The Love From Vengeance

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ARIEL’S POV

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I smiled as I gazed at the twinkling Christmas lights adorning the grand staircase of the mansion. The festive spirit filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to make this Christmas the most magical one yet for my two little children, Lukel and Janice. As I bustled around the spacious living room, arranging garlands and hanging ornaments on the towering Christmas tree, I could hear the excited chatter of my children coming from the nearby playroom.

“Lukel, Janice, come help me with the tree!” I called out, my voice filled with warmth and joy.

The children came bounding into the room, their faces bright with anticipation. Lukel, with his mischievous grin, and Janice, with her sparkling eyes, eagerly joined me in decorating the tree. They carefully placed ornaments on the branches, their laughter filling the room as we reminisced about Christmases past.

We worked, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the precious moments spent with my children. Despite the challenges we had faced, we were a tight–knit family, and our love for each other shone brightly during the holiday season.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and I hurried to answer it. Standing on the doorstep was Hannah, the kind and generous soul who had always been there to put a smile on your face. She hadn’t been around for quite some time, but it was a great thing that she was back.

“Come in, Hannah! We’re so glad you could join us,” I hugged her.

Hannah beamed as she entered the mansion. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world! I brought some homemade gingerbread cookies for us to enjoy while we decorate.”

Together, the three of us and my two children set to work, our laughter and chatter filling the mansion with joy. Hannah helped string lights around the fireplace mantel while Lukel, Janice, and I placed a star atop the Christmas tree.

While we continued working, Lukel and Janice regaled Hannah with tales of their school Christmas play and their letters to Santa. Hannah listened attentively, and it didn’t take long before Elizabeth joined us, along with Manuel and Andre.

“Wow, this place is really looking nice,” Elizabeth said, looking around. “I can help with this, right?”

at her. She giggled, and my eyes went to Andre. He gave me the thumbs

I suggested we make hot cocoa and gather around the crackling fire. The children’s faces lit up at the idea, and soon

and sharing stories.

the evening wore on, I couldn’t help but feel a deep

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in the warmth of a great place to call home.

clock struck midnight, signaling the arrival of Christmas Day. We exchanged gifts in the glow of the tree. The children’s eyes sparkled with delight as they unwrapped their presents, and I felt my heart swell with love for my little family.

And as I stood in the doorway, watching my children sleep,

smiles were brighter than the twinkling lights above. In that moment, amidst joy and love, I realized that the true magic of Christmas lay not in the gifts under the tree

down to a festive Christmas breakfast, with the scent of cinnamon and evergreen in the air, I couldn’t help but feel that this was just the beginning of many more magical

come.

in his eye.

smile, he began to sing a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night.” His voice was like honey, filling the room with warmth and

he finished, we all clapped and cheered, amazed by his talent. Elizabeth even stood up and gave him a standing ovation.

special talent too!” We all

and began to do a magic trick. However, it was clear that he wasn’t very good at it. The

were all proud of him for trying, and it was the thought that

played games, sang carols, and exchanged stories. The mansion was filled with laughter and love, and I couldn’t have asked for a better

outside. We talked about our

laughter, and cherished memories. And I knew that with these amazing people by my side, every Christmas would

and Janice as I was about to tell them to go to

can you tell us a Christmas story?” Janice

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