Larissa didn't want to return to that city as it was filled with memories of her and Kevan. "I want a new change in environment. Start fresh," Larissa said."No matter where you go, you'll have my full support. I just have one request; after you've settled everything, you must contact me," Dylan said. "Okay," she agreed. It was rare for Larissa to be free, so she asked him to stay for dinner. However, he rejected her. After looking at the time, he said helplessly, "It's late. I have to go to the hospital. Let's make an appointment sometime later at noon if you want to treat me to a meal." "Why are you going to the hospital?" Larissa asked curiously. There was no way he would accompany Ruby like he had accompanied her, right? They didn't have such a close relationship. Dylan pouted and said, "I'm going to be the caretaker for Kevan. What else do you think I can do?"Larissa was even more puzzled. "Isn't Ruby there to care for him?""Heh!" Dylan sneered, "She's carrying the
If Lana weren't pregnant, Larissa would have mercilessly yanked away her hand. As Lana stood in her way, a few bodyguards appeared and surrounded her. "Miss, please be careful." All of the bodyguards looked visibly worried, as if they wished to hold her hand and provide support as she walked. "I'm fine. Don't worry." Lana waved them away in annoyance. Then, she complained to Larissa, feigning annoyance. "My husband can be so overbearing. I told him I wanted to go shopping, and he goes and sends a whole battalion of guards to tail me. He's constantly worried I might stumble, calling me every ten minutes. I'm not a three-year-old, for heaven's sake. Why does he worry so much?"Larissa could see the pride in Lana's gaze, and she had come here to flaunt it all. "Your husband is so good to you," Larissa said and tried her best to look envious. She knew that she would never get to leave unless Lana was happy. "What's good about that?" Lana chuckled, voicing her complaint. Then,
"If you get a third chance at marriage, you should try to get pregnant as soon as possible," Lana advised. "At your age, it becomes increasingly difficult to conceive the longer you delay, and the risks are also higher." Every word she spoke carried an air of sincerity, although she was subtly adding salt to Larissa's wound. However, Larissa didn't mind it at all and played along. She nodded and gave a faint response. As they approached the escalator, Larissa prepared to step onto it when she suddenly felt a strong jolt on her arm. Lana, seemingly lost in her thoughts, had missed a step. With that, she fell forward and pulled Larissa along with her. Larissa managed to grab onto the handrail to steady herself, while Lana ended up falling onto the escalator. "Ah!" Lana cried out in pain, prompting her bodyguard to swiftly stop the escalator. They immediately helped her up from the ground. Tears streamed down Lana's face as she glared at Larissa in disbelief. Amidst her tears, she a
Larissa decided to visit the Rogers, fully aware that she was the one responsible for the trouble that had arisen. She understood that it wouldn't be fair for Kevan's parents to bear the blame for her actions.Bernard and Maria were in the living room with gloomy expressions. As soon as they spotted Larissa, they lunged toward her in a frenzy. "You vicious bitch! If anything happens to my grandson, I'll make sure you pay with your life!"Maria, with her long nails, swiftly left three bloody marks on Larissa's face in a split second. Violet couldn't act fast enough and was only able to pull Larissa away after the latter had covered her face. "Calm down! Listen to what Lari has to say." "What's there to say? Will she admit to what she did? I've never seen such a vicious woman. Nana is her sister! How could she do that to her?" Maria glared at Larissa.Larissa maintained a resolute gaze and replied, "I did not push Lana. She fell on her own. If you truly wish to debate this matter, I
"Yes," Larissa said, glancing out of the car window. The rain slid down the glass, blurring the city she had harbored disdain for over two decades. In a way, it was a welcome obstruction. The driver continued to babble on, but she didn't hear a thing he said. Due to the traffic congestion, Larissa had to dash across the airport to make it to her flight. When the plane was about to take off, the air stewardess gently reminded the passengers to turn off their phones. In the end, Larissa succumbed to her desire and sent Kevan a text. "Goodbye. I hope that you'll be happy with her." It was uncertain whether he would ever come across this text—whether he would only see it years later or remain forever unseen. However, Larissa didn't mind. For her, this act held a profound significance. By bidding farewell to him, she could have closure and finally leave her past behind. The long flight had left her feeling drowsy, and the incessant wails of a child in the economy seat gave her a he
The middle-aged man sat on the shuttle bus with Larissa, and after his passionate introduction, Larissa found out his name—Gary Logan. He worked at Blue Star Shipping, an internationally renowned company. Due to work commitments, he had to travel back and forth between Caldor and Aldovia. "Usually, my assistant would be with me; however, he had some family problems, so he couldn't come on this trip. Who would have thought such an incident would happen? Fortunately, you were there," Gary said, still visibly shaken. Then, he asked Larissa for her business card. "I have to deal with some company affairs today. I will treat you to a meal some other day to thank you for saving my life." Larissa smiled apologetically, "I'm here to study. I just arrived." Gary's response was barely audible as he furrowed his brows, saying, "Isn't university registration at the end of August? Why are you here so early?"Larissa lowered her head in embarrassment and explained, "I came over to brush up
"Why are you still as stubborn as you were in the past?" Wendy chuckled, finding Larissa's determination amusing."Why do you still enjoy exposing me like you always did in the past?" Larissa pouted and glared at her.Their eyes met, and both of them couldn't help but laugh."This is great. It feels just like old times," Wendy sighed contentedly. "Yes, it does," Larissa agreed with a nod. Although time had passed and they both had changed, their friendship remained unchanged.In the end, Wendy drove them home. She lived on the outskirts, so there weren't many tall buildings. Every house in this area was a villa with a huge courtyard. It was the same for Wendy's house. Wendy had bought the house in full payment with her savings. "This place cost me about as much as a restroom cubicle in Bartham." Larissa was envious and even more so when she entered Wendy's house and saw her garage, game room, and gym. She could also afford these things but lacked such a big house. "The on
Larissa was caught off guard by her question and instinctively denied it. "Well, I haven't eaten for a day, so it's not unusual to be starving, right?" "That makes sense." Wendy nodded and accepted her explanation. However, the situation persisted into the next day. Larissa once again found herself being pulled out of the bed by Wendy. They had to complete the admission procedures at the language academy, so they had to get up early. Larissa had set the alarm but was so deep in her sleep that she didn't hear it.Wendy couldn't help but complain, "Are you a pig? You were asleep the whole day yesterday. How could you still sleep at night?" Worried that Larissa might be experiencing jet lag, Wendy had planned to stay up all night chatting with her. To her surprise, when she returned from taking a shower, she found Larissa fast asleep in her room. With a sleepy yawn, Larissa admitted, "I might actually be one."Wendy prepared breakfast. There was toast, fried eggs, bacon, and a
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