Cody retaliated immediately, "Don't act like you're so innocent! You know very well that the reason you got together with me was because of my wealth! That's why you had no qualms about breaking up with your long-term boyfriend back then! We got together for ulterior motives of our own, so you have no one to blame for this! If you had been meek and obedient, I wouldn't mind keeping you as my wife, I'd just have thought of it as raising a pet!" "Fuck you, Cody! You're the dog! No, you're a bastard! You despicable bastard!" Lana's sharp voice almost broke as she screeched in despair. "If I'm a bastard, what does that make you? A promiscuous slut?" Cody refused to back down. Despite the somber setting, their insults became increasingly vulgar, making the onlookers frown with disapproval. Anthony stepped forward when he couldn't bear this any longer. "Both of you, shut up immediately!" His authoritative command silenced Lana and Cody instantly. "If you want to quarrel, do it ou
After the Seymour family left, Pine Mansion returned to its tranquil state. However, the guests' moods were completely different from before. Roland, the patriarch of the Rogers family was one of the most influential figures in the business world. He was also aptly described as a genius. Unfortunately, all three of his sons were mediocre in business management. His eldest son, Anthony, was slightly better than the other two, but only in terms of character. His intuition and shrewdness in conducting business were lacking. Despite his three sons growing up and working within Soaring Corporation, Roland still held the reins of the company's management. He never truly relinquished control of Soaring Corporation until his death. The third generation of the Rogers family continued to deteriorate, probably due to their privileged background and upbringing. They were worse than their fathers' generation. Except for Kevan, all of Roland's other grandsons ended up being useless
Gradually, Larissa's colleagues recovered from their shock just now and whispered among themselves. "I never expected there would be such chaos within a prestigious family like the Rogers." In fact, their curiosity was piqued when they heard Lana mention Larissa's name. However, Larissa was their superior. No matter how curious they were, they didn't dare to inquire personally about her connection to the Rogers family. When she returned to the hotel, it was almost time to pick Aster up from kindergarten. With a heavy heart, Larissa barely could muster up a smile when she saw Aster at kindergarten. Noticing her unusual state, Aster clung to Larissa's leg anxiously, asking over and over again, "Mommy, what's wrong?" Larissa caressed his head and explained, "I'm feeling a little sad as one of Mommy's elderly relatives passed away."Aster knew what she meant.He immediately quietened down and held Larissa's hand tightly. "Mommy, don't be sad. Those who have passed away wil
Larissa thought she was seeing things when she saw Kevan through the peephole of the door. She wondered why was he here instead of at Roland’s funeral service. She opened the door with confusion and asked after sizing up Kevan from head to toe, “Do you need something?” He appeared unusually calm, and there was not a hint of sadness in his deep-set eyes, as if he was unaffected by the passing of his grandfather.She was about to give him her condolences, but she swallowed back her words since there was no need for them in his case."My mom said you went to the funeral," Kevan watched her carefully. She looked normal, not as heartbroken or lost as Aster had described, which put his mind at ease. Larissa hummed in acknowledgment and waited for him to continue. "A lot was going on at the time, so my mom didn’t have time to see you off. She’s very sorry about it." He couldn’t sell Aster out, so he made up an excuse, and continued, "I’m here to thank you and apologize on behalf of he
Aster was hesitant to take it due to Larissa's presence nearby. Seeing how careful he was being, Larissa was upset but amused at the same time."Go ahead and eat," she said. "You can indulge yourself for a day for Uncle Kevan's sake."Aster's eyes brightened up at once, his eyes looking very much like stars in the sky."Uncle Kevan!" He hugged Kevan's arm with a hopeful expression written all over his face. "Can you come to our house every day?"Larissa poked Aster. "Don't even think about it! Uncle Kevan's busy with work. How can he come and play with you every day?"Kevan could only smile quietly and shove his regrets into the depths of his heart.…Aster's routine was quite regular. The moment it was 9 pm, he would voluntarily put his game controller down and go to bed obediently without needing Larissa to say anything.Kevan helped Larissa to put away the bags of snacks scattered all over the floor as well as put the game controller back where it belonged."I'll be heading
Aster's room had a double bed too. It was more than enough for an adult and a child to sleep together. Aster had fallen asleep earlier on, and Larissa lay on the other side of the bed, tossing and turning because she could not stop worrying about Kevan, who was sick.By midnight, she could not stop herself and got up from the bed. She carefully snuck over and opened the master bedroom door. The orange night light at the head of the bed was turned on, and she was able to clearly see Kevan's open eyes with its aid.Hearing the noise, he turned over to look. Their gazes locked, and an embarrassed smile appeared on Larissa's face."You're not asleep yet?" She entered the room and closed the door, but left it open by a crack instead of closing it completely.Kevan sat up slowly, his voice sounding pitiful. "Head hurts. Can't sleep."Larissa became alert at once. "Do you still have a fever?" She took a few steps closer and felt his forehead with her hand.As she was in an air-condition
She'd frequently wondered if Kevan had not had that accident all those years ago, would Ruby not become so extreme? Maybe they could have lived together happily and blissfully as a family of three.But it was no use dwelling on those things now.Kevan frowned harder. "Forgetting Ruby is probably the only good thing about losing my memories," he said. "Heaven gave me a chance to right a wrong—to let me correct a mistake that I made before."Larissa did not comment with regard to his words. "You may not think like this when you've recovered your memory."He loved Ruby so deeply that when he remembered everything, the only thing left would probably be a huge sense of regret."I won't." Kevan's attitude was firm, and Larissa could not be bothered to argue with him.Kevan suddenly asked, "Although … How is it that you know my past so well?" He eyed her skeptically. "You've met my grandpa, and are good friends with Dylan … Larissa, are you hiding something from me?"His scorching gaze
Larissa's movements of getting up halted abruptly. Bracing herself against the edge of the bed, she sat down again. "Do you … need me to help you massage the spot?" Kevan pressed a hand on his pounding heart and said with restraint, "No need."Larissa suddenly remembered his weird quirk of not letting others touch him. "Forgive me, I was too forward." She apologized to him before adding, "Wait a moment—"She retrieved the aromatherapy machine she had bought but never used—it was still in its original packaging—from the closet she used to put her sundries in. After filling it with water, she added a few drops of lavender oil into the machine."This will help you relax and sleep." She introduced the product to Kevan. "Just close your eyes, and you'll be able to sleep soon."The faint smell of lavender filled the air via the mist from the machine.Kevan obediently closed his eyes, though his headache did not lessen likely due to his tense nerves. After some time, he opened his eyes a
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