Chapter 123
As the New Year drew closer, it happened to be a day off. Levi reminded me early on that we should visit Aiden and Rhea at the Morgan mansion.
I said I'd prepare the gifts, but he said he'd handle it this year.
After a good night's sleep, I felt completely refreshed.
Maybe it was catching some of Nola and the others' happiness, but there had been some subtle changes between Levi and me. Though it proved that the old saying was true—Once bitten, twice shy.
Sometimes I still feel insecure, especially when Levi is good to me. That's when I'm most afraid of losing him.
I tell myself it's fine if I lose him, but I know deep down how much I love him. Maybe saying I could easily let go is actually proof of how much I love him.
It sounds twisted, I know. This is my imperfect love.
"Mr. Morgan, we're here."
The driver opened the car door for us.
Levi got out first and reached out his hand to help me. My eyes got teary.
Sensitive people are easily vulnerable. I remember when we used to come to the Morgan mansion, we both had to pretend to be a loving couple, or at least a harmonious one.
Today, his initiative—was his acting just that good? I actually felt like it was genuine.
"Thank you."
My thanks instantly created distance between us again.
I sneaked a glance at Levi. He walked straight ahead, carrying things, his expression unreadable.
"Mommy, you're finally here!"
Celestia cheered at us and excitedly rushed into Levi's arms.
"Your daddy's carrying things. Come to mommy."
That's when I realized Levi was carrying so much stuff by himself. He hadn't asked the driver to help, and I hadn't thought to help him either.
"Mommy, Grandpa came back today and gave me a super big red envelope."
Levi's father was back in the country, too?
I really had no idea about this. I wondered if Levi had prepared an extra gift.
As we were talking, we ran into Levi's father.
"Dad, you're back."
"Yeah, heard the family was gathering, so I came back to join in."
Levi's father was as serious as ever. Though his words were playful, his expression was quite stern.
"Dad, I need to talk to you."
Just as I was wondering what to chat about, Levi came over and took his father away. That was a relief—otherwise I'd have had to make awkward small talk.
Rhea was wearing a red suit. She waved at me, "Blair, come here, I have something for you."
The main hall was decorated very festively, full of New Year's atmosphere.
"Grandma, how have you been lately?"
"Good, good, good. We all need to be well. The New Year's coming up. You wouldn't care for ordinary things, but a few days ago I bought a crystal. It's not anything valuable, but you're probably the only one in this family who can appreciate it."
Rhea took out a brocade box from a lucky bag. She slowly opened it, revealing a crystal-clear amethyst.
"Grandma, it's so beautiful."
I couldn't help but exclaim. If I'd had this as a child, I definitely would have been too excited to sleep.
"I'm glad you like it."
Rhea placed both the crystal and the lucky bag in my hands. "Blair, Levi can be difficult sometimes. Don't hold it against him. Where he falls short, please be understanding."
"Grandma, he's been good."
"You always say that. Grandma's been around—I can tell at a glance whether things are good or not. But lately it seems pretty good. I hope he treats you even better."
Rhea spoke simple words, but they were the most heartfelt blessing.
"Grandma, don't I get a gift?"
Cleo walked over, arm in arm with her mother.
I smiled. "Mom."
"Oh, you're here. We arrived ages ago." Levi's mother was dressed to the nines today, looking even more vibrant than Cleo.
I looked at Cleo. "Cleo."
"Mm."
She responded, seeming not too happy to see me either.
Rhea took out a red envelope and handed it to her. "Of course you have one. Happy New Year, wishing you joy and happiness."
"Thank you, Grandma, but I only get a red envelope?"
"Money's good—it brings good luck."
Then Rhea took out another red envelope for Levi's mother. "Though you're an old daughter-in-law now, you've worked hard all these years. Happy New Year, wishing you and your husband harmony and happiness."
"Thank you, Mom. Wishing you and Dad good health, too."
The warm family scene made my heart feel cozy. This was the first time since marrying Levi that this family felt like a safe harbor.
Levi's mother took out a gift box from her bag and opened it for me to see. "Blair, this is from your father-in-law and me. You've managed your little home very well. We all like you."
This was the best recognition I could receive. I never imagined that one day the Morgan family would treat me as one of their own, especially since Levi was the first one who didn't like me.
We all happily ate lunch together. Though it wasn't the New Year yet, it felt even more special than the New Year.
Everyone gathered to drink tea and chat. Levi distributed gifts to everyone.
"Levi, Grandpa's tea is finished."
"Dad, let me refill it for you." Levi's father stood up.
Aiden gestured for him to sit down. He specifically wanted Levi to pour the tea.
Levi smiled, stood up, picked up the teacup, and respectfully refilled Aiden's tea.
"Grandpa, enjoy."
With that tea, the tension between them dissolved into nothing.
My nose tingled. If it weren't for me, they wouldn't have had that falling out. Now everything was fine, no more awkwardness.
Levi turned and refilled mine, too. My hand holding the teacup was trembling. I hadn't expected him to personally pour my tea, especially skipping over his parents.
"Thank you, thank you."
"Blair, family doesn't need to be so formal. This boy finally knows how to care for his wife—he's finally getting it." Aiden was grinning from ear to ear.
Everyone was pleased with Levi's gesture, all smiling.
My face felt hot. I took a small sip to hide my embarrassment.
"I'm so happy we're all together today. The New Year is coming.""
Aiden put down his teacup and continued, "Leave the little ones here to keep us old folks company and have some fun. You young people go enjoy yourselves freely."
"They get to happily enjoy their time as a couple..."
Cleo muttered, unhappy.
"If you married the wrong person, cut your losses. The Morgans have always had backbone. Your blessings will come after leaving that jerk."
"Blessings? Ha, I don't dare hope for any blessings. Divorced with a kid—who would want me?" Cleo shot back bitterly.
Aiden struck his cane hard on the floor. "Don't you dare put yourself down like that!"
"Dad, please calm down. I'll talk to her later. Please take care of yourself." Levi's father gave Cleo a look, hoping she'd apologize to Aiden.
Cleo pouted. "Grandpa, I spoke without thinking. Please don't take it to heart."
"I'm tired. Do as you please."
Aiden's face looked displeased. He actually felt for his granddaughter—otherwise he wouldn't have offered to look after Hayden, giving her some freedom.
Her failed marriage had become a worry for the whole Morgan family. Everyone hoped she'd pull herself together.