At some point, it began to rain lightly. No one brought umbrellas, so they all hurriedly ran to their cars to hide from the rain. Anthony also pulled Violet away with him. Only Kevan stood there without moving."Kevan?" Anthony turned back to call him. "Aren't you leaving?"Kevan stared at Bethany's name on the gravestone as he said softly, "I want to stay for a little while longer."Anthony knew that Kevan was feeling bad, so he did not try to change his mind. He only said, "Don't stay out for too long. The weather is not good today. The rain will only be heavier soon."After everyone had left, Kevan only stepped forward and crouched before Bethany's grave. He reached out to touch Bethany's beautifully carved name in the stone as he said guiltily, "I'm sorry, Bethany."I don't hope that you'll forgive me, but you must be happy while you're up there. If there's a next life, remember to go to a normal family and find parents who'll really love you. Goodbye."He hoped they would ne
Larissa did not forget her work even after she came back to Caldor. Of course, that was mostly because Lewis was keeping an eye on her. She contacted those clients every day and had to take time out to oversee the rebuilding of Blue Star Shipping's branch company in Bartham.The office address was picked by Kevan for her beforehand. It was right next to the Microworks Building, and it was the property of Microworks. Kevan had bought this office building previously for the sake of expanding Microwork's departments. Still, he could not use up all the floors, so he gave two floors for Blue Star Shipping.Larissa did not want to take advantage of him, so she offered to pay him rent according to the market price."Sure." Kevan did not refuse. "My money's yours anyway."As long as Larissa did not find it troublesome to transfer the money between them, it was fine.…After arranging all his matters, Kevan only informed Larissa the night before his flight. "I'm going to Westoni
"Of course I'll fucking blame you! Who else can I blame?" If Gary had been holding something, he would have thrown it at Kevan a long time ago.This fucking son of a bitch! Piece of shit! He fucking stole his precious daughter away from him without saying a damned thing!Although Gary knew that this was bound to happen sooner or later, they really did not respect him by having an affair right under his nose!Lewis hurriedly tried to soothe Gary again. "Calm down, Uncle. Be calm."Gary took several deep breaths before he managed to calm himself down. "You've dealt with all that bullshit with your family?" he asked.The main reason he prevented Larissa from being together with Kevan was because he felt that the Rogers family was too complicated. He did not want Larissa to get involved with all the stupid power struggles of the wealthy families.Gary had already heard of Soaring Corporation's bankruptcy and Cody's arrest resulting in his death from various media, but he coul
"When's the wedding?" Gary suddenly asked.Kevan froze for two seconds before he finally realized what Gary was asking. Then, a wave of crazy joy rose up in Kevan."It's not decided yet." Kevan did his best to stop himself from smiling as he replied calmly, "I need to see what Lari would say.""Since you're already back together, it's better if the wedding comes fast. My daughter can't possibly just follow you without anything to her name!" Gary was still unhappy with Kevan, but the asshole had already stolen Larissa away. No one could stop him now.Kevan wanted to have the wedding quickly too to prevent himself from having nightmares about it. But now Larissa was busy establishing a Blue Star branch in Bartham, and she did not care about anything else."Uncle Gary, this is a gift." Kevan took out a document from his briefcase and handed it to Gary. Gary's eyes narrowed as he looked at it carefully—"A property deed?" he exclaimed in surprise.Kevan was giving him the wh
"I guess so." Kevan's voice was calm, but the smile in his eyes was obvious."Can you decide on the wedding now?" Dylan raised an eyebrow."I'll see." Kevan did not know what Larissa really wanted, so he did not dare to decide by himself."You'll 'see'?" Dylan was unhappy with Kevan's indecision. "If you drag this out anymore, you and Larissa will probably already have your second child!"Kevan was helpless. "This isn't something that I can decide by myself.""What's wrong, Mr. Rogers?" Dylan eyed him teasingly as he said, "You're already afraid of your wife now? Are you still that egotistical Mr. Rogers that I know?""I'm not 'afraid' of my wife." Kevan corrected him. "I am respecting my wife's opinions. A mansplainer like you will never understand."Dylan was very indignantly confused. "Fine, fine. It is whatever you say it is." He did not want to bother arguing with Kevan.…When Kevan got home, it was almost 2:00 am. The house was dark, and Larissa and Aster had gone to sl
"My wife," Kevan said again. He stared at her, and his eyes were twinkling.Although it was not the first time he had called her wife, Larissa still blushed anyway. She purposely looked away and put a hand over her racing heart as she retorted weakly, "We're not married yet, don't randomly call me that!""There's something I keep forgetting to tell you." Kevan had a smirk on his face while his eyes were slightly narrowed. He looked like a fox.Larissa's heart skipped a beat and she got nervous. "What?""Come here." Kevan called her, and his low voice was like the voice of a siren. Larissa could not help but take two steps forward. When she reached a range where Kevan could touch her, he reached up at once and pulled her into his arms.Larissa screamed as she fell onto the soft bed, her back slamming against Kevan's firm chest. Kevan hugged her tightly, and his breaths puffed against her cheek.Larissa was already used to the way he hugged her, and she did not feel unc
"What do you mean by that?"Larissa remembered when Kevan was still "comatose" in the hospital, Dylan had given her a divorce agreement to sign. She had gotten drunk, and because she was also triggered by Kevan and Ruby, she did not bother reading the details of the agreement. She simply signed her name on the last page."Dylan did not give you a divorce agreement, it's an agreement for asset transference. Besides, we never went to the city hall to get divorced, remember?" Kevan whispered into her ear, feeling smug about his little trick.Larissa was shocked. It was true that she did not get divorced at the city hall before leaving Caldor. But they had been living separately for six years, and their relationship had really been "shattered". She always thought that Dylan had helped her sue for divorce in court.After all, if Kevan did not divorce her, he would not be able to marry Ruby again.Also—"What agreement for asset transference?"Based on Kevan's character and we
Because she had to help Kevan and Larissa take care of Aster, Violet came over frequently.Larissa's schedule was more flexible than Kevan's. Sometimes, she could come back early and run into Violet. Violet would always find ways to ask when Larissa was going to have her wedding. Truth be told, Larissa had not thought of having a wedding.She was getting married for the second time after all.When she married Travis last time, the wedding was not grand, but it was still big. Plus, there was a wedding dinner. She didn't really want a repeat of that.To her, a wedding was a waste of time, money, and energy. She did not have any dreams about having a grand wedding like young teenage girls. So, Larissa always told Violet in a roundabout way that she had no plans for a wedding.But she was probably too roundabout with it, because Violet did not seem to get it, and kept asking without stopping. So, Larissa could only discuss it with Kevan. "Can you tell your mom that we won't
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