Larissa turned to look at Kevan in shock and nervousness. "When Lari has more time, we can pack up and move." Kevan shot Larissa a smile, ignoring the questioning look in her eyes. "We have an event to attend at the kindergarten on Saturday. How about Sunday?" Larissa's eyes grew wider, and she stammered at the unexpected news. "W–Where are we moving to? Why don't I know about this?" Kevan let go of her waist and ruffled her hair affectionately. He whispered in a mysterious tone, "You'll find out this Sunday." When Kevan said to wait until Sunday, he absolutely would not reveal a hint about their new home before that. Even though Larissa pestered him with questions throughout the entire ride to work, he remained tight-lipped. Larissa could not get any clues from him.When she got out of the car, Larissa slammed the door, seething with anger. Kevan covered his ears and stared after her retreating figure with a smile. Larissa arrived in the nick of time. Her new colleagues
Thinking of that, Larissa felt a little regretful for what she did. She was impulsive in setting them up. So, she didn't consider whether it was the right time to do it. "To express my apology, how about I invite you to my place for dinner tonight? We will be having stew." The mark on Marilyn's cheek had faded without a trace because of the ointment she got from the infirmary. It was Larissa's chance to turn the situation around. "Stew?" Marilyn had not tried Larissa's cooking before. Recalling her previous experience with Caldorian cuisine, she felt apprehensive. "Is it spicy?" "There are spicy and non-spicy options. You can go for the non-spicy one," Larissa replied. Marilyn agreed immediately, "Okay, I'll be there." Since she had a ride, Larissa asked Kevan to not pick her up. She did not mention to Marilyn that Lewis would also be coming. After work, Larissa walked with Marilyn, leaving Lewis behind. Both cars met up in front of Larissa's apartment building. As Lariss
Wendy had arrived home half an hour before Larissa. By now, she was already in her loungewear and watching TV, slouching on the sofa. In her arms, she held a bag of potato chips that they bought from the supermarket last night. In comparison to Kevan who was busy in the kitchen, she seemed very relaxed. Approaching Wendy with Lewis' and Marilyn's coats, Larissa kicked her under the coffee table. She hissed with displeasure, "Can't you go and help out?" Wendy winced in pain and withdrew her leg. She glared at Larissa and said through gritted teeth, "It's not like I can be of any help! Mr. Rogers came over early in the afternoon to wash the vegetables and prepare the seafood. Tell me, what else can I do?" Hearing this, Larissa glanced at the kitchen with a puzzled expression. "Then why is he still in the kitchen?" Wendy gestured towards Aster with her chin. "Ask your son!" Larissa turned her questioning gaze on Aster, who replied proudly, "Daddy is making pretzels for me!"
"Don't eat so much, you need to leave room in your stomach for the stew. I spent so much on seafood. We can't let them take advantage of us," Kevan said. His stingy attitude amused Larissa. "Mr. Rogers, you have a net worth of over a hundred million dollars. Can't you be less stingy?" she said, giving him the side eye. Kvan shrugged it off. "Well, we can't let others take advantage of us." He bent down and planted a kiss on Larissa's cheek. Giving her a cheeky smile, he whispered into her ear, "My money is only for my wife."His hot breath made Larissa blush red with embarrassment. Trying to calm down her racing heart, Larissa turned away stiffly. "Lewis and Marilyn are waiting for me to get them water."She grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and almost fled from the kitchen. Lewis and Marilyn were already seated on the sofa. Although Wendy was usually lazy at home, she was enthusiastic about hosting guests. Larissa had only left for a few minutes before Wendy had f
Wendy had gotten the stew base from a friend in Caldor. One was spicy and the other was tomato-flavored. They were both her favorites. Thus, the person who enjoyed the meal the most was Wendy herself, along with Aster who was clueless. As for the others, Kevan was fuming as he didn't get to sit next to Larissa. He had a sour expression on his face throughout dinner. Lewis was still upset with Larissa meddling in his relationships. He looked displeased and did not speak an extra word. Still, he indulged in as much seafood as he wanted. Marilyn remained quiet, probably due to her unfamiliarity with everyone or Lewis' attitude. Larissa was stuck between Lewis and Marilyn. She tried to engage in conversations with both of them, switching between one and the other. Before the meal was over, she was exhausted and regretted her choice in trying to set Lewis up. Finally, the meal was over. The food that Kevan prepared was devoured. Even the tomato stew was half gone, thou
As Kevan didn't ask her to stop, she didn't dare to stop. She felt his body leaning back. In the end, his body weight was fully leaning on her. It was clear he had fallen asleep. Larissa didn't have the heart to wake him up. He must have been exhausted preparing a feast for them the whole afternoon. It was understandable that he would be tired by now. She whispered for Aster to turn off the television. Wendy also left the living room. "You should let Mr. Rogers sleep over here tonight," Wendy said. "Yeah." Larissa had the same thought. Once they were alone in the living room, Larissa supported Kevan's back and prepared to get up from the sofa. She intended to lay him down gently on the sofa. Alas, she had hardly moved when Kevan opened his eyes. His dark eyes seemed clouded by a hazy mist. There was an unexpected charm to him being so unguarded. "Did I fall asleep?" He rubbed his forehead and sat upright. His deep voice sounded slightly hoarse, but it only added
Larissa's body stiffened. She didn't dare to move. She asked, "What … what are you doing?" Kevan wrapped an arm around her waist. His fingers tickled the soft flesh on her tummy. Larissa couldn't help but snuggle closer to Kevan to escape his fingers. Time seemed to pause at that moment. Everything became still. The only thing ringing in Larissa's ears was Kevan's heavy breathing. Her heart was in her throat. It was thumping so hard that it almost leaped out of her chest. Kevan held her tighter and rested his chin on her shoulder. His cheek brushed against her slender neck. His lips lingered on her face, leaving a trail of kisses. "What do you think I am about to do?" He nibbled on her earlobe and whispered in a low, husky voice. Larissa shivered as an electric current coursed through her body. She opened her mouth, but there was no sound. In this situation, nothing she said seemed appropriate. Kevan's patience wore thin in her silence. His hand on her waist slipped u
She found her phone on the bedside table. It was already 11:00 am. Kevan was nowhere to be found. Larissa turned on the lights. She noticed a set of clean clothes placed beside her pillow. Kevan had prepared that for her in advance. A warm feeling filled her heart. Still, the warmth vanished as she felt a soreness spreading throughout her body. In her mind, Larissa cursed, "That asshole!" She struggled to put on the clothes. Alas, the crew-neck sweatshirt was unable to hide the hickeys Kevan planted on her neck. Cursing again, she put on a thick layer of concealer to cover the red marks on her skin. When Larissa emerged, Aster was eating alone in the dining room. Kevan and Wendy were nowhere to be seen. She asked in a hoarse voice, "Where are your dad and your godmother?" "Daddy went to the study to take a call. I don't know where Godma is. I haven't seen her since I woke up," Aster replied. He asked with concern, "Mommy, are you sick? Why is your voice so hoars
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