The Sanders family didn’t make things hard for the media either. In fact, they thoughtfully arranged for each celebrity to stop by for a quick interview—drawn at random to avoid any status disputes or fights over the “final spotlight” slot.When each media guest arrived, they were informed that fixed cameras had already been set up throughout the outdoor banquet area. If needed, they could request full event footage afterward.Reporters and cameramen attending the party were also welcome to set down their gear and simply join in the fun. Even if they didn’t get exclusive content, they could still use footage from the island’s preset camera feeds.That thoughtful setup immediately warmed the hearts of the media crew—and a few reporters had already started blending in.Sarah looked over everything, clearly pleased. “So, Melvin, what do you think?”“You always come up with the best ideas. I’m not surprised,” Melvin said calmly. “What I’m more curious about is how the Wilsons are hand
She didn’t realize it until the walls around her heart started to give way that Zachary was all she could think about. The memories she’d tried so hard to bury came rushing back, stirring up every emotion she’d worked to suppress.She took a bite of the apple and swallowed.They say eating a Christmas apple brings peace. If that’s true, then she hoped Zachary would stay safe for the rest of his life.She suddenly froze, shaking her head as a blurry image surfaced in her mind.A younger Zachary had once taken a huge bite out of the apple she was holding, grinning like a kid and insisting she eat from the same fruit.That smile—so bright, so carefree—didn’t match the Zachary she knew now. But somehow, it felt familiar.Like she’d lived that moment before.She rubbed the center of her forehead. A sharp pain shot through her skull, so intense her knees nearly buckled. Waves of sadness crashed over her. She suddenly wanted to cry—loud and hard.Zachary... what happened between us?
The apple in her hand was heavy and fragrant. As Sarah looked closer, she noticed a her name etched faintly into the skin.Where had he even found this?Maybe sensing her confusion, Zachary explained, “I had it made a few months ago. This was the only one that came out with your name fully visible.”“A few months ago?”Sarah glanced down at the apple again. Back then, things between them hadn’t fallen apart yet. He’d already been preparing for Christmas even then?“Thanks. I… didn’t prepare anything for you.”“That’s okay,” Zachary said softly. “What matters is that the peace apple made it into your hands. That’s more than enough. You being safe—that’s the best gift I could ask for.”Sarah couldn’t help but laugh. “Where’d you pick up such cheesy lines?”Zachary looked a little embarrassed. “Steven gave me a notebook. It’s full of these.”“Oh? What else is in there? Got anything even cheesier?”He looked up at the sky, then pointed. “You know what the difference is between yo
The holiday bash was really just a gimmick to draw people in. What kept guests coming back were the hotel’s top-tier services.Sarah had made sure the Emotions Room would stay open around the clock. Even celebrities were welcome—after all, their stress levels were often far worse than the average person’s. If they had a good experience here, maybe they’d become regulars. That kind of word-of-mouth would be the best PR money couldn’t buy.All the staff and workers had been pushing hard, staying late to finish up the final touches. It was already past 11 p.m. when Sarah did her last walk-through. Satisfied that everything looked perfect, she waved everyone off, telling them to head home and promising double bonuses. That perked everyone up instantly. The fatigue melted off their faces as they left with bright smiles and renewed energy.Once the last worker was gone, Sarah stood alone, staring at the glowing hotel against the night sky like a jewel in the dark. A quiet sense of pride f
It was like a switch had flipped. Charlotte went on and on, pouring out all her thoughts like she’d finally found clarity—even though James hadn’t responded at all.Across from her, James sat holding a file folder, but his mind was elsewhere. His expression was heavy, conflicted, as if he were caught between two impossible choices.Though Charlotte was busy justifying her own excitement, she was still watching him out of the corner of her eye, tracking every flicker of emotion on his face.When she saw that serious look, she thought he must’ve been moved by what she said. Her heart soared, hope swelling in her chest.She talked herself hoarse, voice going dry, before James finally responded in a low, detached voice. “It’s late. We’ll talk tomorrow.”Charlotte didn’t think much of it. She’d already pushed herself to the limit just staying awake this long.Her eyelids had been drooping for hours, and exhaustion was written all over her.She barely hit the pillow before falling asl
The nanny gave Charlotte a knowing smile as she scooped the baby into her arms. “I’ll take the little one outside for some sun. You think about where you two might want to go for the holidays.”The moment the nanny disappeared through the door, Charlotte darted upstairs. She grabbed her phone and started messaging her old circle of socialite friends, eager for vacation ideas.The replies came in fast.Marry: Well, well, look who decided to show up. What kind of wind blew Mrs. Chancer into the group today?Fion: Charlotte, are you seriously planning a trip with Mr. Chancer? Shouldn’t he be the one arranging that?Charlotte’s smile froze. Her expression stiffened with quiet embarrassment.Thankfully, someone with actual tact jumped in and sent over a list of travel guides and curated itineraries.Charlotte quickly bookmarked them, replied with a polite “Thank you,” and then messaged the helpful friend privately: I’ll bring you back the latest Chanel bag when I return!With that,