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."

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

dragged out his frowning wife, deciding to head home. 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 are you frowning?" His gaze

and asked, "Did

sit on the couch and asked, "Guess why my father called me in the study?" His voice

him before pouting when he didn't say anything else.

red packets from his coat and handed them to Amelia. "This one is

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

the year because she would be reminded of that

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

Just as Amelia was about to start cooking, Lucian stopped her. He

can't even wash the dishes. How

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

rolled her eyes. She didn't believe in Lucian's cooking skills, but she

didn't like to be stared at 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 it's

she had to leave. "All right." Amelia

of red wine. He placed it

the scene with wide eyes and covered her mouth. She was so surprised

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

and looked at his arrangement. The entire table was decorated with lily flowers on the edges with candles

at the table decorated with candles,

hold of Amelia and pulled her in his embrace. The atmosphere seemed both romantic and bright. That was when she 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 close to

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

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

but she could tell that

heart was deeply moved. "You know,

my first time

were fixed on Lucian as he guzzled the wine. He looked alluring

they filled their cups with it. Their eyes met one another, and both of them

her mouth and emptied

in a western-style restaurant, he had realized the fact that Amelia loved her freedom. They were at home anyway. He could take care of her, even

shoulders and drank with her until he felt dizzy. Before he could do anything, a small figure fell

Her cheeks were

blurry eyes at him. In the candlelight, half of his face lit up in yellowish color. A trace of warmth

anymore. She put her hands on the nape of his neck and