"You said that even if I got married, you'd still wait for me! Lucas, you liar!"Lana beat Lucas' chest furiously like a crazy person, her sallow face stained with tears.Lucas stood there blankly. He did not avoid the beating, and he did not react to being beaten. It was hard to tell what he was feeling from the complicated expression on his face.Lana's energy seemed to be used up by this series of intense punches. She swayed for a moment before gripping the front of Lucas' suit. Only then did she not go so far as to fall down.Lucas subconsciously reached out for her. He was about to touch the side of her waist when he remembered something, freezing up before pulling his hand back quickly.Lana naturally noticed his little movement. She did not expose him but took the opportunity to fall into his arms."Lucas!" She looked up with tears in her eyes. "Don't get married, okay?" Her voice was soft and gentle. Lucas' heart felt a stab of pain from how careful Lana sounded.Lana
The musical voice sounded bossy. The four in the parking lot—no matter in the dark or in the light, turned over in surprise.Sasha had somehow changed out of her elaborate wedding gown, and she was now wearing a dress with a shorter skirt, which allowed her to move more freely. She had a thick down jacket wrapped around her to keep the cold away, and she was about a hundred away from Lucas and Lana.Lucas' face changed at once. He frantically shoved Lana away and tried to explain to Sasha. "Listen to me, Sasha. It's not what it looks like!"It was the exact script that a cheater would use in a TV show.Sasha kept smiling. However, it was not as happy and sweet as before. Instead, it was only cold and mocking now.Lucas froze in his footsteps, having been about to walk to her. He was suddenly swamped under a great wave of fear."Sasha!" A series of tapping high heels sounded on the floor, coming closer and closer. Sharon hurried over and stopped next to Sasha.She did not know wh
Sharon did not expect Sasha to be so compromising. She suddenly felt sad for her."You don't have to do this for Mom and Dad's sake." Sharon spoke loudly so that everyone could hear though she was addressing Sasha. "These things are not worth your future happiness. So, if you want to cancel the wedding, we will support you."Lucas turned pale at once, and he looked at Sasha, at a complete loss of what to do. He pulled back the foot he put out in preparation to walk over to her and waited nervously for her "verdict."However, before Sasha could speak, Lana hugged Lucas from behind. Her arms were surprisingly strong despite being very thin. They were wrapped around Lucas' waist so tightly that it hurt."Don't marry her, Lucas! You love me, and you know it!" Lana wailed, looking out from behind Lucas' head to glare at Sasha fiercely."Lucas loves me, not you! He will never marry you! Forget it!"Sasha did not even look at Lana, though. She treated Lana as if she did not exist."Luc
Sasha's calmness fell apart when she saw the knife. She knew that if she did nothing, Lana would really stab Lucas due to how unstable she was right now.Seeing the internal struggle Sasha was going through, Sharon grabbed her hand before she could respond."Sasha, don't." Sharon shook her head minutely. Even her normally confident expression had a trace of fear in it.Sasha really did love Lucas. She loved him so much that she would definitely die for him. But she did not want to die here, nor did she want to die by the knife of that crazy woman. She looked at Lucas, who was also looking at her.His eyes held terrible grief as well as deep love.Sasha's heart trembled sharply, and fear gripped her tightly."Sasha." Lucas was smiling, his voice was amazingly steady. "No matter what anyone says, I only need you to believe that I really do love you.""Luc …" Sasha was about to speak when she saw his face darken. He reached back to grip Lana's wrist.Startled, Lana's hand pushed f
Sasha did not know when she started crying. Her face was now covered in tears."Lucas …" She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.Lucas' face gradually lost color, and his strength weakened with the loss of blood."Sasha." His voice was really soft, showcasing just how weak he was right now.Sasha's blank eyes turned to look at him."Thank goodness." Lucas smiled a genuine smile at her. "Thank goodness it wasn't you."Thank goodness she was not the one who got stabbed by the knife.Thank goodness she was not the one who got infected.Thank goodness she would not be the one who would die."Lucas Hermes, you're a complete idiot!" Sasha burst into tears, unable to control her emotions any longer.Sharon rushed over to hug her, her cold gaze having a little bit of sympathy and gratitude in them when she looked at Lucas.The sounds of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded in the spacious parking lot.A team of heavily armed police streamed in from all corners of the lot, surrou
Lana and Lucas' story was not considered a secret in the wealthy social circles of Bartham. When Walter and Martha tried to get Sasha to break up with Lucas, they went as far as to give her the most complete version of the story.Sasha knew every stupid thing that Lucas had done for Lana. She even secretly got jealous because of it. She never told Lucas about all these things. It was to the point that Lucas still thought that Sasha was unaware of his previous relationship. Because of that, when he heard what she said to Lana, he could not care about the wound on the back of his waist as he tried to push himself up from the floor."Sasha …"The policemen quickly stopped him. "Don't move! Your wound will be torn open again!"Hearing the commotion, Sasha turned around to shout at him coldly, "If you don't want to die, you better fucking lie down, Lucas! If you move again, I will kill you myself!" She did not give him any respect at all."... Oh." Lucas chickened out at once, hunching
"Move!" After the ambulance left, the police marched Lana into the police car that had just got there too.The parking lot became quiet once more.Sharon, who was alone, took a deep breath and said out loud, "You can come out now. The show's already over."Dylan and Kevan, who were hiding behind a big car, were shocked. They looked at each other before coming right out."Did you two plan this?" Sharon tried her best to ask calmly even though she was feeling all kinds of negative emotions in her heart.Kevan said nothing.Although Dylan had not participated in anything, he remained silent, too, for he did not want to betray his friend. He did not dare to look into Sharon's eyes as he was afraid that she might get a hint from his face.However, the way he looked down with his eyes drifting here and there was just proof of his guilt to Sharon.Her heart sank gradually as her voice trembled. "You really hate me that much?"Her sudden question confused Dylan. "What?" He frowned bec
Although Dylan said he was going to leave, he did not leave at once.It was not because of Kevan's persuasion but rather because Dylan had some tact himself. He had to stand together with Sharon at this time—even if he was only acting.The ballroom upstairs was not in chaos like they thought it was. The guests remained in their seats, and the waiters were bringing the dishes over in an orderly way. There was just a hint of discomfort on everyone's faces.Dylan and Kevan walked through the large ballroom to return to their seats.Xander and Cecilia's seats were already empty, and Martha's seat was also empty too. They had gone to accompany Lucas to the hospital. He did not know how Sharon informed everyone of what happened, but as the guests did not leave, he presumed that she did not tell the whole truth.He did not know if she had told Walter about the divorce issue. He guessed that she did not because she had more tact than him, and she knew to look at the big picture more than
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