Chapter 524
Sweet Subterfuge
Larissa crouched in front of Aster and held his hand, calmly reasoning with him, saying, âMommy canât take such a long holiday, so I canât go to Kailadon with you. Instead of wasting this spot, itâs better to give it away to another student instead.â
âBut-âAster pouted, his face filled with disappointment.
It was not that he did not know that his mommy was busy with work, and it was not that he could not understandâhe had long known from a young age that Mommy and Godma only wanted to give him a better life by working so hard. Out compared to what they saw as a better life, he desired their companionship more than anything.
âI want to go with you. His voice became very small and it was filled with hurt.
Larissa pressed her lips tightly together. She felt bad for him, and she felt quilty too. She knew that she had not spent much time with him over these years. While other kids were vacationing all over the world, having fun at carnivals and amusement parks, he was usually alone at home, either watching superhero movies or reading comic books that he did not understand completely due to his limited knowledge of vocabulary.
âHow about this- Larissa tried to discuss with him, âWell let Spencerâs mommy have the prize, Once Iâm able to take leave. I take you to Kalladon for two days, okay?â
Two days was way shorter than the original seven days. But Aster knew that this was the biggest compromise she could give.
âWhat about Uncle Kevan?â he asked with concern.
âUncle Kevan wont be going.â Larissa said even as she glanced over at the man in question. He was still the center of the crowd, a dazzling presence that was completely worlds apart from her.
Even if their history together did not exist, she would not try to reach above her own station But her way of thinking could not influence Aster.
âBut Uncle Kevan was the one who won the prize Aster disagreed with her decision. âForget not running things through with him before giving the prize away, you refuse to take him on vacation tooâMommy, Iâm so disappointed in you.â
His expression was rather stern, and there was a hint of resentment in his eyes which made Larissa feel a little guilty. His words were reasonable, and she could not retort.
âThen Iâll ask Uncle Kevan.â Larissa could only concede.
She only led Aster over once the people surrounding Kevan had dispersed. She had not yet thought of how to broach the subject when Aster took over. âMommy wants to let Spencerâs mommy have the chance to go to Kalladon.â
Kevan was not surprised.
He had overheard some of Larissaâs conversation with Spencerâs mother, and he knew that this was the only result that could have been achieved. The truth was, he never held any hope for the three of them to go on a vacation together in Kalladon Larissaâs attitude to him was already quite clear bom last night. She was always indifferent and cold, and she would never give him a chance.
âSure.â Kevan agreed to it readily.
âButââ Aster changed the direction of the conversation. âMommy said that she would take me to Kalladon for two days once she has the time. UncâSensing the gaves from the others. Aster quickly changed tack. âDaddy, do you want to go with us?*
Kevan looked at Larissa first. She was expressionlessly looking at the floor, seemingly avoiding his gaze.
He knew what she meant at once.
âWeâll see. He did not walk himself into a dead end either. âI just donât know if Iâd be busy at that time.â
âAh ââ Asterâs head hung low, like a sad little puppy. âWhy are you all always so busy will work?â he grumbled quietly.
Kevanâs big hand landed on his head and ruled up his hair. âif weâre not busy, how can we eam money to take you to Kaladon?â