In her memory, she had indeed been celibate for a long time. Wendy gripped her hand, her expression slowly getting serious. "Do you want this child?" asked Wendy. "No!" said Larissa without a moment's hesitation. There was no way she could birth this child that had come into her life out of the blue, and she didn't even know who its father was. There was no way she would allow her own tragedy to befall her child. She wasn't Yvette and couldn't bear to do such a cruel thing.Wendy told the doctor Larissa's decision, and the smile on the doctor's face faded into a regretful expression. "I will schedule your surgery as soon as possible," she said, "But you need to undergo a comprehensive pre-surgery examination." After almost an hour of hassle, the doctor said, "You aren't in a fit condition for surgery." She handed Larissa a bunch of medication and said, "Go home and tune yourself back to health and come back for another checkup in a week. I also hope you can reconsider your decisio
Larissa failed to escape because Wendy held her still and quickly pulled her into a chair opposite Barbara. A small, round table separated them, adorned only by a candelabra bearing a lit candle and a thick stack of tarot cards. "This is my best friend, Larissa." Wendy made the introductions."Nice to meet you, Larissa," said Barbara faintly. Every time she spoke, a chill would go through Larissa. "Hi," said Larissa while forcing a smile. Barbara picked up the tarot cards. In the dim candlelight, Larissa saw that Barbara's hands were completely tattooed in weird pictures or, to be more accurate, symbols."What would you like to ask?" asked Barbara. Wendy answered in Larissa's stead, "She came here from Caldor recently, wanting to forget the past and start a new life. Can you help predict if her new life will go smoothly?" "Okay." Barbara nodded and spread the tarot cards across the table, gesturing for Larissa to pick out five cards. Larissa didn't believe in the divine at a
"Larissa, it turns out you're pregnant. Congratulations!" Larissa's initial reaction was to turn to look at Wendy and demand with a glare, "Were you gesturing behind my back?" Wendy batted her hands with a look of innocence. "I didn't do anything! I already told you Barbara's very accurate, and you didn't believe me!" exclaimed Wendy."You will have a bright future and a happy relationship. The child in your belly will be the source of your strength, your motivation to push forward, and the compass that points you in the right direction," said Barbara, not knowing what they were talking about. The fifth card was the death card in reverse. "This card echoes the wheel of fortune. Good luck will return to you soon and give you a 'rebirth.' At the same time, you will reconcile with your old flame, which refers to the man you still love. You and he will end up together."The moment Barbara finished speaking, Larissa got up and left without looking back. "Hey!" shouted Wendy, and she qui
Larissa was stunned, but she also felt guilty. She and Wendy had been best friends for a long time, but Larissa had never seriously paid much attention to Wendy's love life. No doubt, she had no idea that Wendy had planned such a future for herself. "Back then, I gave up my high-paying job and went overseas to study without turning back because I wanted to escape the pressure of my parents rushing me to marry every year." Wendy gave a self-deprecating laugh and said, "They can argue about anything, but studies are the only thing they can agree on." Wendy was a Covenford local and studied at a local university, but she never went home on weekends. During summer break every year, she would be the last person to leave the dormitory and the first person to return.Larissa had asked her out of curiosity before and found out that Wendy's parents had divorced when she was in high school. Each of them had formed a new family and had new children of their own. Larissa guessed that Wendy's de
Larissa smiled in her sleep. After deciding to keep the child, she would have to deal with the difficulties that came with pregnancy. Lucky for her, the child was well-behaved and didn't bring her much trouble. Aside from experiencing an increased appetite and constant drowsiness, Larissa didn't feel much different than usual. It was just that it became more cumbersome for her to move about as her belly grew bigger with each passing day. In the middle of July, Larissa received an email from a lecturer at Wendy's university informing her that she had been accepted into a master's course. At the end of August, she officially went to university. When the lecturer saw her pregnant belly, he didn't display any signs of shock or surprise; instead, he treated it like something he saw every day. He even advised her to take care of her health and not to overexert herself.Life as a postgraduate student was undoubtedly busy, but it wasn't too hectic. Of course, this was because the lecturers
Five years later, in Bartham, Caldor. A black Mercedes was speeding along the highway from the airport to the city center, and in its spacious backseat sat a woman accompanied by a young boy who was approximately four or five years old.The woman sported a pixie cut and was dressed in a Chanel suit. Her impeccable makeup and attire exuded an aura of elegance and professionalism. There was a laptop on her lap. Even while traveling at high speed, she seemed engrossed in her unfinished work. The young boy next to her was dressed in a preppy style. He wore a white shirt, a red bow tie, plaid shorts with suspenders, and a pair of shiny black shoes. The little boy was every inch a young gentleman. With his nose pressed against the car window, his eyes were wide open as he stared without blinking at the passing scenery."Mommy, is this your hometown?" the boy curiously inquired. His voice was as clear as the jingle of silver bells. Larissa tore her eyes away from the complex repor
As someone had lived in the apartment before Larissa, it came fully furnished, although the furnishings were slightly dated. Larissa didn't mind. With her busy schedule, she would only return home to sleep. Everything else was of no use. She made the beds in the two bedrooms and hung up their clothes in the closet one by one. Aster ran around happily and helped Larissa out by handing the clothes to her. After she finished unpacking, the takeout she ordered arrived. Larissa set her laptop on the table and made a video call to Wendy, who was on the other side of the world. After a moment, Wendy's face appeared on the computer screen. Aster greeted her cheerfully, "Godma!" Tears welled up in Wendy's eyes as soon as she saw him. "Aster, my dear! I missed you so much too!" "Don't cry, Godma!" Aster turned to Larissa helplessly, slightly panicked at Wendy's tears. Larissa threatened her nonchalantly, "If you're going to cry, I'll hang up immediately!" Through her tears, W
Larissa spent a long time coaxing Aster before he finally calmed down. After he had eaten and taken a shower, Aster put himself to bed. He was mature for his age because Larissa and Wendy often traveled for work. He had to learn to manage himself since preschool. Massaging her throbbing temples, Larissa collapsed on the sofa and made another video call to Wendy again. Seeing as Larissa was alone, Wendy asked, "Is Aster asleep?""Yes." Larissa sighed. "He refused to leave without me.""Give him some time. He'll come to terms with reality in a couple of days." Wendy had spent more time taking care of Aster; thus, she understood his personality better than Larissa. "I hope so," Larissa pursed her lips. "When do you start work?" Wendy continued. "Tomorrow." Larissa had just sent an email to Winston Hotel's senior management, informing them of a meeting in the conference room at 9 am sharp. "So soon?" Wendy was somewhat surprised. Looking disapproving, she chided Larissa
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