The taped box was about the size of three to four shoe boxes together. But there was no sight of the express bill.Only a sticky note was pasted on it with Larissa's name and department handwritten on it. The handwriting didn't ring a bell. She couldn't guess who the sender was.Instead of dwelling on that question, she opened the box.Soon, she noticed that something was off.It seemed like someone had removed the tape and stuck it back again. She didn't use much strength to remove it.Larissa wondered if it was the sender's mistake or if someone else had opened it before she did.After throwing the tape into the trash can, she opened the box.There was a bunch was stuff in it.There was a cushion pillow, a neck pillow, a small blanket, and some snacks. On top of that, there were also cartons of orange juice too.Larissa could guess who the sender was the moment she saw the orange juice.Quickly, she took her phone out of the drawer and turned it on. She was swarmed by unr
Larissa glanced at it and placed it in the drawer.Marilyn exclaimed, "Larissa, why are you blushing? Is something wrong with the drink?"Larissa touched her burning cheeks. Given that Marilyn didn't know the reason behind her red cheeks, she nodded, "Yeah."Marilyn said, "That's weird. What can go wrong with orange juice? I can never understand you Caldorians."…Larissa finished reading the reports from Lewis in the afternoon. She concluded the data, planning to present a slideshow to Lewis tomorrow.When she was halfway through it, Judy approached her. "Larissa, our printer is out of service. Can I use yours?"There were two printers in the shared space in the presidential office. One of them was the latest version. Anyone could use it because it had all the needed functions.The other one had basic functions only. According to Marilyn, it was once discarded but Gary didn't want to throw it away. Thus, it was placed on the only desk available.It was Larissa's desk, so sh
After checking the final file on her computer, Larissa was certain that her slideshow was missing.Furious, She threw the mouse away and rushed to Judy. She couldn't care less about the pain in her ankle.Judy motioned for Larissa to give her a moment because she was on the phone.With a grim expression, Larissa waited about five minutes until the call ended."What's the matter?" Judy looked at her innocently."Did you delete the slideshow from my computer?" Larissa cut to the chase.Judy wore a confused look. "I don't know. I did transfer my files from the USB driver to the desktop. I deleted everything after printing the documents. I might've deleted it by accident. I'm sorry, Larissa."She placed her palms together and tilted her head, trying to act cute. "Is it important? I can redo one for you." But there was no hint of apology in her words.Larissa would be an idiot if she couldn't tell that Judy deleted the slideshow on purpose."Sure." Larissa forced a smile. "Redo o
"What's with the commotion? Are you guys out of work to do?" Lewis warned coldly. Everyone froze. They were agitated for one second and went totally silent the next.Lewis walked over while everyone scattered away from Larissa and back to their seats. They buried themselves in their work, fearing meeting his eyes.Judy was flustered too. She wiped her tears off and slightly lowered her head. She sniffed loudly, drawing Lewis' attention.He frowned and questioned Larissa, "What happened?"She took a deep breath and kept her cool.She had never thought of catastrophizing things from the beginning, let alone letting Lewis and Gary find out about it.Otherwise, things would go out of hand."Judy and I had a disagreement about work. It was a small dispute." Larissa tried to make it sound as trivial as possible.However, the others took her compromise as a sign of guilt.Judy dipped her head lower wordlessly. Tears flowed down her cheeks again.There was a pool of tears on her de
Judy's sobs stopped very quickly. She let out a victorious smile."Larissa, it's not that I don't want to help you …" Judy acted like she was put in a difficult situation. "You heard Mr. Logan Junior … I'm sorry, darling. You'll have to do the slideshow yourself."Larissa stared at her coldly before looking away. She walked back to her workplace without looking back. She was scared that if she stayed any longer, she might slap Judy for real.Seeing Larissa come back with a dark face, Marilyn stopped herself from asking any questions. She did not dare to ask.Her workplace was rather far from Judy's, so she did not hear anything Larissa said when at Judy's workplace. She only knew that the commotion there was pretty big, and it alarmed Mr. Logan Junior, who normally never left his office during working hours.And from the look on Mr. Logan Junior's face when he came back, he did not seem too happy with whatever it was that had happened.…Larissa opened up the software and began
Afraid that Marilyn would wait too long, Larissa only worked overtime for half an hour. Then, she turned off her computer. She put the statements and reports that were not yet typed into the slideshow into her bag. She intended to finish the slideshow at home."Let's go," she said to Marilyn once she was packed."So soon?" Marilyn had been playing with her phone while waiting for Larissa. When she heard Larissa speak, she put down her phone in surprise."Yeah." Larissa smiled. "It's late, and I feel a little hungry.""Me too." Marilyn rubbed her stomach. Then, she walked over to Larissa and hugged her arm, and dragged her away quickly. "Let's go then!"…Marilyn must have been really hungry because she drove her car like crazy.Westonia was like Bartham. The traffic was awful. Marilyn's pink smart car was able to weave among the crowd size to its size. Soon, they reached Queensway.The restaurant they wanted to go to was on the main road of Queensway. It was a really obvious sh
"Here, warm your hands." Marilyn gave Larissa the cup. "I got someone to boil some water for you right now. So, there was a little delay."Larissa held the paper cup with both hands. The heat spread from her palms into her body. It made her hunched shoulders relax.She sighed in gratitude. If it were not for the fact that she would get stares from others, Larissa wished she could press the paper cup to her frozen cheek."If it weren't for you, I would've died," Larissa said to Marilyn. "I'm not even kidding."Marilyn stared at Larissa with those large eyes of hers. "What nonsense are you saying? I just asked too, by the way. The customers earlier are finished and they're paying right now. We'll be able to go in soon. You won't have to freeze any longer."This made Larissa come to life at once.As predicted, the waiter came to inform them that the table was ready for them less than five minutes later.The thermostat in the restaurant was turned up. It did not take long for Lariss
Larissa recognized that unique profile picture at once. The background was an endless night sky. There was a golden crescent moon in the middle of it with bright stars nearby.This was Aster's art homework from last week. According to him, the name of this painting was called "Mommy and Me." Larissa was like the gentle moon that was always by the little stars' sides.Larissa thought that the person who liked her post was Aster. Just as she was amazed by his speed, she was greeted by Kevan's name when she tapped into the notifications tab.It was not strange for Kevan to like her post. Yet, the fact that he used Aster's profile picture, one that had such a significant meaning, made her feel strange.Marilyn had already put down her phone and started eating. Every bite made her moan in satisfaction."Larissa! C'mon, try this! It's so good!"Larissa jolted as she looked away from Kevan's profile picture. "Sure." She smiled and shoved her phone back into her bag.She was anxious
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