Merry Christmas to all of you...<3
Sia’s POVI was floating in an endless expanse of darkness, weightless and suspended. I wasn’t awake, yet I wasn’t entirely asleep either. The void surrounded me, but then, faint flickers of light began to pierce through, breaking apart the shadows. Shards of memories started surfacing and all of them were sharp and vivid.I could hear laughter. A burst of warm, carefree joy echoed in my ears. I saw myself, Leon, and a grumpy dog trudging through the snow. The image shifted, and there we were, walking with a group of tribal people. I was ahead of him, curious and eager to keep up with the group, while Leon stayed close behind, his watchful gaze ensuring I didn’t stray too far. At that time I thought, he was keeping an eye on his hostage but now I see that he was worried for me. The scene flickered, and now we stood beneath a living tree in the middle of a harsh winter. Snow surrounded us but the tree blossomed against all odds. Flowers fell, landing on both of us as we silently stare
When Sia slowly opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was a pair of sparkling blue eyes fixed on her. They were full of curiosity, with a hint of mischief that only a child could have. Standing at the edge of the bed was a little boy, his legs too short to carry out whatever plan was brewing in his mind.The boy’s mouth dropped open in surprise when he realized she was awake, as if he had been caught doing something wrong. “Oh…” he whispered, his eyes wide with the innocence of someone who didn’t quite understand what had just happened.Sia’s head felt clouded as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. The events of the past felt distant, and she struggled to focus. A child, of all things, was the last thing she had expected to see. She blinked at him, trying to make sense of the moment and yet, despite the confusion swirling around her, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The sight of him, so small and innocent, somehow brought warmth to her heart which had been frozen
When Leon finally came home later that evening, he was met with an unexpected sight: Nico, who was crying loudly and causing a ruckus. It was his first time meeting his nephew, and he hadn’t imagined the introduction would be anything like this. He stopped in his tracks, concern immediately washing over him.“Mom, is he okay? You said he was sick,” Leon asked, his voice filled with worry.Anne sighed. “He is fine. He is just being stubborn. He wants me to let him go to your room. He has already checked out every other room in the house, and now he wants to go where he is not allowed.”Leon raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes as he watched Nico who was still sobbing. He reached out, trying to comfort the child, but Nico shot him a look that made it clear he wasn’t interested in anyone’s help. “He is too scary to be Rhys’s son,” Leon muttered with a grin. “Our Rhys was a ball of sunshine.”Anne leaned in, whispering softly, “He is a copy of your dad. So grumpy.”Leon chu
“Hi,” Leon whispered as he sat next to her. He couldn’t believe his eyes. She was awake. She was finally awake. He couldn’t stop the tears from falling.“Hi,” Sia whispered back.“Welcome back,” he said, holding her gaze.Sia smiled at him.Leon continued, “I missed you. I missed you so much. I can’t even tell you how great today is. I have never been this happy in my life. Baby, you have given me new life.”Sia stared at him, touched by his words.Anne, who didn’t want to interrupt their emotional reunion, reluctantly said, “Leon, let the doctor check on Sia.”Leon wiped his tears, looking silly and confused. “Oh, yes.”“I’m here with you,” Leon mouthed as the doctor checked on Sia.Two days laterSia was feeling better than before. She was awake more than she was sleeping. Though her body felt stronger, she was still weak. Over the past two days, Leon had been by her side. Everyone had come to visit her, but they didn’t overwhelm her; they left soon after. Charlotte, Kate, Rhys, Call
Song: Whispers by Myles SmithIn the garden of the Hart House. Winter was approaching. The air was crisp and the scent of burning wood lingered as the bonfire crackled warmly. The entire family had gathered around it, wrapped in blankets and laughter.Off to the side, Callum sat with a guitar in his hands, his fingers gently strumming the strings. His voice carried through the garden, low and soulful:"Am I on your mind? 'Cause you live in mine Oh, I've realised I've been wastin' time Lookin' in your eyes, there's my whole damn life Hold me close tonight in your arms, as I whisper….”Leon sat beside Sia, pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder. It had been two months since she woke up, and the shadows that once haunted her were beginning to lift. The face she had dreaded seeing in the mirror was healing with the scars fading day by day. Her hair, which had broken her heart, had grown a little longer. One night, Charlotte had let Sia cry until there were no more tears. Then, with he
The next day arrived.The whole family was having breakfast when Ellora made an announcement.“Rhys, it’s time for you to find a girlfriend.”Anne and Nicholas immediately said in unison, “I veto it.”“Thank God,” Rhys muttered under his breath.“Why?” Ellora asked. “The child needs a mother.”“Mom, we will not interfere in Rhys’s life,” Nicholas said firmly. “He is young and starting to focus on his goals. Blind dating is the last thing he needs right now.”His son was finally on track. Setting him on a blind date is akin to pushing him towards his old life. The child could not afford it. And Rhys was too young for blind dates. Also, he was certain among all his sons, this one did not lack women. “I agree with Dad,” Rhys added. “If I need a girlfriend, I will find one on my own.”“But a child needs a mother figure,” Ellora persisted. She was worried that Nico would grow up motherless. Rhys gestured toward Nico, who was happily settled in Sia’s lap. Charlotte was trying to feed him
Rowan then turned his attention to his wife. “Why aren’t you eating?” he asked as he noticed Estelle picking at her food. “Is the food not to your liking?” Ellora asked kindly, always warm toward her granddaughter-in-law. Estelle was her first granddaughter-in-law and so she had a specia place in the old woman’s heart. “Grandma, she has an eating disorder,” Rowan said, completely unfiltered, in front of the entire family. “She barely eats anything.”Estelle’s face turned crimson with embarrassment. “No, no,” she protested. “He is exaggerating. I’m fine.” Desperate to prove her point, she forced herself to eat a piece of eggplant, even though she hated its texture. “I’m just a picky eater.”Rowan shrugged casually. “Come on, it’s family. They won’t judge you.”Estelle just buried her face in the plate and not said anything. Sia leaned over to whisper in Charlotte’s ear, “His wife wasn’t comfortable sharing her secret. How is he not able to read that?”Charlotte sighed. “I like Rowan.
Later, Charlotte and Sia were alone.Sia sat on her best friend’s bed, listening as Charlotte excitedly talked about her recent exhibition—how her paintings were now displayed in a prestigious museum and the incredible response she had been receiving.“You are not listening to me, are you?” Charlotte asked, narrowing her eyes.Sia smiled absentmindedly. “I’m a little lost in thought.”“Care to share?” Charlotte prompted, intrigued.Sia grinned. “Do you remember Andrew Jackson?”“Yeah?” Charlotte’s expression shifted, a knowing look crossing her face.Sia continued, “He is in town. He started a new startup, and I invested in it. He is brilliant.”Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “That much I know…”Sia leaned forward with a mischievous smile. “Well, this morning, he contacted me. Asked how I was doing, heard your voice in the background, and got all excited. And I also know that you knew he had a massive crush on you.”Charlotte looked at her in confusion. “Where are you headed with this, S
EpilogueThree Years Later“Dr. Hart?”Abella turned around to see a nurse hurrying toward her.“The patient in the NICU is responding to the medication,” the nurse informed her. “Could you check on her?”Without hesitation, Abella rushed to the NICU, her heart throbbing fast. That morning, the baby girl’s condition had been critical, but now, as she looked into those tiny, bright eyes, she felt a wave of relief.“Hey there, sweetheart,” Abella cooed, smiling warmly. “You’re such a fighter. You fought so hard to be here with your mom and dad.”The baby stared up at her, and Abella’s heart melted.“Yes, you’re such a strong, big girl,” she whispered, gently touching the baby’s hand.Outside the NICU, the parents expressed their gratitude; their tearful smiles reminded Abella why she had chosen this path. In moments like these, she was reminded of how beautiful it was to help save these little angels. But there were also the heartbreaking days, the ones where some angels didn’t make it.
Meanwhile, Kate and Rhys were sitting with Anne.“Why is Aunt suddenly changing colors?” Rhys asked.“Because she knows she was wrong and wants back what she lost,” Kate said matter-of-factly.Anne chuckled. “Kate, as much as I love your straightforward attitude, I’d appreciate it if you toned it down in front of Emery. She is… well, very touchy and fussy.”Kate shrugged. “MIL, I have a complaint. Coco and Sia had a girls’ day without me! Can you imagine? I’m trying to be as cool as them, but they left me out!”Rhys suppressed a chuckle. “Yes, Mom, they left my dear Kate out.”Anne played along. “That’s terrible, I’ll scold them,”“Yes, scold them well,” Kate agreed, then added mischievously, “but don’t tell them I snitched. Just say it was Rhys.”Anne smiled. “Alright, dear.” Then, she glanced at Kate. “I saw you have been spending time with Abella. How’s that going? I know you two weren’t close.”Kate sighed. “Everyone coddles her too much. She is living in disillusionment. Coco and
It was a beautiful day that was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Anne and Nicholas’s wedding anniversary had brought the entire family together, and the house was buzzing with warmth and joy.Nicholas turned to Anne as his eyes were soft with affection. “We have been together for forty years,” he said, a gentle smile on his lips.Anne smiled back, a touch of nostalgia in her gaze. “Yes, we made it this far.”Leaning in, Nicholas pressed a tender kiss to her lips. “Thank you for giving me the chance to be your husband.”Anne’s voice was barely above a whisper as she responded, “Thank you for fighting for us.”Just then, Leon and Coco appeared out of nowhere while wrapping their arms around their parents in a tight hug. “If anyone deserves the credit, it’s us!” Leon declared with a grin. “We made sure you two ended up together.”Nicholas and Anne exchanged amused glances before nodding. “Yes,” Nicholas agreed, “and we’re very thankful for your scheming. Turns out, it w
“Did you match into your preferred branch of residency?” Madam Facci asked, excitement filling her voice.Abella swallowed. “Ma, I’m still checking the results,” she admitted. “I’m scared.”“You have nothing to be scared of, my dear. Just look,” she heard. With a deep breath, Abella entered her credentials for the residency match. Her eyes darted across the screen as the words appeared before her.“I…” Her voice caught in her throat.“What is it?” Madam Facci asked eagerly.“Pediatrics…” Abella whispered in disbelief.A joyful gasp came from the other end. “Oh my god! I am so happy for you, dear!”Abella’s chest tightened as she read the rest. “With NYU…” she murmured. “If I accept it, I will have to stay in New York.”Was she ready for this?Madam Facci’s voice was warm and reassuring. “Whatever you choose, we are proud of you. You’ve worked hard for this. Don’t overthink it, just enjoy this moment. You did it, Abella. I’m so, so proud of you.”That evening, the entire family gather
Augustus Hart was born a healthy, chubby baby with a bald head, looking absolutely perfect in every way. His arrival was so sudden that only Callum and Estelle were present at the hospital when her water broke. They barely had time to inform anyone, but Abella rushed over as soon as she found out.The moment Callum stepped out of the delivery room and saw his sister waiting outside, a wave of emotions hit him all at once. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a tight hug.“Congratulations, brother. I’m so proud of you,” Abella whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek.Callum let out a shaky breath, still overwhelmed. “When did you get here?”“Just now,” she said with a smile. “How’s Estelle?”“Tired,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “Still cursing me.”Abella chuckled. “And the baby?”“Just perfect,” Callum said, his eyes softening. “Come inside. She is going to be so happy to see you.”When Estelle saw Abella, she let out a small gasp before pulling her into a long, tight
After her divorce, Abella didn’t leave the country. Cillian had given her a staggering sum in alimony, even going as far as naming half of his assets to her, but she refused to take a single dime. She had her own inheritance. More money than she could ever need. But what could wealth do? It couldn’t buy her happiness. It couldn’t fill the void in her heart.Cillian knew her too well; he didn’t push her to accept anything. He let her go, even when it shattered him.When her mother lived in Italy with Coco and Leon, alongside her uncle Nate, she had bought a beautiful bungalow. It had never been sold, left untouched over the years. When Abella married Cillian, Leon had given her the key to that house as a quiet token of their family’s past. There were two bungalows beside each other, one where her mother had raised her two older siblings, and the other where her father had stayed, the place where her parents had met and reunited. One had been passed down to Charlotte, the other to Leon.
Cillian stared at her, his throat tightening as he heard the finality in her voice. He had imagined this conversation a thousand different ways, but none of them had prepared him for the calm and almost serene acceptance in her eyes.“Abella…” He whispered her name like a prayer, like a plea. “Can we please rethink this?”Abella smiled. It was a soft, bittersweet smile that made his chest ache.“Cillian, there is nothing to rethink,” she said gently. “Alessandro came to see me. He told me that he was leaving the country with his mother. He said he doesn’t want to come between us, that he would be happy if you called him once in a while and only if it was okay with me.” She let out a humorless chuckle. “That’s too big of a burden for me to carry. I mean, I don’t care how you navigate your relationship with your son. But I will give you one piece of advice: don’t be a jerk. Don’t hurt one more person. You have already hurt me, you have hurt him, and you have hurt his mother. Stop making
Cillian reached for her hand, his grip firm but trembling as well. “Abella, please listen to me. I’m sorry. I made a mistake by not telling you the truth. Can you please forgive me?” His voice cracked with desperation.She looked at him, her expression unreadable. “I don’t know,” she said softly.Cillian’s breath hitched, and he tried again. “Please, I’ll change. I’ll work on myself. Just give me a chance.” His hands clenched at his sides as if willing himself not to break apart. “I don’t want to see you like this, so shattered. You mean so fucking much to me. Please.”But to Abella, his words felt like echoes in an empty room. They were hollow and weightless. Once upon a time, she had longed to hear them, had dreamed of a moment where he would look at her like this, beg for her, choose her. But now? Now, they felt unimportant. They meant nothing.She exhaled, rubbing her temple. “I heard you. But my head is splitting apart, Cillian. Can you please just go back to your house? I just w
Madam Facci looked at her son, her expression undecipherable. She had seen Cillian walk through storms without flinching, but today, he stood before her looking utterly wrecked. His usually sharp eyes were bloodshot, his arm wound had reopened, staining his sleeve with fresh blood, yet none of that seemed to matter to him or anyone at this point.“What do you want, Cillian?” she asked, her voice firm but not unkind.“I’m here to see Abella,” he said. His voice was hoarse, almost desperate.Madam Facci crossed her arms. “I’m sure you have no idea what happened last night.”“I know,” he admitted, running a hand through his already disheveled hair. “I just want to explain things to her. She is overthinking this, and there is nothing much to overthink. I just—” He exhaled sharply. “I just want to make everything okay.”A wry smile tugged at Madam Facci’s lips, but there was no amusement in her eyes. “Son,” she said, “we can never tell someone what is worth overthinking or not. For you, th