Violet and Kevan entered the study. Larissa followed out of concern, but Violet stopped her."Lari, this is between me and Kevan. It has nothing to do with you," Violet said.Larissa stopped timidly and watched as the study door wad slammed shut in her face. She had a feeling that Kevan was really in for it this time. Yet, Kevan himself did not seem to feel the same way. He sat down on the study's sofa with his legs crossed, meeting Violet's enraged gaze openly as he said calmly, "Even if you throw a bigger temper tantrum, I would not change my mind."Violet's anger burned brighter than ever. She grabbed a folder on the study table and threw it at him. The folder fell straight into his arms."I'm not going to talk about the matter of you having a child!"Kevan caught the folder, and he was stunned. He could not think of any other reason that she could be so angry with him, other than the issue regarding child-rearing."Didn't I tell you during the New Year that you should stop be
Everyone knew what a man and a woman would do together when they were alone in a house.Very few people knew about Kevan's marriage, but Ruby and Cody's divorce was the biggest topic of gossip in Bartham recently.Regular people may not know about the relationship between Kevan and Cody, but as long as Ruby was not yet divorced, she would be considered a married woman.Kevan spending the night with a married woman was more than enough for him to be a target of condemnation. There were even some people who speculated that the reason Ruby wanted to divorce Cody was because she had set her sights on Kevan, who was wealthier and more influential.Beneath the news, most of the comments were tearing into the "adulterous" couple, and many people felt sorry for the "cuckolded" Cody too.Kevan scanned the news before making a call with a frown. "Take down all of today's news.""Do you think taking them down now will help?" Violet was still shouting. "Everyone has already seen it! It's for
Larissa looked up at Kevan blankly. "Huh?"Kevan had not even opened his mouth yet when the back of his arm suddenly stung harshly—it was his mother who did that to him."I'm sorry," he said. Larissa was more confused than ever. "Huh?""For last night," Kevan elaborated.His words had no beginning nor an end, so Larissa did not understand."What happened last night?"Violet took in her reaction and genuinely felt sorry for her daughter-in-law. Her love for her grew deeper."Kevan went to help Ruby last night and was photographed by reporters," Violet explained on his behalf.The pained expression on her face surprised Larissa as well as made her nervous."Why would he need to apologize to me for having his pictures taken by reporters?" Larissa could not figure it out."He's not apologizing for that. He's apologizing for going to Ruby's yesterday and spending the night there." Violet glared at Kevan as she spoke. "He's really gone too far this time. Lari, don't be polite. If
Larissa smiled without much care. "Isn't this the purpose of our marriage?"Kevan pressed his lips tightly together as he looked down, concealing the raging emotions in his eyes.They had not yet finished their dinner when Ruby called."Kevan, have you seen the news … We have …" she stammered, her voice trembling as if she had been crying, or was going to cry."Yeah," Kevan said, looking up to see Larissa focusing on her food. He said, "I already got someone to take down the news.""But Cody must have seen it …" Ruby was terrified. "I'm worried that he will come and find me …""He won't figure out your new residence so quickly." Kevan had already arranged for someone to help her move. "Besides, you have a bodyguard with you right now. He can't hurt you.""But I'm still scared … Kevan …" Ruby sobbed. "I miss you … I want to see you … Can you come over and accompany me?""I'm afraid not," Kevan said.Larissa's movements in toying with her pasta paused. His answer actually surpri
Only then did Kevan divert some of his attention to Muffin. Frowning slightly, he raised his foot, which made Muffin fall from his slipper to the floor.He did not lift his foot too high, so Muffin was not hurt. After rolling herself up, she went straight to nibble at his slipper again. Kevan decided to pick her up and place her on his lap before aiming the phone camera at her. He introduced the kitten to Ruby, "This cat is Larissa's."Ruby froze for a moment before she smiled with joy. Her gaze fixed on Muffin, she praised, "This kitten is so cute! I really want to have a Ragdoll kitten like this too! But …" She looked down despondently. "Cody never let me have pets in the house.""If you really like it, I can send this cat over to you tomorrow." Kevan did not even bother discussing it with Larissa before deciding for himself.Shocked, Larissa was about to refuse when she realized she could not interrupt their conversation. So, she could only wave her hand repeatedly at Kevan to s
Larissa could tell that he was doing it on purpose, so she returned a similar smile of provocation before saying loudly, "Nope! The kitten's mine. It has nothing to do with you. If you dare give it to someone else behind my back, I will call your mother at once!"On Kevan's phone screen, Ruby's smile froze, though whether or not it was due to Larissa's words or due to the Internet's lag, one could not tell. Kevan did not keep her threat in mind though."Go on," he said. "Call her. Don't think that I'll be afraid of you just because you threatened me with my mom."Biting her lip, Larissa used the final trump card that she had. "I will even tell her that you contacted Ruby again!"Kevan's face darkened at once. "You'd dare?!" he snarled through his teeth, his rage seemingly suffused in these two words alone."Just watch me!" Larissa straightened up and did her best to stand up against his domineering aura. "You can't have forgotten what you promised your mother today, can you? Do yo
Larissa never opened the door for Lucas, in the end. She had suffered too much under the hands of the Seymours. Now that Lucas was considered a half Seymour, she naturally could not let down her guard."Then you'd better wait for Kevan to come back I guess." She used this excuse to refuse him. "He's not at home now. There's no point even if you came all this way now."Lucas was going to say something else when Larissa disconnected the call and unplugged the calling device's power. At any rate, no one else but Lucas would use this.Larissa thought that this matter was over, but in less than two hours later, she received a call from Violet.Violet asked her, "Lari, are you home right now?" Her voice was a little odd, it sounded both apologetic and flattering.Larissa guessed that she probably still minded the news about Kevan and Ruby being together."Yeah, I'm home," Larissa replied with a smile, her voice was just as gentle as before. "When are you coming over today?"Violet sta
Violet avoided her gaze and reached out for Larissa's hand."Your aunt saw yesterday's news too," Violet explained in a low voice.Well, it would've been odd if Yvette had not seen the news last night, considering how big it had gotten."And?" Larissa asked mildly as if she did not care about this matter at all."Your step—uncle and I are very angry." Yvette nearly slipped up but was able to turn things around before it was too late. She did everything she could to maintain an expression of displeasure as she continued, "Your uncle has too much to do at the company, so only Nana and I are here to have an explanation from you."Larissa did not understand. "What kind of explanation are you expecting from me?"Her dismissive attitude confused Yvette and Lana. They thought that she would be angry and sad right now.Yvette asked, "Kevan's cheating on you, and you don't mind at all?"Lana also helped embellish the conversation. "Larissa, I thought you hated cheating men? I remember 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