "We had just gotten married. We have the marriage certificates but haven't had the wedding ceremony yet."Roland sneered and added, "I only found out not long ago too." After hearing that, Cody
Ruby gritted her teeth and squeezed the dough hard. Her fingers were pressed into it. She tried her best to adjust the emotions on her face so she would look natural."Actually …" She lowered her head and felt her cheeks burn with a blush. "We weren't just friends … He pursued me for a long time in the past, but … Maybe we weren't just meant to be. In the end, we didn't end up together, and I married Cody."Larissa surmised Ruby was referring to the guy sitting beside her just now, Kevan's cousin. Ruby looked at Larissa, a hint of provocation in her eyes. "You don't mind it do you?" Despite that, Larissa's tone remained gentle. "It's been a long time, and we're both married … It's just that I haven't seen him in a long time, so it brought back memories." Larissa let out a breath and acted generous. "I don't mind."But in reality, a sense of suffocation gripped her chest, and her mood sank. Upon witnessing their initial interaction, she thought Ruby had feelings for Kevan. Ye
The people working in Roland's villa knew who she was. When the cooks saw her alone by the door, they couldn't help but ask, "Young madam, are you okay?"Larissa smiled and reassured them, "I'm fine. I just feel tired from standing all day." There weren't any chairs in the kitchen, and everyone was busy. No one had the time to bring over a chair. Even so, Larissa wouldn't let them do it. After half an hour, someone called out to her, "Young madam, the pie is ready!" Larissa quickly got up to check the oven and saw that it was perfectly baked. She removed it from the oven with utmost care and brought it to the main house. The dining table stood prominently in the center of the main house, and the cooks placed the dishes on the table. The people in the living room were already there. Roland occupied the central seat while the others found their places accordingly. As Larissa entered, she noticed the joyous atmosphere, with everyone happily indulging in drinks and food. They didn
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