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."

the two of them together, and she turned her face away. She picked up

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 carried a hint of worry

forehead and asked, "Did I

playful smile on his lips. He urged her to sit on the couch and asked, "Guess why my father called me in the study?" His voice carried

on him before pouting when he didn't say

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

in a daze. The packets had a lot of money. Her heart floated in the warmth

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

the Spring Festival, and Lily had gone to her hometown to stay with her family members. That meant Lucian

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

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

care of the chores tonight. You have done enough already. Go and watch TV." Lucian's voice

She didn't believe in Lucian's cooking skills, but she

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

had to leave. "All right." Amelia

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

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

for Amelia to show 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 button, still in

the table, he backed up and looked at his arrangement. The entire table was decorated with lily flowers on the edges with candles in the middle. Two plates filled with delicious food were placed on either side. He smiled

the table decorated with candles, and a sense of insecurity

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

fragrance of lily mixed with wine and cakes entered her lungs, and she closed her eyes. Her mood was instantly

her adorable face. "Mrs.

was not good at cooking, but she could tell that

and smiled. Her heart was deeply moved. "You know,

first time too."

eyes were fixed on Lucian as he guzzled the wine. He looked alluring in the candlelight, making her heart skip a

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

her mouth and emptied it in a

her. Back when they went for dinner 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

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

arms. Her cheeks were burning because of the amount

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

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