The traditional festival was approaching, and in two days it would be New Year's Eve. The Alaric Manor was adorned with large red lanterns everywhere, and the bodyguards, servants, and gardeners were all bustling about. A few days ago, Elizabeth had instructed the servants to prepare three bedrooms, intended for her future daughters-in-law.
Yesterday, Alex received a call from Rose. Her film had finished shooting, and she was in City B with Ella. They planned to fly to City H today. After sprucing himself up, Alex informed his parents and left the manor.
After picking up Kate, Alex headed straight to the airport in City H. With the festival drawing near, the airport was teeming with people. Alex, holding Kate, scanned the crowd anxiously.
"Alex, Rose and Ella should be here by now. Do you think something happened, and they missed their flight?" Kate asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Alex kissed her on the cheek and reassured her softly, "Kate, they will definitely be here. If they missed the flight, Rose would have called me."
"Alex! Kate!" Ella and Rose's voices echoed in the hall. Alex turned to see them running towards him, each dragging a suitcase.
Alex spread his arms wide, and Rose and Ella dropped their suitcases, rushing into his embrace, kissing him on the cheeks simultaneously.
The onlookers were amazed by the scene, thinking, "This young man is impressive!" Ignoring their gazes, Alex kissed Rose and Ella on their cheeks in return.
"Rose, Ella, you need to kiss me too," Kate pouted playfully.
Realizing Kate was still there, Rose and Ella released Alex and grabbed Kate's hands. Rose teased, "Kate, it's a bit embarrassing to kiss you in public."
"If Rose won't, then I will!" Ella exaggeratedly puckered her lips and moved towards Kate's cheek.
Kate blushed, dodging swiftly. "Ella, kiss Alex instead. I can't handle you," she giggled.
All three women turned their attention to Alex, who had two red lipstick marks on his cheeks. They burst into laughter.
Alex, bewildered, asked softly, "What are you laughing about? Tell me so I can laugh with you."
Kate straightened up, gently wiping Alex's face with a tissue. "You always act like a genius, but your IQ drops to zero around Rose and Ella."
Alex glanced at Rose and Ella, chuckling. "Even heroes fall for beauties. I'm no exception."
"Does that include me?" Kate whispered in his ear.
With infinite tenderness in his eyes, Alex said, "You all hold the most special place in my heart."
Kate, Rose, and Ella blushed shyly, lowering their heads. Alex took the tissue from Kate and wiped his face, "Let's go home. My parents are waiting for you."
Leading the three beauties, Alex left the airport.
A convoy of black luxury cars drove from the airport towards the western suburbs of City H. It was Kate, Rose, and Ella's first visit to Alex's home, and they felt a bit nervous.
The convoy entered the road leading to the manor, flanked by black-clad bodyguards who bowed as Alex's Lincoln passed.
"Alex, how long is this private road? Just how big is your family estate?" Kate asked excitedly, peering out the window.
"You'll see when we get there," Alex replied with a smile.
A few minutes later, Alaric Manor came into view. The sight of the vast private estate, decorated festively, left Kate, Rose, and Ella in awe.
The gates opened automatically, and the convoy drove into the manor, stopping in front of the villa. The three women stepped out, staring in amazement.
"Alex, your home is enormous, much bigger than our school," Kate whispered, clutching Alex's hand.
David and Elizabeth, accompanied by several servants, emerged from the villa. Elizabeth's smile grew as she observed the three young women.
"Alex, are these your friends?" Elizabeth asked, smiling.
Alex smiled at his parents and introduced them. "Kate, Rose, Ella, these are my parents."
"Hello, Uncle, Auntie," they greeted shyly.
David and Elizabeth exchanged pleased glances. "Feel at home here," David said warmly.
Alex laughed, "Dad, Mom, it's cold outside. Let's continue inside."
Inside the villa, Elizabeth chatted happily with the three future daughters-in-law. Kate, Rose, and Ella quickly felt at ease, charmed by the warmth of David and Elizabeth.
Alex watched his family, feeling a surge of warmth and happiness. Having such loving parents and partners made him feel truly blessed.
Elizabeth, engrossed in conversation, had forgotten about lunch until David gently reminded her. "Honey, it's time for lunch," he said, touching her arm.
Elizabeth laughed, "I got carried away. Kate, Rose, Ella, let's go eat."
In the dining room, the family gathered around the table. Alex, eager to eat, was about to start when Elizabeth lightly slapped his hand. "Don't be so impatient. Serve Kate and the others first."
"Auntie, we can serve ourselves," Kate said, placing a shrimp on Elizabeth's plate.
Elizabeth smiled, "Look how considerate Kate is."
Alex stuck out his tongue, "Kate, Rose, Ella, help yourselves. I'm starving."
The family laughed at Alex's antics, and Elizabeth shook her head with a smile. Kate, Rose, and Ella kept serving food to Elizabeth and David, who praised them continuously.