Love Ends at Christmas: A Holiday to Say Goodbye

When Noah Levine came back, Christmas had already passed. I'd thrown that reindeer lingerie into a street trash bin.

"Babe, I left in such a rush last night that I forgot to give you your Christmas present."

He pulled out a sapphire necklace and swept my hair aside to fasten it around my neck. Because he leaned in so close, I could clearly see the red marks on his neck and smell the sickly sweet perfume that obviously wasn't his.

Knowing the scent belonged to my own sister made my stomach turn.

I grabbed Noah's hand. "You don't need to put it on me. Just leave it on the table."

Hearing the coldness in my tone, Noah pinched my cheek. "What's wrong? Are you still mad that we didn't finish what we started last night?"

I looked up at him coldly and said quietly, "No. I'm just curious why you suddenly left last night, and why you suddenly started speaking Farylian."

Noah smiled. "It's just a client from Farylia. You know my clients are all over the world."

As if trying to dodge the topic, he patted my shoulder. "Don't overthink it. Get ready. Your parents are already on their way to the restaurant. We can't be late."

"After all..."

He crouched down and kissed my lips. "Today is our engagement party."

Looking into his affectionate eyes, my heart only grew colder. Noah and I had been together for five years. I'd always hoped we'd get married, but he kept refusing, claiming he was too busy.

Until three days ago, when he finally got down on one knee and proposed.

That night, fireworks bloomed across Rivershore City all night long. Every burst spelled out his love for me.

I received countless congratulations. The city's socialites all looked at me with envy.

My sister, Heidi Miller, was one of them.

She linked arms with me intimately. "I'm so jealous of you, Erin. I wish I could find a man this handsome and successful too."

Back then, I was too caught up in the joy of being proposed to. I didn't catch the mockery in her voice.

Seeing me zone out, Noah called from outside the door. "Erin, are you done changing?"

I stayed silent for a moment, then grabbed a simple white dress and headed downstairs.

When Noah saw me, he paused. "Why are you dressed so simply today? You usually wear something elaborate even to regular parties."

I smiled without answering. I wasn't there to get engaged to him. I was there to witness Noah and Heidi's affair with my own eyes, to sever the last thread of feeling I had for him before I left.

"Still, you look beautiful like this too." Noah put his arm around my waist and led me outside.

On the way, I got a call from the company. I immediately lowered my voice.

"Ms. Miller, are you sure about this? The assignment location is extremely remote. It's barely even on the map. It'll be very difficult. And aren't you about to get married? Won't your husband mind?"

Hearing the word "husband", I laughed bitterly. My future husband was currently looking down at his phone, smiling as he replied to his mistress' messages.

I turned away, my voice firm. "Mr. Bardot, I'm going."

After hanging up, I met Noah's questioning gaze. "You sound so determined. Where are you going?"

"To the bridal shop to try on dresses." I tossed out a casual lie.

Noah squeezed my hand and laughed softly. "Erin, are you really that eager to marry me?"

Before I could respond, the car had already stopped at the banquet hall entrance. Our families and guests were all waiting for us, the two main characters. And Noah, in front of everyone, let go of my hand to pass a gift box to Heidi.

"Heidi, your Christmas present."

Heidi excitedly tore it open. When she pulled out the worn pocket watch inside, she pouted. "Noah, you're so rich. Why are you giving me something this old?"

Noah smiled without answering. But I froze completely.

I'd seen that pocket watch before, in the portrait of Noah's late father.