Kevan's left arm was wrapped in a thin bandage. Due to his loose sweatshirt, no one could tell that he was injured. Larissa watched as he unwrapped the bandage. There was a wound approximately four inches long on his arm. Kevan had already treated and disinfected the wound with alcohol. It had scabbed over and stopped bleeding, so it didn't look terrifying. Still, Larissa's heart ached as she touched the area around Kevan's injury. She bit her lower lip to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes. Kevan only meant to evoke her sympathy, not to make her cry. "It's a minor cut. I'll be fine in a couple of days." Kevan removed his arm from her grasp and rewrapped the bandage. Larissa looked into his eyes and advised earnestly, "Please don't do this again in the future. If things can be resolved by calling the police, you don't need to handle it personally." It was fortunate that Maria was a weak woman and couldn't inflict much harm on him. What if Kevan were to encounter
If Blue Star Shipping could secure Thompson Medical as a client, the annual revenue for the entire year would be guaranteed. Thompson Medical's office building was located at the innermost part of the industrial park. It was a simple four-story building. By its exterior, no one would believe that it was the headquarters of the famous Thompson Medical. The interior of the office building was plain. There were no luxurious decorations, not even an elevator. Richard brought Lewis and Larissa to the fourth floor. It was where Mr. Ackley's office was located. "Mr. Ackley, Mr. Lewis and Ms. Larissa of Blue Star Shipping have arrived." Richard knocked on the door of one of the rooms. The office was not large, not even half as big as Lewis' office. There was a desk and a few cabinets for files. A man in his sixties sat behind the desk. There were wrinkles on his face and most of his hair had gone white, but he looked healthy and energetic. This man was the CEO of Thompson Med
"Sharon!" Brian called out. The person walking up the stairs looked up and flashed a smile at him. "Uncle Brian!" Larissa was stunned. Although there was a significant change in her appearance, it was none other than Sharon Davis who was standing below them at this moment! She stared at Sharon without shifting her gaze. Her intense stare quickly caught Sharon's attention. However, she seemed completely unsurprised by Larissa's presence here. Sharon quickened her steps and wrapped her arm around Larissa affectionately. "Lari! What are you doing here?" Larissa had only met Sharon a few times, so they weren't very close. Her sudden friendliness took Larissa by surprise and her body stiffened inexplicably. Sharon winked at Larissa and continued speaking, although Larissa couldn't understand a word. "I heard from Dylan that you and Kevan came back to Caldor together. I was actually planning to arrange a meeting with you. I never expected to run into you at Thompson Medical.
"Will Kevan be going back with you?" Sharon asked again. Larissa hadn't discussed this with Kevan, and he hadn't mentioned it to her either. "I'm not sure. He came back because there were some matters in the company to handle. He might have to wait until those are taken care of." Sharon couldn't help but curse, "What is he handling? He's already handed over all the company affairs to Dylan! Now Dylan sleeps at the company every day. I hardly get to see him once a week!" Larissa finally understood why Sharon was so resentful of Kevan. However, she remembered that Dylan and Sharon had a poor relationship the last time she returned to Caldor. Larissa wondered how their relationship had improved so dramatically in such a short time. "Well …" Larissa felt a little awkward. Whether stayed or left wasn't something she could decide. "How about I talk to Kevan later and ask him to stay in Caldor for a little longer?" she suggested to Sharon. Nonetheless, it might not have much effec
When they arrived at the hotel, Lewis finally asked the question on his mind all day. "Is Sharon Davis really your friend?" Since Brian wasn't familiar with Larissa, he could be fooled by their pretense. However, Lewis knew that Larissa's reaction wasn't right. It wasn't what one would expect from meeting an old friend. "Not really. Sharon is the wife of Kevan's friend. I've met her a few times. I never expected to meet her at Thompson Medical. I certainly didn't expect her to help me." Larissa didn't see the need to hide anything. Pursing his lips, Lewis furrowed his brows as he seemed lost in thought. Larissa was afraid that their act would be exposed with Brian present, so she hadn't expressed her gratitude properly to Sharon. She sent a WhatsApp message to Sharon, "Ms. Davis, thank you so much for your help today. I was wondering if you are free tomorrow for dinner. My colleague and I would like to thank you over a meal." Sharon replied quickly, "There's no need to than
With a little nudge from Lewis, Larissa realized the issue. "How did Moorewell Shipping get this information?" "That's the issue. Besides, you heard from Mr. Ackley. Moorewell Shipping's offer was slightly lower than ours," Lewis spoke in a cold tone as his pace quickened. A thought formed in Larissa's mind. "You mean, we have a mole in our company?" Corporate espionage was commonplace in the business world. Still, Larissa had never encountered it before, so she was shocked. Lewis nodded. "He or she should be easy to find." After all, not many people in the presidential office knew about the purpose of their trip. By questioning them one by one after they returned, they could find out the source of the leak. Seeing Larissa's solemn expression, Lewis stopped in his tracks and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry too much about this. We already signed the contract, and we haven't suffered any losses. We can investigate this later. Aren't you meeting Sharon for dinner? Wh
The writing on the pages had faded considerably due to time. Regardless, Larissa could still recognize her own handwriting accurately. Larissa Seymour, Class A. This physics textbook belonged to her! A blurry memory rushed back to her mind. In her senior year of high school, she had indeed lost her physics textbook. She had looked everywhere for it, in her home, her classroom, even in the garden where she studied in the mornings. However, she couldn't find any trace of it. In the end, she had to save up her hard-earned money to get a new one from her homeroom teacher. She also had to stay up all night to rewrite the class notes in her new textbook. After nearly twenty years, she never expected to find her lost textbook here.The assistant entered the room again and asked, "Ms. Larissa, would you like something to drink?" Larissa shook her head and waved the physics textbook in her hand. "Does this book belong to Mr. Rogers?" The assistant stared at the book for a
Larissa suddenly grinned mischievously. She stood on tiptoe and whispered into his ear in a teasing manner, "Kevan, have you had a secret crush on me since high school?" The expression on his face froze and his pupils contracted. Kevan's body stiffened and his cheeks were flushed crimson. Initially, Larissa meant to pull his leg. However, Kevan's silence and delayed response made her feel anxious. "Did you really have a crush on me?" She took a step back, her heart racing. Kevan regained his composure and stared at her with an aggrieved expression. "No, it's impossible. I didn't even know you back then!" Larissa refuted loudly as she took another step back. "You really don't remember at all. In your senior year of high school, you saved someone and brought him to the hospital." Kevan sighed and the anticipation in his eyes dimmed. Larissa finally recalled once Kevan reminded her. "That was you?" She covered her mouth in disbelief. "It was me." Kevan went up to Larissa
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