After Kevan sent Aster to school, he came back to the car. When he got in, his gaze drifted to Larissa, who was sitting in the backseat. She was staring blankly out the window while leaning against the door. He did not know what she was thinking about.She seemed to be like this all the way from home as long as Aster was not talking to her."What's wrong?" Kevan asked her.Larissa snapped out of it and forced a smile. "Just figured something out.""What?" Kevan was a little stunned."Nothing." Larissa shook her head before changing the topic to Kevan himself. "How long are you going to stay here this time?""I haven't decided." Kevan started the car. He looked at her through the rearview mirror and asked, "Why?""Just asking." Larissa casually wrote it off before looking out the window in silence again.Kevan shoved down all the questions in his heart, but his worry just could not disappear. When did this change in Larissa happen? Kevan tried to recall carefully. It seemed to b
Kevan quickly got out of the car to open the door for Larissa. He also made sure to give her his arm.Using his arm, Larissa stepped steadily on the floor.She had made a rare change to her usual working heels—they were her "combat heels"—as both Kevan and Asterhad forced her to wear a pair of warm Ugg loafers instead.Thank goodness the trousers she had chosen were long enough. It was just enough to hide the loafers that clashed with her overall style.Kevan stood in front of her. He bent down and helped her zip up her knee-length down jacket until her neck was covered up."It's cold out," he said. When he saw her annoyed frown, he soothed her like a child. "Be good."Larissa immediately looked away, her face red. She did not dare to look at him.After a night of rest combined with the application of medicine from Kevan as well as a massage, the swelling at Larissa's ankle had shrunk. Still, she could not use too much force when walking.She did not let Kevan send her up, but
Larissa's colleagues had different expressions on their faces. Their attitudes to her were different too.The male colleagues were quite friendly. Some smiled at her, some nodded, and some waved too. Although the female colleagues were smiling, their smiles did not reach their eyes. Larissa could even see some obvious hatred on their faces.She did not know where the hatred came from—her role was not the same as theirs, she would not threaten their positions at all. As for her appearance … Well, it was no match for theirs either.Larissa could only pretend that she had not seen anything. She just pretended to be a dummy and treated everyone politely.Lewis' office was next to Gary's, and it was at the innermost part of this floor.Gary's secretary, who had greeted her before, still recognized her. The moment she saw her, she stood up at once. Her greeting was still friendly despite her panic. "Are you looking for Mr. Logan Senior?"Larissa processed this title. "Mr. Logan Senior"
Lewis helped Larissa out of his office, then he put the documents nicely on her desk."Marilyn." He turned to call her. "Do you have extra pens and notebooks? Let Larissa have some."Marilyn took out the things he wanted from her drawer before she delivered the things to Larissa's desk. "Just stick with these for now. If you don't like them, I'll ask for more from the administrative department.""I like them, thanks." Larissa accepted the pens and notebooks.Lewis rapped on Larissa's desk and instructed her. "If you don't know anything, just go to my office and ask me."He spoke in Caldorian with her. Marilyn did not understand, so she just stared at them curiously with her large green eyes.Sensing Marilyn's gaze, Lewis asked, "Is there a problem?"Marilyn shook her head quickly. "No! Not at all!" She quickly returned to her workplace.…Larissa read the documents Lewis gave her seriously. She scanned them all. They were recent reports and statements from each department.Sh
Marilyn went to the cafeteria to get two lunches. When she was waiting for the elevator, she happened to meet people from the presidential office.There were some who she was friendlier with. They deliberately leaned in and asked her, "Marilyn, do you know the background of that new assistant?"Marilyn's predecessor, Gary's previous secretary, was fired because she leaked his private information by accident. She was unable to find a job in Westonia because Gary purposely made sure that she would not be able to. Having no other choice, she went back to her hometown.Learning this lesson, Marilyn always kept her mouth shut whenever it came to Gary or Lewis' private lives."No idea," she said.Someone noticed that she was carrying two trays."Who are you bringing lunch to?"Because Mr. Logan Senior and Junior's lunches were arranged to come from high-end restaurants, they naturally thought that it was for "that new assistant."The elevator happened to arrive then. Marilyn entered
But there were definitely those who came over to "kiss up" to Larissa too, like the busty blonde with blue eyes Larissa met in the elevator that morning.She naturally hooked herself onto Larissa's other arm and introduced herself before Larissa could react. "Hi, Larissa, darling. I'm Judy Turner."Her perfume smelled worse than the medicine Larissa used. Larissa sneezed because of that.Judy swiftly let go and stepped aside, afraid that Larissa's snot would hit her. Judy let out a light tsk as she took out a tissue. She carefully wiped the hand that touched Larissa before along with the bag that hung on that same arm.Seeing the way Larissa and Marilyn were staring at her with a complicated look in their eyes, Judy smiled falsely at Larissa and apologized. "Sorry, honey, I'm a bit of a clean freak."Larissa could understand. After all, she would soon be together with the world's biggest clean freak."It's alright." She smiled with a look on her face that screamed "I don't mind."
Aster and Freddy were in the same kindergarten. Because they were half a year apart, they studied in different class groups.They did not have much interaction in school. They would greet each other and chat a little on the rare chance they met each other when going to school and going home after school.However, these little interactions were gone ever since the unhappy incident from before.Larissa did not know how she should react.Aster's little act of revenge was definitely childish, and should not be encouraged. But she could totally understand his extreme sensitivity. Besides, it was not like Aster's goal was to hurt anyone. So, she rubbed his head and smiled resignedly as she asked, "Are you happy now?"Aster nodded hard. "Yep! Freddy won't ever say that I don't have a daddy anymore!"Larissa's heart ached immediately. "Yeah!" She pressed her lips tightly together and forced back the tears that she could feel were coming.Kevan had missed their conversation. When he got
When Allen locked eyes with Kevan, he could not help but shudder. After standing in place for half a minute, Allen finally walked over to Larissa.Freddy was a bit timid. He kept hiding behind Allen. No one knew if it was because of the unhappy incident with Aster before or because of something else."What a coincidence, you're here to watch movies too?" Afraid that Freddy and Allen thought that she was still holding a grudge, Larissa took the initiative to talk to them."Freddy's class is going to have a stage play. It will be based on this movie, so I canceled his piano class tonight." Allen was talking to Larissa, but he kept glancing at Kevan. Finally, he could not help but ask, "This is?"Larissa knew that he would ask, but she had not yet prepared the answer to this question. However, before she could speak, Aster could not help but quickly announce, "This is my daddy!" His smug tone was obvious.Kevan smiled warmly and held Aster tighter in his arm.Although Allen had he
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