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Chapter 403
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 406
The restaurant at the amusement park wasn't crowded. They ordered a steak combo each, and it took less than half an hour for all the dishes to be served.The quality of the food was average, and the taste was bland, only slightly better than a regular fast food joint. Dylan took a few bites before setting his knife and fork aside. He rinsed his mouth with some tea and quietly observed Aster, who was deftly cutting up his steak. Perhaps it was because he already knew the truth. Initially, he could only see a resemblance to Larissa in Aster's face. However, as he scrutinized Aster more closely, he also noticed similarities between Aster's features to Kevan's. He had long eyelashes, a straight nose, and rosy pink lips like Kevan's. At that moment, Larissa looked up and noticed that Dylan had left more than half of the steak untouched on his plate. She questioned, "Aren't you eating anymore?"Dylan nodded. "It's tasteless."Upon hearing this, Aster looked up solemnly and chi
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 407
An impatient frown appeared on Larissa's face. "If you need to vent about his suffering all these years, I suggest you find someone else. If you have any other intentions … Kevan and I are already divorced. Whatever happens to him is none of my business," she scoffed. For a moment, Dylan was tempted to expose Aster's identity. Gritting his teeth, he clamped his mouth shut as Kevan's orders resounded in his mind. "Fine."Larissa stopped Aster from running towards another ride as the sky gradually grew dark. "It's getting late. We should go home."Aster was visibly dejected, but he replied obediently, "Alright."Dylan followed after them. At the exit of the amusement park, he saw an unwelcome visitor. "What are you doing here?" Dylan demanded, a displeased expression on his face. Sharon took two steps forward and stood in front of them.Larissa recognized her at first glance.Compared to their last meeting, her appearance hadn't changed much. Only her hair color had chan
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 408
No matter how much Larissa coaxed him, Aster refused to go back to Aldovia without her.After a lengthy discussion with Wendy, they finally decided to let him stay in Caldor. Wendy immediately sent in a withdrawal notice to Aster's school. On the other hand, applying to enter kindergarten in Caldor was more complicated for Larissa. Education resources in Bartham had always been scarce. Spots in the public kindergartens were limited, with strict resident registration requirements.Although Larissa had obtained her green card in Aldovia, she had not migrated there, so her documents were still in Bartham. However, Aster was born in Aldovia. Naturally, he was eligible to obtain citizenship. Thus, he had no chance of getting into public kindergarten as an Aldovian citizen. Larissa could only turn her sights on private kindergartens nearby, especially those with international curriculum so that it would be easier for Aster to adapt.In her break time, Larissa visited several kinde
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 409
Aster was an obedient child. He wouldn't even hold another girl's hand if there wasn't any need to do so. That was why he felt very uncomfortable when Bethany kissed him against his will. In the eyes of other adults, childish interactions like these between children might seem harmless, and some might even find it adorable, but Larissa didn't feel the same way. Having said that, she didn't think that Bethany was guilty of sexual harassment either. Based on what she knew about her personality, Bethany was probably a spoiled kid at home.Moreover, her family might not have paid much attention to interactions between boys and girls. Considering the girl's personality, it seemed likely that she had been spoiled by her elders at home, and the family might not have given much importance to this issue."The reason why Bethany kissed you is probably because she likes you. Don't be angry with her, okay?" Larissa explained to Aster patiently, "But in the future, if she tries to kiss you
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 410
Larissa made a call to Bethany's mother. Regardless of the outcome, she had to let Bethany's mother know of her dissatisfaction. The phone rang for a long time before someone finally answered."Hello?" The voice on the other end was impatient. It was a high-pitched female voice that sounded somewhat familiar. At that moment, Larissa couldn't seem to pinpoint where she had heard this voice before. "Hello, is this Bethany's mother?" she asked politely.Before she could get a response, the person on the other end hung up abruptly. When Larissa tried calling again, she couldn't get through. It was likely that Bethany's mother had blocked her number.Larissa had met many unreasonable people in her line of work. Due to the nature of her profession, she had trained herself to be calm and collected under most circumstances. It was rare that someone could work her up so badly that she was tempted to smash her phone into bits. Larissa tucked Aster into bed and stayed up all nigh
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 411
It was no wonder that the other parents in the class were so afraid of Bethany's family.It also dawned on her why she found the voice on the phone last night so familiar.A chubby girl with twin ponytails ran toward them and threw herself into Violet's arms."Grandma!" she greeted Violet sweetly. When she smiled, her eyes twinkled like stars in the sky. At first glance, Bethany seemed to be a lively and adorable girl, without any trace of having a nasty personality that the homeroom teacher and Aster had described. Violet smiled widely in response, making faint smile lines appear around her eyes.She fixed an affectionate gaze on her granddaughter and patted her lovingly on the head before grabbing her hand. The homeroom teacher called Aster over and handed her to Larissa.Violet glanced at Aster and murmured with a hint of regret, "He looks so much like you. What a beautiful son you have." Larissa smiled politely and spoke to Aster, "You should say thank you to Mrs. Roge
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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
Sweet Subterfuge Chapter 1007
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
