**TITLE: Arrived 244**
**244 New Year’s Wishes**
Selene cast a quick glance toward the kitchen, her heart fluttering slightly. Perhaps it was the veil of love that clouded her judgment, but even if her boyfriend lacked the noble and refined demeanor of Jonathan, he possessed a grounded, earthy charm that tugged at her heartstrings. There was something undeniably appealing about Harry’s simplicity, something that felt like home.
Turning her attention back to Estella, she couldn’t help but probe a little deeper into her friend’s relationship. “So, you and Mr. Bennett… any plans to make things official soon?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Estella raised an eyebrow, a smirk dancing on her lips. “Honestly, I feel like the way we are together already resembles a relationship.” Her voice was light, but there was a depth to her words that suggested she had given this matter considerable thought.
While there hadn’t been a grand declaration of love or the kind of physical intimacy that often defined romantic couples, Estella and Jonathan shared a connection that felt even more profound than the fiery exchanges Selene experienced with Harry. They were attuned to one another in a way that transcended words.
Selene pouted, a playful frown creasing her brow. “That’s true. You two are so in sync, it’s as if you’re two halves of the same whole. Meanwhile, Harry and I are at each other’s throats every single day.” The frustration in her voice was palpable, but there was also an undercurrent of affection.
“Every couple has their unique dynamic,” Estella replied, her smile warm and understanding.
In her mind, she pictured the quiet, reserved nature of her relationship with Jonathan. They might not have had the explosive chemistry that some couples flaunted, but their steady, calm warmth enveloped her like a cozy blanket, providing a sense of security that she cherished.
In stark contrast, Selene and Harry’s relationship was a whirlwind of bickering and passionate confrontations. Their emotions were a tempest, fierce and unyielding, yet they thrived in the chaos.
“Come help bring the food!” Harry’s voice boomed from the kitchen, breaking her reverie.
With a burst of energy, Selene slipped into her slippers and dashed toward the kitchen, eager to assist.
Jonathan emerged from the kitchen carrying a steaming dish, glancing at Estella. “Could you grab some drinks from the fridge?” he asked, his tone casual yet commanding.
“Sure thing!” Estella replied, opening the refrigerator door to reveal a chaotic jumble of beverages—clearly Harry’s handiwork.
As she retrieved the drinks, Jonathan instinctively took them from her, his fingers deftly twisting open the caps and pouring the contents into glasses with practiced ease.
Estella flicked on the TV, waiting for the Spring Festival Gala to begin. The anticipation hung in the air like a tangible thread, weaving their excitement together.
“Did you ever watch the gala when you were younger?” she inquired, turning her gaze towards Jonathan.
“Not really,” he replied with a slight shrug. “I never got into the habit of it.”
Just then, Harry emerged from the kitchen, struggling under the weight of a seafood platter, his face a mask of mock exasperation. “Honestly, I don’t even get the jokes in the gala. Is it just me, or do only northerners understand that stuff?”
Selene followed closely behind, playfully nudging his foot with hers. “To you, everyone outside Grenton is a northerner! Why not just stick to the Grenton channel?”
Harry puffed up proudly. “Exactly! For New Year’s, Grenton TV and TVB are the only channels worth watching. You guys just don’t appreciate the brilliance!”
Once the food was artfully arranged on the table, the four of them raised their glasses in unison.
“Happy New Year!” Harry exclaimed, his grin infectious as he pulled out a small gift for Selene.
Her eyes sparkled with delight as she accepted it, but her expression quickly shifted to one of disappointment when she opened it to reveal a crisp hundred-dollar bill. “Harry, is this all you got me? Just a hundred?”
Harry defended himself, hands raised in mock surrender. “Hey, this is generous! I only give my family ten or twenty bucks each!”
Selene huffed, crossing her arms. “But I’m your girlfriend! A hundred bucks? That’s downright stingy!”

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