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
Aster fidgeted and asked, "Mommy, is Uncle Kevan feeling better?""I guess." Larissa was not too sure, but Kevan was sleeping well, and he did not say anything crazy … He had to feel much better now."You guess?" Aster was not satisfied with her answer and he scolded her with a serious demeanor which was not quite fitting for his age. "Mommy, how could you be so irresponsible?"Larissa raised an eyebrow. "What?"Aster pushed her. "Hurry and go take care of Uncle Kevan! What if he relapses or something? I can sleep on my own, I don't need you to sleep with me!""What are you talking about?" Larissa closed her eyes and yawned widely. "I'm tired. If you're so worried about your Uncle Kevan, feel free to go over and take care of him yourself."Aster froze for one second before he escaped from her arms. Larissa squinted at him and saw him get out of bed from the other side."I'm going to stay with Uncle Kevan!" He ran out of the bedroom in his slippers, pitter-pattering across the sp
Aster frequently followed Larissa when she went to work, so he knew most of the people she interacted with at work. Due to Larissa's identity, the attitudes of those people were very friendly. He could not tell who were the ones trying to woo Larissa or who were the ones who were only just flattering her.So, he gave Kevan a vague answer. "I guess so?"There was a little bit of his cunningness involved in this. If Uncle Kevan really liked his mommy, he might feel a sense of danger knowing that his mommy had other potential partners, so he would speed up the process of trying to bag his mommy. The moment Aster thought of how Uncle Kevan would soon be his daddy, he could not stop himself from smiling, and the happy glint in his eyes was unmistakable.Kevan could not understand Aster's expression. He could sense Aster's joy, but he could not get where it was coming from.Could it be … he really hoped that other men would pursue Larissa?But—"Aster, when you said that you liked me,
Finally, Aster was completely awake. Pouting, he stared at Kevan who was still lying on the bed, and asked Larissa, "Can't I skip kindergarten today? Uncle Kevan's still sick. I have to stay at home and take care of him!" Aster loved going to kindergarten, so Larissa knew that this wasn't just an excuse to skip school. He was either genuinely worried about Kevan and wanted to take care of him, or his attachment to Kevan was stronger than his desire to play with his friends. In the first place, Larissa's mind was already confused by distressing thoughts. Now, it seemed that more troublesome issues had cropped up again. The closer Aster was to Kevan, the more afraid Larissa became. Involuntarily, she wondered if one day Aster couldn't do without Kevan and insisted on having him as his stepfather, how was she to reject his request? Larissa wasn't sure if she could bring herself to be so heartless. Naturally, Kevan wanted to stay and be around Aster. The joy and fulfillme
Kevan left the house with Larissa and Aster. It was the day of Roland's funeral procession to the cemetery. Although he had missed the burial ceremony, he still wanted to pay his last respects. Larissa was worried about his health and initially wanted him to rest a little longer before leaving. However, after he explained his reasons to her, Larissa didn't insist further. The three of them parted ways downstairs. Larissa and Aster got into the car. Meanwhile, Kevan walked home alone. He had only walked a few steps when Larissa, who was still concerned, called after him and reminded him, "If you're still feeling unwell, call me right away."Turning around, Kevan gave her a nod and a reassuring smile. "Alright." As the car drove by, Aster lowered the car window and shouted in Kevan's direction, "Uncle Kevan! Don't forget to come and play with me tonight!" Kneeling in the backseat of the car, he waved excitedly at Kevan. Stopping in his tracks, Kevan raised his hand and
Kevan went home and took a shower. After changing his clothes, he drove to the cemetery. Roland had made it clear a long time ago that when he passed away, he wanted to be buried alongside his wife, Jennifer Rogers. He didn't want her to be buried all alone, it was just too lonely.His wife's grave was located on Paradise Hill, on the outskirts of Bartham. Paradise Hill Cemetery was the largest public cemetery in Bartham, with a beautiful view of Denver Lake to the north. At the foot of Paradise Hill, there was a plot of land with the best view of the lake. The area was fully enclosed and designated as an upscale burial ground, costing well over ten thousand dollars per square foot. There were security guards manning the entrance, and some of them patrolled around the grounds regularly. Apart from relatives of the deceased, no one else could enter those grounds. Every year, on the anniversary of Jennifer's death, Kevan would accompany Roland to the cemetery to visit her
After Bernard set the stage, accusations from the other members of the Rogers family came pouring in. While Roland was alive, his obvious favoritism to Kevan offended many people. At this moment, they wouldn't let go of the chance to humiliate Kevan. Anthony had apologized on Kevan's behalf and tried to smooth things over, but his efforts were completely ignored. Bernard pointed his finger at Kevan and demanded, "You didn't keep vigil for Old Mr. Rogers and even came late to the burial ceremony! A disobedient and disrespectful grandson like you has no share in your grandfather's inheritance!" Kevan had been suppressing his anger for some time as he didn't want to cause a scene during the funeral, lest they disturbed his grandparents' rest. When he heard his uncle's demands, Kevan snorted coldly. "If my tardiness meant that I'm disrespectful, the incident that your family caused at the funeral service would be a bigger sin than mine. Now that you seem to be stirring up ano
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