Larissa did not know how to describe what she felt right now. She should have felt happy in some way—Yvette losing her life because of her darling youngest daughter could only be described as "what went round comes round," and "karma was a bitch." There could be no better-fitting phrases than those.But the truth was, Larissa was not happy. In fact, her chest felt a little suffocated—she could not tell if it was because of Yvette or if it was a side effect of the fever.Larissa could not help but wonder if Yvette thought of her when she was at her life's end. Did she regret any of the things she did to Larissa before? Those tears that she cried, were any of it—even for a little bit—meant for Larissa?In the end … it was hard for Larissa to be at peace about Yvette's death. However, she would never get the right answers to her questions forever.Larissa lost her energy, and she fell asleep before the first IV bottle could be finished.Kevan entered from the living room, and the nur
"Thank you." Larissa's voice finally stopped sounding like a torn piece of paper, but it was still hoarse and ugly."... You're welcome." Kevan gazed at the now empty glass and removed his arm from her back. "I'll pour more water."Larissa clearly hated any physical contact with him. She clearly froze up because of his arm around her earlier. But when he removed his arm, her heart felt somewhat empty.She looked down, putting away all emotions she should not be having, and she muttered, "No need."Kevan froze.Larissa's quiet voice sounded behind him. "Where's Milly?" Milly was the nurse who was waiting outside.Kevan bit his lip and answered honestly, "She's resting in the living room.""Tell her to come in." Larissa clenched at the corner of the blanket, her head bowed very low. "She will help keep an eye on the drip. You can go back!"Although she did not like to trouble others, she would rather choose Milly over Kevan. There was no other reason—being with Milly would not be
"Milly?" After ending the call, Larissa raised her voice and called. The bedroom door was only half closed.Milly stuck her head inside and heard Larissa ask, "Is there anyone outside?"The person outside …Milly turned carefully to see—Kevan was looking at her too. He expressionlessly shook his head, and Milly got the message at once. "It's just me.""Oh." Larissa slumped into the head of the bed at once. Her grip tightened around her phone, and her thumb kept rubbing unconsciously at the screen.The phone's screen also kept lighting up and blacking out because of that. The camera happened to be pointed at her face, and the phone unlocked automatically. Larissa's thumb accidentally tapped on WhatsApp, and Kevan's chat was right there.After she went abroad to recover, the number of people who looked for her lessened a lot. Because of that, even though the last time she spoke to Kevan was more than half a month ago, his chat was still the first on the list.Larissa stared at K
Although Larissa knew that the young man was purposely making things hard for her, he was still fine compared to some of the weird hotel guests she had met. Such little trouble was not enough to make her angry at all.This time, Kevan replied very quickly, "You're sick."Larissa understood what he meant at once. That young man kept wasting their time, which caused her to catch a cold, which led to her having a fever and basically being sick."My body is just weak. Bartham is too cold, and the wind is strong. Even if I didn't go to the hospital today, I would have gotten sick anyway."Kevan did not reply for a very long time. After some time, he finally texted three words. "I got it."It was him reaching a compromise with her.Larissa let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you."She did not want a whole family to be ruined because of her.…The cold medication that the doctor gave her made her drowsy. After Larissa took it, she felt sleepy very soon after. When she was somewhat half-
There should be family members going to pay respects to Yvette the second day after she had been buried. But the only "family" Yvette had now was Larissa. But this funeral was never arranged according to what was "normal." Lewis wanted Larissa to not attend the funeral because she had not fully recovered.The cemetery was at a secluded place on the outskirts. It was colder than the city, which was packed with buildings. Larissa's fever had not fully gone down yet. If she went out and caught a cold again, it would only make her fever worse."Just let me go." Larissa's nose was so clogged that her voice had a nasally sound to it. "We'll be leaving tonight, and there won't be any chances to do this in the future."Lewis studied her for a while. "You're sure?"Larissa nodded without hesitation. "At the very least, she gave birth to me."After Yvette died, Larissa let go of many things. It was not that she was trying to be a saint or anything. She just thought that it was not worth
Yvette was buried in a regular cemetery along with the "normal" people that she once looked down on. She would sleep forever among the pine trees on the hill.Because Larissa didn't care, Lewis had not picked the plot of land where Yvette would be buried. He got someone to recommend a spot. It happened to face the man-made lake. The scenery was nice, but they had to climb up to the halfway point of the hill.Bartham had been stricter in their management of funeral proceedings and visitations. The candles Lewis brought with him had to be thrown away at the bottom of the hill.He joked to Larissa, "I guess Yvette will never get lit candles for the proceedings."Larissa bit her lip as she stared at the candles that were now in the trash can. She did not say anything."Do you think everything Yvette did was worth it?" Lewis asked her, "She sold her body at such a young age to get a life of luxury in return. She bowed down constantly with the Seymours, was disrespected by everyone, and
It was likely that she had caught a cold in the cemetery because when Larissa got back to the hotel, her fever returned.Lewis almost suspected that she did this on purpose to stay longer in Caldor. But Larissa looked so unwell that he knew she was telling the truth.He explained everything to Gary before canceling their flight tickets.Gary was not happy with them postponing their return. Still, he said, "Lari's health is important. Take good care of her there. Don't let her get sick anymore."…The doctor prescribed two shots for Larissa yesterday. Lewis summoned the nurse to administer the last one.The nurse that came over today was still Milly.Milly had never seen Lewis before. The moment she entered Larissa's room and saw an unfamiliar man there, the first thing she thought of was that she had entered the wrong room. She kept apologizing as she quickly exited the room while leaving Lewis and Larissa very confused."Ms. Nurse, please wait!" When Lewis chased after her t
Larissa was used to seeing young girls like Milly. If this were before, she would have put an end to what Milly was thinking. But Larissa really liked Milly, so she did not expose Milly's feelings. She even did her best to give Milly the answers she wanted. "He's like a brother to me. If he had a girlfriend, she may not get jealous over this sort of thing."Milly relaxed."Your cousin doesn't have a girlfriend?!" She widened her eyes."He's so handsome! How can he not have a girlfriend?! You can't be lying to me, right?"Larissa found it odd as well. With how Lewis looked, it was weird for him not to have a girlfriend. She could only think of one explanation."Maybe it's because he's so busy with work. That's why he doesn't have time to get a girlfriend.""What does your cousin do? Why would he be so busy that he can't even get a girlfriend?" Milly straightened up at once. Her face was super serious like she was discussing a very philosophical problem with Larissa."He h
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