Larissa would never allow Aster to be in such a dangerous situation. Once again, Wendy fell silent. There was a long pause before she asked, "What if Kevan pursues you?"Larissa replied firmly, "That's impossible!"Wendy became angry. "Fine! I won't give you advice anymore. Do as you wish!" She gritted her teeth and ended the video call abruptly.…Larissa had a restless night, likely influenced by Wendy's words. She had a long dream. In that dream, Kevan embraced Ruby and stood before her. The two of them were still as sweet and affectionate as before, completely ignoring her presence. Larissa watched from a distance with her heart aching. All of a sudden, two cats appeared in Ruby's arms. They were Muffin and Cookie, the ones she had raised. She'd left in a hurry previously and entrusted the cats to a pet shop. She left Violet's contact information with the pet shop, but she wasn't sure if Violet had ever brought them back home."Muffin! Cookie!" she called out with joy.However, th
Larissa had been sticking to a regular routine for some time now in order to take care of Aster. But this time, her sleep quality had dropped, and she unexpectedly got a headache. She wasn't sure if it was a sign of getting older or simply leading an overly comfortable life before.Her temples throbbed persistently, accompanied by nausea and chest tightness. As a result, she couldn't focus during the meeting and couldn't recall what others had said.After she instructed her secretary to make a photocopy of the meeting minutes for her, she headed downstairs alone. Her headache became unbearable, and she urgently needed to visit the pharmacy to purchase a box of painkillers.There were guests going through the check-in process at the front desk, which was a common sight in hotels. She merely glanced at them and continued walking but stopped when she heard the words "presidential suite". The Winston Hotel, being a five-star hotel rivaling Regal Dynasty Hotel, naturally offered presidenti
If it were at 7 pm, then Larissa would need to ask her assistant to stay a little longer after work to keep an eye on Aster."Sure, I'll be there on time," she replied with a smile.Gary let go of her hand and rotated his wrist, turning his palm upward. "This time, you should have your contact information, I hope?" he asked.Larissa handed him her business card. "If you need anything or have any suggestions or feedback about our hotel, feel free to reach out to me at any time."He carefully tucked her business card into his pocket and said, "Great."…Larissa had already instructed Aster to wait for her in the office at night and not wander around."Ah …" He frowned and appeared reluctant. "But I'm scared to be alone at night."She pinched his chubby face and reassured him, "You won't be. Chad will be around." Chad was her assistant."But Chad doesn't like to talk or play games. It's boring to be with him," Aster complained, his expression filled with worry.She playfully tapped his fo
Larissa made it to the room Gary had booked and found that he was already waiting for her inside. Most of the guests who stayed at the Winston Hotel were wealthy because five thousand dollars was the minimum spending for a room that could only accommodate ten people. Of course, the price per head of eating at the hotel's restaurant was a lot higher than other places, so nobody had to worry about not spending up to five thousand dollars. However … If there were only two people, then it was a different story altogether.Gary handed Larissa the menu and hinted intentionally, "Pick the more expensive dishes." However, Larissa felt embarrassed to do so. "You're an esteemed guest at our hotel, so you're exempt from the minimum spending rule," she lied. Anyway, she had a say in these matters after all. She picked two averagely-priced dishes and pushed the menu back to him. "Here, see if you would like to add anything," she said.Gary ordered one of each of the most expensive dishes the re
Larissa missed Aster, so she took out her phone to see if there were any messages from her assistant. Gary thought she was busy with work and was very considerate about it. "You may leave earlier if you have business to attend to," he said. "It's my son …" Larissa smiled apologetically. "He's waiting for me by himself upstairs and I'm quite worried.""You have a son?" Gary widened his eyes in surprise. "I thought you were still very young!" Regardless if he was just being courteous, Larissa took it as a compliment. "I'm already over thirty," she said. "Over thirty?" Gary zoned out for a brief moment and his expression suddenly became sorrowful. "My daughter … should be around your age! But I don't know if she could be as successful as you are." His words gave a lot of details away. Larissa was curious, but she was tactful enough not to pry. "She must be more successful than I am," she said.Gary smiled and dropped the topic. "Go ahead. Don't keep your kid waiting." Larissa th
Aster and Kevan were playing online games at home. The gaming console was connected to the television and the living room resounded with the game's background music and their shouts of excitement. This was the scene that met Larissa's eyes when she got there. Her anger inexplicably burned even brighter, and she slammed the door shut. The two people inside immediately kept quiet, and their smiles vanished. Aster threw down his controller and rushed to Larissa, throwing his arms around her tightly. "I'm sorry, Mommy!" he apologized sweetly, sneaking glances at her with his gleaming eyes. Larissa's heart melted a little, but she forced herself to remain steadfast. She pulled him away expressionlessly and watched as a look of panic crossed his face while he teared up. "Mommy …" Aster pouted miserably and his voice was a lot softer than before. In the blink of an eye, Kevan had switched off the television and walked over to them. "Sorry," he said to Larissa. His gaze was dark and hi
Her thoughts were swirling for a moment. "Can I?" Aster took one step forward and held her hand, swaying it lightly while gazing at her tearfully. Larissa couldn't bring herself to say no, but she still had her concerns. Although Ruby had been arrested, she couldn't help but wonder if Ruby had had anything to do with the accident in the parking lot. If it had been someone else … "Okay," she said and nodded. The kindergarten had strict regulations and no one was allowed entry or exit during class hours. As long as she sent him to school and picked him up punctually, there shouldn't be any danger. "That's fantastic!" Aster was so happy that he launched himself into the air. He hugged Larissa and gave her a loud smooch. "Mommy is the best!"After making sure that all was quiet outside, Aster hid under the blanket and sent Kevan a voice note. "Uncle Kevan, I'm going back to kindergarten. Good luck with work too! Let's game together when we're both free. How about that?"Kevan cal
Microworks Corporation used the rumors they had accumulated over the years to attract a large number of diehards like him. At this critical juncture, those diehards became a free army for Microworks to "eradicate" Rubik Corporation to uphold justice. Kevan had to admit that he was quite grateful for this. It made him more determined to develop and produce high-quality games. He couldn't disappoint those players when they had such expectations. Although there was much backlash, Galeforce's popularity was not badly affected. The number of downloads and active players ranked the game first on the list of domestic games. The daily cash reloads were also showing a very positive number. When it was nearing the date of Rubik Corporation's new game release, the company posted an apology on its official Twitter page saying that a technical error had occurred due to rushing the deadline. Hence, the release of the game would be postponed indefinitely. Rubik Corporation was a despised presen
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