Yvette's name and reputation were well-known among the older generation. However, the elders of the Rogers family didn't seem happy when they heard this, unlike the common public, who would be pleasantly surprised by this revelation. On the contrary, the expression on Kevan's parents' faces darkened considerably. Kevan's uncles held their hands up to their faces, hiding their smirks and trying to stifle their laughter. His two aunts were less discreet. They simply looked down and chuckled in glee. Their unusual reactions caught Larissa off guard. She didn't know what went wrong. Panicking, Larissa clenched her fists tighter. "What a coincidence!" Cody broke the unbearable silence. Mockingly, he continued with a mischievous smile on his face, saying, "Back then, Kevan …"His words were interrupted by Anthony's low but imposing voice, "Cody, that's enough!"Sheepishly, Cody rubbed his nose and decided to shut his mouth.Violet immediately changed the subject, "Lari, you're so th
At 8.30 pm, Kevan's two uncles bid farewell and left conscientiously. After seeing off the guests, Anthony said to Kevan, "Come with me to the study." There was a forbidding tone to his voice. Violet took Larissa upstairs. She opened a door and said, "This is Kevan's room." The room's decor and style were completely different from Kevan's house in Covenford. The overall color scheme leaned towards warm, inviting colors, matching the style of this house. It was obviously Kevan's parents' handiwork. "He moved out when he went to university. After that, he rarely came back." A hint of sadness appeared on Violet's face. "You also know how much of a clean freak he is. He wouldn't let anyone touch anything in this room. I'm in charge of cleaning his room after he flew the coop." Looking affectionately at Larissa, she continued, "Living with him must be tough, right?"Larissa smiled. "It's not too bad." They didn't live in the same room, so she rarely touched his personal belong
The resentment and inexplicable jealousy that Larissa felt earlier was quickly forgotten. Larissa refocused her mindset. She was merely a tool hired by Kevan to appease his parents so that they would not continue pressuring him to get married. His past with other women didn't matter because it had nothing to do with her.While feeling relieved, Violet also felt bad for Larissa."Lari, Kevan never speaks his mind, so he often gets misunderstood. Please be more considerate and understanding towards him. If he does anything to upset you, let me apologize on his behalf."Larissa gave a breezy laugh. "No, he didn't upset me at all. I know the kind of person he is; otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed to marry him.""That's a relief." Violet patted her hand and sighed deeply. "Kevan is so fortunate to have such an understanding wife like you!"After a while, Kevan returned from his father's study.As soon as he opened the door, he saw Larissa and Violet in his room. Raising an eyebrow i
When Larissa was suddenly suspended in the air, she screamed in fright. Without giving her time to react, Kevan threw Larissa onto the bed. Pressing his body against hers, Kevan pinned her to the bed. "Kevan, you ..." Larissa was about to reprimand him when his kiss sealed her lips. Almost suffocated by his devouring kiss, Larissa felt repulsed. Turning her head away to avoid his lips, she tried to shove him away by pushing against his shoulders forcefully, but to no avail. Edged on by Larissa's resistance, Kevan grabbed her wrists and pinned her hands above her head while his other hand held her chin in place as he ravished her lips. Larissa's legs were clamped together, and she couldn't even move an inch. She was as helpless as a turtle on its back. Resigned to her fate, Larissa shed tears of despair.Kevan tasted the warm salty tears that ran down her cheeks by accident. He jolted up in surprise and stared at Larissa in disbelief. "Why are you crying?" he asked in a hoa
After some time, someone opened the door. Larissa rolled around to see who it was. It was Kevan, the person she least wanted to see. He was wearing a cashmere sweater similar in color and style to the one he wore yesterday. However, she knew it was a different sweater because Kevan had the habit of changing his clothes every day, even if they were spotless. From the long pants he wore yesterday, he had switched to looser jeans. His hair was combed neatly and lay flat against his scalp, giving him a clean cut and fresh appearance. Kevan came in, carrying a paper bag with a luxury brand logo on it. He approached her slowly and placed it on the bedside table. "Your clothes," he said in an indifferent tone. There was no trace of guilt on his face from forcing himself on her yesterday. "Oh," Larissa replied with a poker face. Inexplicably, Kevan clenched his fists tightly. He continued speaking monotonously, "If you're awake, get up quickly. It's almost time for lunch. Afte
Since both Anthony and Kevan were reserved and Larissa was too shy to start any conversation, only Violet spoke during the meal. "Did Kevan tell you that we're going to Uncle Bernard's house later?" she said. "Yes," Larissa replied. "If you're not feeling well, you should rest at home. Kevan will stay back to take care of you. His father and I can go alone," Violet suggested.Being alone with Kevan now seemed like a terrifying idea to Larissa. Although she wasn't fond of going to Bernard's house either, she insisted on going along, "I'm fine, don't worry." Bernard's house was located in a nearby residential area. It took only a little over ten minutes to drive there.The three families were gathered once again.As most of the topics of conversation were exhausted, the ladies decided to play a round of poker to pass the time. "We're missing one person! Will Lari or Ruby join us?" Nancy spoke up. "Lari, why don't you play with them?" Ruby willingly gave up her seat. "I hav
"There's no need." Larissa declined Edmund's offer with a reasonable excuse. "It's just a game to pass the time. Regardless of whether I'm good or bad at poker, as the youngest, I should be the one to lose."Her words immediately gained unanimous praise from Maria and Nancy. "What a sensible child!" "Young people nowadays should have such awareness!" Frankly, Violet didn't care whether Larissa lost money or not. Her insistence on having Kevan come upstairs was to prevent him from spending time with Ruby, but she was a step too late. Violet felt a throbbing headache coming on. Even though Kevan assured her that nothing was going on between him and Ruby, she was still worried that problems would arise. More importantly, she was afraid that Larissa would overthink.Meanwhile … "Thanks for agreeing to come out with me," Ruby said to Kevan."It's nothing," Kevan replied with a faint smile as he drove. Silently, Ruby stared at his side profile for a long time. Suddenly, she
Ruby squeezed out a bitter smile. "Earlier, haven't you blocked my phone number and deleted my social media accounts? Besides, you've been avoiding me." Kevan tightened his grip on her shoulder and said in an apologetic tone, "I'm sorry. I didn't expect things would turn out like this!" "You don't have to blame yourself. It was my own choice, so I should bear the consequences," Ruby said graciously.Kevan continued, "What do you plan to do?" "What else can I do?" Ruby's eyes were filled with sadness. "I have to pretend as if everything is alright and continue living with Cody." "You can file for divorce," Kevan suggested."Divorce?" Ruby laughed mockingly. "Don't you know how powerful the Rogers family is? If I ruin your family's reputation by divorcing Cody, they will find other ways to destroy me!" "I will help you," Kevan promised."After I get divorced, what then?" Ruby asked, "As a divorced woman, who would dare to marry me?"As she spoke, her eyes stared directly at
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