"Smile for the camera!" Immediately, Aster grinned widely, showing all his teeth. "Do you like this toy?" Dylan asked. Aster nodded vigorously. "I love it!" "Alright, you can continue playing!" After Dylan spoke, he kept the camera rolling and fixed on Aster. It was only when he heard the door to the study open that he quickly stopped the recording. By then, more than an hour had passed. When she finished replying to all her emails, Larissa noticed that it was already late and instructed Aster to go to bed. Reluctantly, Aster packed the building blocks back into the box. After saying goodbye to Dylan, he went back to his room unwillingly. On the other hand, Dylan remained seated on the sofa leisurely, showing no signs of getting up to leave. "You should leave now." Larissa reminded him straightforwardly that he had overstayed his welcome. However, Dylan didn't move an inch, chilling on the sofa as if he were in his own home. "There's no rush," he remarked. L
The nanny Dylan recommended was called Mrs. Potts. She was from Bartham's neighboring town called Pishal. Pishal was a small backward town and the young people there liked to flock to Bartham—including Mrs. Potts' daughter. Her daughter could be seen as a capable lady. Born in a single-parent family, she counted on her own hard work to get into a good university in Bartham. After she graduated, she became hired at a good company and married a Batham local.Although the man was from Bartham, his family was only a middle-class family. The two families gave all they could to buy the married couple a house, but the couple still had to pay off the monthly mortgage themselves. Mrs. Potts' daughter was filial, and she was worried that Mrs. Potts would feel lonely back home in Pishal, so she brought Mrs. Potts to live with her after her marriage. To lessen the burden on her daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. Potts took up her old job again and became a nanny. All this was what Mrs. Potts told
Bethany's hand was also very chubby, and although it was small, her slap was very powerful. Larissa winced with pain. "Sweetheart!" A sharp female voice came from nearby. Before Larissa could straighten up, she saw someone running over out of the corner of her eye. In the next second, she was shoved to the ground forcefully. "Who are you? How dare you bully my daughter?!" The woman in front of Larissa was unreasonable, and Larissa didn't even have to look to know that it was none other than Ruby Cole. "Mommy!" Aster quickly helped Larissa up and glared angrily at Ruby. "How dare you push my mother? My mom did not bully Bethany! Apologize to my mom!""And who are you, little imbecile?" Ruby looked down her nose at Aster, her gaze filled with disdain. "Ruby, you've changed so much in the years we haven't seen each other," said Larissa with a smirk. She had her head lowered the entire time, so Ruby only saw her face clearly right then. "Larissa?!" Ruby was shocked. "Why are y
By the time they got back to Kevan's house, Ruby had already wiped the vicious expression off her face. Bethany also patted down her clothes and wiped the tears from her face. Only her swollen eyes couldn't be hidden. Ruby glared at her scornfully and said, "When Daddy asks about it later, you know what to say, don't you?"Bethany nodded hard and said loudly, "Aster pushed me on purpose and I fell down!" Only then did Ruby press the intercom. Two minutes later, Kevan's voice sounded over the intercom amidst the static, making it sound husky. "Who is it?" Ruby hurriedly put on a sweet smile and stooped to look into the camera. "Kevan, it's me."The line went silent for a few seconds before Kevan asked, "Who are you?" Ruby's expression grew awkward and she spoke in a higher pitch. "Didn't I tell you at the hospital that time? I'm your wife." "Oh." Kevan seemed to recall it. The door opened after a beep. "Come up." Ruby stepped inside happily and strode ahead with her back straigh
Bethany spoke up hastily. "The person who pushed me is Aster, the boy from my class! He's very naughty! He always bullies me!" Kevan narrowed his eyes imperceptibly and asked drily, "Really?" He sounded uninterested in the topic. Ruby gritted her teeth and secretly pinched herself, making tears well up in her eyes immediately. "Yes! He leads the other kids in the class to ostracize Bethany, so she has no friends at kindergarten. I spoke to his mother once, but she was so unreasonable! She said that being ostracized is Bethany's own fault and has nothing to do with her son!""If that's the case, then transfer her somewhere else." Kevan gave Ruby a solution effortlessly. Ruby's lips moved as if she had a lot more to say, but she ended up saying okay, suppressing all her dissatisfaction. Her most urgent mission wasn't to make Kevan strike out at Larissa and her son, but for him to accept her and Bethany. Kevan invited them into the living room. As Bethany was about to climb onto th
Ruby dragged Bethany along and left. The moment the door closed, Dylan came out of the bedroom. He tutted softly and teased, "You guys are such talented actors!" Kevan bent down and picked up the broken credit card, tossing it into the trash. "I'll sleep at your place tonight," he said. "Why?" No one knew Kevan's antics better than Dylan. If it wasn't absolutely necessary, he would never let Kevan stay at his house. "I need to disinfect this place," Kevan said and called a cleaning company to book a slot. "Won't Cody suspect something if you're being so heartless to Ruby?" asked Dylan worriedly. "Isn't that just perfect to prove that I really lost my memory?" Kevan said. He pocketed his phone with a cold smile."I need to go out for a little while. What are you going to do?" Kevan stood up and asked Dylan. "Hmm? Where are you going?" Dylan asked in confusion. "Aren't you going to wait for the cleaners?""It's still early." Kevan had booked an afternoon slot. "I'm going do
Her attention was focused on Kevan from the start. Perhaps they may have met here coincidentally, but Dylan definitely brought Kevan here on purpose. She could not yet tell if he was deliberately trying to piss her off.Kevan kept studying her. She seemed very upset by his presence here and did not seem to want to see him. The beautiful smile on her face vanished the moment she saw them. Even though he already knew of her aversion and dislike of him, he still felt terrible whenever she displayed her feelings so clearly."Hi." He took the initiative to speak. "We've met before, do you remember?"Larissa, of course, remembered. How could she not? Grunting her acknowledgment, Larissa nodded lightly, refusing to say anything beyond what was necessary.Dylan was shocked. "You've met? When?" Kevan dared to not tell him?! That was too much!"A few days ago, I guess." Kevan's words were measured, his gaze remaining fixed on Larissa. "This lady seemed to be a little ill, and she collapsed.
Larissa had not even begun to reject the offer when Dylan scooped Aster into his arms, turning around and speeding away with haste. He ignored every shout of Larissa's. With the way he acted, one would think he was a child trafficker or something.Though Larissa was annoyed, she could not do anything to Dylan. Spitting curses internally, she ran after him. Kevan matched his pace to hers.Larissa did not want to talk to him, and Kevan had to do his best to pretend that they were not familiar with each other. They remained silent, and only the sound of footsteps could be heard.…Dylan drove them to a private dining restaurant that was not far from where they were. Unlike other widespread restaurants in which anyone could dine, this was a restaurant with a strict member-only system. Moreover, even if one was a member, one had to make a booking at least a day before the day of dining and decide the course with the chef.Dylan had clearly made a booking early on. He gave his name, and
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