The Love From Vengeance

188: MEMORIES 5

ARIEL’S POV

[FLASHBACK CONTINUES]

1/3

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?”

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

the crackling fire. The children’s faces lit up at the idea, and soon we were all cozied up on the plush

and sharing stories.

I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of

TAB: MEMONIES 5

213

of a great place to call home. This Christmas will definitely be one to remember.

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

And as I stood in the doorway, watching my children sleep, I whispered a silent prayer of gratitude for

that moment, amidst joy and love, I realized that the true magic of Christmas lay not

Christmas breakfast, with the scent of cinnamon and evergreen in the air, I couldn’t

come.

finishing our breakfast, André suddenly stood up, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “I have a

looked at him curiously, wondering what he had up his sleeve. With a smile, he began to sing a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night.” His

clapped and cheered, amazed by his talent. Elizabeth even stood up and gave him

special talent too!” We all looked at him expectantly, wondering

pulled out a deck of cards and began to do a magic trick. However, it was clear that he wasn’t very good at it. The cards kept falling out of his

all proud of him for trying, and

filled with laughter and love, and I couldn’t have asked for a

outside. We talked about our hopes and dreams for the new year, and I couldn’t

magical, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. And I knew that

with Lukel and Janice as I was about to

you tell us a Christmas

188: MEMORIES 5

3/3