Chapter 274 New Year's Eve

Chapter 274 New Year's Eve


"Can't we just enjoy the moment without bringing up any troubles?"
Ariana nodded, thinking that it was rare for Lucas to relax, so she decided not to mention anything else.
"Can't we do something else with such a nice atmosphere?" Lucas was already getting eager.
"Don't push it, or I'll slap you."
Lucas leaned in closer, teasing, "Go ahead, slap me. Let's see if you can really do it."
As Lucas advanced, Ariana stepped back until she slipped. Lucas swiftly caught her, pulling her into his arms.
He kissed her soft lips, the kiss was fiery and sweet.
The water rippled, rising and falling.
Steam rose from the hot spring, occasionally spilling over the edge.
The splashing water landed on their faces and bodies, leaving no trace behind.
...
The next morning, James came to wake Ariana for breakfast. They planned to go skiing afterward.
To his surprise, Lucas opened the door.
Seeing Lucas, James was startled, "What are you doing here?"
"Came in last night."
"And Ariana?"
"She's tired, still sleeping."
Those five words summed up last night's events perfectly.
James looked at Lucas with disdain. "You're everywhere!"
"Of course, she's my wife."
"Not married yet, doesn't count."
"Almost there!"
James was speechless; he knew arguing with Lucas was pointless.
Ariana woke up late that morning, hurriedly washing her face while scolding Lucas, "Why didn't you wake me up?"
"James has already been here, no rush."
Ariana was fuming. She was sure Lucas had been chatting nonsense with James again, embarrassing her completely.
She shot Lucas a sharp glare, but he just looked smug.
The snowboarding was a blast, and Ariana was truly a pro, earning everyone's admiration.
James beamed with pride, "Athletic genes run in our family!"
Lucas stood proudly to the side, "Our family finally has some athletic genes now."
"You're everywhere!"
"As your new son-in-law, you can't get rid of me!"
James looked over at Ariana, "What exactly do you see in him?"
Ariana just smiled, knowing they'd have plenty of playful banter in the future.
Happy times always seem to fly by.
The next day, they headed back home, and life returned to its usual pace.
But they were one step closer to the wedding.
Before the wedding, there was the New Year to celebrate.
This year's New Year was special for the Bluefield family because Ariana was back.
There was a lot to do before the year ended, as most of the wedding details needed to be finalized.
Lucas and Ariana didn't get to see each other much.
When they did meet, it was brief, and then they went back to their own tasks.
All the invitations needed to be sent out before the New Year.
Ariana personally wrote many of the invitations.
One of them was for Chuck.
She first sent Chuck a message, and then mailed the invitation to him.
Autumn thought Chuck wouldn't want to come, but to her surprise, he agreed without hesitation.
Maybe she had overthought it.
This year, Autumn started preparing for the New Year celebrations early.
All the steps that were sometimes skipped in the past were included this time.
She wanted Ariana to have a proper New Year celebration.
Since the wedding was approaching, many of the New Year preparations were done alongside the wedding plans.
Samuel came home on the 29th of the lunar month.
He had an international match scheduled during the holiday, but he gave his spot to someone else.
People assumed it was because his sister was back this year, so he made a special effort to come home.
Only Ariana knew it wasn't about her. He was probably more worried about Stella being overlooked.
On New Year's Eve, the whole family finally gathered together.
Even Evan, who was usually invited to perform at events due to his popularity, decided to stay home this time.
The table was filled with dishes, radiating joy and togetherness.
Autumn and Matthew sat at the head of the table.
Matthew raised his glass. "This is the most complete our family has ever been. Ariana is finally back. Let's celebrate our family reunion."
He was a sentimental man.
The loss of his biological daughter was a secret only he knew.
Imagine celebrating holidays with family, yet always having a part of his heart aching for his lost daughter. It was truly heartbreaking.
But now, that chapter had finally closed.
Autumn stood up as well. "This is Ariana's first time celebrating the New Year with us."
As soon as she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.
Sitting beside her, Ariana quickly reached over to gently pat her back.
"It's a happy day, I shouldn't cry. The past is behind us. From today, our family's path will be smooth. Ariana, this home will always be yours, and your mom and dad will always be your strongest support!"
Ariana's eyes reddened. She hadn't had any support all these years.
It had always been just her.
Everyone's attention was on Ariana. Over the past couple of days, Samuel noticed the entire family was busy preparing for Ariana's wedding, while Stella was completely overlooked.
He should have returned sooner.
"Let me say a few words," Sam stood up. "Stella may not be Mom and Dad's biological daughter, but to us, she's family. I hope Stella sees this place as her home too. Mom, Dad, and us brothers will always have your back."
Sam echoed Autumn's sentiments.
The atmosphere at the dining table suddenly became a bit awkward.
Autumn and Matt had never overlooked Stella; for over twenty years, they treated her as their own.
Especially Autumn, who never even knew Stella wasn't biologically related.
Since Ariana returned, she had been carefully observing Stella's emotions.
Autumn didn't deliberately bring up Stella's background; she treated her as family, hoping Stella would feel like a part of the family, just like everyone else, as they welcomed another member back.
Sam's words unintentionally made Stella seem like an outsider.
"Yes, Stella, we've always got your back. You know that, right?" Autumn added.
"Yes," Stella replied with a bright smile.
She knew today was Ariana's special day and didn't want to spoil the mood.
Everyone raised their glasses for a toast!
The atmosphere was lively and full of cheer.
After dinner, they all gathered in the living room.
Ariana received a message from Lucas.
"Is it okay if I come over now?"
Ariana glanced around the room. "I don't think it's a good time."
Lucas didn't respond after that.
After a while, James spoke up, "Anyone interested in watching the fireworks? They're supposed to be amazing tonight."
Stella quickly raised her hand. "I want to go!"
James looked at Ariana, and she immediately understood. "I'll go too."
Autumn and Matthew, being a bit older, said, "You all go ahead. Make sure to dress warmly and stay safe."
Samuel went, but Evan stayed home to spend time with their parents, as he didn't get to do that often.
They took two cars in total. James and Ariana shared one, while Samuel and Stella took the other.