Kevan fried the marinated beef. He also cooked the prawns that had been cleaned. Then, he coated the prawns with a sauce made from Greek yogurt and lemon juice. He also prepared the sweet potatoes and quickly whipped up some scrambled eggs.The spaghetti was ready by then, so he served two helpings and brought them to Aster. Aster was already eagerly waiting in the dining room."Whoa!" Aster couldn't help but drool, but he refrained from picking up his utensils until Kevan sat down."Daddy, you should go ahead and eat first!" Although he was speaking to Kevan, his eyes were locked on the mouthwatering skewered meat.Kevan smiled and picked up a piece of skewered meat, placing it on Aster's plate. "Give it a try and tell me how it tastes."The meat had cooled down by then. Aster grabbed the skewer and took a big bite. The seasoning smeared all over his mouth. However, he seemed oblivious to it. With a big thumbs up, he exclaimed, "This is the most delicious thing I've ever eaten!"
Wendy had seen photos of Kevan on Aster's phone. Also, Aster had already informed her that Kevan would be coming to cook for him today. So, she rushed back from work as soon as possible. Fortunately, she caught him just in time."Mr. Rogers, I've heard so much about you." She showed no sign of hesitation as she confidently approached him and extended her hand.He stared at her hand. He hesitated for a moment before finally shaking it.Of course, she didn't miss this small detail. She had heard about how much of a clean freak Kevan was. That was why she took the initiative to shake hands with him, just to see how he would react.She had anticipated a refusal, but whatever happened only deepened her smile."I heard from Aster that you're going to cook for him today?" She glanced at the dining table, which was empty. She continued, "Is the dinner not ready yet?"Aster chimed in, "We've already eaten! Daddy's cooking is super delicious! Even better than ... I mean, the food at rest
Kevan couldn't figure out what had angered Larissa. After he replied to her, she didn't respond to him anymore.On the other hand, Wendy was exceptionally polite to him. She even brought out her best vodka as a "thank you" gesture.They sat on the couch, sipping vodka and chatting, while Aster nestled in Kevan's arms, quietly playing with his toys.Wendy shifted the topic to Aster, saying, "He really likes you."Kevan smiled softly as he gently patted Aster's head. "I know.""What's your plan? About your future with Larissa, I mean," she asked directly, her eyes locked onto his.Kevan, for a rare moment, avoided her gaze, his fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of the vodka glass. What did he think? Of course, he would love to have a future with Larissa. But the crucial question was, what did Larissa think?He had hurt Larissa deeply in the past. Although she hadn't shown any aversion to him now, he still feared that she would push him away once more if he proposed getting bac
"I'm sorry. I had an accident a few years ago, and I don't remember anything from the past," Kevan apologized with a smile, using "amnesia" as an excuse for his lack of recollection."Oh, right ..." Only then did Wendy recall that Larissa had mentioned this before. She felt a bit annoyed with herself—had she been talking to a brick wall earlier?Kevan continued to play his part, acting as if he truly had amnesia. "Did I know Larissa before? No one has ever told me about it. Can you give me more details about what you said earlier?""Forget it." Wendy wasn't sure how to explain their complicated history in such a short time. "Since you don't remember, let's just start fresh, shall we? Do you like Larissa?" she asked him earnestly.Though he couldn't find the right words to express himself to Larissa, with Wendy, he responded smoothly, "Yes, I do," even though he blushed with shyness."Do you want to be with her?""Yes.""Do you promise to treat Aster as your own and take good car
In the early morning, Kevan headed to the hospital. He was carrying the breakfast he had packed from the hotel. To his surprise, he found the room empty. He quickly stopped a passing nurse and pointed to the vacant ward. He asked, "Where did the patient go?"The nurses at this hospital were all experienced. Therefore, they were all older. However, when the nurse—a middle-aged local with extensive experience—saw Kevan's face, she still showed visible admiration. "Wow, you speak the Aldovian language well. Your accent is quite charming as well," she complimented instinctively.Although Kevan hadn't studied abroad, his grandfather had the foresight to hire an Aldovian tutor for him when he was young. This was to prepare him for expanding the company's business overseas. The tutor was a native Aldovian speaker. He had a beautiful and sexy Aldovian accent. Kevan had learned his intonation perfectly.Kevan had received numerous compliments on his accent from foreign business partners.
Larissa sat on the bed. Gary smoothly poured a cup of hot tea for her. Lewis went to the restroom and returned with a towel to wipe the sweat off her face.Kevan stood awkwardly on the side, unable to find a way to join in.Her attention had been on him all along. Sensing his discomfort, she quickly changed the topic, asking, "Why are you here so early?"He shook the breakfast container in his hand, his tone carrying a hint of bitterness. "I thought you were still asleep, so I brought you breakfast.""Oh ..." She inexplicably felt a bit apologetic. "I wake up at 7 am every day. Then, I have breakfast and do the rehabilitation." She had been a model patient at the hospital, sticking to a routine of early to bed and early to rise, actively cooperating with treatment, and showing remarkable progress in recovery. The doctors often use her as an example to motivate other patients."It's fine," Kevan replied indifferently. He raised his arm, about to toss the breakfast container into
Since Gary still had a meeting, he left with Lewis. He was unhappy after getting lectured by Larissa. Kevan stayed behind to keep Larissa company. To cheer her up, he brought her downstairs in a wheelchair to bask in the sun. The small park at the hospital was one of the few peaceful places in Westonia. There weren't many tall buildings around to block out the sun. So, the warm sunrays shone down on the people in the park. It bathed them in a dazzling golden glow. Before they went out, Kevan wrapped Larissa in a thick down coat and covered her legs with a thick blanket. Still, Larissa found herself feeling hot after a couple of minutes. She unzipped the coat. Kevan frowned in disapproval. He went around the wheelchair. He knelt in front of her, zipping the coat back up to her chin. His fingers were long and slender. In contrast to the red coat, his skin looked even paler than usual. It made the bluish veins underneath more apparent. Larissa couldn't help but stare at Kevan.
"I heard about our past from Dylan." In the end, Kevan still couldn't be honest with her. Using Dylan as an excuse, he tried to bring up their history together. Alas, this news shocked Larissa.The expression on her face froze. Her body stiffened when she heard Kevan's words. To Larissa, Kevan, who had lost his memories, might appear to be the same person as Kevan from before. Alas, he was still quite different. He didn't have the unpleasant memories of their past together, nor was he as sarcastic and harsh as before. Their improved relationship right now was based on the foundation that she didn't feel embarrassed about herself in front of him anymore. Things would be different if he regained his previous memories. She could forgive Kevan in his current state. Alas, she couldn't let go of the pain that he had caused her in the past. As her guard went up, Kevan could see the change in her eyes which had turned cold with suspicion. His heart ached. It was as if it was p
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