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
Violet panicked.Larissa was the second woman Kevan had proactively wanted to marry. If she let her go, Violet had no idea how many years she would have to wait for her next daughter-in-law. Most importantly, Violet really liked Larissa after having spent time with her during this period, and she really treated her as if she was her own biological daughter."Marriage is not a game." Violet's face darkened as well. "I can understand your anger, but this is ultimately Lari and Kevan's life, and they should be the ones to discuss and solve this matter.""Discuss?" Yvette laughed coldly, her gaze at Larissa holding love that never existed before. "There is such a huge gap between Lari and Kevan in terms of social status. To marry into your family, won't she just be bullied and pushed around by your people? I don't believe that Kevan would really want to discuss and solve the matter with Lari!"If this was under normal circumstances, Larissa would have lost her temper and thrown their w
Luckily, Violet's face remained expressionless, and she did not confront or criticize her before the Seymours.Larissa was now forced to the edge of the proverbial cliff by them. Her "dark history" has been exposed bit by bit by the Seymours, and Violet was the only person who could decide if she would fall into the abyss. However, Violet placed the decision-making power into her hands. "Lari, what are your thoughts on this?"This question was hard to answer.If she said that she wished to divorce, then it would prove that her words about believing Kevan from before were lies; if she said she did not want to divorce, Violet may think that she was only refusing because she wanted to hang on to Kevan's money.Larissa stammered for a long while before throwing this hot potato at Kevan, who was not present."I … I'll let Kevan decide."Her answer did not satisfy the Seymours.Yvette acted frustrated as she said, "Nana and I have given you so many reasons, but you insist on being stu
After Yvette and Lana left, the atmosphere of the Rogers family home living room became awkward, now that Larissa and Violet were the only ones left."Mom …" Larissa spoke first, "Please don't take the nasty things my aunt and sister said to heart.""I know." Violet nodded, smiling as she comforted her. "I'm alright. They were just worried about you too. I can understand that." But her smile was not as natural as it would normally be, Larissa could tell that Violet was already swayed by the Seymours. She just needed to give it a little bit more …"Mom, actually, there are some things I need to confess." She kept her head down, her face was one of guilt.Hearing this, Violet straightened up subconsciously as her smile gradually vanished."As you've heard my aunt and sister say, you can probably already tell that I was married once before." Larissa's voice was very light, her hands gripping the armrests of the wheelchair tightly. She did not look up at Violet, not even once.Divorc
Sadly, she would never be able to be with Kevan until the end."If you don't intend to get divorced, I will not tell Kevan about what happened today," Violet said, "Of course, if you wish to get divorced, I will not stop you. I just hope that you can think it through seriously and discuss it with Kevan. Don't act rashly just because your aunt demanded you to do it."Larissa was once again left in a dilemma.She wanted to get divorced, but she also did not want to upset Violet.In the end, she said, "I'll discuss it with Kevan."Her response disappointed Violet a little, but she did not say anything else."Good. Once you've decided, remember to let me know—no matter what the outcome is."…Violet got Larissa to stay for lunch before letting the driver take her home. The trunk of the car was stuffed full of snacks and supplements by Violet, so that Larissa could consume them slowly back home.At the foot of the building, Larissa met Lucas, who was pacing like a ghost. She slowed
It was only after Kevan promised that he would return from the company as fast as he could that Lucas returned Larissa's phone to her.Larissa led Lucas upstairs—After all, many residents would come and go, so to stay at the entrance of the building was a little too jarringly obvious.The Rogers family driver did not leave. He remained dutifully by Larissa's side, his eyes fixed steadily on Lucas."Didn't you say that you wanted to apologize to Kevan? Why did it change into needing to find him for something important?" Larissa asked. She thought that "something important" was just Lucas' excuse for getting Kevan to come back home. She did not expect him to say, "My true purpose of coming over today is to tell Mr. Rogers about this 'important' matter. When I said I wanted to apologize, I just wanted you to open the door for me. But … I didn't expect you to be so cautious against me too." He lowered his head, smiling bitterly.Larissa did not know if he was telling the truth or a lie
"And?" Kevan patiently waited for him to continue."I think … Lana is … cheating on me." Lucas pressed his lips together tightly as a hint of melancholy flickered through his eyes.Kevan chortled. "What has Lana cheating on you got to do with me? Are you perhaps hoping that I would help you gain some kind of justice?""No!" Lucas denied it at once. "The point is not that she cheated on me, but who she's cheated on me with …" He lifted his head and secretly peeked at Kevan. When his gaze met Kevan's sharp one, he looked down again. "The one she's cheating on me with seems to be Ruby Cole's husband."Kevan's gaze became cold. "Why are you telling me this?""I saw the news …" Lucas began to stammer, "About you and Ruby … I thought …""You thought I was cheating with Ruby?" Kevan asked with a strange smile that was not quite a smile on his face, but his voice was dangerously frigid.Lucas was so scared that he jerked once. His voice was smaller than ever. "N-No …" His head was lower
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