The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 406

It was the liveliest New Year for the Lu family. In the past, only three people spent New Year's Eve together. While other families were celebrating Spring Festival together, there was nothing to be cheerful about for the Lu family. Charles never cared for the grand festivities so it did not matter whether his family had a party or not. So Spring Festival was usually quiet and cheerless. Gary was usually upset over the lack of celebration, but could do nothing to change the situation. So this year was totally different since Autumn and Sam were now members of the Lu family and would be participating in their first family reunion.

Even better, the Zhao family also decided to participate in the New Year festivities as well. Gary stared at Autumn, who had wrapped her arms around young Cindy. He was looking forward to having a great-grandson as soon as possible.

There was delicious food, merry-making, and laughter in the house. The joy was unmistakable.

With a big smile, Gary called out, "Gather together everyone. It is now time for red packets." He rubbed his hands together before bringing out the red packets. "Everyone will be getting a red packet. It is my New Year's wish for each of you, " he announced.

Everyone chorused, "Thank you, Grandpa!" Gary was tremendously pleased to see how his family sincerely appreciated his gifts and how much fun they were all having. After Gary, Arthur also gave away red packets to everyone. Autumn was teary-eyed with joy as she received two envelopes. Seeing her sentimental, those around her burst into laughter.

After dinner, Autumn asked Cindy to go out to the yard to join her in setting off the fireworks. Others started playing mahjong in the chess room. Emily, who said she was already tired, went to rest early.

Cindy, however, could not mask her sadness even as she tried to enjoy setting off the fireworks. Autumn, who happened to look at her, was concerned about Cindy's mood and decided to ask why she was feeling blue despite the festivities.

She walked over to Cindy and gently asked, "What's wrong Cindy? Why do you look upset? You can tell me." She caught Cindy's hand in hers and then wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Sister Autumn, I…" Cindy found it difficult to speak as she felt Autumn's kindness. Then she could no longer keep the tears from streaming down her cheeks.

Seeing her distress, Autumn hugged Cindy tight to comfort her. She waited patiently until Cindy had calmed down, and then asked, "Why are you so sad, Cindy? I can't bear to see you like this. Please, tell me so I can help you out."

Cindy sniffed and nearly choked as she opened up to Autumn. "Sister Gina said my mom was pregnant and I would have a baby brother or sister soon. She also told me that once the baby was born they would no longer like me." Cindy wrapped her arms around Autumn while trying to hold back tears. "She even said my mom would throw me away when my baby sister or brother was born, " she wailed.

She sobbed some more, while she was still clinging to Autumn. Then Cindy looked up and said, "Sister Autumn, will my mom really abandon me? The thought really upsets me."

Autumn blew out a breath. "Cindy, I think Gina is just joking. You have nothing to worry about. Your mom and dad will never abandon you even with a new baby. You know that they love you very much." She kept stroking Cindy's hair to console her. Autumn felt very bad for the little girl who must have been secretly upset for several days. So she took a deep breath hoping to make her feel better. "Cindy, you are an adorable girl. And your parents will never leave you or throw you away."

Cindy shook her head and cried out, "But Sister Gina told me that my mom and dad would only love the baby. She also said my grandparents would act the same way." Autumn understood that Cindy was still very young and her fear came from not being able to differentiate a joke from the truth.

It annoyed her slightly that Gina could be so cruel saying such things to the little girl. Autumn hugged Cindy tighter, and then lifted her face before talking. "Cindy, listen to me. You have nothing to be afraid of, okay?

Your mom and dad care for you very much. And parents will love their children forever. You must always remember this. Parents do not abandon their children, so yours won't, " she asserted.

Autumn paused to think of more to say something that would ease Cindy's fears. "Even if they have a baby soon, they will not stop loving you. While it's true your parents will pay more attention to the baby, it's only because little babies need a lot of care because they can't do anything for themselves yet. But Cindy, you also know that you will be a big sister and you have to help your parents take care of your baby brother or sister. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Cindy tried to comprehend what Autumn told her but still felt anxious. "Are you sure my parents won't throw me away, " she asked.