Wrapped Up Christmas Novels & Stories

2 Weeks Later Laila sat curled into the corner of her sofa, a soft cream-colored throw blanket draped across her lap as Laya leaned heavily against her side. The Christmas lights she hadn’t quite found the heart to take down yet glowed softly around the living room, casting warm gold and red reflections across the walls. The tree was gone, the ornaments packed away, but the lights remained—small reminders of a season that had changed more than just the calendar. Her phone, propped up against a candle on the coffee table, rang, vibrating slightly against the wood.

Brayan asks, his big round eyes widening as he pleads, and there’s no way I’m saying no to that. “Fine,” I tell him. This is the last of the Christmas decor anyway, so he can get to put it up. I hand him the flower, pick him up to give him some added height, and I direct him to hang the mistletoe over the door knocker. “WOW! It’s so nice and pretty. This is where kisses happen right?” Brayan asks innocently, and I nod. He turns to face me, malice glinting in his baby eyes, and already knowing that he’s about to ask when I’ll kiss a girl here, I attack him with a ton of kisses. Since he’s in my arms, there’s really nothing else for him to do other than twist in my grasp.

I curled up with Chris in his bed as we watched a movie. He’s been worried about me over the past week, which I feel bad about. I hate worrying everyone. Chris surprised me with a home-cooked dinner and a movie; A Journey Back to Christmas, my favorite Christmas movie ever. I sighed as we watched, “What’s wrong?” Chris asked; I shook my head, but Chris was not about to take that for an answer. He paused the movie and straightened up, waiting for me to talk to him.

Arthur and I join the others in the living room, where a beautiful Christmas tree stands, twinkling with lights and ornaments. We gather around, everyone smiling and chatting, waiting for the clock to strike twelve. There’s a sense of anticipation, and I can feel Arthur’s hand tighten around mine. Finally, the clock strikes midnight, and a cheer goes up. “Merry Christmas!” everyone calls out, exchanging hugs and kisses. Gifts are passed around, and the room fills with laughter and joy. After the gifts are exchanged, we all raise our glasses for a toast. Arthur’s father, a kind man with a twinkle in his eye, leads the toast.

He nodded eagerly, his excitement undiminished. The living room became our temporary sanctuary, a space where we waited, a family united, for the arrival of midnight. The countdown, a collective breath held until the stroke of twelve, was a shared moment of anticipation and joy. "Merry Christmas!" The joyous exclamation echoed through the room, a chorus of greetings and well-wishes. Gifts were exchanged, a flurry of colorful wrapping paper and excited squeals. Marco, overwhelmed by the bounty of presents, was a picture of pure delight, his laughter infectious.

Lowering myself to her level, I held her shoulders gently and brushed a strand of hair from her face. “No,” I said softly. “No, honey. You just had a nightmare. That’s all.” She didn’t look convinced. “Mummy has no reason to hurt Daddy,” I added quickly. “I’ll be back soon. And guess what? We’re spending Christmas here with Grandma and Uncle Elliot.” Her face lit up instantly. “Yeah.” “I’m just going to get a few things for Christmas,” I said. “I’ll be back.” I turned away before she could ask anything else.

I stand alone on the icy field, turning back every few minutes to look at the road behind me. When my hands grow numb from the cold, I scroll my social media feed and see a recent post from my younger sister, Giada Soave. Holding gifts in her arms, she sits beneath a luxurious crystal Christmas tree with my parents embracing her from both sides. Ivano stands behind her with his hand resting lightly at her waist and his eyes full of tenderness. The caption reads, "Merry Christmas, I'm grateful to spend the holiday with those who love me most!" The comments section buzzes with blessings, praise, and envious messages.

Whispers followed me everywhere. "I can't believe she's that kind of person." "The more innocent they look, the wilder they are." "That coat she's wearing? It's Chanel's latest. The rumors on the campus forum must be true." I retrieved my phone to check the campus forum. My entire body was shaking from anger. Sharon actually spread dirty rumors about me on the campus forum. [A Golden Apple on Christmas Day Exposed Our Fake Friendship!] She accused me of flaunting wealth with a golden apple on Christmas Day and scamming them out of an expensive meal.

I looked once more at my princess lying on the cold bed, I felt every inch of my body shudder with rage and fury. Exit the hospital towards the parking lot. I got into my car and left on a painful and sad path of homesickness. As I drove, I felt my muscles rotting as if a virus had taken over everything. I parked near the shore and started walking. It was already dark and the lights from the buildings adorned the city, like decorations on a Christmas tree. My Christmas miracle. What did my father mean by that?

"And to celebrate, this time I get to be in charge. And on top." He held up his wrist with the cuffs. "Already waiting for you, darlin'. All you have to do is tie me up and celebrate. I'll be your present for Christmas and forever."