Since She Met Lucian

Just as Lucian handed over the framed painting to Nicholas, Nicholas's smile widened to form a pleasant grin.

No matter who had made this painting, Nicholas was moved by Lucian's intention.

Lucian had always been aloof ever since Fiona passed away. He seldom returned to the Zhan mansion for the Spring Festival. Nicholas found it both surprising and pleasant to have dinner with his son.

Fannie stayed silent and just stood in one corner, glaring at Amelia at the same time.

"Mom, this is what Amelia chose for you." Lucian took the clothes from the bag and handed them to Fannie.

Fannie's expressions changed at that. Her face turned from slightly surprised to indifferent in a few seconds. She looked coldly at Amelia and said, "I have many clothes. I don't need these."

Amelia's heart trembled when Fannie rejected her gift bluntly. After recovering from her shock, she forced a smile.

Before she could open her mouth, Lucian interrupted, "All right." Lucian's expression was cold and icy when he stuffed the clothes back in the bag.

"It's the New Year's Eve, Fannie. Why can't you at least pretend to be happy?" Nicholas couldn't stand still after seeing Fannie's behavior. Seriousness floated in his eyes when he gazed at her.

Fannie clutched her fist tightly and glared at Nicholas. She took multiple breaths to suppress her anger. "Do I have to grin all the time just to make you happy?"

Nicholas was speechless and sighed deeply.

Fannie ruined the serene atmosphere between Lucian and his father.

Lucian ignored Fannie and walked toward Amelia. He held her hand gently and whispered soothingly, "It's okay."

Amelia's lips stretched to form a faint smile. Her heart didn't have a trace of anger or distress anymore. She had expected Fannie to behave like that anyway.

After eating, both Nicholas and Lucian went to the study while Amelia waited in the living room.

Fannie was calmly staring at the cup in her hand, and she sipped it again. Fannie seemed calm on the surface. She didn't even gaze at Amelia with her displeased expressions. Amelia glanced at the woman and shifted uneasily on her seat as if she wanted to say something. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. What if she ended up annoying Fannie again? The silence made her feel even more awkward.

"I know Lucian and his father like you already, but I won't. And don't worry, I won't accept you for the rest of my life," Fannie said coldly.

Those words made Amelia's heart feel suffocated. She averted her eyes and looked down.

Before silence between them could become even more awkward, Lucian walked downstairs and took hold of Amelia's hand. He didn't even glance at Fannie and said, "Happy New Year, mom. We should go home."

she turned her face away. She picked up her coffee and continued to drink, ignoring Amelia's and Lucian's

They were silent for their entire journey. Just as Lucian got out of the car, he observed a weird expression on Amelia's face. "Amelia, didn't you promise not to take Fannie seriously? Why

and asked,

in her seventies!" Lucian had a playful smile on his lips. He urged her to sit on the couch and asked, "Guess why my father

pouting when

made a sound as if he was dramatically beating drums before revealing some mystery. Lucian took out two red packets from his coat and handed them to Amelia. "This one is from father, and the other one

packets in a daze. The packets had a lot of money. Her

red packets, especially the one Iris handed just before dying. Amelia used to feel distressed at this time of the year because she would

and Lily had gone to her hometown to stay with her family members. That meant Lucian and Amelia were alone in the huge villa. It was Amelia who decided to cook

as Amelia was about to start cooking, Lucian

Amelia couldn't believe what she heard. 'He can't even wash the

the chores tonight. You have done enough already. Go and

her eyes. She didn't believe in

by others while cooking. Just as he opened the fridge, he felt someone's stare on his back, and he turned around to see Amelia still standing at the door. Smiling awkwardly, he said, "You can go. I'll call you when

kitchen, she had to leave. "All right." Amelia pouted

a bottle of red wine. He

dinner with candles!" Amelia stared at the scene with wide eyes and covered her mouth. She was so surprised that her words came out

Amelia to show up suddenly. He frowned and looked at her, relaxing his shoulders the next second. "Amelia, please turn off the lights."

with lily flowers

table decorated with candles, and a sense of insecurity filled her

returned to Earth and looked at Lucian. Candlelight reflected on his handsome face, carving out everything perfectly. Her heart jumped to her throat upon seeing Lucian standing so

cakes entered her lungs, and she closed her eyes. Her mood was instantly lifted, and

smiled at her adorable face. "Mrs. Amelia, have a seat, and try it." A faint smile graced

but she could tell that he had worked hard to prepare tonight's

long time and smiled. Her heart was deeply moved. "You

coincidence! It's my first time too." He beamed

wine. He

scent of wine spread across them as they filled their cups with it. Their eyes met one another, and

mouth and emptied it

her from drinking more, but he didn't feel like setting too many restrictions on her. Back when they went for dinner in a western-style restaurant, he had realized the fact that Amelia loved her freedom.

drank with her until he felt dizzy. Before he could do anything, a small figure fell in his arms. Just as he realized who he

cheeks were burning because of the amount of

gaze and tried to focus her blurry eyes at him. In the candlelight, half of his face lit up in yellowish color. A

her nose, making her feel intoxicated. Amelia couldn't hold it in anymore. She put her hands