Chapter 10
The guest room was small but clean and tidy, with bedding that smelled of sunshine.
“Rest for a while. Dinner will be ready soon,” Gabriel said gently as he set down my
suitcase.
I nodded and sat on the edge of the bed, watching the snowflakes drift past the window. I felt an unprecedented sense of peace and tranquility.
Perhaps this was what home felt like.
2
That evening, we sat around the dinner table eating a steaming hot Christmas Eve meal.
Mrs. Campbell continued to serve me food as she said, “Rachel dear, you must visit often. My door is always open for you.”
I smiled and nodded, warmth filling my heart.
After dinner, Gabriel suggested we take a walk in the nearby park. The winter park was nearly empty, with only a few couples huddled together, enjoying the rare quiet.
We strolled along the lake, neither of us speaking. Snowflakes drifted down gently, settling
on us like a thin veil.
“Thank you, Gabriel.” I broke the silence, speaking softly.
“For what?”
taking me in and giving me a warm sanctuary.”
Gabriel looked at me and teased with a smile, “How about repaying me with your hand in marriage?”
I froze for a moment, then huffed with mock arrogance. “In your dreams!”
Though I said this, ripples stirred in my heart.
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“Then tell me, how will you repay me? I’m the hero who rescued you from dire straits at the train station.”
His exaggerated tone made me laugh. I deliberately put on a stern face. “Hero? I think you’re just trying to extort me.
He pretended to think deeply, then said with mock seriousness, “Let me think… How about
you cook me one meal every day until school starts?”
I could not help but roll my eyes. “No way! My cooking is terrible.”
He looked at me with a grin. “That’s okay, I’m not picky. Besides, even if your cooking is awful, I’ll eat every bite.”
His shameless attitude made me laugh despite my annoyance.
F
“Is this how you seek gratitude? You’re clearly just trying to take advantage of me!”
“Alas, it seems my charm isn’t enough.”
He sighed with fake disappointment, then suddenly leaned closer. “Maybe I should try
harder?”
I felt my cheeks burning and quickly stepped back. “D–don’t get any ideas!”
Seeing my flustered state, he could not help but laugh.
“Just teasing you.” He reached out and gently ruffled my hair. “Come on, let’s go back. Grandma will worry.”
Back at Gabriel’s place, Mrs. Campbell had prepared hot tea to ward off the cold.
Holding the warm cup and feeling the cozy atmosphere of the Campbell household, I felt some anticipation for the future for the first time.
Perhaps letting go of the past and starting afresh was not such a bad thing.
On Christmas Eve, fireworks blazed outside the window, illuminating the entire night sky.
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The deafening sound of firecrackers rose and fell in waves. Standing by the window, I felt
as if I were in another lifetime.
“Merry Christmas, Rachel.”
Gabriel stood very close, his warm breath brushing against my ear, making me feel tingly.
I turned my head and met his deep gaze. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, and my heart skipped a beat.
“Merry Christmas, Gabriel.”
He leaned close to my ear and whispered, “I like you, Rachel.”
Outside the window, fireworks continued to bloom, their brilliant colors reflecting on my
face and on Gabriel’s.
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