Semua Bab The Christmas Contract : Bab 71 - Bab 80

MalibuShe had chosen something simple, fitted jeans, ankle boots, a cream sweater that hugged her body just enough to be flattering, and a light coat she could easily take off later. She didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard, but she also didn’t want to look like she didn’t care.Camila was taking her to the Christmas market. She smiled faintly at her reflection, then reached for her bag. She wasn't very happy but she was excited about leaving the house. What happened during dinner last night still made her feel a type of way.Logan following Dr. Celeste outside.The way both their mothers had pushed it, and he had gone along with it. He hadn’t fought it, he hadn’t said no. She was expecting him to reprimand his mother for insulting her but he just sat there mute. And that had hurt more than she wanted to admit.She was still tying the ends of her dress when the door opened behind her.“Hey.”She didn’t turn because she knew who it was. “Hey.” Her voice came out colder tha

New York Tara stood in her kitchen, barefoot, wearing one of her Christmas themed green sweaters, her hair tied carelessly at the back of her head. The window above the sink was fogged from steam, and the smell of chicken stew filled the apartment.She didn't really enjoy cooking, but somehow today feels different. It was Christmas morning. She stirred the pot slowly, absentmindedly, then checked the rice on the other burner. Everything was going well. Her spicy chicken sauce for the grilled chicken was ready. She checked the timer, there was still time.She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel, picked up her phone from the counter, and stared at the screen for a few seconds before typing. Merry Christmas, sugar pie.She sent it to Melody, then dropped the phone back on the counter. She hasn't heard from her friend and it's not weird because she knows too well how busy Melody would be over there at Malibu.She turned back to the stove, tasted the stew, added a little salt, then nodde

As they came downstairs, smiling and laughing in each other's arms, a servant came to let them know that Mrs. Russo would like to see them and she's out there at the back, facing the beach.Melody was still holding Logan’s hand when he opened the glass door. The air outside was cold, the sky a soft, cloudless blue. The garden at the back looked beautiful and properly maintained. Melody loved it out here although she's been there only twice since she came here. She noticed almost immediately that Diana wasn't alone.The moment Melody saw the woman standing beside Diana, something cold settled deep in her stomach. She was tall and very beautiful. Long blonde hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders, skin like porcelain, a body that looked like it had been sculpted rather than born. She was dressed elegantly but simply, in a cream-colored coat that probably cost a fortune. She looked like she belonged there.Logan stopped walking. Melody felt it immediately, the slight stiffness in

Melody woke up this morning with home sickness. She hadn't felt this way even when she first left SnowBrook for New York. She wanted nothing more than to be in the midst of her family during this festive season.She stared at the ceiling of the bedroom she shared with Logan, the gigantic chandelier glistening under the light, listening to the quiet hum of the house. Somewhere downstairs, she could hear faint movements, doors opening, voices passing, the sound of cutlery clinking. The house was awake. The servants were working tirelessly, everyone trying to please.The night before replayed itself in fragments she couldn’t fully arrange. Dinner. The forced laughter. Diana’s carefully chosen stories. Hanni’s presence, polished, effortless, invasive in a way that signaled red lights. Logan’s reassurances afterward. His words had been calm, measured, even tender.And yet, Melody pushed herself upright and rested her elbows on her knees. She felt composed on the outside, steady enough. Ins

When Melody stepped back onto the deck, the first thing she noticed was the quiet.The laughter had dipped. The energy had shifted.Camilla was leaning against the rail with Luke, both of them talking in low voices, glasses in hand. Logan’s chair was empty. So was Hanni’s.She slowed her steps.“Where’s Logan?” she asked.Camilla looked up. “Oh. He said he needed to use the bathroom.”Melody nodded. “And Hanni?” She didn't trust that bitch.Camilla shrugged. “I’m not sure. She got a call or something right after you left.”“Oh.” Melody forced a smile. “Okay.”She sat down, smoothing her dress over her thighs. She told herself not to think. Logan had done nothing wrong. He’d been attentive all morning. Protective, even.Minutes passed, five, then ten. She checked her phone, then looked up again.“How long have they been gone?” she asked quietly. She was a bit uncomfortable, she trusted Logan but she can't say the same thing for Hanni, especially since she's been trying a bit too hard t