This morning, Arabella woke to a chorus of voices echoing through the grand foyer of the mansion.
"Miss Bella's awake!"
"Miss Bella's getting up!"
"Miss Bella's donning her New Year's outfit!"
Confusion danced across Arabella’s mind. She was greeted by a servant beaming with excitement, "Miss Bella, could you please
join us on the terrace? Everyone's waiting for you!"
With a subtle curve of her lips, Arabella replied, "Sure."
Dressed in her festive attire, Arabella stepped onto the sprawling terrace where her grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, and five
brothers—all decked out in matching red holiday sweaters—were waiting for her with smiles that could light up the night sky.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtTheir outfits varied in style, but the vivid color unified them, exuding an aura of joy and celebration.
"Bella looks so adorable in that outfit!"
"Our little sis can make any look work. She's stunning without even trying. Imagine the splash she’ll make when we reveal her
identity tomorrow."
"Good morning, Bella."
"Cover here, they're about to arrive!"
The family parted, granting Arabella the center stage at the very front of the terrace.
In her view stretched two long lines of firecrackers, spanning from the top of the villa all the way to the gates.
At the signal, the servants outside ignited the firecrackers, and the crackling sounds swiftly filled the air with the essence of the
New Year.
David covered his sister's ears, concerned the noise might be too loud for her.
A chilly breeze whisked by, and Hans slipped a pair of warm gloves onto Arabella’s hands—one of which was playfully snatched by
Chasel to help her with the other.
Clark wrapped a cozy scarf around Arabella’s neck.
Sean shrugged off his coat and draped it over his sister to shield her from the cold.
As the firecrackers burned their way to the end, music filled the air, heralding the arrival of two dance troupes. The performers,
clad in their vibrant costumes, danced through the thick smoke left by the firecrackers, making a majestic entrance through the
mansion gates.
Arabella had not expected to witness a dance celebration at this tof year. The dancers leaped and moved with rhythm and
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmgrace, executing acrobatic feats that drew laughter and cheers from the spectating family.
The dancers approached, dancing beneath them, bringing with them blessings for the new year.
Louisa watched, utterly captivated, her applause echoing, "This is spectacular, Bella, isn't it amazing?"
"It is," Arabella responded, her eyes wide with wonder. It was a stark contrast to the quiet New Year celebrations she had with
Grannie Grace back at the Murphy household.
Such grandeur and festivity were a first for her.
The dancers simultaneously unfurled banners with New Year's greetings.
The applause erupted once more.
As the dance concluded, the performers removed their costumes with a sense of ceremony and called out to those on the second-
floor terrace, "We wish you all happy New Year, and all the best."