บททั้งหมดของ The Christmas Contract : บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 40

Tara kept both hands on the steering wheel as she drove through the familiar stretch of road leading toward Pizza Hut, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence in her car.The day had been long, the kind that sat heavy in the chest even when the body was technically free to go home. She hadn’t felt like cooking, hadn’t felt like thinking, and definitely hadn’t felt like dealing with anything complicated. Pizza felt simple. Mushroom and chicken toppings just like always. Comfort in a cardboard box.She pulled into the parking lot and parked close to the entrance, cutting the engine and sitting there for a brief second before stepping out. The smell hit her the moment she opened the door, warm dough and melted cheese drifting through the air. It eased something in her shoulders without her realizing it. Inside, the place was moderately busy, a few families scattered around, a couple sitting in a corner booth, laughter floating lightly above the background music.Tara placed her or

The ride back to the hotel was filled with quiet laughter and soft glances that lingered a second longer than necessary. The city lights blurred past the tinted windows, streaks of gold and white reflecting against the glass as the car glided smoothly through the night. Melody still clutched the bottle of champagne against her chest, refusing to let it go.Logan had teased her for it the entire ride.“You know they have more upstairs,” he said, amused.“I know,” she replied, hugging it tighter. “But this one is special. We didn’t finish it, and I really liked it. So I’m taking it with me.”He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable.”“I know,” she said proudly.By the time they reached the hotel, both of them were slightly tipsy, not drunk, just warm with the glow of good wine, good food, and a night that felt unreal. Logan stepped out first and held the door open for her, instinctively offering his hand. Melody took it without hesitation, her fingers sliding into his like t

Snow Brooke ValleyThe mountains stood tall and indifferent, blanketed in white, the streets quiet except for the soft crunch of tires against snow. The streets were almost empty, everyone was inside trying to keep warm.The more reason Claudia wasn't very pleased to be outside when she was supposed to be lying in her bed, under the comfort of her warm blanket.She sat stiffly in the passenger seat as Brandon pulled up in front of Jamie and Cynthia’s house, her fingers clasped together so tightly her knuckles had turned pale. The house was exactly how she remembered it, large, warm toned, with soft yellow lights glowing behind the curtains. A family home. Cynthia was a bit of an extremist, so it was no surprise that the Christmas decorations in front of her house were a bit too much, Claudia thought to herself.“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Claudia said quietly, breaking the silence that had stretched uncomfortably between them since they left the car park.Brandon glanced at

The streets of Paris gleamed in the late morning sun as Logan’s driver navigated the sleek black car through narrow boulevards. Melody sat beside him at the back, her fingers drumming lightly against the leather seat, her mind still swirling with excitement from the night before. Her new phone buzzed occasionally, a reminder of her endless notifications, but today, she had decided, none of it mattered. Today was for her.“So,” Logan began casually, his hand resting near hers, “what’s first on the agenda, my dear shopping expert?”Melody laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “First, we conquer the streets of Paris,” she said, eyes sparkling. “Original designers. Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Dior. I don’t even know half of them, but I’ll figure it out.”“You’ll figure it out quickly enough,” he said with a grin. “And anything you want, you get. Don’t hold back, Mitsu.”Her brows rose in mock alarm. “Wait, wait, wait. Are you serious? You’re just going to buy me everything I

SnowBrook ValleyBrandon was exhausted especially after shoving the snow off the driveway, he stood by the bedroom window, tightening the cuffs of his shirt as he skimmed through emails on his phone. The sky outside was dull gray, heavy with clouds that threatened snow but hadn’t quite decided yet since it snowed the whole night. He liked mornings like this quiet, predictable. They gave him the illusion that his life was still under control.He glanced at his watch, it was 7:42 a.m.“Shit,” he muttered under his breath.He slipped his phone into his pocket and reached for his jacket, already mentally running through the agenda for the meeting ahead. Even though the company was technically closed for the holidays, this contract was too important to ignore. If they landed it, it would secure projects well into the next year, and he'll be getting his long overdue promotion. He's worked so hard to make sure it happens and the company was trusting him.He hurried to the first door and not