Chapter 295 An Accidental Discharge
Chapter 295 An Accidental Discharge
The three of them busied themselves preparing for the upcoming New Year.
After Arthur wrapped up everything at the company, he gave all the employees time off.
On New Year's Eve, Arthur came over early to start preparing.
Although it was just the three of them celebrating this year, Arthur made sure to prepare everything properly.
After all, this was their first time celebrating New Year together as a family of three.
When Aria woke up, she saw Arthur busy in the kitchen and was a bit surprised. "Why are you here so early?"
Arthur heard her voice and turned to glance at her, then said, "I came over early to prepare dinner!"
Arthur said it as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Aria was stunned. She had originally thought that since Arthur had spent so many days with them, today he would be with Elizabeth! But here he was, so early.
"Are you planning to spend New Year's Eve here tonight?"
Hearing Aria's words, Arthur frowned, stopped what he was doing, and looked at her, somewhat helpless. "What? Is it strange for me to celebrate New Year here? You two are both here, where else would I go?"
Did he just detect a hint of reluctance in Aria's tone?
Was he being presumptuous after all?
Aria paused, then said, "No, I meant, don't you need to keep your mother company?"
If he was here with them, wouldn't Elizabeth be all alone?
Taking someone's son to celebrate New Year with them while leaving the elderly woman alone—she couldn't bring herself to do something like that.
Arthur chuckled softly at this. "No need."
Aria was puzzled. "Why not? Is she spending New Year at the nursing home too?"
He answered Aria's question calmly, "No, my mother made plans with a few of her friends from the nursing home half a month ago to travel abroad during the New Year holiday."
"They're probably in some country right now, so don't worry."
Seeing that Arthur didn't seem to be lying, Aria breathed a sigh of relief. That was good then.
At least people wouldn't think Arthur was abandoning his mother on New Year's, which would cause trouble later.
"That's good then."
Arthur understood Aria's thoughts perfectly well and nodded gently. "Mm, go check if Jasper's awake. I made some dumplings, come eat in a bit."
"Okay."
Aria didn't dwell on it anymore and agreed, then went to wake Jasper up.
Jasper rarely ate dumplings, so when he saw them on the table, he was full of curiosity and ate more than usual for breakfast.
Seeing Jasper so enthusiastic made Arthur very happy, and he smiled while encouraging Jasper to eat more.
The family ate together happily.
After breakfast, the three of them didn't go anywhere and just stayed home playing with Jasper's newest Lego set.
Aria didn't have many friends in the country, so after sending New Year's greetings to Summer and Lance, she focused on playing Lego with the child and Arthur.
After Jasper played for a while, Aria had him take a nap, worried he wouldn't have energy for staying up late that night.
Jasper obediently went to nap after hearing Aria's words.
After Jasper went into his room, only Arthur and Aria were left in the living room. Arthur naturally sat down beside Aria and pulled her into his arms. "Do you want to nap too?"
"I don't have the habit of taking afternoon naps, I can't sleep."
Aria naturally leaned into Arthur's embrace and shook her head.
Arthur suggested, "Alright, how about we watch a movie then?"
Aria was momentarily stunned, then nodded. "Sure."
Arthur got to work, closing the curtains before finding a movie and projecting it onto the wall with the projector.
It was a romantic drama about two protagonists who, after going through various hardships, finally reunited and reconciled.
Perhaps because the story was too similar to their own experiences, they both looked at each other at the same time, then kissed.
Maybe the moment was too warm and tender—they couldn't help themselves.
Originally, they had been sitting on the carpet with their backs against the sofa.
As they kissed, Arthur lifted Aria up and placed her on the sofa, his body covering hers as he set her neck and the area behind her ear on fire with kisses.
His hands also couldn't help but slip into her clothes...
Just as things were heating up, a sound came from Jasper's room. Both of them froze, and Aria immediately pushed Arthur away.
Arthur also froze in place, breathing heavily, the desire in his eyes not yet faded, now mixed with frustration and helplessness.
His Adam's apple bobbed twice as his gaze fell on Aria's flushed cheeks and flustered movements. A low chuckle rose in his throat, though he didn't dare be too bold.
He raised his hand to straighten his slightly disheveled shirt, forcefully suppressing the unfinished emotions in his heart. His voice carried a hint of unsteady huskiness. "It's fine, Jasper probably just rolled over."
Despite his words, the ambiguous atmosphere in the air hadn't dissipated, and an indescribable awkwardness lingered between them.
Aria coughed lightly. "Mm, I'll wake him up in a bit."
Arthur looked at her like this, the frustration in his eyes gradually turning to tenderness. He slowed his breathing and nodded. "Okay."
Aria took a deep breath. She stood up, avoiding his gaze, trying to keep her voice natural. "I... I'll go check the kitchen."
Arthur also stood up and said gently, "I'll handle it, you go check on Jasper."
Aria nodded and quickly turned to walk toward Jasper's room.
She gently pushed open the door. Jasper was sleeping soundly, his little face rosy, the blanket kicked to one side—he had indeed just rolled over.
She walked over and softly called to the sleeping Jasper, "Jasper, time to get up and get ready for New Year."
Jasper slowly opened his eyes, still a bit drowsy, and called out in a sweet childlike voice, "Mommy."
Aria picked him up. "Come on, let's make New Year's Eve dinner with Arthur."
Hearing Aria's words, Jasper immediately perked up, wrapping his little arms around her neck and responding, "Okay!"
When Aria led Jasper out of the room, Arthur was already busy in the kitchen. Hearing the movement, he turned to look at them, his eyes smiling. "Jasper's awake?"
"Yeah! Arthur, what yummy food are we making?"
Jasper hugged his neck and asked curiously.
"We're making your favorite spare ribs, plus fish and shrimp."
Arthur smiled, glancing at Aria. "And your mom's favorite dishes too."
Aria's ears grew warm under his gaze. She turned her face away and walked toward the kitchen. "I'll wash the vegetables."
Arthur followed with Jasper and set him down on a small stool by the kitchen entrance. "Jasper can be our little helper and hand us things, okay?"
Jasper nodded vigorously, his eyes bright as he responded, "Okay!"