The group had been playing until the early hours of the morning before finally saying their goodbyes and heading home to rest.

As they parted, Sylvia gave Estelle a gentle hug. "Happy New Year, Estelle!"

Estelle, not one to shy away from such affection, hugged her back. "Happy New Year to you too!"

Sylvia released her and handed her a beautifully crafted red envelope. "I've also prepared a little New Year's gift for you. Please, you must accept it."

Estelle smiled, "First, you have to tell me, in what capacity should I accept this? If we're friends, I believe I'm a year older than you, so I shouldn't accept your New Year's gift unless it's something else."

Sylvia chuckled lightly. "Regardless of what our relationship might become, being able to spend New Year's at the Jarvis family's celebration means I should give this to you."

They were both smart enough to read between the lines.

Estelle sensed that Sylvia understood the potential future between her and Sylvia's brother.

This realization weighed somewhat heavily on her.

She accepted the envelope, hugging Sylvia again. "Then I hope I can receive your New Year's gift next year too!"

Sylvia nodded gently. "Of course!"

"Goodnight!" Estelle released her.

She then

had fizzled out, and the sky returned to its original

cooled; rather, the night sky was simply waiting for its dawn

*

at Sunset Villa, Sylvia said to Gabriel, "Are you tired? I'm not sleepy at all. Could

to end so soon, nor did she

strikingly handsome.

went back to

a mahogany box in

"I've prepared New Year's gifts foryou and Estelle. Here's

took it. "I want to know what's inside

first day of the New Year.

box she had received from her grandfather and held the one from Gabriel in her palms.

was a vibrant green, almost pulsating under the light, as if rippling with

the night. "To a peaceful and safe

of her, helping her with the pendant, it was as if he wanted to envelop her

her eyes shining with emotion.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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