Gary's speech was short and sweet. It didn't exceed two minutes. Larissa was still in a daze when Lewis nudged her on the shoulder. "It's time to go down." In a hurry, she almost tripped over the hem of her gown. Lewis caught her before she fell. Holding up his fist at his lips, he whispered in a low tone, "Walk elegantly and with dignity." Larissa immediately followed the training she received. Lifting the hem of her dress, she held her head high and straightened her back. Step by step, she descended the stairs. Larissa maintained a smile as she faced dozens of intense gazes. Gary's eyes were filled with tears as she approached him. When Larissa stopped at his side, he offered his arm. She held onto him and scanned the room. Most of the guests tonight appeared to be young Caldorians. Larissa couldn't help but wonder why. Blue Star Shipping was founded and established in Aldovia. Although the company's partners were likely diverse, most of them should be middle
Mike remained composed and stretched his hand out toward Larissa with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Larissa." "Nice to meet you too." Larissa shook his hand. Seizing his chance, Gary excused himself and gave them some privacy. Larissa felt awkward. Mike picked up two glasses of champagne from the table and gave Larissa one. "Care for a drink?" Larissa took it and said, "Thank you." "Seems like Mr. Logan wants to matchmake us." Mike rested on the edge of the table and stared as Gary weaved among the crowd. Larissa almost choked as she didn't expect him to be so direct. Still, she visibly relaxed after that. "He meddles in things he shouldn't." Sipping some champagne, Larissa sighed. "All parents are like that," Mike said with a chuckle. "My parents are always pressuring me to get married. I was forced to attend today's banquet as well, but …" He turned to stare at Larissa. "It was fortunate that I came, or I wouldn't have had the pleasure of meeting you." Mike wa
One of Gary's close friends was a famous pianist. He was among the guests. He was drunk and got into the mood for some music. So, he opened the cover of the grand piano and began playing. His fingers danced across the keys.The chatter of the people stopped all of a sudden. Everyone turned to look at the pianist, who had a drunk smile on his face. He said, "The next song is for today's star—the beautiful Ms. Larissa Seymour!"Larissa hurriedly put down the wine glass in her hand as she straightened up. She nodded a little at the pianist with the crowd between them.The pianist's fingers landed on the keys again. Beautiful music filled the spacious hall.Guests with female partners began to dance, and the others joined in. Even Mike held out his hand to Larissa."May I have the honor of dancing with you, Ms. Larissa?"He bowed with a hand behind his back. His manners were perfect.Larissa did not want to have close contact with men, but she could not refuse him in front of ev
"Mr. Rogers is here too?""Hi, Mr. Rogers, I am …""Mr. Rogers, we met in Bartham last time, I am …"…Many of Gary's invited guests were Caldorians. Even if they had already immigrated to Aldovia many years ago, most of their businesses remained in Caldor, so they naturally knew Kevan.The crowd's focus quickly changed, and the "perfectly matched couple" were tossed aside. However, the "couple" in question were not unhappy because of this.Larissa was still staring blankly at Kevan, who came from who knew where. Mike was staring at Kevan with sparkling eyes too after he got over his surprise. He adjusted his tie and took an eager step. But then he suddenly seemed to have recalled something as he turned to Larissa. He looked a little uncomfortable."Do you … want to greet Mr. Rogers too?" he asked."Huh?" Larissa seemed to have woken up from a dream. Once she finally heard what Mike said, she smiled dryly and shook her head. "No, thanks. You go on ahead.""Okay." Mike turned
Kevan seemed to have dressed up today. His tailored black tuxedo seemed to show his aura even more than ever. His white shirt clung to his flesh, and his muscles bulged out.The white vest he wore hugged his waist. His long legs were hugged by black trousers.His bangs were swept off his forehead. They were set in place with hair wax, making his eyes stand out When Larissa locked eyes with him, she felt like her soul had left her body. She could only stand there. She could find no words.Kevan smiled. His eyes were shining. He glanced at the pianist in the corner of the room and used a rare humble tone of voice as he asked, "Please play another song."The pianist was Aldovian. He was just regular friends with Gary. He had never been involved in the business industry, so he did not know Kevan. But from the way others treated Kevan at the banquet, the pianist could tell that Kevan was someone important. So, he dared not neglect him.A lighthearted tune began to flow from the pia
Kevan did not hesitate in picking Larissa up—bridal style. He made sure that his arm was pinning her skirt in place to preserve her modesty.The hall became abuzz with chatter again.The guests came over with concern for Larissa's injury."Is Ms. Seymour alright?""Is she hurt?""Is it serious?""Get a doctor to take a look at it!"…Kevan still ignored everyone. He only asked Larissa, "Where's your room?"Larissa bore the pain as well as she could as she pointed to the stairs. "The second floor."Kevan turned and headed to the stairs. However, he had only made it there halfway when someone stopped him.Gary had blocked Kevan with Lewis with him."Mr. Rogers." Gary put on a fake smile, signaling Lewis to "grab" Larissa with his eyes. "We will take care of Lari. You don't need to trouble yourself anymore."Lewis had just taken one step forward when Kevan moved aside. He avoided Lewis' hand."I'll send her up." Unlike before, where he had always been accommodating, Kevan de
Kevan jolted hard, and his lips froze at Larissa's neck. However, his arms tightened around her and she had trouble breathing.Larissa sighed to herself and she lightly patted his back."So, you came to Westonia for a business trip?" She used a much more relaxing topic to try to change the room's atmosphere.Kevan did not respond though.Larissa waited for half a minute before she used an excuse for her own sake. "You did say that you were coming for a business trip."However, a few seconds later, Kevan said dully, "No."He was like Aster. They liked burying their faces in her neck. When they spoke, their lips rubbed against her skin, and it made her super uncomfortable.Larissa shifted a little and looked at Kevan in confusion. "Huh?"Kevan looked over to lock gazes with her too."I didn't come here for a business trip." He said it with such seriousness. "I came here specifically to see you."Larissa's heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly avoided his burning gaze as her voice
But soon, Larissa was confident again. She had nothing going on with Mike. Even if she did, Kevan had no right to care about it. He was no one to her!Suddenly, someone coughed from the door.Kevan and Larissa turned to look at the same time.Lewis was standing at the door, his fist raised to knock."Lewis!" Larissa's eyes were sparkling like she saw her savior.Lewis had just taken a step forward when Kevan glared at him coldly. Lewis' survival instincts made him stop. He said to Larissa at a very far distance, "I've called the family doctor over so he can see how bad you've hurt yourself.""Okay! Let him in quickly!" Larissa said hurriedly.Lewis called out the door. "Dr. Smith!"The family doctor came in with his first aid kit.Kevan frowned and asked unhappily, "There's no female doctor?"Larissa twisted her ankle. To figure out the extent of her injury, the doctor would have to touch her.The moment Kevan thought of a man touching Larissa's soft skin, his jealousy blew
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