Sweet Subterfuge

Kevan couldn’t figure out what had angered Larissa. After he replied to her, she didn’t respond to him anymore.
On the other hand, Wendy was exceptionally polite to him. She even brought out her best vodka as a “thank you” gesture.
They sat on the couch, sloping vodka and chatting, while Aster nestled in Kevan’s arms, quietly playing with his toys.
Wendy shifted the topic to Aster, saying. “He really likes you.”
Kevan smiled softly as he gently patted Aster’s head. “I know.”
“What’s your plan? About your future with Larissa. I mean,” she asked directly, her eyes locked onto his.
Kevan, for a rare moment, avoided her gaze, his fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of the vodka glass. What did he think? Cl
course. he would love to have a future with Larissa. But the crucial question was, what did Larissa think?
He had hurt Larissa deeply in the past. Although she hadn’t shown any aversion to him now, he still feared that she would push
him away once more if he proposed getting back together,
“I know about your past with Larissa.” Wendy’s candid confession made Kevan tremble slightly. He subconsciously lightened his
grip on Aster.
“If this had happened a year ago, I would’ve kicked you out of here,” Wendy raised her eyebrows and chuckled lightly.
Aster didn’t understand what she said; he gazed at Kevan in question. Kevan grew even more uncomfortable, feeling deeply
ashamed.
She noticed his unease. Even though this was what she intended, she didn’t want to ruin the image Aster had of Kevan, as she
knew how much Aster adored him.
“Aster, why don’t you go to your room for a moment? I have something to talk about with Uncle Kevan.”
Aster pouted and reluctantly got off the couch, saying. “You better call me when you’re done!” Then, he turned to look at Kevan
with a pitiful expression, adding, “No sneaking away!”
“Sure,” Kevan promised. He felt somewhat relieved once he heard the door close behind Aster. But when he met Wendy’s gaze
again, his body tensed, and he grew nervous. Wendy was not someone easily handled.

Compared to Kevan, Wendy appeared more sef-assured.
“Mr. Rogers, let me be upfront with you. I’ve never actually wanted you and Larissa to be together,” she said.
Kevan’s breathing became lighter. He had tried hard to muster a more natural smile, but it eluded him.
She continued “Your previous marriage with Larssa might have been an arrangement, but she has developed feelings for you.”
Larissa never disclosed this to her, but Wendy could easily discern it. Otherwise, Larissa wouldn’t have been so heartbroken
over Kevan’s high- profile attar.
Kevan was taken aback. He looked at Wendy with surprise. “What are you saying?”
Larissa developed feelings? When did that happen? Throughout that time, she had been cold and indifferent toward him. Even
when he used Ruby to provoke her, she never displayed a hint of jealousy or anger that a typical wife would.
“Didn’t you sense it? Wendy was also astonished. She had assumed that Kevan, with his keen mind, would have figured out
Larissa’s feelings long ago.