Magdalen flashed a mischievous grin, "The daughter-in-law's practically through the door; good times are knocking!"

Upstairs in her bedroom, Emily sat in front of her computer, "Getting that promotion to senior designer after the New Year is the real deal for me."

Magdalen chuckled, "You're turning into quite the career woman. Don't push yourself too hard, you've got Charlie!"

"It's precisely because he's ahead that I need to hustle even more." Emily pretended to sigh heavily, resting her chin on her hand, "The pressure's immense!"

Estelle and Magdalen burst into laughter.

Estelle inquired, "Where's Kya?"

Emily angled her phone towards the balcony outside, "She's setting off fireworks in the yard with Dad and the grandparents."

Magdalen added, "Guess that leaves me as the bore. I'm just at the Langston's, having dinner and watching the New Year's show. Nothing more."

Estelle suggested, "You could get Morrison to play cards with you!"

"I've been swamped with visitors, hardly a moment to breathe." Magdalen slouched on the couch, "This holiday's been a drag. I'm heading over to Ella's tomorrow afternoon."

lifted as she spoke, nudging Emily, "You and Charlie should come

was tempted, "I do miss

we'll meet up

yes!" Magdalen was visibly excited, "I'll post a message in the group chat, see who else is up

of tomorrow's reunion

chatter, Emily shared, "Mom called this morning, asked if I wanted to bring Kya back home for the

"What did you

"I told her that wasn't my

and hung up without much else to

and she turned him down too. It wasn't out of spite; it

spend the holidays with the James

brother transferred her a thousand dollars,

scoffed, "Probably trying to ease his guilty conscience

serious, "Emily, being with Charlie and thinking long-term, you need to stand firm, cut ties with your mom's side. Not for anything else, but your sister-in-law could ruin everything you've

nodded solemnly, "I

the James family to

face warmed with a

kind. At

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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