Kevan noticed Dylan's hesitation and decided to take matters into his own hands. He lifted Aster and placed him firmly in Dylan's lap."Lock the doors and keep him safe," he instructed with determination before jumping out of the car without further ado."Hey—" Dylan tried to intervene but it was too late.He watched as Kevan strode purposefully toward the commotion."Damn it!" Dylan muttered in frustration.Following Kevan's instructions, he locked the car doors but remained uneasy."Uncle Dylan, where did Daddy go?" Aster asked with a worried expression.Dylan shifted his gaze away from Kevan, mustering a forced smile. "Well ... he is not feeling well and needs to use the neighbor's restroom."He concocted a poor excuse.Aster responded with a simple "Oh" and lowered his head, obediently nestling in Dylan's arms.It was unclear whether he believed the excuse or not.The sound of the knife striking the gate abruptly stopped."You've finally decided to show your face! Y
Both Anthony and Violet were utterly charmed by Aster.Anthony couldn't wait to take Aster from Violet. He bounced Aster around happily, saying, "What a good boy!"The scene of the grandparents and grandson enjoying themselves together was heartwarming.But Dylan's focus wasn't on that. He asked, "Violet, where's Kevan?"She gestured upstairs and replied, "He said his clothes got dirty, so he went upstairs to take a shower and change. You know his cleanliness habits …"Kevan's penchant for cleanliness was no secret in the family."Oh." Dylan didn't inquire further."Aster, would you like some snacks? I made cinnamon rolls and cream puffs. Even your mom says they're delicious!" She held Aster's hands, trying to win him over."After snacks, how about going for a stroll in the yard with me? I'll show you the crickets I'm raising. It's a lot of fun!" Anthony chimed in, also vying for Aster's attention.Dylan sat on the couch.He felt somewhat out of place amidst the current atm
"Life imprisonment?" Dylan narrowed his eyes. "That's still lenient for him!"In fact, Edmund confirmed that Cody had poisoned Old Mr. Rogers. However, Kevan didn't intend to submit that video as evidence due to suspicions of coercion during the confession."Once he's behind bars, it won't be up to him whether he lives or dies," Kevan said. He was smiling, but his dark eyes were chilly. There were plenty of hardcore criminals in prison. Fights and brawls happened at the drop of a hat. It wasn't all that uncommon for inmates to end up killing each other. Handling it wouldn't be much of a hassle. After all, individuals like those inmates wouldn't mind taking another life.Besides, there were already two members of Bernard's family in prison. Since Maria got herself into trouble today, she'd likely join them behind bars. With Cody's relatives no longer around, there would be no one to investigate the cause of his death.The matter would probably be swept under the ru
Violet looked surprised. "Wait, you haven't remarried Lari yet?"You've been constantly over there, staying for weeks at a time. "I thought you'd have it all sorted by now." Her eyes sparkled with teasing, and her tone was playfully mocking.Kevan cleared his throat, feeling somewhat uneasy. "Well, I still need to discuss it with you and Dad.""Are you telling me that you won't remarry Lari if Anthony and I disagree?" she countered. Her eyes were filled with understanding.He grew even more uncomfortable and used the act of breaking a piece of bread to avoid her gaze.His confidence waned a bit."It's not quite like that.""So, when are you planning to remarry her?" She paused and focused on their conversation."We'll wait until the situation in the country improves a bit. I plan to have the wedding here, but I haven't discussed it with Larissa yet.""You haven't talked about it yet?" She sounded anxious. "Don't tell me you're rushing into this without careful considerat
"Oh, really? I haven't noticed." He struggled to maintain a calm facade.Violet retorted with a touch of annoyance, "Of course, you haven't!" "When was the last time you dug out those childhood photos I took of you and looked at them? "I bet you don't even remember what you looked like as a child."This was actually true.Violet remembered something else and asked, "Oh, by the way, is Lari coming over later?""She probably won't. How about you give her a call?" He lowered his head in thought before looking up with a mischievous glint in his eyes.Violet knew exactly what her son was thinking, having carried him for nine months. Since she had been missing seeing Larissa around, she might as well play along with his plan."Let's wait until tonight. She's probably working right now," she suggested.… However, Violet's guess was incorrect.Once the driver had dropped off Larissa and Lewis at the hotel, he left them with some parting words, "Mr. Ackley mentioned that the two
Kevan handed the phone over to Violet deliberately."Lari, are you done with your work?" Violet was extremely enthusiastic. Startled, Larissa took some time to reply, "Mrs. Rogers, I don't have work today." "That's perfect! Hurry up and bring Lari over for dinner! You will be just in time for a meal at home!" Violet urged Kevan.Kevan's voice could be heard through the phone as he spoke helplessly, "Mom, Lari hasn't agreed to come yet." "Oh, right! Lari, are you coming for dinner?" Violet asked Larissa's opinion after she was reminded by Kevan. In fact, Larissa didn't really want to travel that far. In addition, it was a little awkward to deal with Kevan's parents. However, since they had already spoken, she couldn't refuse their request directly. It would make them feel bad."I'll go," she said sweetly. "Did you hear that? Hurry up! Don't waste time!" Violet punched Kevan triumphantly and handed the phone back to him. The collaborating party had booked rooms in the
As soon as the door was opened, Violet sprang up from the sofa and hurried over. Larissa entered the house first. When she looked up, the first thing she saw was Violet's joyful face. Taken aback, Larissa greeted Violet immediately, "Mrs. Rogers!" "Hi!" Violet took some house slippers from the shoe cabinet and helped Larissa put them on. After that, she then looked her up and down. "Lari, you've lost weight!" Violet exclaimed, her eyes shimmering with tears. Larissa laughed awkwardly and looked to Kevan for help. Violet's reaction was too much for her to handle. She didn't know how to comfort her. "That's enough." Kevan interrupted the emotional moment. He grabbed Larissa's hand from his mother's and held it in his palm. "She would rather lose weight than gain it." He wasn't wrong in saying that, it's just that he was too blunt. Larissa didn't dare to agree and forced a dry laugh. Kevan handed some tissues to Violet and said, "Today is a happy occasion. You shouldn't spoi
After a warning from Kevan, Kevan's parents seemed a little dejected, but they didn't show it in front of Larissa. Dinner was already prepared. This was one of the rare times when Violet cooked dinner personally. After asking Kevan about Larissa's preferences, Violet had prepared all her favorite dishes. During dinner, Violet kept piling dishes on Larissa's plate. Her plate was almost never empty. Larissa and Kevan went for a walk in the courtyard after dinner. Aster also wanted to join them, but Violet kept him indoors. The Rogers' villa was located in the suburbs, surrounded by a cluster of other villas. There were no tall buildings or constant traffic. One could smell fresh air in the courtyard. Looking up, there was a clear night sky with twinkling stars that were not visible in the bustling city. "It will be nice to live here when we get old," Larissa commented. Kevan curled his lips into a smile when Larissa hinted at their future together. "Yes, we will live wh
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