As Nia started preparation for the cheesecake, she couldn't help but feel grateful for Francesco and Arlette. Also Rizelle and Zain for their help. But her cousin and sister in law; They had been her rock through some of the toughest times, and their support had kept her going when things seemed impossible.
She made some quick phone call to her friends to wish them new year and started preparation.
Her mind wandered back to the day she had left her family home, the weight of scandal and disappointment pressing down on her.
But Francesco and Arlette had been there for her, when her family had discarded her, offering a lifeline when she needed it most
The rest of the morning passed in a blur of activity.
After putting the cheese cake in the oven, Nia tidied up the living room, trying to erase the evidence of her solo celebration.
She did some yoga and a few hours of nap. Then, she started preparation for the evening. Her penthouse was homely yet comfortable with 3 guest bedrooms and one master bedroom. This house was the first thing she bought with the hard-earned money of her first successful game launch. She moved to Vince City overnight when she left her home and stayed at Francesco's apartment in Vince City for the first six months of her startup.
Arlette and Francesco occasionally spent the night with their kids at her place, so she ensured to change bedsheets and clean the rooms.
As the evening stuck, She set the table for the evening, decorating the vase with fresh flowers, setting up fancy cutlery which she received as a gift during her housewarming party, pulling out her best dishes which were steak with mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables along with cheesecake and arranging them with care.
Pixel watched her with mild curiosity, occasionally batting at the stray pieces of confetti that she missed in some corners.
By the time the doorbell rang around 6 pm, Nia was ready wearing a red knee-length dress and mild makeup with her hair unruly curly hair tied in a messy bun.
As the door swung open, Francesco dressed impeccably in a navy blue suit walked in, carrying Theo in his arms.
Ryker rounded in behind him, his face lighting up when he saw his favourite Aunt Nia.
"Aunt Nia!" Ryker shouted, running toward her with open arms.
"Hey, kiddo!" Nia laughed, scooping him up into a big hug. "I've missed you!"
"I missed you too!" Ryker said, his voice muffled against her shoulder and then he placed a gentle kiss on Nia's cheek, his grey eyes similar to Francesco's shining in with the joy of the new year spirit. "Uncle Zack sent me a new toy! It's a spaceship that lights up and everything! I want to show you."
Nia's heart fluttered again at the mention of the unexpected name, but she quickly pushed it aside, focusing on the joy of having her family here. "Well, I got a gift for you too! Go in now. It's on the table!" She kissed Ryker on his cheek warmly and then she looked up to see Arlette walking in, looking as beautiful with ash blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes dressed in a white dress and red winter coat, her face glowing with a warm smile.
"Happy New Year, Nia darling," Arlette said, giving her a gentle hug while balancing a bag of gifts in one hand.
"Happy New Year, Arlette," Nia replied, feeling the warmth of her sister-in-law's embrace. She then turned to Francesco and Theo. "And look at you, big guy!" she cooed at Theo, who was dressed in a comfortable winter romper and was reaching out for her with chubby hands and sparkling blue eyes just like his mother.
Francesco handed Theo over, and Nia marvelled at how much he had grown in a few months. "He's getting so big," she said, pressing a kiss to the baby's forehead.
"Tell me about it," Francesco said, shaking his head. "He's already trying to walk. It's only a matter of time before he's running around like Ryker."
Nia laughed at the comment.
"Well, come here baby sister! Give your brother a New Year hug!" Francesco pulled both Niana who was carrying Theo in his arms.
"Happy New Year, brother!" Nia returned his hug and her eyes moistened.
Francesco placed a loving kiss on her forehead and ushered everyone in.
They all moved into the living room, where Ryker immediately made himself at home, spreading his new toy spaceship out on the coffee table and patting Pixel lovingly. "Look, Aunt Nia! It lights up and makes sounds!" he exclaimed, demonstrating with enthusiasm.
"That's so cool, Ryker," Nia said, genuinely impressed. "You're going to be a pilot one day, I just know it. Now open your other gift."
The family exchanged gifts over a glass of wine and happy laughter.
As they settled into comfortable conversation, Nia felt a sense of happiness and belonging she had always felt with her family.
Yes, This was her family now, the people who had stood by her through thick and thin. Despite the rift with her parents, she knew she was loved and supported by Francesco and Arlette and these two cute boys who owned her heart.
"So, How's the company doing?" Francesco asked, his deep tone genuinely curious as he took a sip of his wine.
Nia smiled, feeling a surge of pride. "PixelWave is doing great. We're gearing up for a new game release in the spring, and the team is excited about it. We've got some potential investors lined up, so fingers crossed."
"You can let me know if you want me to test it from a security point of view!" Francesco chimed in.
"I will, brother! The few potential investors have security consultants as well. But it won't hurt to get it run by you on the safer side.." Nia explained some about her upcoming game launch in brief to Francesco and his eyes shone with pride.
"You've done an amazing job, Nia," Arlette said, admiration in her voice. "We're so proud of you."
"Thanks," Nia said, feeling a warm blush creep up her cheeks. "It's been a lot of hard work, but it's worth it."
Francesco nodded, his expression serious. "You know we're always here for you, right? If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"I know," Nia said softly. "And I appreciate it. But I want to do this on my own. I need to prove to myself that I can."