Larissa walked with her back facing the car. So, by the time she heard the sound of the engine and turned to look, it was already too late.A sharp pain struck her lower back, and both her feet left the ground. After a brief half-minute, she fell to the ground in a prone position. The pain was so intense that her limbs became numb, and it felt as if her internal organs had shifted.Screams echoed in her eyes, and she could feel a warm liquid sliding down her cheek. Her vision darkened, and she lost consciousness completely.She didn't know how long she had been unconscious, but when she woke up, everything around her was pitch black without a trace of light. For a moment, she thought she lost her sight.Luckily, her eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, and she could vaguely make out the outline of the ceiling above her. The strong scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils, reminding her that she was still in the hospital. She tried to move her neck to look at her surroundin
"Then, why …" Larissa felt as if a foreign object was dislodged in her throat, making it difficult for her to even gulp, let alone speak.She had to increase the rate of her breathing to cope with the suffocating feeling in her chest. "I … " Gary dared not meet her gaze as he spoke in a voice that was barely audible, "I'm afraid that you'll hate me."He had a despondent expression on his face and his words carried a trace of uncertainty. Larissa stared at him intently. Gary did not seem to be lying and his emotions felt genuine. The realization of his sincerity made Larissa calm down gradually. Her tears stopped and her breathing slowed down to a steady pace. "I don't hate you." Her voice was gentle and soft, but the words she said lifted up the immense burden that was weighing down heavily on Gary's heart. Gary's hand that was holding on to Larissa shook with emotion, as if his body was jolted by electricity. "Lari …" Tears welled up in his eyes and his lips trem
Otherwise, Gary wouldn't know what he would do. He had no idea how he managed to get through the day; it felt as if he was just walking around like a zombie. "Are you hungry? I'll ask Lewis to bring some food over," Gary said as he reached for his phone. "There's no need! I have no appetite." Larissa stopped him. Perhaps the injuries she sustained were so severe that they affected her digestive system as well. Even after a whole day without eating or drinking, she had no desire to consume anything. "You should at least eat a little." Gary ignored her request and called Lewis's number. After half an hour, Lewis appeared with two bowls of steaming hot soup. With him was Kevan, who looked utterly exhausted. He only wore a thin shirt and his hair was in a mess. Lewis explained, "Mr. Rogers's car was parked downstairs. We met coincidentally on the way here." Gary frowned. "It's already so late. Why are you still here, Mr. Rogers?" However, Kevan did not answer his questi
"I came to send a client to the emergency department. As I was about to leave, I ran into your cousin downstairs. We chatted for a bit, and he mentioned that you were awake, so I came up to visit you." Kevan walked past Lewis and came up to Larissa's bed. After Lewis turned him away yesterday, Kevan had no choice but to leave. Regardless, they were Larissa's relatives and had the right to be by her side. Secondly, Kevan wanted to talk to the doctor and understand more about Larissa's condition. In other words, this was the first time Kevan had met Larissa from the moment of the accident until now. Despite hearing from the doctor that her injuries were severe, Kevan couldn't help feeling shocked when he saw her with his own eyes. The pity he felt for Larissa and the desire to exact revenge on the culprit who did this to her resulted in an inscrutable expression on Kevan's face as he looked at her. However, Larissa's attention was drawn to the word "cousin" that Kevan menti
Probably because she had eaten something and her throat was moistened, her voice sounded less hoarse than before. However, she still felt a little breathless, so she had to take longer pauses between her words. "Your phone was turned off, so he couldn't reach you. He was so worried that he was almost in tears." In fact, Aster had already burst into tears. During their phone call, he was sobbing so hard that he couldn't speak clearly. He kept repeating, "Uncle Kevan, does my mommy not want me anymore?" Larissa had sent him back to Aldovia with such resolution, and now she seemed to be completely cutting off contact with him. It wasn't surprising that a sensitive and vulnerable child like him would have such thoughts. Naturally, Kevan wouldn't tell the truth to Larissa. "He's very worried about you. He kept asking if I knew where you were and what you were doing." Feeling sorry for Aster, Larissa couldn't help the tears that welled up in her eyes, almost spilling over.S
Larissa had no energy to beat around the bush. She asked straightforwardly, "Was it Yvette?" From Gary's reaction, it didn't seem to be the case. Gary hesitated for a moment and shook his head. "No, it's not her." Needless to say, Larissa was a little surprised by his answer. Since she returned to Caldor, she had kept a low profile and tried to avoid any contact with her enemies in the past. It was only for Aster's sake that she revealed the past in an exposé out of anger recently. "It's Lana." Before Larissa could probe further, Gary told her the answer. Lana … Her guess wasn't too far off anyway. Gary carefully observed Larissa's reaction. When he didn't see any signs of sadness or disappointment on her face, only then did he breathe a sigh of relief. "She has already been taken into custody by the police." Gary didn't mention that it was largely thanks to Kevan. His men were in a hurry to send Larissa to the hospital, so they were unable to intercept the culprit. Fortu
If Larissa had known that her transfer to Caldor would result in such setbacks, she would have never returned despite not getting promoted for the rest of her life. As the saying went, "Once bitten, twice shy."Nonetheless, Larissa had been bitten many times, and yet she still hadn't learned to keep her distance from danger. She had to admire herself for her courage. But this time, she was truly afraid for her life. If she were to continue staying in Caldor, it wouldn't be just a matter of losing an arm or a leg, even her life would be at risk. "Great!" Gary smiled with joy, feeling incredibly relieved. In just a few short hours, he had resolved the two biggest challenges he had ever faced in his life. This made him happier than closing a deal worth billions of dollars. Since Larissa was severely injured, she still felt weak and mentally exhausted although she had slept for a long time. While chatting with Gary, she could not keep her heavy eyelids open and fell asleep
Kevan had been feeling frustrated over the past two days. He didn't know what he had done to offend Gary. Somehow, Gary seemed to have put Kevan on the blacklist and kept preventing him from visiting Larissa. Each time he rushed to the hospital eagerly, Lewis stopped him from meeting Larissa with various excuses. In desperation. Kevan resorted to his old method of introducing a caretaker. With that, he was able to plant an informant in Larissa's hospital ward. Mrs. Griffin would report Larissa's condition to him every day, but even so, he was not satisfied. At his wit's end, he turned to Dylan for help. "Help me think of a legitimate reason to meet Larissa." Kevan had tried numerous ways to enter Larissa's ward, such as sending her meals, giving her a cell phone, or delivering a message from Aster.Despite that, Lewis was adamant about not letting Kevan in. He informed Kevan politely that he would relay the message to Larissa on his behalf. "Isn't visiting a sick person 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