Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 290

Larissa couldn’t help but laugh at Avril’s rapid-fire questions. “I can use needles as throwing darts, but I’ve never tried it with leaves.”

“Needles?! Like the ones you used to cure everyone? That’s still so incredible!” Avril’s eyes were practically sparkling.

“Alright, Avril, don’t overwhelm your cousin-in-law,” Harriett said, approaching with her husband.

Avril immediately straightened up, looking slightly abashed.

Harriett studied Larissa closely, a hint of envy in her eyes. Such a vibrant age, such a bold and confident spirit. She had once dreamed of being a woman who commanded attention, but she lacked the ability to compete in a powerful family like the Palmers. Instead, she and her husband had built their lives from scratch.

She had hoped to raise her daughter, Avril, to be fiercely independent, but Avril’s gentle nature leaned more toward a quiet, peaceful life.

Harriett had chosen to respect her daughter’s disposition. Besides, with a prodigy like Haskell in their generation, pushing Avril to compete would have been throwing her into a lion’s den. It was better for her to remain neutral and safe.

But now, seeing how much Avril admired her future cousin-in-law, an idea formed. Perhaps she could encourage a friendship between them. They could support each other. After all, Larissa had already protected her daughter once tonight by giving her that sachet.

“Larissa,” Harriett said warmly, “now that you and Haskell are together, he should be the one looking after you. But in his current condition, I’m afraid he will need you to look after him until his legs are healed.”

Larissa smiled. “Haskell and I will be husband and wife. It’s only natural that we take care of each other.”

“Thank you for your concern, Aunt Harriett,” Haskell added.

“You’ve both had a long night,” Harriett said. “You should get some rest. Avril, her father, and I will be heading home.”

“Take care, Aunt Harriett,” Larissa and Haskell said in unison.

“Indeed,” Haskell chuckled. “You truly are amazing, Larissa.”

His praise warmed her. She stretched. “Well, I should get back to my parents now.”

Haskell’s expression softened, a hint of longing in his voice. “It feels like we’re saying goodbye too soon. I can’t wait for the day we can finally live together properly.”

“You’ve managed all these years,” Larissa teased. “Surely you can wait another three months.”

“Larissa, your mind is in the gutter,” Haskell said. “I meant it literally. I just want to be with you. And for the record, it’s not that I was ‘managing’ before.”

“You weren’t?” Larissa’s eyes widened in surprise. “So you’ve already… been with someone?”