Web Fic
Chapter 2300
Chapter 2300
After hanging up the phone, Estelle's phone was flooded with New Year's greetings. In several group chats, people were busy sending digital red envelopes.
In one of these digital exchanges, Carson managed to snag $11.10 from a digital gift sent by Marina, then casually sent one worth $131.40 in return... Scrolling through her unread messages, Estelle noticed that Manley had also sent her a red envelope.
"Happy New Year, Estelle!"
"Knew you weren't around, I didn't head back to Jefferson City either."
"This month, I've been to a bunch of places. Carved a hole in the glacier at Snowy Studios and buried a box inside. Of course, I won't tell you what I put in there. If you're curious, you'll have to wait until the glacier melts, the box drifts through the Bering Strait into the Pacific, and eventually washes up on the coast of Jefferson City. What do you think the odds are?"Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.
"I'm still on my world tour, visiting the places we talked about but never got to see together. Don't worry, I'll make sure to be back for your wedding!" "Just saw a girl throwing me a flirtatious look. Really, as if someone as outstanding as me would be so easily swayed."
"Anyway, wishing my dearest all the health, success, and happiness in the world. May you have peace and prosperity throughout the year. That's about all the idioms I know. Basically, all the best things in the world for you!"
Estelle felt a bittersweet pang in her chest as she glanced at the time stamp; the message was sent an hour ago. She replied, "Don't go overboard with the extreme sports. Without me around, you better recognize your limits. Stay safe."
"Are there any locals celebrating the New Year where you are?"
"Sending all the wishes you gave me, right back at you!"
Manley quickly responded, "Why you gotta stab me in the heart like that? I know I'm not as skilled as you, otherwise, I would've swept you off your feet before Jonathan had the chance!"
"We've got a small gathering for the New Year, singing and drinking."
"Too lazy to even wish me a 'Happy New Year'?"
Estelle chuckled and texted back, "Happy New Year!"
Manley sent a photo of himself holding up a bottle, "I'll be there to toast at your wedding."
"Deal."
After a brief chat with Manley, Estelle exited the messaging app only to find a text from an unknown number, "Miss you. Will come see you after the New Year."
Puzzled by the unfamiliar number, Estelle wondered who it could be.
Jonathan walked over, "Who's got you smiling like that?"
Estelle turned to him with a grin, "Magdalen and Emily are coming to Charleston City tomorrow. It's going to be lively at home!"
"All of them?" Jonathan raised an
eyebrow, pondering, "We should head to the estate then. The house might not fit everyone, especially since we'll have guests coming over for the New Year visits. Let's not overburden Grandpa!"
"Sounds good!" Estelle replied. "I'll go talk to Grandpa about it!"
Jonathan wrapped his arms around Estelle, resting his chin on top
head, "Seven years of marriage
this is the first time we're spending New Year's together."
Leaning into his embrace, Estelle smiled, "From now on, we'll be together every year."
"Next year, it'll be even livelier at home," Jonathan said with a warm smile.
"Hmm?" Estelle looked up.
Jonathan's eyes twinkled, "Next year, we might have a little Ella celebrating with us."
Estelle raised an eyebrow, then smiled, "How do you know our first child will be a girl?"
Jonathan hugged her tighter, "It has to be a girl!"
Estelle couldn't help but feel amused by Jonathan's determination for a daughter.
And as for imagining their future child, Estelle found it both curious and oddly surreal. She couldn't quite picture herself pregnant.
Jonathan added, "Not just our daughter, maybe by next year, Gab's family will be expecting too."
Estelle tilted her head slightly while nestled in his arms, gazing through the half-open window into the house, smiling softly, "That pressure might just fall on Sylvia!"