Microworks Corporation officially began its holiday break on the eve of the big family reunion dinner.Larissa settled all the workers' wages and handed each of them a generous bonus.In the morning, Larissa, Kevan, and Aster completed a thorough cleaning of their home. They also put up the artwork sent over by Violet a few days earlier.They packed their luggage.In the afternoon, they drove to the Rogers' villa.For a week, Violet had been insisting that the three of them spend the festival there and stay for a few days before leaving.Naturally, Larissa didn't refuse.Although Kevan wasn't particularly enthusiastic about it, he had to comply with Larissa's decision.The Rogers' villa was adorned with festive decorations.Baubles were hung under the eaves.An air of celebration permeated the surroundings.As soon as they got out of the car, Aster was bouncing with excitement, absolutely thrilled."I hung this one!"He pointed at a bauble at the front gate and proudly i
Larissa gave him a comforting hug and whispered, "I'll go with you to the cemetery on the day after the big family reunion dinner. We'll bring some pie and visit Roland."Kevan closed his eyes and returned the embrace. It took him a while, but he finally managed to choke out a heartfelt "Okay."They spent some time outside the restaurant, wrapped up in their own world. Meanwhile, Anthony and Violet, who had noticed them earlier, wisely chose not to interrupt. Instead, they exchanged knowing glances and shared a smile.Once Kevan had regained his composure, Larissa confidently led him into the restaurant."Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers," she greeted them politely.However, Kevan had already informed Violet about the true nature of their relationship. So, Violet playfully teased Larissa, "Still calling us 'Mr. and Mrs. Rogers,' huh?"Larissa blushed and quickly corrected herself, saying, "Sorry! Hello, Mom and Dad!""Yeah, sounds about right!" Violet responded cheerfully.An
Larissa had no intention of allowing Gary and Lewis to stay at her house, or rather, Kevan's house. The house she was currently sharing with Kevan was spacious enough to accommodate both Gary and Lewis.However, she was worried that the conflicts between Gary and Kevan might escalate if they were under the same roof.So, she took Lewis aside and whispered, "Are you seriously planning to stay with us? What if my dad and Kevan get into a fight?""You might be overthinking this," Lewis said, gently tapping her forehead with his fingers. He then reassured her, "Don't worry, Gary has come to terms with reality. He's not as hot-headed as he used to be.""Really?" She still had some doubts."I swear on my life!" he declared.After some contemplation, she finally agreed. "Okay, then. But just so you know, we'll be staying at Kevan's parents' place for the next couple of days."She felt torn when she thought about it.On one hand, her biological family had traveled a long way from
"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
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
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
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.
"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