Since She Met Lucian novel Chapter 82

Amelia stepped out of the bathroom and wrapped herself in a black robe. She scanned the room for Lucian and only changed into her clothes once she saw that he wasn't there.

"Today's the first day of the Lunar New Year. You must wear something red. It complements your fair skin." Amelia's cheeks flushed when she heard Lucian's voice. She was particularly conscious because she was only wearing a thin camisole. She turned to look at where his voice was coming from and found him casually watching her, his arms crossed over his chest.

Amelia immediately pulled a shirt over her head. Taking Lucian's advice, she wore a red coat and matched it with a plaid skirt. Her long hair fell over her shoulders. She looked simple yet warm.

"You look good," Lucian said as he nodded in approval. "Since it's the New Year's Day, we must go to your family to celebrate," he added.

His words caught Amelia by surprise. Lucian was being incredibly considerate. She had never considered that he would bring up that suggestion.

Little by little, Amelia was seeing all virtues of Lucian.

Outside, the weather was bright and sunny. Colorful street lanterns rendered the atmosphere festive and people were smiling while lugging around gifts of all shapes and sizes. A few meters away, a family was laughing boisterously.

The scene warmed Amelia's heart. She stood in the square and watched them, not even realizing that she was smiling herself.

"I've got everything we need. Get in the car," Lucian called to Amelia and snapped her out of her daze. Following him to the vehicle, she took the front seat and strapped the seat belt across her chest.

"You didn't have to get so many gifts," Amelia complained after seeing the huge bags of presents Lucian placed on the back seat.

Lucian smiled before replying, "I should do no less than what is expected of me as a son-in-law, Mrs. Amelia. Besides, my wife's father is my father, and I should treat him as well as I treat my own."

Lucian used to be a man of few words, but it seemed to Amelia that he was getting rather chatty. She didn't mind though; he looked more charming each time he spoke.

She didn't think it possible, but Amelia was falling even more in love with him.

"If you stare at me like that, I won't be able to focus on driving," Lucian said without taking his eyes off the road. On his face was a mischievous grin.

Amelia blushed and turned instead to look outside the window, her face also beaming.

They parked in front of the Mo mansion. Amelia got out of the car and heard cheerful laughter coming from within. She frowned, however, when she thought she heard Yolanda's voice.

A servant who must have heard their car approaching opened the door for them. Seeing Amelia and Lucian, she announced, "Mrs. Amelia and Mr. Lucian are here."

Lucian held Amelia's hand as they walked into the living room. The laughter Amelia heard moments ago died down as everyone's heads turned to look at them in either surprise or scorn. Only Vernon stood up to welcome them with a warm smile. "Lucian! Amelia!" he said as he approached. "I'm so pleased that you're here. Have you had any breakfast?"

"Happy New Year, Dad!" Amelia said, hugging her father. "Yes, we've already eaten." Amelia smiled at her father and said no more.

"Well, don't just stand there. Have a seat," he urged as he walked them to the nearest couch. Vernon waved at the servants and asked for tea.

Each of the staff in the Mo family's household was personally handpicked by Lucian so everyone was especially attentive to him. Before Vernon could even ask for it, tea and sweets had already been served.

From the corner of her eyes, Amelia saw that everyone else in the room was looking at her with disdain.

Yolanda was sprawled on the sofa, nursing a pregnant belly. She looked grimly at Amelia who didn't return her sharp gaze. Beside her, Jasper fed her fruits like a loyal slave. He seemed to be enjoying passing his time this way as he was smiling ear to ear.

Sophia also sat there, having her pick of the fruits spread on the table. She didn't say much except when acknowledging Lucian's polite greeting.

The atmosphere was tense. It was obvious that many in the room didn't appreciate their coming.

Without waiting for her father to say more, Amelia opened her mouth to declare, "Dad, Lucian and I just dropped by to wish you a happy new year. We won't be staying long."

Lucian took this as his cue to put down his cup. He looked at Amelia with the kindest of eyes. He was not going to make any objection.

Surprised, Vernon couldn't think of a reply. Recovering after a couple of seconds, he said, "You just arrived and you say you'll be leaving soon. Why, you must stay and have a meal with us at least!"

Amelia felt sorry for her dad who wore a hurt expression on his face. But when she turned to Sophia and Yolanda, their scowls only strengthened her resolve to leave.

"Oh, you've changed after marrying into a rich family, Amelia. You're in such a hurry to go home that you won't even consider dining with us. People may get the wrong impression that we don't appreciate you being here." It was Sophia who spoke in a steely voice. She stood up and looked at Lucian with a smile on her lips. "Are your parents happy with your wife, Lucian? Amelia's spoiled in this family so we turn a blind eye to her antics. I wonder if she'd do anything to make your parents sorry you married her."

Amelia wished Sophia hadn't spoken. Every word that came out of her mouth only dealt Amelia pain.

"My family dotes on Amelia. They have nothing but praise for her cooking. I don't think we'd run into any trouble with them. Thank you for your concern," came Lucian's quick but calm response. He looked at Amelia and took her hand into his.