Night of Destiny Novel by Vanessa K

“Just call me Zach, Ava.”

“Very well then, Zach.” Ava didn’t like honoraries either.

“He’ll be having dinner with us tonight,” said Shirley.

“Oh, good. I can show off my cooking.” Happily, Ava went into the kitchen to work. Shirley wanted to help, but Ava kicked her out. “Go and accompany my future grandson-in-law.” That was what she said.

Shirley covered her mouth and came back out, smiling. She saw Zacharias looking at the photos around the house. Ava’s house had an Eastern design. Standing in this house, Zacharias looked a little different than he usually was. Shirley came up to him and held his arm.

Zacharias smiled. “So, when are your parents coming back for Christmas?”

her lips and shook her head. “No

arm around Shirley’s shoulder. “Why don’t I invite your family to celebrate Christmas at

eyes went wide.

be more fun celebrating Christmas with two

only him, his dad, and Tony celebrating Christmas anyway. It’s a little quiet. Shirley nodded. “Sure. We’ll celebrate Christmas together.” Shirley

with Shirley more, seeing her working

long since he had homemade food. Ever since his mother’s passing, that household didn’t feel like home. Back when he was a teenager, his father hired the best servants around to cook for him, but the food never tasted like home. Now, he

your greens, Zach,”

Ava. I love

liked Zacharias. Both Zacharias and Shirley had their fill. Later, they walked

“Don’t make things hard for Roy and his men. Let’s go home and just

Zacharias nodded. “Of course.”

a quiet spot, a car hidden nearby had someone in it aiming their camera at the couple. The person took careful but clear shots. In the photo, Zacharias was holding Shirley’s hand, and in the photo of them in the car,

away after Zacharias’ convoy was gone. They sent the pictures