Standing beside Kevan was a group of burly men with expressionless faces dressed in black suits. As one of them took a step toward Bethany, she burst into tears, wailing loudly. She grabbed onto the hem of Jack's uniform and hid behind him, using his body as a shield. Caught off guard, Jack was almost pulled off balance and he barely managed to stop himself from falling over by placing a hand on the ground. Jack looked up at Kevan helplessly. "Maybe you should personally bring her home." Upon hearing this, Kevan furrowed his brows in disgust. Just the thought of holding her hand in his made his stomach churn. He waved at Bethany and ordered in an impatient tone, "Come over here." When she heard his voice, Bethany stopped crying and cautiously peered over at Kevan from behind Jack. After making sure that Kevan was calling her, she gradually inched closer toward him with baby steps. As she reached out her hand toward Kevan, he turned away, leaving her outstretched hand hoveri
It was raining cats and dogs outside the window. The rain was accompanied by the rumbling sounds of thunder and occasional flashes of lightning. The news had reported that this torrential rain was a rare occurrence that would only happen once in a decade, causing severe flooding in many parts of the city and leaving people stranded in their cars. Gary had returned to the Winston Hotel yesterday to deal with some business matters and he would be back in the morning. Despite that, It was almost noon, but Lewis and Gary were nowhere to be seen. Larissa couldn't help but feel worried. However, her phone was completely destroyed in that accident. Lewis had set up call forwarding for her and settled the procedures of her resignation, but he did not get her a replacement phone or a new number. As a result, she had no way of contacting them at all. When Mrs. Griffin finished washing the mop in the bathroom, she walked past the balcony and peered down below. Shaking her head, she excl
By afternoon, the rain did not seem that it would stop any time soon. The gray clouds had hidden the sun. It was only 2 pm, but it was so dark that one would think that it was nighttime right now.Larissa woke up from her nap and felt around for the remote control Mrs. Griffin left for her near the edge of the bed, turning on the television with it. The TV screen flashed once before turning dark once more. Almost at the same time, the room lights went out as well.Mrs. Griffin was so shocked that she leaped up from the bedside chair. "The TV can't have been struck by lightning, right?" She was so startled that her eyes widened a great deal.Larissa was calmer than she was. "It must just be a regular power outage." Even though the timing was too coincidental.The room was completely dark. Mrs. Griffin felt for her own slippers before she got out of the chair."I'll ask a nurse."A few minutes later, she came back and said, "The nurse said that the lightning struck the electrical p
Thunder boomed loudly, precisely overlapping the sounds of Larissa's pounding heartbeat in her ears. Collecting herself, she looked at the puddle gathering around Kevan's feet and frowned subconsciously."It's raining so heavily out there …" The rest of her complaint died in her throat when Kevan suddenly interrupted her with a loud sneeze.Kevan awkwardly covered his nose. His gaze darted to and fro, likely out of embarrassment as he refused to lock eyes with Larissa. There was even a faint flush on his pale face.Pretending not to see his discomfort, Larissa got Mrs. Griffin to get him some tissues. Kevan swiftly turned around and wiped away any snot that had sprayed out accidentally."My apologies." His face was still red, but he was much more collected than before. Larissa did not find his prior actions to be rude though—on the contrary, the way he looked so disheveled now made him seem a little bit more human, which … well … was kind of cute."Hurry up and go shower!" Mrs. Gr
The hospital gowns were all the same. Just based on him and her alone, the feeling one could get from the way they wore these gowns was immensely different. With her, it was just a regular hospital gown; with him, it was like a new line of haute couture that came from a high-end luxury brand's latest season. Even the cheap fabric somehow became classier.Mrs. Griffin was stunned for two seconds before she grinned, a hand over her mouth. "What a handsome young man!" She did not forget to tease Larissa too. "You're in luck, Lari, dear!""We're not in that kind of relationship …" Larissa quickly denied it while looking at Kevan at the same time. He was smiling at her, his expression calm, but his eyes seemed to show a hint of … disappointment?"Yeah, yeah, I know!" Mrs. Griffin gave her an "I get it" look while also "considerately" leaving the room to let them have the space. "Have a nice time chatting! I'll be going out for a stroll."…When Larissa and Kevan were alone, the atmosph
Kevan was momentarily dazed. Even if he had thought of staying behind, he did not expect Larissa to agree to this notion so easily. After recollecting himself, he did his best to fight against the smile forming on his face before surveying the ward briefly, musing in an awkwardly low voice, "There's only one bedside chair. Mrs. Griffin …""Just get the nurses to add another," Larissa said as she reached out for the call button at the head of the bed."Adding another chair" was not the result that Kevan wanted. If there was someone around—even if they were only staying in the same room, he could not sleep. But at least he could accompany her.It was easy for another chair to be added to the ward, especially VIP wards. The nurse brought in another chair along with a couple of other nurses, and Mrs. Griffin saw them blocking the door when she came back from her stroll.Hurrying over, Mrs. Griffin asked at a one and a half feet distance from them, "What are you doing?"A nurse glanced
The sudden pounding of her heart caused Larissa to look away. She forced herself to focus on the series on television.…The email Kevan tapped into was the proposal for the movie "Traveling Through Time" from the film production department. "Traveling Through Time" was the newest novel published by Pluto last year, breaking the sales record for his previous work, "Wormhole." The various film adaptation rights had helped generate a lot of revenue for Microworks.Unlike "Wormhole," Microworks directly got Pluto himself to be the screenwriter for "Traveling Through Time." The movie's script was already completed, and they were going to start casting for the film.Due to the explosive success of "Wormhole," Microworks treated "Traveling Through Time" very seriously to the point that whenever the proposal for the movie was edited, they had to submit it to Kevan for him to review it in person so as to achieve the results closest to perfection.Distracted by Larissa, Kevan went through
Lewis' request was easy for Kevan. "I need you to put it out there that Microworks will be working together with Fantasy Utopia for 'Traveling Through Time,' the movie that you're shooting this year."The momentum of Microworks buying the rights to "Traveling Through Time" was pretty big. Even people who did not bother paying attention to it would have heard of it. But Lewis knowing about it had exceeded Kevan's expectations. Even more so was the fact that Lewis mentioned Fantasy Utopia.Kevan was familiar with the company, Fantasy Utopia. When they were shooting "Wormhole," he had once struggled to decide between Fantasy Utopia and Crescent Legend for their post-production team. Later, a movie that Crescent Legend had done the special effects for was screened, gaining pretty good box office sales, and their reputation began to surge too.In order to ride out on this bit of success, the company brass decided on Crescent Legend as a bid for a favorable outcome.Both companies worked
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