Larissa dialed Kevan's number.The phone rang for what felt like ages. Kevan finally answered it just before it could disconnect."Hey, Lari?" Kevan seemed to intentionally lower his voice. "Are you up?"It was eerily quiet on the other end of the line, making it impossible for Larissa to pinpoint his current location."Yeah," she responded. "Where are you?"He hesitated for a moment before replying, "Me? Well, I'm at the hospital."Larissa immediately sprang up from the couch. "What happened?""It's not me," Kevan paused briefly. His voice became softer as he continued, "It's Wendy.""Wendy?" Larissa rushed into the room, not realizing her knee had collided with the coffee table, causing her to wince in pain. But even then, nothing could stop her."Which hospital are you at? I'm on my way!" she exclaimed."Don't—" Kevan interjected. "Wendy is asleep, and she won't wake up for a while. I'll head back home soon. We can go visit her together tomorrow.""Ah ..." Larissa sighed,
Larissa had slept the entire afternoon. So, she didn't feel the slightest bit tired now. Moreover, she had something on her mind. She preferred to go to the hospital and be by Wendy's side. She did not want to toss and turn in bed."She might wake up during the night. I want her to open her eyes and see a familiar face beside her."She had been hospitalized on numerous occasions; she understood all too well the loneliness of lying in a hospital bed with no family or friends around. She thought of all the recent stress Wendy had been through. She was worried Wendy might gradually crumble in the overwhelming solitude.Kevan realized he couldn't sway her, so he didn't push the issue. "Okay. Finish up your meal first."She hadn't eaten dinner and had only nibbled on some chicken in the afternoon. Since she might spend the night at the hospital, he was concerned about her well-being."Alright." Larissa exerted considerable effort to force down the food he had brought back.
Kevan couldn't read Wendy's mind; he wasn't in her shoes. Given all the stress and pain Wendy had endured that day, he couldn't be certain if she would redirect her anger toward Larissa. So, he opted for silence."You should head back. It's been a tough day for you too." Larissa sniffled.Kevan stared at her side profile for a moment. He sighed softly in his heart. "Alright, you get some rest too."...Larissa moved the fold-out bed closer to Wendy's and sat cross-legged on it. Her gaze was fixed on Wendy's face. She remained lost in thought throughout the night.She mulled over countless scenarios of how Wendy might react when she woke up. Would Wendy lash out physically or verbally? Would she sever their friendship completely, or would she entertain even more drastic ideas?As these thoughts circulated in Larissa's mind, the sky outside gradually lightened....Wendy's dream went on for quite a while.In her dream, she saw a little girl about Aster's age. The girl
Edmund was standing right in front of her. His head, arms, and legs were encased in thick plaster casts. His face was also covered in bruises, just like what she had witnessed at the hospital."Wendy, are you looking for her?" he asked with a seductive smile. As he spoke, a little girl appeared by his side. She was the same one who had called Wendy "Mommy" earlier. The girl stood close to Edmund, her tiny hands tightly gripping his. She peeked at Wendy with a shy gaze."Mommy," she called out again.Wendy couldn't muster a response.Edmund led the little girl closer and said, "Wendy, look at her. She's our daughter."Wendy greedily gazed at the girl, her eyes fixed on her without wavering."Isn't she adorable?" Edmund asked.Wendy nodded unconsciously.He smiled. "I think so too, but unfortunately—"The little girl vanished again as he smiled.This sudden disappearance alarmed Wendy. She hastily asked, "Where's my daughter? Where did she go?""She's dead!" Edmund
The caregiver entered the room with breakfast. She saw two women crying with their heads buried in their hands.She stood at the doorway for a while. She realized that this emotional display might not end anytime soon. So, she cleared her throat and let out a couple of awkward coughs.Both Larissa and Wendy valued their images very much. They didn't mind crying when they were alone. But things changed when there was an outsider.Instantly, they ceased crying and turned away. They used the backs of their hands to wipe away the tears.The caregiver was good at gauging situations and respecting boundaries. She understood their concern for appearances. She chose to act as if she hadn't witnessed the scene. She did not glance in their direction after entering."I've brought breakfast for you."She placed the paper bags on the mobile table located at the foot of the bed. She asked Wendy, "Do you need me helping with your morning routine?"Wendy waved her hand. "No ne
Wendy seemed to have missed Larissa's signal. She continued talking to Kevan, "Lari had a tough time from pregnancy to childbirth, and even during her postpartum period."When she first arrived, she was unfamiliar with the place. She had to attend school. Every day, she was running between school and home. It was really tough. "It was only later, when her belly got bigger, that she couldn't move around as much. So, she stayed home until childbirth."Both of us had never given birth before, so we had no experience. I collected a lot of recipes, but my cooking skills were quite limited. The truth is, Lari would rather eat fries and burgers than touch the nutritious meals I made."Wendy shot a resentful glance at Larissa."You call those 'nutritious meals'? If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to torture me or make my life miserable!" Larissa also expressed her dissatisfaction."Hey, why are you so ungrateful? Even if my cooking wasn't the best, at least my hear
"Actually, it wasn't a big deal." As Larissa recalled her pregnancy, she didn't think that she had experienced anything too difficult. If she needed to pinpoint one thing, it would probably be Wendy's subpar cooking skills, at most. When Larissa was pregnant, she didn't take in sufficient nutrients that an expectant mother should have. That was why Aster was relatively lighter at birth, but his weight was still within the healthy range.Unlike Caldor, there weren't any postpartum confinements or confinement nannies here. During that period of time, Larissa could only rely on herself as well as Wendy's care for her getting off work. Fortunately, Larissa's health had always been good. Hence, she did not develop any underlying illnesses or have any aftereffects. "Compared to what I went through when I was a child, this is nothing." She smiled. Although Larissa sounded casual about it, Kevan was perturbed. After all, the suffering that she experienced back then was all be
Aster counted on his fingers. "Cake, chocolate, ice cream, fried chicken ..." They were all his favorites, but Larissa didn't allow him to eat too much of them. When Aster saw Larissa's face darkening, he immediately hid himself in Gary's embrace and acted like a spoiled child. "Grandpa, Mommy is so scary!" Gary took over the phone and explained in a hurry, "Don't worry, I've kept track of his diet. I only bought him a little of everything." "A little of everything ... No wonder Aster had gotten so much chubbier," Larissa thought. Larissa suddenly felt glad that she hadn't reunited with Gary too early. Otherwise, judging from how indulgent he was toward children, Aster would probably end up as some sort of spoiled kid from a wealthy family, just like Bethany. "I'll go and pick him up tomorrow," she said. Gary wasn't pleased with that. "Let him stay with me for a few days more. I've just gotten close with Aster, and we're getting along well too. I'll be lonely if he's go
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