"I'll tell you the details next time." Kevan keyed in the passcode of the apartment's door.Hearing the beeps that signified the door opening, Dylan was shocked. "How do you know the passcode?""Ruby's living in my place." Kevan's expression remained unchanged, and his movements were natural. "It's more secluded here, so it's not that easy for Cody's people to get in here."The picture-taking incident from before, after Kevan looked into it later, was done by people at Cody's behest. Getting Ruby to move over was a way to comfort her, and on the other hand, Kevan also did not want the same thing to happen again—in case his mother caught him and started raging at him again."How come I didn't know that you had a place here?" Dylan looked around curiously. Kevan had never brought him here before."Before moving to the floor above you, I bought a lot of properties," Kevan said mildly. That was when Microworks had yet to grow and develop, and his work focus remained on Soaring Corpora
The cold air blew in, causing the temperature of the apartment to drop, but it also cleared up the greasy air in the room.Dylan was not a clean freak, but that did not mean that he was willing to clean up after someone's food trash. He would not mind it so much if it was a close friend, but it just had to be Ruby, who he hated greatly."Hell no." He dumped himself on the sofa, his expression one of extreme candidness. "Ruby can take care of it herself when she comes out."Kevan glared at him, but he did not force him to do it.Ruby said she was going to get changed, but when she emerged from the bedroom, she had washed and dried her hair as well as put on makeup. Dylan was no longer confused then as to why she needed to spend one and a half hours to get changed.Having "armed" herself, Ruby was clearly calmer than before, and more confident too. But when she noticed the trash she left on the coffee table, she freaked out again, quickly going over to throw everything into the tras
Ruby watched as Kevan shut the door behind him, darkness flashing momentarily through her eyes as her fists clenched, and she nearly ground her own teeth to dust. Her little actions did not go unnoticed by Dylan, but he remained as cool as a cucumber and acted as if he saw nothing."Ms. Cole, Mr. Rogers said that you had suffered serious domestic abuse?" He continued the subject from before."Yes." The moment Kevan left, Ruby's attitude toward Dylan became cold at once. She did not even look at him while she spoke. Her attitude did not surprise Dylan, even though he felt discomfited with it. But it was precisely because he knew what sort of person she was that he was able to accept it. He thought with some amount of dark glee, "I wonder what sort of attitude or expression she will show when she finds out Kevan and I are best friends?""Could you provide me with the details and information you gave to the previous lawyer?" Dylan asked."I don't have them with me right now." Ruby den
This question of his really stumped Kevan. Thinking it through carefully, Kevan said uncertainly, "I don't … think so? Anyway, I've never seen her act out when I was with her.""But earlier …" Dylan told Kevan everything he had heard, which made the latter frown deeper as a hint of panic appeared on his face."You're saying … she was looking for a cat?""Yeah." Dylan nodded. "She doesn't seem to like that cat. Just kept yelling as she tried looking for it. She sounded near hysterical, I'm telling you, just like she has bipolar disorder or something."The moment Dylan finished speaking, Kevan was already out of the car."Hey! Where are you going?" Dylan also unfastened his seat belt and hurried down after him too.Kevan had returned to Ruby's place, and she had found the kitten. When Kevan went inside, she saw her strangling Muffin's neck with one hand, a twisted, hideous smile on her face. Muffin was meowing in agony; her voice was so pitiful even as her four limbs flailed in the
Kevan went over and brought Muffin into his arms. Ruby watched him anxiously, her smile extremely stiff."I guess Muffin misses you." She found a suitable excuse for Muffin's strange behavior."Seems so." Kevan rubbed Muffin's head as if he had not seen through her lie, his expression remained unchanged.Ruby sighed in relief.When Muffin was in Kevan's arms, she immediately became obedient, so much so that one would think that it was a plush cat. She rubbed her furry head into his palm, and her meows sounded much more normal now. It definitely sounded like she was being affectionate with him.Kevan sat on the sofa with the kitten in his arms, and Ruby followed him.As a lawyer who was not familiar with them both, Dylan naturally did not get involved with all that. He sat to one side quietly and waited for Kevan to finish his business."Naughty little thing!" Ruby leaned against Kevan's shoulder as she reached out with a finger to poke at Muffin's head with displeasure. But befo
Seeing her hand coming over, Muffin's eyes fixed themselves on it as she shifted into a crouch, preparing herself to pounce. Ruby immediately let go out of fear."The bodyguard's with you. Don't be afraid." Kevan smiled, soothing her gently.Dylan looked at his watch and spoke up just at the right time. "Mr. Rogers, I have a video call appointment with a client at 1:30 pm. Could you please send me back to the hotel first?""Of course." Kevan agreed at once. He said to Ruby with some helplessness, "Well, we'll be going then. After you're done at the hospital, call me."Ruby reluctantly said, "Okay."…The moment he was in the car, Kevan dumped Muffin on Dylan's lap, which startled the hell out of the latter. He leaned back, arms held safely out of the way as he exclaimed fearfully, "Could you please put it in the backseat?"Kevan eyed him and chortled. "Scaredy-cat!" He then added, "This cat's stupid. It won't claw at you at random.""Who are you kidding?!" Dylan glared as he ac
At this moment, Larissa was trying to coexist with that new kitten. Kevan's reaction last night had scared her while also making her reflect upon herself. Had she been too cold to this kitten?She still had a lot of snacks that were meant for Muffin, so she ripped one bag open and brought the kitten into her lap, feeding it carefully. Its cold seemed to have gotten better. Last night, it was still ill and refused to eat anything, but now it was nibbling a tiny cookie, finishing it in a couple of bites or so.After it was finished eating, it looked up at Larissa, eyes filled with want. Amused, Larissa booped its nose, which led the kitten to rub itself against her with affection. The soft meows of the kitten melted Larissa's heart entirely, and she gently rubbed its head, apologizing softly to it, "I'm sorry, little one." for her previous neglect.…Kevan and Dylan returned in the evening.Larissa was in the midst of preparing dinner when she heard the noise, so she went to the liv
The cat had been with Larissa for over a month without any issues. However, it returned with a broken leg after spending only two days with Ruby. Larissa couldn't believe that this had nothing to do with Ruby at all.Kevan was also clueless. As he saw Larissa's accusing gaze, he felt both sad and slightly angry. After all, Larissa thought that he and Ruby were on the same side. Did she really think he was responsible for all of Ruby's wrongdoings?"Quit looking at me like that," he said coldly. "I will ask Ruby about the cat and make sure to give you a satisfactory answer."Larissa clenched her fists. "I hope so."...The doctor reattached Muffin's leg but didn't allow her to go home. "Let's keep her here for observation for a while. If the owners can't take care of her properly at home, the leg might break again," he said, glancing at Larissa's still-casted injured leg. "I'm sure you understand this very well."She couldn't bear to leave Muffin behind, so she stayed with Muffin at the
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