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?”

he wants to meet my parents. Shirley pursed her lips

around Shirley’s shoulder. “Why

eyes went

more fun celebrating Christmas with

Christmas anyway. It’s a little quiet. Shirley nodded. “Sure. We’ll celebrate Christmas together.”

fell in love with Shirley more, seeing her working

of course. It felt like home having dinner here. Zacharias felt nostalgic. It had been too long since he had homemade food. Ever since his mother’s passing, that household didn’t feel like home. Back when

greens,

a good cook, Ava. I love these.” Zacharias

their fill. Later, they walked

make things hard for Roy and his

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, Zacharias had an arm around Shirley’s shoulder. The person also took photos of Zacharias kissing Shirley’s hair and them sharing

tucked their phone away after Zacharias’ convoy was gone. They sent the pictures to