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Chapter 39
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 40
The scream was from the patient in the next bed.She shrunk into a corner, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Ma—Ma'am, don't do it!"Mrs. Hardy knelt on the ground, right in the middle of the spilled hot water.In her hands was a silver shard from the shattered inner lining of the thermos, its sharpest end pointed toward her own neck."If you don't come with me to see Travis, I will die right here! Right in front of you! I'll let you feel that guilt for your entire life!" Her bloodshot eyes glared at Larissa, a resolute expression on her face.Larissa had to admit, at that moment, she was truly afraid.She had been so afraid that for a brief instant, she forgot how much Mrs. Hardy feared death, how truly manipulative and shameless she was. In her panic, she agreed to the woman's request.…Travis had already passed the critical period and was transferred from the intensive care unit back to a regular ward in the spinal surgery department.Each ward had three patients in one room, but
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 41
"You motherfucking crazy bitch! I let you have your way but you just keep pushing my limits!" Mr. Hardy shouted.Larissa was afraid things would get out of hand, so she quickly stepped in and attempted to break up the fight. Mr. Hardy pushed her away roughly."Get out!" He yelled, the motions of his arms never ceasing.The other patient in the room seemed to be used to their fights by now. Wordlessly, they closed the curtains around their bed. Out of sight, out of mind."Dad! Mom! Are you done embarrassing yourselves?" Travis shouted angrily, successfully bringing Mr. Hardy back to his senses.He released his grip on Mrs. Hardy, but her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she fainted once again.There was a large, red mark on her forehead, its color darker on her flushed face as a result of her fever. There was no doubt that Mr. Hardy had used a lot of force when he slammed her head against the wall earlier."Could you please call the nurse in or press the call button on my bed for
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 42
As soon as Larissa left Travis' room and went by the nurses' station, she was stopped by the nurse who'd given her the ice packs earlier."Oh, perfect timing." The nurse beckoned. Confused, Larissa walked over to her."Here!" The nurse handed her a bill. "You can pay downstairs."Larissa looked at the bill in her hands. It was yet another five-thousand-dollar bill."I think you've made a mistake." She smiled at the nurse. "I'm not related to Travis. I think it's better if you have his parents pay for this.""What?" The nurse was evidently surprised. "Aren't you his wife? I heard his parents say he's married, but his wife—" She hesitated, looking embarrassed.Even though the nurse did not say anything else after that, Larissa was well aware that whatever the Hardys had said about her, it couldn't have been flattering."I'm so sorry. You're the only one besides his parents to visit him in the hospital, and you're a woman too, so I just assumed," the nurse apologized awkwardly, blushing
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 43
Larissa thought he wanted to discuss something important with her, so she immediately replied, "I'm available."She had to work the night shift at the hotel on Thursday night, but after she got off work on Friday morning, she would have the rest of the day as well as Saturday off to recharge."In that case, would you like to accompany me as my plus one to a banquet that night?" Dylan asked.As if he were afraid that she would refuse him, he added, "I'm new to Covenford, and you're the only female friend I have. Everyone else is bringing plus ones, and it would be very embarrassing for me to show up without one." He even added a pitiful emoji at the end.Larissa hesitated.If Dylan had been an ordinary lawyer, she would have agreed to help him without having second thoughts about it. However, he was Microworks Corporation's second-largest shareholder. This banquet must be no small occasion.She wasn't afraid of the business magnates she was sure would be present as well. She was simply
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 44
The window on the passenger's side lowered as soon as she knocked.Larissa bent down to look inside. Unexpectedly, her gaze was met with a pair of dark eyes."Mr. Rogers?" She looked at the man in the driver's seat, surprise filling her voice. "Where's Dylan?"Kevan retracted his gaze and looked straight ahead, leaving nothing but a cold profile in her direction."Something came up suddenly and he wanted me to pick you up." His reply was concise and to the point."Oh." Larissa nodded. Then, she was faced with a difficult decision.She didn't know where exactly she should sit.If she sat in the passenger's seat, Kevan's imposing presence might be too much for her to handle. On the other hand, if she sat at the back, she couldn't help but feel as if she would be treating Kevan as her chauffeur. She was afraid she would end up offending him."What are you waiting for?" Kevan turned to her and narrowed his eyes impatiently. "Do you not want to go anymore?""No! Of course not!" She decided
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 45
Vivian reacted quicker than Larissa. She grabbed the latter’s hand and studied her briefly, nodding. "Of course."To Larissa, she said, "Go pick out a few gowns that you like." She waved her hand generously. "The clothes on this floor are all high-end customized designs from major brands over the years. Take your pick.""High-end customized designs" meant that these clothes were haute couture—clothes that represented the pinnacle of fashion design. Many superstars always wore high-end customized gowns with pride—even if they were out of season—to attend major events. And whether or not they wore haute couture, the choice of the brand, when the clothing was released, and the haute couture of a specific season—all became ways for celebrities to compete with each other.Larissa felt that she was dreaming—no, she could not possibly even be dreaming about this.She really wanted to ask, "Can I really pick whatever I want?" but was afraid that the question would expose her lack of exposu
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 46
A series of heel clicks could be heard rushing up, revealing the impatience of the newcomer.Soon, a head poked out from the corner where the stairs were."Vivian!"The grating voice caused Kevan’s brow to furrow.Having spent so many years in the entertainment industry, Vivian’s observation skills were as sharp as a tack. The moment she noticed Kevan’s expression shift, she immediately went and blocked the newcomer at the stairs."Karin! Why didn’t you let me know that you were coming?" She grinned.Karin glared at her. "Don’t I often come by without telling you that I am? But this is the first time I’ve been intercepted by your staff downstairs."She still had a nasty countenance, but the insolence and arrogance shown toward the staff before were not displayed in front of Vivian. Only her tone remained unfriendly as she complained.Vivian hugged her arm with affection as she tried to soothe her gently. "Well, that’s because someone booked the third floor! Just wait downstairs
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 47
Vivian did not expect herself to encounter such a difficult person like Kevan. She did not relish this experience, but she could only swallow this bitter pill as she was the unreasonable party in this matter."My apologies, Mr. Shields, I will decline her at once." She bowed lightly and backed away a bit before turning to leave.She had just left when the soft, yellow curtain was cracked open. Poking her head out, Larissa called out softly, "Vivian?"However, she only saw Kevan on the sofa."Where’s Vivian?" she asked him in confusion. "I just heard her.""She’s gone to deal with something." Kevan stood up, both hands in his pockets as he went to Larissa. "Is there something wrong?" He stopped before her and looked down at her due to their difference in height.Larissa had no makeup on her face due to the styling appointment today. In such close proximity, Kevan could clearly see the soft hairs on her face and a little red spot behind her right ear. Her skin was so soft, though h
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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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1006
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
