Chapter 989 Christmas
Early that morning, Abella finished her morning routine and opened her bedroom door to the sound of servants calling out excitedly throughout the hallway.
"Ms. Medici is awake!"
"Ms. Medici is up!"
"Ms. Medici has changed into her new outfit!"
Puzzled by the commotion, Abella watched as a beaming servant hurried over with an invitation. "Ms. Medici, please come to the terrace—everyone's waiting for you there!"
Sensing a surprise awaited her, Abella's lips curved into a subtle smile. "Alright."
She made her way to the grand terrace on their floor, where an extraordinary sight greeted her. Her grandparents, Uncle Caleb, Aunt Bonnie, her parents, and all five brothers stood waiting, dressed in coordinating family outfits that, while different in style, shared the same festive colors that radiated joy and celebration.
Every face beamed with anticipation.
"Abella looks absolutely adorable in that outfit!" someone exclaimed.
"She's stunning in everything she wears. If she looks this beautiful without any styling, imagine how breathtaking she'll be tomorrow when we announce her identity," another added warmly.
"Good morning, sweetheart," came gentle greetings from all around.
"Come quickly—they're about to arrive!"
The family parted to create the most prominent position for her, placing Abella front and center.
Before her stretched two long trails of fireworks extending from the mansion's rooftop all the way to the front gates. At a signal from the servants, specially imported Eastern fireworks ignited at the entrance, creating a unique Christmas celebration unlike any other.
Blake gently covered Abella's ears, concerned about the noise. As the cold wind swept across the terrace, Steven slipped prepared gloves onto one of her hands while Ethan playfully snatched the other glove to dress her remaining hand. Winston wrapped a soft scarf around her neck as Dennis draped his coat over her shoulders.
As the fireworks burned their brilliant path to completion, the rhythmic sound of drums and gongs filled the air. Through the thick, aromatic smoke left by the fireworks, two lion dance troupes emerged with magnificent red lions, moving with majestic grace through the mansion's entrance.
Abella had never expected to witness a traditional Eastern lion dance performance at this moment. The dancers, dressed in vibrant ceremonial attire, leaped and bounded to the rhythm, executing one spectacular acrobatic feat after another while the family erupted in delighted cheers and applause.
She watched in wonder as two lifelike lions danced closer and closer, performing their ancient ritual of blessing right at their feet, bringing wishes for prosperity in the coming year.
"Isn't this absolutely spectacular, Abella?" Kimberly asked, her eyes wide with amazement as she clapped enthusiastically.
"It's beautiful," Abella replied softly.
This was her first time ever witnessing a lion dance performance. Her Christmases at the Wilson mansion had been quiet affairs. Nothing had ever been this grand or joyous.
Dozens of performers maneuvered the two magnificent lions as congratulatory banners unfurled from the lions' mouths, prompting another round of thunderous applause from the family.
When the performance concluded, everyone moved inside together.
"Did you enjoy it, Abella?" Blake asked, positioning himself at her left side. "Mom and Dad thought you'd never seen a lion dance before, so they arranged for the troupe to come here."
"As if there's anything Abella hasn't experienced," Winston countered, claiming her right side. "You must be hungry—let's go down for breakfast together."
Abella smiled gently, her curiosity evident. "How did you all manage to wake up so early? Did you plan this together?"
While she never slept in, today she'd risen particularly early, yet somehow everyone else had beaten her to it.
"We coordinated to surprise you with matching family outfits," Blake explained with a grin. "You have no idea—in previous years, when Mom tried to convince these guys to wear coordinating clothes, not one of them would agree! But now, wanting to feel more like a real family with you, everyone couldn't wait to put them on. Winston was up at five, even took a shower and changed into his new outfit."
"Says the guy who didn't shower," Winston laughed. "The real surprises were Steven and Dennis, though."
In the past, you could hold a knife to their throats and they still wouldn't agree to coordinated outfits. This year, their parents didn't have to lift a finger to convince them.
"I look pretty sharp in this outfit, don't I?" Winslow asked with a sly smile, subtly nudging Winston aside to link his arm through Abella's.
Abella's gaze settled on Winslow appreciatively. "You look wonderful."
"See? I told you this outfit would get compliments wherever you go—it really is handsome, no joke," Vanessa chimed in with a bright smile, gently displacing Blake to take Abella's right arm while addressing Winslow. "Look, even Abella says you look good, and she never lies. You really do look fantastic!"
"I think your outfit is even more stunning—so elegant and perfectly sophisticated," Winslow replied with genuine admiration.
Blake and Winston watched helplessly as the two engaged in their mutual admiration society, pushing them further away. Their silent protest was cut short when Kimberly squeezed between them, determined to get closer to Abella.
"Abella, what do you think of my outfit?" she asked eagerly.
"Don't forget about me! I haven't heard you compliment mine yet!" Beckett added, pushing his two sons even further from the group.
Eventually, all the elders surrounded Abella completely, insisting on sharing the elevator with her while the five brothers found themselves excluded, forced to wait for the next car.
"Steven, is our elevator too small? Should we install a larger one in a few days?" Dennis suggested from outside the closing doors.
"I'm taking the stairs—I'm definitely sitting next to Abella at breakfast!" Blake declared, already running.
"Wait for me!" Winston called, chasing after him.
Steven observed their retreat with dry amusement. "We'll be lucky if we're not squeezed out of the dining room entirely, let alone sit next to Abella."
His prediction proved accurate. By the time Blake and Winston reached the dining room, Winslow and Vanessa had already claimed the seats on either side of Abella. When Beckett and Kimberly attempted to sit near them, they were smoothly displaced by the even more senior family members.
"Finally, we're close to Abella," Carl remarked meaningfully. "We rarely get time with her, so during these few days, we absolutely must serve her properly."
"We can't sit too far away, or we won't be able to reach her plate to serve her," David added with equal significance.
Just as Beckett and Kimberly reluctantly prepared to take seats further down, Bonnie interjected with a sweet smile, "Since we're visiting so rarely, we should also sit close to Abella. You others have plenty of opportunities to dote on her, don't you?"
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