As the clock hit midnight, the Maximilian family burst out in jubilation, signalling the start of the new year. Xara, her siblings, and their mother gathered at her house for a happy celebration. The year had been a smorgasbord of accomplishments, new contacts, rich business transactions, and the joyful addition of a new family member. Xara raised her glass for a toast, capturing the essence of the moment. "To new opportunities, finding love, and growth!" Her eyes playfully met Aly's, knowing full well the undertones of her mother's words. The prospect of love lingered in the air, and Xara couldn't help but hope for her daughter's heart to find its counterpart. As the family rejoiced downstairs, Zeke, Aly's best friend and confidant, sensed that something weighed on her mind. Their unspoken connection led them to Xara's room, where the air was filled with a mix of celebration and the unspoken. "Are you okay?" Zeke inquired, breaking the silence that surrounded Aly. "I'm fine, Zeke,
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