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
While handing out gifts for the guests, Violet intentionally gave Kevan two more gifts to be given to Larissa and Dylan. "These are for Larissa and Dylan. Since they didn't come to the banquet, take these back for them," she said. The gifts were just tokens of appreciation for guests, and thus were not of much monetary value. If it were just for Dylan, Kevan would definitely have returned the gifts to Violet. However, this was another opportunity to meet Larissa. Kevan accepted the gifts and replied, "Alright." After her morning meeting, Larissa went to the hospital. Gary was reclining on the bed with his laptop on a foldable table. Frowning, he seemed immersed in his work, not even noticing Larissa's entrance. "Mr. Logan," Larissa called out, Gary looked up, startled. The next moment, his face broke out into a wide smile. "Oh, you're here. Have a seat!" Closing his laptop, he pointed to a chair at his bedside. His enthusiasm exceeded Larissa's expectations.
Gary had sent people to investigate Yvette. After all, she was once the most popular female actress in the country and many details of her life were public knowledge. It didn't take much effort to gather information about her. Her marriage to Xavier was heavily publicized, which was in stark contrast to their secretive past together. In front of the cameras, they weren't shy about displaying affection for each other publicly. At that time, they were considered a golden couple, admired by everyone. Less than a year into their marriage, Yvette gave birth to their daughter, Lana. It was said that Yvette faced some complications after delivering Lana and nearly lost her life. Out of concern for his wife, Xavier resisted pressure from the elders in his family to bear a son. In the end, they never tried for a second child. This was just a romanticized facade to mislead the public. In fact, Xavier himself desired to have a son, just as much as the elders in his family. Aft
Larissa asked Aster to call Kevan. After a while, someone answered the phone. "Hello?" It was a little girl who answered the phone. Who else could it be other than Bethany herself? Aster held the phone and stared at Larissa helplessly. Frowning, Larissa ended the call for him. "Uncle Kevan can't come tonight because he needs to stay with Bethany," she said. Aster was undoubtedly disappointed. Pouting, tears welled up in his eyes. "Uncle Kevan is a liar!" he said in an aggrieved tone. Larissa patted his head and pulled him into her embrace. "Uncle Kevan's not a liar. It's just that something important came up at the last minute, he probably forgot to inform you," she defended Kevan. Although she did not want Aster to have unrealistic fantasies about Kevan, at the same time she did not want to shatter Kevan's perfect image in his heart. After all, Kevan was genuinely fond of Aster. "If you want to play games, I'll accompany you." Larissa made a huge compromise
Since Kevan came late, it was not long before Aster's bedtime came around. Normally, Aster would obediently go to bed on his own, without anyone reminding him. However, today he was being stubborn and refused to leave the living room. He clung to Kevan's arm like gum, staring at him pleadingly with his wide eyes. "Uncle Kevan, can't you spend the night with me?" Aster begged sweetly, his eyes filled with anticipation. Kevan didn't dare to give him a hasty answer. He turned to Larissa and waited for her response. Naturally, Larissa rejected him immediately. "Uncle Kevan is too busy tonight." The hope in Aster's eyes faded, and Kevan himself felt a little disappointed. Larissa detached Aster from Kevan's body and pushed him in the direction of his bedroom. "Wash up and go to bed now." Dragging his feet, Aster tried to gesture to Kevan as he walked away reluctantly. Although Kevan didn't want to part with Aster, he was more afraid of Larissa. He could only shrug and ga
Seeing how determined he was, Larissa relented. "Alright, you can sleep with him." Kevan lifted up the blanket and stood up from the sofa. "I'll take a shower first." "Wait a minute," Larissa called out. "Yes?" Kevan turned around, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "To be honest, you didn't have to deliberately rush over here to accompany Aster," Larissa said after some hesitation. "Don't misunderstand me. I just feel that you should spend more time with your own daughter."Although she wasn't fond of Bethany, that didn't prevent her from sympathizing with the child. In Bethany, Larissa was vaguely reminded of her past childhood. Like her, Bethany had grown up without parental love. The loneliness, sadness, and fear she experienced was unimaginable to others. Kevan had explained why he wasn't close to Bethany, but his explanation didn't convince Larissa. "At this young age, children need the patient guidance of their parents. Now that her mother is not around, and you
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