On Christmas Eve, Ondine decided to cook a special dinner to thank Seth for everything he had done.The employees at Seth's company were off for the holidays, but as the boss, he was still swamped. Though he was at the villa, he spent his days buried in emails, contracts, and project proposals. Zaria, on the other hand, was free and spent all her time with Ondine.That afternoon, Ondine knocked on the door of Seth's study."Come in," a voice from inside called out.She pushed the door open to find Seth standing by the window with his back to her, on the phone. "There's no room for discussion," he was saying, his tone sharp. "He should have thought about the consequences when he broke the law. I don't care who comes begging."His voice dropped, turning colder. "And tell them, if they dare to interfere with the justice system, I won't hesitate to take them all down. How many of them do you think are clean enough to survive an investigation?"He ended the call and turned around.Ondine had waited quietly while he was on the phone. Now that he was finished, she spoke. "Seth, since it's Christmas Eve, I wanted to cook dinner to thank you. Are there any foods you particularly like or dislike?"Seth paused, clearly surprised by her offer. After a moment's thought, he said, "I like cilantro beef stir-fry, steamed sea bass, boiled shrimp, and winter melon soup with pork ribs. A simple cucumber salad, too. I don't eat lamb or bok choy."Ondine was taken aback. His tastes were remarkably similar to hers. She loved those dishes and also disliked lamb.She nodded. "Okay, got it.""Any seafood you can't have?" she asked."No.""Perfect."After leaving the study, Ondine asked Cara to buy the necessary ingredients.Later that afternoon, a guest arrived with a delivery of premium seafood. Since Ondine had never cooked king crab or lobster before, she left those to Cara.Once the home-style dishes were ready, Ondine packed two containers of light, easily digestible food and a thermos of nourishing soup for her mother and drove to the hospital.noveldrama"Mom, I'll eat with you, but I have to go back for Christmas Eve dinner soon. I'll come back later tonight to be with you for Christmas morning.”Yvaine nodded. "Okay, dear."Her chemotherapy had been going relatively well, without any severe side effects. The doctor said that if things continued to progress smoothly, she could have her surgery in about a month, after the new year.That evening, Ondine called Seth and Zaria down for dinner.Cara's son, daughter-in-law, and grandson had emigrated, leaving her alone in the country. She had spent the last few Christmases by herself. When Ondine learned this, she insisted that Cara join them for dinner.After Seth and Zaria were seated, Ondine called out to her. "Cara, come join us.”"Oh, I couldn't, Mrs..." Cara caughtherself. She had almost said "Mrs.Thorne," but Seth had instructed her to refer to Ondine as "Ms Sterling when Zaria was around. She quickly corrected herself. "It wouldn't beproper." n Follow current novᴇls on FindN0vel.netOndine smiled warmly. "Of course it is. There's no need for formalities. The more the merrier."Zaria chimed in, "She's right, Cara. We're all family here. Don't be a stranger. Come on, sit with us."Cara glanced at Seth, who gave a slight nod. Only then did she take a seat at the table.After dinner, Ondine and Zaria went out into the yard to light sparklers. Fireworks were banned in Boreal, but a few sparklers in your own backyard were fine.From his second-floor bedroom window, Seth stood watching, his gaze fixed onthe girl below, her face lit with a radiant smile as she waved a sparkler through theair.He hadn't seen her smile so freely ina long time the sparkler showered a cascade of glittering light around her, like a sprinkle of fallen stars illuminating her features. Her shone with pure, innocent joy and her smile was as bright an spring breeze melting a frozen fake, full of a life and warmth that could chaseaway any winter chill. Seth stood silently at the window, his figure a long silhouette against the warm light of the room, His gaze cut through the darkness and the cold, focused solely on her. He took out his phone, opened the camera, and aimed it at Ondine. With a soft click, the perfect moment was captured forever.He looked down at the photo on his screen-Ondine, holding a sparkler, her smileimpossibly sweet. A faint smile touched his own lips before he put the phoneaway.