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
Kevan's face was calm and emotionless. "It's not worth it for you to make the trip. It's too far." Without hesitation, Larissa shot him down. Gary had invited his network of close friends in Aldovia. Kevan wasn't close to any of them. Thus, it would only be awkward for him. Besides, he had his own job to take care of. "Alright," Kevan replied, pursing his lips. He did not confirm whether he would attend or not. "You guys should have an early night. Aren't you going to Disnieland tomorrow? You won't have enough energy to play if you don't go to sleep now." "Yeah." Larissa nodded, suppressing her reluctance to hang up. Avoiding Kevan's gaze, she lowered her voice and spoke to Aster. "Say goodbye to Daddy." "Bye, Daddy!" Because of his excitement to go to Disnieland, Aster bid Kevan goodbye immediately. Usually, he would try to prolong the call for as long as possible. Kevan's eyes shone with amusement. With a wide grin, he ended the call in a cheerful tone, "Bye, goodnight!"
"Of course, I missed you! Larissa pinched his chubby cheeks fondly and straightened up. She asked Allen, "Shall we leave now?" "Wait a minute!" Allen turned around and entered the house. In less than two minutes, he appeared with a brown paper bag and passed the bag to Larissa. "I made some sandwiches. Both of you must have left home very early. Have you had any breakfast?"Coincidentally, they had left in a hurry. Larissa didn't have time to prepare breakfast for themselves. She handed the paper bag to Aster and reminded him, "Say thank you to Uncle Allen!" On the contrary, Aster didn't seem to be in a good mood. He appeared dejected and his excitement from yesterday had completely disappeared. Holding on to a corner of the paper bag, Aster's arm hung limply at his side. For some reason, he didn't make any move to retrieve the sandwiches from the bag. "Thank you, Uncle Allen," Aster said with a forced smile. He quickly diverted his gaze from Allen and hung his head, staring
Freddy opened the door from inside. When Aster got in, Freddy quickly shut the door, as if he was afraid that Larissa would change her mind. Chuckling, Larissa got into the front seat. She turned around and asked Freddy, "What game are you going to play with Aster?" Like magic, Freddy produced an iPad and started a game with colorful visuals. Sounds of cheerful music echoed in the car. Freddy and Aster were around the same age, so they had common interests. After a while, Aster's attention was focused on the game and both of them played together happily. Larissa's worry eased slightly. Diverting his attention from the boys in the rearview mirror, Allen glanced at the paper bag Larissa placed at her feet. "Do you not like sandwiches?" "Oh, no." Larissa laughed awkwardly and opened the bag. She took out a stuffed sandwich that was wrapped in paper. "It wasn't convenient to eat just now." She asked Aster, "Do you want some sandwiches? There's bacon and ham!" Aster was stil
Allen did not stop the car, but he didn't drive to Disnieland either. Turning the car around, he drove in the direction of Larissa's home. "I'll send you back home. I won't feel comfortable letting you go back on your own," Allen said out of consideration for her. His tone was firm, leaving no room for Larissa to refuse. Freddy cried for almost half the journey there, but no one in the car paid him any attention. Even Larissa, who usually treated him kindly, maintained a stern expression throughout and ignored his crying. Freddy was truly afraid. Choking back his sobs, he huddled in a corner of the backseat for the latter half of the journey. He shot glances at Aster, who was sitting beside him, and at Larissa, who was sitting in the passenger seat. After venting his anger, Aster gazed out of the car window, lost in thought. Larissa stared ahead in a daze, unaware of Allen's frequent glances. In half an hour, the car stopped at the ground floor of Larissa's home. As soon as
Aster was ticklish, especially around his waist. He couldn't stand anyone touching him there. As expected, he squirmed under her touch and tried to escape. Larissa took the chance to pull the blanket off. She enveloped Aster in her embrace. Aster's tear-streaked face was exposed. Larissa's heart felt like it was being stabbed with a knife. Her chest ached, and she felt suffocated by the pain. Tightening her arms around him, she lowered her head and kissed his forehead. "Don't cry." Her voice trembled as scorching tears rolled down her cheeks as well. Aster released his clenched teeth and buried his face in Larissa's chest. He was crying his heart out. He had never cried like this before. His cries were heartrending and loud. It was as if he wanted to vent all the bitterness and grievances he bore for years. Holding him, Larissa's tears flowed. Words of comfort were stuck in her throat. She could only utter the same words repeatedly, "Aster, don't cry …"Wendy had been
Kevan replied calmly, "Yes, I'm on a business trip." "This late?" Larissa checked the clock on her phone again. It was indeed 1 am in Caldor. People of Kevan's status didn't need to consider costs on their business trips. It was impossible for Kevan to take a red-eye flight to save money. Moreover, he was sitting in a regular waiting area at the departure hall, not in a VIP lounge that befitted his status. All these details seemed strange. "The weather over there is bad, so planes are unable to take off." Kevan smiled helplessly and changed the subject. "Do you need something from me?" "Not me, Aster." Larissa pointed the camera at Aster. Seeing Kevan, Aster finally stopped crying. He wiped his face with the back of his hand and sniffled hard. Kevan's expression changed immediately. "What's wrong? Who hurt you?" he asked anxiously. Shaking his head, Aster tried to catch his breath and stammered, "No … No one hurt me."He was a pitiable sight. His eyes and nose were com
"What?" Larissa noticed the smirk on Wendy's face and took a step back. "Wouldn't you be annoyed if Kevan could comfort Aster with just a few words? After all, you spent so much time trying to comfort him." Wendy tried to provoke her, but Larissa remained silent. Wendy patted her on the shoulder and sighed. "It's understandable that you wouldn't want the father and son to reunite. If Aster learns that Mr. Rogers is his biological father, your position in this family would be jeopardized."Larissa couldn't stop herself from sneering. "No way! I believe that my son loves me the most!" She was Aster's favorite person, there was no doubt about that!" After half an hour, Aster emerged from his bedroom with Larissa's phone in his hand. He had stopped crying. Even his hiccups had ceased. His breathing had returned to normal. Still, Aster's eyes were completely swollen from crying, and he could only see through narrowed slits. It was quite a comical sight. Larissa wanted to laugh,
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