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Chapter 397
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 398
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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 399
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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 400
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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 401
Larissa had the exact same thought. She assumed Dylan had returned to Covenford. "I'm in Bartham for a business trip, so I will be leaving in a few days," Larissa said with a polite smile as she discreetly pulled her hand out of his grasp. The hope that ignited a flame in Dylan's eyes faded quickly. "I see …"Trailing off, he shifted his gaze onto Aster, who was sitting in the shopping cart. Although he was still little and not yet fully grown, his facial features strongly resembled Larissa's. A sudden thought popped into Dylan's head. His eyes widened, and Dylan pointed at Aster incredulously. "Is he your son?"Larissa made up a lie unflinchingly. "He's the son of my best friend and also my godson. His mom is on a month-long business trip and entrusted him into my care. However, I suddenly received an order to go on a business trip as well on short notice; that's why I had to bring him along." Dylan had his doubts about her explanation. It was impossible for her best fri
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 402
Startled, Larissa almost dropped the shopping bag she was holding. "Why are you following us?" she demanded, her eyes wide. Larissa raised her voice intentionally to mask the guilt she felt with anger. "Huh?" In response to her question, Dylan expressed an appropriate amount of astonishment. Aggrieved, he explained himself, "I'm not following you. I have a friend who lives in this apartment complex, and I'm going to his place for dinner." Larissa exposed his lie with a straight face. "Aren't you cooking steak for dinner tonight?" Dylan shrugged and pulled out his hands from his pockets. Showing her his empty palms, he continued, "Can't you see that I haven't bought anything? There's nothing to eat at home, so I have to have dinner at my friend's place."Larissa certainly didn't believe him.She turned around with Aster in tow and tried to leave. "I just remembered that I forgot to buy something.""Perfect timing," Dylan grinned. "I'll go buy the ingredients I need for di
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 403
Their enthusiastic greetings startled Larissa, causing her to develop a splitting headache. Aster clung to Larissa's clothes, shrinking back into the car behind her. With a polite smile, Larissa nodded to them in acknowledgment."Hello, everyone." Maintaining her aloof demeanor, she helped Aster out of the car and entered the hotel amidst the onlookers' curious gazes. "Do we have a play area for children in the hotel?" she asked the assistant manager beside her."Yes, we do." He nodded and turned to Aster. "Shall I have someone escort the young man to the children's play area?"Larissa didn't hesitate. "Yes, please."The assistant manager called over a lobby attendant. "Take the general manager's son to the children's play area and take good care of him. Make sure he doesn't get hurt, understand?" The attendant replied nervously, "Yes, I understand."Larissa handed Aster over to the attendant and squatted down to his level. "Have a good time playing in the children's pla
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 404
Aster held the bottle of water with both hands. As he was about to drink from the opening, he froze on the spot when he heard Dylan's question. The sparkle in his eyes disappeared for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "I don't have a dad," he said calmly with a nonchalant expression. There was no hint of sadness or regret in his voice. "Instead, I have two moms. I have a very happy family." He intentionally emphasized the last sentence.Dylan couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in his heart when he heard this. "I see." Dylan patted Aster's hair affectionately and discreetly plucked a strand from his head. While Aster was distracted, he put the strand of hair into a small sealed bag and carefully tucked it into the hidden pocket of his suit.The two of them played together for the entire morning. As lunchtime approached, Dylan knew Larissa would soon come looking for Aster, so he quickly bid farewell. "I have to leave now, but we'll definitely have the
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 405
"Mommy, I want to play this!" Aster exclaimed, pointing at a ride."Mommy, that looks really fun!" he said, pointing at another attraction."Mommy, let's go wait in line!" he shouted excitedly. Aster was a fearless child who was willing to try out all the rides. Unfortunately, Larissa did not have the courage and physical stamina to keep up with him. After accompanying him on a rollercoaster ride, Larissa felt dizzy and nauseous even after taking a long break. Aster was bothered by Larissa's discomfort and refused to go on any more rides. Seeing his worried expression, Larissa felt even more guilty for ruining the mood for Aster. She forced herself to stand up and said, "Aster, what else do you want to play? I will keep you company!" However, Aster shook his head. He pulled Larissa down on a seat to rest. "I don't want to play anymore. I just want to sit here for a while."Although Aster said he wanted to sit down, Larissa knew very well that he was doing it for her sake
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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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1008
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
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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
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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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1005
"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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1004
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.
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1003
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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1002
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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1001
"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
