Sunlight streamed through the pristine windows, casting a bright stripe across the polished marble table.Ondine's eyelashes fluttered. It took her a long moment to regain her composure before she could manage a quiet, "Thank you."That afternoon, Zaria received a video call from her mom Jolie, who was halfway across the world."Sweetheart, are you having a good holiday?" Jolie appeared on the screen dressed in a breezy sundress, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, with a backdrop of blue skies and a sparkling ocean."I was just on a trip to Tahiti with your father," Jolie said with a laugh. "I completely forgot yesterday was Christmas Day.""It's been great," Zaria replied. "Ondine and I celebrated together this year. She's an amazing cook. She made a huge Christmas Eve dinner for me and my brother."Zaria leaned over, pointing the camera at Ondine. "Ondine, it's my mom.""Mrs. Thorne, happy holidays," Ondine said, feeling a little awkward as she was suddenly pulled into the frame."Ondine, dear! Welcome to our home. Happy holidays to you too!" Jolie greeted her warmly before gently chiding her daughter. "Zaria, Ondine is a guest. Why would you let her do all the cooking? Is that how I taught you to treat people?"Ondine quickly interjected, "It wasn't Zaria's fault. I wanted to do it. I've been imposing on your family for so long, and Zaria and Seth have helped me so much. I just wanted to do something to thank them."Zaria pouted playfully. "See, Mom? It's not my fault. Ondine and I are so close, she's like family. It was a kind gesture, and it would have been more awkward to refuse.""She's right, it wasn't her fault," Ondine added.Jolie smiled, her tone warm. "Ondine, you're so thoughtful and well-behaved. And you can cook, too! Such a wonderful girl."Ondine blushed slightly. "You're too kind, Mrs. Thorne."After a bit more small talk, Jolie's question turned to her son. "By the way, Zaria, where's your brother? What has he been up to?""The usual," Zaria said. "Buried in work. He didn't even take Christmas off.""That boy. He needs to learn to rest," Jolie sighed, then her tone brightened. "Has he been seeing anyone lately?""Nope, stillhasn't. You know him, hein years. He's notStalnesnoveldramainterested in girls at allto wonder about him: .net>"Don't say that about your brother. He's just been too busy to think about dating," Jolie said. "Anyway, a friend of mine has a daughter who's coming back to the country in a few days. I've met her, and she's a lovely girl, just a couple of years younger than Seth. I was thinking ofintroducing them." Sitting beside Zaria, Ondine stiffened.Zaria, however, lit up at the prospect of some gossip. "Which friend's daughter?Do I know her? Is she pretty?" Newest update provided by find(ɴ)ovel.net"You've never met her," Jolieexplained. "Her family has beenliving in Mexico. Your father and I were always too busy to take you tovisit. She's coming to pay us when she gets back, and your father and I are flying home in a few days to play matchmaker."Ondine's fingers curled into her palms, her long lashes hiding the flicker of disappointment in her eyes."Are they coming to Boreal or Riverdale?" Zaria asked."Riverdale," Jolie said. "You two have been in Boreal long enough. It's time to come home."