Lucas was like a statue, his back against the wall and his phone in hand."How are you still here?" Larissa asked. She thought that he had left long ago.Lucas stowed his phone back into his pocket and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I thought that your gown would not be cleaned so easily…" His eyes glanced over to Larissa's bosom as he spoke, and when he saw the unchanged red stain, his expression shifted."I'm familiar with the owner of this villa. I can help you borrow a fresh set of clothes…""I appreciate your kind offer, but that won't be necessary," Larissa refused him with a smile. "Something came up, and I'll be leaving now.""Huh?" Lucas' eyes widened. "Are you leaving on your own? Or leaving with Mr. Rogers?"When Kevan came in, he was present too. It was difficult to not notice them with such a huge commotion, but considering the crowd that surrounded them earlier, he did not bother to join in.His purpose in waiting for Larissa was not only to just get her
This time it was Sharon's turn to be confused."You're leaving? Where are you going?""Something came up." Larissa had no intention to tell her more. She simply dipped her head in farewell and said, "Let's meet again in the future, Ms. Davis."…Kevan went back to the lounge with a stony face. The scattered crowd began to gather again. However, this time, he no longer had the mood to deal with them and blocked them off without saying anything."Mr. Rogers!" Sharon, who was sitting before the floor-to-ceiling window, waved at him.Out of everyone in the villa, he was the closest to Sharon, and she was likely the only woman apart from Larissa who did not try to flatter him in any way. Hence, he went over to her and asked in a low voice, "Is there something you needed, Ms. Davis?"Sharon did not hasten to answer his question, but she handed him the other glass of red wine from the table instead."I wonder if you'd be willing to drink with me." She smiled, but Kevan's eyes narrowed
Lucas was still driving the same silver Mercedes from before, and he drove rather fast with the top down.The temperature uphill was colder than downhill. As Larissa's arms were bare, she was shivering from the cold wind brushing against her."Could… Could you…drive slower? Or… Or…close the hood?"She could barely open her eyes. Thankfully Vivian had tied her hair securely, otherwise, she had no idea what kind of mess it would be in.Only then did Lucas pull up the top and turn up the heat. "Sorry, I'm used to speeding like this on my own," he apologized to Larissa, whose body was gradually warming back up. Her teeth had also stopped chattering too."Why are you going to Victory General at this time of the night?" Lucas asked her curiously."Just… Well, something came up," Larissa replied vaguely.Knowing that she did not want to talk about it, Lucas stopped asking. About an hour later, the car stopped at the main entrance of the Victory General Hospital."Thanks for today." La
Seeing her, Lucas got out of the car immediately."Ms. Seymour!" He waved at her excitedly, his smile brighter than before. It was as if something good had happened to him."Was there something else you needed?" Larissa asked him.Lucas kept grinning like a fool for a while before he managed to speak. "Mr. Rogers called me just now! Mr. Rogers! Called! Me! He called me in person!"Larissa patiently listened to his boasting, and only asked him once he finished, "Why did he call you?""Well, he asked if I was with you, and he also asked where we went." Lucas told her everything about the conversation he had with Kevan. "I told him I brought you to the hospital, and he told me not to leave and to flag you down when you come out so that he can come pick you up.""When did Mr. Rogers call you?" Larissa asked with a frown."The moment you entered the hospital. It was probably like half an hour ago," Lucas said.Larissa checked the time on her phone. It was after 9 pm now. It would ta
Larissa was a little confused by his stare. She could tell that he was angry, but she did not know what he was angry about.Lucas was completely unaware of what was going on between the two, and he excitedly rushed to Kevan and stuck out his hand."Mr. Rogers! We meet again."Kevan had to give him half of his attention, and he made a non-verbal sound of acknowledgment. However, he did not shake Lucas' hand, which caused his smile to freeze on his face and the light in his eyes to grow dull.Larissa quickly went over and explained to him. "Mr. Rogers is a germaphobe and doesn't like bodily contact with others."Lucas was enlightened, and he withdrew his hand in embarrassment. "My apologies, Mr. Rogers. I have been too forward.""It's fine." Kevan was surprisingly easy to talk to. "Thank you for today."Flattered, Lucas' excitement was written all over his face. He was about to express his adoration and admiration for Kevan to him when the latter said, "Return the jacket to Mr. He
As for the second question…"I was going to tell you, but Ms. Davis said you went to the backyard…" Larissa thought about it before deciding not to tell him what else Sharon had told her. "I did not want to disturb you."Hearing this, Kevan frowned so deeply that the creases in his forehead could probably kill a fly."Why do you need to pay for your former husband's medical fees? Where is his family?"The moment this was brought up, Larissa got angry. "His parents ran off without him. The nurse could only contact me.""They only dared run off precisely because they knew you would come." Kevan laughed coldly. "Larissa, tell me, is your brain waterlogged?"Larissa reacted very quickly. This was Kevan insulting her for being an idiot!Although she was mad, she knew that he was right."If you didn't pay for it, see if they'd really leave their son behind."It was not as if Larissa had never thought of competing with Travis' parents on who could be more ruthless, but considering th
Phrases like "fulfill a request of mine" oftentimes contained a huge trap.Although Kevan was not a bad person, he was definitely no angel either. She would never dare delude herself into thinking of taking advantage of him, because she knew that this was impossible. So, she said, "It's better if I transfer the money to you."However, Kevan's attitude was not as aggressive as she thought. He even changed his mind after her words, saying, "Sure then. Transfer 1.5 million to me tomorrow.""What?!" Larissa thought she might have misheard. "1.5 million?" She felt like an inexperienced and naive person at this moment, complaining loudly. "Isn't it just a dress? Why is it so expensive?"But deep down, she knew that the gown really was that expensive."If you suspect that I'm lying to you, I'll have Vivian send you a picture of the receipt later." Kevan looked at Larissa. He was as cool as a cucumber.Well, since he said so, Larissa could no longer question him like this.However—"I
"I feel like it doesn't make a difference even if I pretend to be your girlfriend," she said seriously.Those who would willingly try to get in his pants would likely have low to no morals. Kevan having a girlfriend would not stop them from trying, and they may even delude themselves into thinking they could fight for the chance to be with him."How would you know that there would be no difference if you haven't even tried it yet?" Kevan was more optimistic than her, however. "Don't worry. I won't ask you to do everything a proper girlfriend should. You just need to do what you did today and show up to events with me. That should deter the women who have ideas about me."The banquet today was not that hard to get through—it would have been even better if those two ladies did not come looking for trouble.If it really were all like today…"Fine." Larissa decided that she would be a quiet wallflower at Kevan's side to pay off the 1.5-million-dollar debt. "But let's iron out the deta
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