Larissa's words were like a spell, causing silence to fill the living room at once. It was broken by the loud sound of something smashing against the floor.Starting, Larissa saw that Kevan's phone was lying on the floor, not far from where he was. It was facing up, and the screen was now black, with spidery cracks spreading through the glass."Don't ever let me hear you say the word 'divorce' ever again." Kevan advanced upon her, leaning down as he used two fingers to grip her chin to force her to look at him.His eyes had darkened a great deal, as if it had been covered by a layer of shadow."Our marriage is a transaction." Kevan bit out the last word. "There is no reason for you to gain what you want from me only to walk away after."Larissa retorted, "You can still achieve your goal even if you marry Ruby! Besides, she's the one you truly like.""My family doesn't like her." Kevan's eyes narrowed, the dangerous aura radiating off of him causing Larissa to back away but Kevan
After Muffin had been given to Ruby, Kevan brought back Ruby's kitten for Larissa as compensation. Objectively speaking, Ruby's kitten was quite pretty and cute too. If it was the one who came to the house first, Larissa would have loved it as if it was her own son. But this hypothesis was disproved as Larissa only had Muffin in her heart for a long time now. So, she treated this new kitten very blandly.Of course, she would not mistreat it—but that was the extent of it. She would not take the initiative to play with it or bring it up into her lap to love on. When it came over to her, meowing with affection, she would deliberately distance herself from it to reduce any close interactions.In contrast, Kevan loved this kitten more than he loved Muffin. It was probably because they had traded places—she became Kevan in terms of attitude, and he became her instead.Larissa did not know what caused Kevan's sudden change—was it that this kitten once belonged to Ruby, or was it because he
Violet took the kitten away, just as Larissa wished.When Kevan got home that night, he did not hurry to eat, but circled the living room and called "Muffin!" anxiously. He'd named that kitten Muffin too.Larissa never used that name due to her feelings of displeasure.Kevan did not find the kitten, so he hurried to check the bedroom and the study, before finally coming to the dining hall where Larissa was.She was eating her dinner quietly. Ever since Muffin was sent away, she rarely initiated conversation with him.Kevan asked her, "Have you seen Muffin?""Muffin?" A mocking smile appeared on Larissa's face. "Didn't you give her to Ruby?"Kevan was struck momentarily speechless by her, and his face darkened as he said coldly, "I meant my Muffin."He deliberately emphasized the word "my"."Oh." Larissa was dismissive. "I got Mom to take it back with her."The coldness in Kevan's eyes grew stronger."Why didn't you discuss it with me before doing that?" He confronted her."
"Why don't we go shopping?" Violet suggested. "It's spring now, so it's also time to buy some clothes according to the changing of the seasons."Larissa wanted to go out too, but shopping …"Would it be inconvenient for you, seeing as I'm like this?" She looked down at her leg."What's inconvenient about that?" Violet was unfazed. "Besides, today is Monday. There shouldn't be anyone in the malls."Larissa thought about it and figured that Violet was right, so she followed her out with ease.…Violet brought Larissa to the most high-end mall in Bartham. The brands established here are all famous international brands. Few people came to this mall, so there were even fewer people during weekdays. Other than the staff, there were not many patrons there.Violet was a regular here. A few shop assistants from some high-end brands knew her. The moment they saw her, they rushed over and treated her as if she were their own mother, hugging her arm and trading pleasantries at once with smi
The pet shop on the third floor was as big as two luxury brand stores, unlike other malls where they could only occupy a tiny corner of the building. The walls outside were filled with painted pet cartoons, and the interior was decorated cutely too.The moment Larissa went inside, she was attracted by the cat display section, which was large enough to occupy a huge amount of space."Those are the kitties that customers have left here to be pet-sat!" A young girl wearing a cat ear hairband as well as a kitty apron came over and reminded her gently. "If you'd like to buy a cat, please follow me here!" She indicated the door nearby.Larissa rejected her well-meaning gesture. "It's alright. I'm just looking around."The girl did not chase her away nor display any annoyance. "Sure! Go ahead!" She remained agreeable.It was probably because this pet shop was quite famous because there were a lot of cats being pet-sat here. Larissa looked over every cat before finally finding a Ragdoll k
"What did you say? Muffin is ill? Which Muffin?" she asked anxiously.The kitten in the cage had been brought out by Kevan, and it was currently lying on the sofa motionlessly, just as dead as Larissa when she was asleep. Even if her brain was muddled right now, Larissa could sense that something was wrong."When did it get sick?" she asked Kevan. She only got another sneer from Kevan. "You don't even know having been at home for the whole day, how would I know?"With that, he brought the kitten into his arms and headed anxiously to the entrance hall. Larissa followed him closely. When Kevan was changing his shoes, Larissa randomly pulled out a pair of winter boots from the shoe cabinet too, and put them on."What are you doing?" Kevan asked her."Aren't you going to send it to the vet? I'm going with you." Larissa gazed at the motionless kitty. Even if she sidelined the kitten, her heart was anxious over its current condition too."Didn't you hate it?" Kevan's hand dropped ont
Kevan's voice was so much more chilling than the piercing cold wind outside.Larissa's heart became colder, her expression smoothing out into calm."I went out with Mom today and only came back around 6 pm or so. When I did, I showered and went straight to bed. Then, you woke me up," she said. "I admit that I don't like this kitten and that I've never cared about it. But I swear that I have never thought of wishing that it would get ill or die."Kevan stared fixedly at her, trying to catch any hints of lies from her face, but there were none. He knew all too well that if she wanted to find an excuse to escape accountability, she did not need to drag his mother into it. Knowing that he had misunderstood her, Kevan felt a little guilty. But when he heard her admit that she did not like this kitten, he was still rather displeased with her."Is it because once you've decided on that cat, all other cats cannot hold a candle to it?" His eyes darkened, containing a kind of complicated emo
Larissa's answer caused Kevan's heart to sink into his stomach. He had dared to hold on to some hope, wishing that she would say a few words to convince him otherwise. But reality dealt a fatal blow to him anyway."Tomorrow, then." Kevan's voice was deliberately casual.It would be good to end this relationship faster because it meant that he would not have to dream about something so unattainable ever again.Watching his relieved expression, Larissa clenched her fists. "Sure." She forced a smile onto her face. "I won't need your money. It's not like our marriage was real anyway, so to take half of your money at this stage would not make any sense. But …" She licked her lips. "Could you please return my Muffin to me?"Her somewhat humble plea caused Kevan's heart to shudder. However, he did not wish to change the kitten back, regardless of whether or not it was because of the current situation or due to his own selfishness."No," he said flatly, his face dark.Although this refus
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