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."

turned her face away. She picked up her coffee

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

her forehead and asked,

her to sit on the couch and asked, "Guess

when he didn't say anything else.

as if he was dramatically beating drums before revealing some mystery. Lucian took out two red packets from his coat

The packets had a lot of money. Her

Iris used to give 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 be reminded of that painful memory. When she looked at the two red packets in her

was the Spring Festival, 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 for the Spring

apron, thinking about all the dishes she would make. Just as Amelia was about to start cooking, Lucian stopped her. He smiled and took her

cook?" Amelia couldn't believe what she heard. 'He can't even wash the dishes. How can he

You have done enough already. Go and

believe in

felt someone's stare on his back, and he

to leave. "All right." Amelia pouted and watched TV obediently in the living

holding a bottle of red wine. He placed it on a round table draped with a

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

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

was decorated with lily flowers on the edges with candles

the table decorated with candles, and a

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

brought her near the table. An intense fragrance of lily mixed with wine and cakes entered her lungs, and she closed her eyes. Her mood was instantly lifted, and everything that happened with Fannie was

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

but she could tell that he had

for a long time and smiled. Her heart was deeply moved. "You know, this is

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

fixed on Lucian as he guzzled the wine. He looked

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

to her mouth and

in a western-style restaurant, he had realized the fact that Amelia loved her freedom. They were

felt dizzy. Before he could do anything, a small figure fell in his arms. Just as he realized who he was, she snuggled

arms. Her cheeks were burning because

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

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