The sounds of the curtain rings rubbing against the rod made their way into Vivian’s ears, and fear enveloped her. Jolting, Vivian’s heart also skipped several beats."Vivian!" Larissa rushed out before Kevan could when she heard her voice."I’ve picked the gown. What do you think?"Her heart settling, Vivian hurriedly turned while plastering a professional smile on her face. "Of course." She took a look and was amazed.She knew Larissa was beautiful, and knew just how gorgeously fairy-like the gown was, but she did not expect that the combination of the two would create something so extraordinary.She said sincerely, "It suits you well."So well that it seemed that the gown was meant for her.Having Vivian’s approval, Larissa regained some of her confidence. She let out a relaxed smile and said, "That’s great.""Why don’t you head in and wait for a bit?" Vivian instructed her. "I still have something to do. Once I’m done, I’ll style your hair and do your makeup."Larissa glan
Kevan did not explain to her."Either you send her down right now, and I can pretend this never happened. Or…" His eyes narrowed, and his voice got heavy. "We will follow the contract."Vivian made up her mind at once. "Karin, please go downstairs for now!" She frantically tried to signal her with her eyes, but Karin was staring at Kevan."Mr. Rogers!" Karin started to cry. She quickly ran toward him and knocked Larissa aside to throw herself into his arms. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist."I’m sorry about what happened before! I was wrong! That was the agency’s decision—not mine. I swear I didn’t want to do it! Please have mercy on me!"She buried her face into Kevan’s chest, her tears and snot smearing onto his white shirt.Kevan’s expression turned livid, and a sense of wintry coldness began emanating from his figure. Larissa, who was rubbing her nose while leaning against him, shuddered, and Vivian was equally just as terrified as she backed away.Yet, Karin di
She had not treated this as a serious problem at the time—even if this was the first time she failed and had been rejected. But after that, everything spiraled out of her control and was beyond what she could imagine would happen.She sought out her boss and asked him to save her, but she only got more social calls than before.The payoff for the social calls was better resources for other actresses in the agency.She demanded an explanation from her boss, and he told her frankly, "You’ve been banned by Mr. Rogers. If you don’t deal with him, no one will dare hire you. But don’t worry, I will always remember your contributions to the agency. As long as our contract remains valid, your luxurious life will always be there."She knew exactly what she needed to trade to keep her "luxurious life".She still had dreams and aspirations. She did not want to be some call girl for the rest of her life.So, she did everything she could to get the invitation for tonight’s banquet in order to
Many present began to look pained at her plight, but Kevan remained unmoved. Larissa could not help but wonder if Kevan’s heart was made of stone."You did not have inappropriate thoughts about me?" he sneered coldly. "I suppose so. Considering all the men you’ve slept with, your taste in men is rather poor."Having her hidden past exposed so abruptly, Karin inhaled sharply. Her throat constricted, and it caused her to choke and cough for a while.The disgust in Kevan’s eyes grew."What are you still standing around for?" He looked at the stunned group. "Hurry up and get her out of here."The staff members snapped back to reality and quickly surrounded Karin. They pulled and tugged and got her to let go of Kevan’s leg. They actually ended up picking her up from the floor.Glaring, Karin shouted while coughing, "Put me down!" But no one responded to her.Her cries and shouts kept going until they went downstairs. Even then, it took a long while before her shrill voice faded out
The layout of the studio’s second floor was different from the third. The interior decorations and furnishings here were closer to that of a high-end boutique.Under the guidance of the staff, Larissa wandered around the whole floor for quite a bit before locating the small single bathroom at the back of the floor.According to the staff’s explanation, the bathroom was built about a year after the studio began operations for artists who had a packed schedule that needed styling. There was nothing around the bathroom, and unauthorized personnel would never come here, so privacy was very much assured.Larissa knocked on the bathroom door. Soon, Kevan’s guarded voice sounded. "Who is it?"Larissa replied, "I’m here with your clothes, Mr. Rogers.""Are you alone?""I am."Kevan said nothing more. The door soon opened, and a burst of hot steam wafted from the bathroom.Larissa looked up and saw a broad, strong chest glistening with water. Countless beads of water were dripping downw
With Karin causing a scene, it was now 5:30 pm."There’s not much time left," he reminded Vivian. "Ms. Seymour’s makeup…"Vivian immediately got Larissa onto the high stool."I will start now!"Vivian only did a light makeup look for Larissa. She said, "Ms. Seymour is a natural beauty, so excessive touch-ups are not needed. All she needs is a little powder to enhance her complexion, and she’s good to go."Kevan nodded in agreement with her statement.Larissa started blushing again—in other words, his nod meant that he was complimenting her.Parting Larissa’s long hair in the middle, Vivian brushed it all behind her head, gathering it all into a low bun."This exposes her neck and shoulders. Her neck and shoulder lines are already perfect, and there’s no need for jewelry for emphasis—As a matter of fact, I think wearing jewelry will detract from the overall effect."Kevan said, "Very well; leave out the jewelry then."Larissa said nothing. Right now, she was a mannequin that t
"As expected, you really have good taste, Mr. Rogers!" Vivian complimented him sincerely. "These are the latest limited-edition shoes from Jimmy Choo, with only two thousand pairs around the globe!"Kevan was indifferent to her compliment, silently going over to Larissa and getting down on one knee.What?Larissa stared at the hair on his head, mouth hanging open from shock. Vivian's reaction was not any better than hers. Looking up at the former, Kevan's expression remained unchanged."Your foot." He held out his hand.It took a while for Larissa to realize that he wanted her to give him her foot."...Let me do it!" She was about to hop down from the high stool but Kevan gripped her left ankle."Don't move," he said with a frown of displeasure.Larissa froze before quietly shifting properly back onto the stool. Then Kevan pulled her foot toward him.His fingers were cold against her skin, and the pressure from his fingertips felt as if a thin current was racing through her bo
The heels were rather high for these shoes, much higher than the heels Larissa usually wore. She could not quite master the height difference yet and fell sideways just after taking a step. Thankfully, Kevan caught her before she could hit the floor.After using him to regain her balance, Larissa tried to leave his embrace, but he stopped her."Do you want to fall again?" he asked coldly, causing Larissa to bite her lip, and she stopped moving.Vivian, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "How's Ms. Seymour's look? Is it…good to go?""Yes," Kevan replied."And you…?" Vivian studied him once again, her eyes showing her desire to try her little idea from before."I'm fine the way I am." Kevan ignored her passionate gaze and rejected her flatly.Vivian's shoulders drooped."Sit," Kevan ordered Larissa while patting the high stool. She did not know why he wanted her to do that, but she complied.Kevan crouched down again and helped her take off the heels, replacing them with her
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