It wasn't that Gary had abandoned her. Everything was done by Yvette while he was battling for his life at sea. Gary had looked for her all these years. Up until the moment when they were finally reunited, he was still searching for her. The little resentment she bore toward Gary had completely disappeared from the care and love he showered on her for the past few months. Instead, her feelings of concern for Gary grew. Gary wanted to compensate her for his absence as a father and the responsibilities he neglected. Similarly, Larissa wanted to repay him by being a daughter that he could be proud of. "Actually, Aster didn't resemble me much when I was young." Larissa stepped forward. Her gaze landed on the same spot as Gary's. Aster's features were a combination of hers and Kevan's. Taken apart, each feature on his face resembled them separately. Still, it was hard to see who Aster resembled more by taking all of his features into account. Therefore, she had never thought of
Gary was eager to meet Aster. Although it was another hour until kindergarten ended, he urged Larissa to leave home as soon as possible. There was not a soul at the kindergarten's entrance when they arrived. Larissa sat in the car and stared at Gary negotiating with the security guard at the entrance. After a while, Gary returned to the car with a dejected expression. "Why are the security guards at this kindergarten so strict? They don't even let the parents in to see children in class!" he complained bitterly through the car window. "It's all for the children's safety. Let's just wait for another half an hour. It will be quick." Larissa comforted him. Still, Gary refused to wait there without doing anything. He got Lewis to drive to the nearest mall and filled up the trunk with toys in half an hour. Larissa tried to stop him, but it was to no avail. "It's my first meeting with my grandson. I have to make a good impression so that he will like me." Larissa said helples
When they got in the car, Larissa patted Aster's back and said, "Alright, you can look up now."Aster looked up from Larissa's neck, showing his red and puffy eyes. He stared with curiosity at everything in the car, including the strange old man sitting beside Larissa. "Mommy, who is this person?" He poked Larissa's arm and spoke in a low tone. Gary panicked a little when he was singled out by Aster. "I … I … '' Gary stammered, but his tongue seemed to be tied. He couldn't even string a sentence together.Larissa completed his sentence for him. "He is my father, and your grandpa." Aster took in what Larissa said without difficulty. He turned to Gary and greeted him with a sweet smile. "Grandpa!" Gary's body jerked involuntarily at how easily Aster accepted him. Tears welled in his eyes, and Gary's lips trembled as he replied in a hoarse voice, "Nice to meet you, Aster!" Apart from the day when they were reunited, Larissa had not seen Gary in such an emotional state. Touch
Larissa's eyelid twitched involuntarily, and her heart seemed to have stopped beating. "He … "Due to panic, her thoughts were all jumbled up in her mind. At that moment, she did not know how to explain the situation. In her flustered state, Larissa couldn't think of anything else to say other than the first word she blurted out. Aster noticed her dilemma and answered Gary on Larissa's behalf. "He's not my real dad! I'm talking about Uncle Kevan. He knows that I don't have a dad, so he allowed me to call him Daddy." Aster lowered his head dejectedly, as if all the happiness he exuded just now was sucked out of him. "Uncle Kevan? Kevan Rogers?" Gary came to a realization. "Yes, he's Uncle Kevan." Aster nodded and pursed his lips together, which resembled Kevan's. The disappointment in Aster's eyes pierced Larissa's heart. Inexplicably, the scales in Larissa's mind quietly tipped in favor of Kevan. On the other hand, Gary's face turned scarlet with anger. Suppressing his fury,
Gary was used to throwing grand banquets and parties. "Just follow my lead, there's nothing to be nervous about. It might take some time, but you will get used to it eventually." Larissa felt a little intimidated by her future role as an heiress. "Is it too late for me to back out now?" she asked. "Back out? Don't even think about it!" Gary glared at her. He went through such difficulties to reunite with his daughter. If it weren't because of Larissa's refusal, he would have announced their relationship to the world. Now that she finally relented, he would not let her back out of this!While she was resting at home, Larissa kept herself busy. Every morning, she woke up earlier and prepared a simple breakfast for Wendy and Aster. After they left, she would start reading the materials sent by Lewis to get acquainted with her upcoming job. Around 3 pm, she would take a cab to the kindergarten and fetch Aster. Her leg hadn't fully recovered, so she wasn't allowed to drive a ca
On Friday, Larissa slept in for the first time since returning to Aldovia. It's not because she wanted to. After crying and drinking the whole night, she didn't realize it when her alarm went off in the morning. It was only when her stomach growled with hunger that she woke up. Larissa grabbed her phone and looked at the time. It was already noon She saw a few missed calls from Lewis on her phone screen. He hadn't received a reply from Larissa after a long time. So, he had sent a message saying, "I'll go over to your house at 2 pm." Larissa quickly got out of bed, every last bit of her drowsiness gone. Lewis arrived at Larissa's house on time. At that moment, Larissa was trying to depuff her swollen eyes.Lewis stared at her face for a long time. He asked cautiously, while scrutinizing the expression on her face, "What happened to you?" Pressing the ice against her puffy eyes, Larissa chuckled and dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "It's nothing. Last night, Wendy as
Larissa thought that the ordeal was over. Alas, when they walked out of that store, Lewis turned around and entered another store.The whole process was repeated.Larissa lost count of how many times she was bombarded by eager shop assistants. When Lewis finally said that they could go home, he was weighed down by many paper bags.Larissa had no energy to even respond to him.Shopping was torturous!"I was mistaken. I used to complain that the staff here gave me the cold shoulder. Now, I wish that they would ignore my existence," Larissa said. The shop assistants were hankering to serve her. She couldn't handle their enthusiasm."Ms. Seymour, you are now a VIP customer here. None of the shop assistants would dare give you the cold shoulder now." Lewis gave her a wry smile. He gestured to the shopping bags in his hands.Larissa sighed. "In your opinion, is this one of the troubles that comes with being rich?""Are you already troubled by this?" Lewis found it funny, but after
Before Larissa could stop him, Aster had already run out with his phone on a video call with Kevan. "Daddy! Mommy's bringing me to Disnieland tomorrow!" Aster shouted with glee. He couldn't wait to share the good news with Kevan. "Really?" Although the connection wasn't too good, Kevan's deep voice was still pleasing to the ears. His relaxed tone had a hint of amusement in it. "Why aren't you asleep? It should be past ten right now." "I'm going to sleep in a while!" Aster ran up to Larissa, kicked off his slippers, and climbed on the sofa. He snuggled into her arms and pointed the phone camera in Larissa's face. "Daddy, do you want to talk to Mommy?" Larissa was caught by surprise. When she met Kevan's gaze over the phone, she couldn't help but feel flustered. After a long pause, she greeted him awkwardly. "Hello!" "Hi," Kevan replied. He seemed to be surprised as well. His expression stiffened for a few seconds before returning to his usual smile. "Why aren't you asleep as
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