"Don't worry, even if the clothes get damaged this time, I won't hold you responsible for it."Larissa released a sigh of relief.Still, after a long while, she suddenly wondered: if he truly was so generous, why did he insist that she compensate him the last time?…Mrs. Hardy was taken into custody by the police, and Dylan was able to leave after successfully completing his mission.The crowd gathered outside the surgery building had already dispersed when he left, and the firefighters were in the process of deflating the air mattress. A few bystanders muttered, "How boring! She failed to jump even after making all that fuss."When he returned to the car, Kevan asked him, "How did it go?"Dylan fastened his seat belt and replied while he started the car. "She said she'd been asked to go on the show by an editor, Ms. Holleran, from the show.""An editor from 'The Mediators Room'?" Kevan felt that something was not right. "How did an editor from a television program know all about her
Larissa received many congratulations for her successful attempt at defending her honor and vindicating herself.The general manager called her as well and informed her that he was appealing directly to his superiors for her reinstatement and that she would most probably be able to return to work at the Regal Dynasty the week after.Larissa thanked him.…On Saturday morning, Larissa received a call from Kevan.He was already waiting for her downstairs.Larissa didn't want to make him wait for too long, so she merely changed into a set of new clothes without tidying herself up or putting on makeup. She left the house after that.Kevan was the only one in the car, so Larissa naturally sat in the passenger's seat."Is Dylan not coming with us?" she asked.Kevan's fingers tightened around the steering wheel.The first thing she asked about was Dylan—how maddening."He's not coming," he replied coldly.Larissa hummed in acknowledgment. "Did you have breakfast yet?" she continued."Nope." H
"What?" Kevan asked in confusion."Your face—" Larissa's laugh was a little forced.Kevan immediately understood her meaning and raised his hand to wipe his face.But when he removed his hand and looked at it, there was nothing there."Not there—" Larissa leaned forward and brushed away the smudge on his face with two fingers.Her fingertips were warm against his skin. Even though the interaction lasted less than two seconds, it still made his body temperature skyrocket.His blood seemed to have all rushed to his brain, staining the skin above his neck red.Kevan thanked her again, but his voice was hoarser than it was the first time.He pulled out two pieces of tissue and handed them to Larissa. "Here, wipe your hands."Having said that, he straightened his posture and started the car once more.…Because they'd left so early, they did not encounter any traffic. The journey from the city center to Starry Mountain had only taken them approximately two hours.Starry Mountain was a highl
Larissa was so tired that her exhaustion and anger gradually overpowered her rationality, so much that she no longer cared about the disparities between her and Kevan's social status, which consequently made her lose her fear of him."I just have ten dollars," Kevan told her without a hint of guilt on his face.The price of one cable car ticket was twelve dollars.Larissa was rendered speechless.Eyeing the endless mountainous terrain, she carefully replaced the cap of the mineral water before supporting herself up by holding onto the metal railings on both sides of the trail."Let's go," she said weakly.Kevan stood unmoving."Are you sure?" He raised his brows, the doubt in his voice apparent."We have to get to the top before we get hungry anyway." Larissa squeezed the bottle with one hand and grabbed the metal railings with another, plowing ahead with her head down.Kevan jogged in front of her and blocked her path."What?" Larissa looked at him, puzzled.Kevan switched his bottle
That simple sentence felt like it had saved her life. Immediately, Larissa forced her eyes open.The summit stretched ahead of her, and there were no longer any tormenting stairs in sight."Mr. Rogers!" A man dressed in Starville's uniform rushed over and held a large, black umbrella above Kevan's head."Are you alright? Do we need to send a car over for you?"The summit had rather spacious roads. Some of the hotels on the mountain would send over their own electric cars the size of golf carts to the cable car station to transport their guests with large items and luggage.Kevan was fine with walking there himself, but Larissa—She'd long stood back up on her feet, and was pulled under the umbrella by him.She still looked tired, but she no longer looked as sluggish as she was before. She seemed to have regained some energy since their arrival."Do you want to take a car?" he asked her.Larissa nodded.It wasn't that she couldn't walk. It was just that Kevan was completely soaked, and
Larissa went straight into the bathroom to take a shower.After hiking up this mountain, her clothes had been soaked by her sweat, her disheveled appearance on par with Kevan's.She changed into a dry, casual outfit before going over and knocking on Kevan's door.Because of her, it was way past lunchtime when they arrived, and the little bit of breakfast she'd had that morning had already been depleted by the intense physical activities she'd been forced to perform.Larissa's stomach grumbled, and she guessed that Kevan felt the same, so she decided to invite him downstairs to get lunch together.Kevan did not open the door. Instead, he asked through the door separating them, "What is it?""Do you want to go get lunch?" Larissa asked him."You go. I'm not hungry," he replied."Oh, okay—" Larissa was a little disappointed, although she couldn't exactly tell why.…Larissa ordered two servings of food. She ate one of them and brought the other back to their room.Even though Kevan had sa
He seemed to be calling out for someone, and that name…was exactly the same as her nickname.Larissa's heart rate accelerated.She clutched her chest and straightened her body. "Don't overthink. Do not overthink—" There were so many people in this world that shared the same name as her. Who knew which one of those people he was calling out for?As if he were trapped in a nightmare, Kevan's brows knitted even tighter, his expression becoming increasingly panicked."Lari, don't go!" He almost shouted this with all of his remaining strength, his voice pitiful and desperate.Larissa had never seen him look so fragile before. Suddenly, she felt a little sad for him as well, her heart wringing with pain.Kevan's arms emerged from below the covers and flailed about the bed. His fingers clenched and unclenched, as if he were trying to search for something around him.Instinctively, Larissa reached out.As soon as Kevan's hands touched hers, he caught her arm and squeezed it, the mere force of
Larissa wasn't the only one who was shocked. The doctor who'd been standing on one side dropped the needle he had been holding upon Kevan's sudden bellow.Larissa froze, her heart stopping for two seconds and her mind going completely blank.When he'd finally identified the person standing in front of him, Kevan's rationality returned, and the ice in his eyes slowly dissipated.The tautness in his mind earlier relaxed as well, followed by a wave of sluggish drowsiness that hit him almost at once. He forced his eyes to stay open as he asked, his voice hoarse and weak. "Why are you here?"She snapped out of her daze as well.She pointed to the doctor as she replied, "You have a fever. The doctor is here to see you."It was then that he noticed the unfamiliar, middle-aged man standing behind her."Do you still have the strength to unbutton your own shirt?" Larissa waved the thermometer in her hand. "I need to take your temperature."Kevan removed her hands from his own and answered truthf
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