The Cliffs was alive with the warm glow of Christmas lights and the hum of laughter. The 22-car garage had been transformed into a festive wonderland, its usual occupants replaced by long tables draped in white linens, twinkling fairy lights, and five towering Christmas trees, each adorned with ornaments representing the families in attendance.
The air was thick with the scent of pine, cinnamon, and the rich aromas of a buffet spread that spanned French, Persian, Irish, and traditional Christmas cuisines. It was a gathering unlike any other, with over 40 guests mingling under one roof.
After all the guests had arrived, Sadra stepped onto a raised platform at the far end of the garage, tapping a glass to quiet the crowd.
“Welcome, everyone,” Sadra began, his voice carrying easily over the chatter. “Although we are Zoroastrians, we just love celebrating holidays. This is the first time we’ve invited so many families over for Christmas. As there are five families here today, we decided to decorate five Christmas trees so each family can lay their presents under their respective tree. Let’s make this a night to remember.”
Applause erupted, and the party officially kicked off. Guests dispersed, some heading straight for the buffet, others mingling with friends and family.
Katherine sat at a small round table near one of the Christmas trees with her bestie by her side. Just days ago, Carys had lamented that her entire family had left for a Mediterranean cruise without her. She couldn’t join them; she had a patient who was due to give birth any day now.
“I still can’t believe they just left you behind,” Katherine mused, sipping her glass of mulled wine. “A cruise? Really?”
Carys shrugged. “It’s fine. I couldn’t exactly leave my patient. Though it’s weird being alone on Christmas.”
Katherine smirked. “Well, you’re not alone now. And hey, look who’s here.” She gave her a nudge.
Carys followed her gaze and saw Kayan approaching. He wore a Ralph Lauren cable knit navy jumper, cream pants, and a mesmerizing grin. She felt a flicker of uncertainty; his resemblance to Kimi was uncanny—it was almost unsettling how much they looked alike. Yet, after that first date, she could tell their personalities were entirely different.
“Hey, ladies,” Kayan called, pulling up a chair. “Mind if I join?”
“Of course not,” Katherine chirped. “Rys was just telling me how much she missed you.”
Carys shot her BFF a glare, but the latter returned it with a wink. Kayan chuckled. “Is that so? I’ve been busy with work. Finance doesn’t sleep, even on Christmas.”
Carys concurred. “I get that. Medicine doesn’t either.”
Kayan leaned back in his chair, his slate-gray eyes studying her. “So, how’s the OB-GYN life treating you? Any babies delivered today?”
Carys shook her head. “Not yet. I’m on call, though. So, who knows?”
Katherine smirked, rising from the chair. “You two should catch up. It’s been a while since the double-date.”
Carys felt her cheeks flush. That night had been eye-opening. Even if Kayan was charming, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was somehow betraying Katherine by spending time with someone who looked exactly like her bestie’s boyfriend. Still, she couldn’t deny that Kayan’s good looks, quiet confidence, and occasional bursts of mischief were all his strong suits.
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“It’s been a while,” Kayan said lightly. “But hey, no time like the present, right?”
Carys nodded, though she still felt a little off-kilter. She glanced at Katherine’s back and had a thought: *Maybe I’d finally figure out my thoughts on Kayan tonight.*
A few feet away, Shan, in a light-gray Armani pullover and dark blue jeans, had just picked up a glass of eggnog when he spotted Vera near one of the Christmas trees.
He blinked. “Vera?” he mouthed, ambling to her. “What are you doing here?”
Vera turned, her face lighting up. “I was invited, of course.”
Shan beamed. “I didn’t know you’d be here. Are you here to get more inspiration for the wedding?”
Vera laughed, a melodic sound that made Shan smile. “No! I’m here with the Fortier family.”
Shan arched a brow. “Isn’t your surname Gautier?”
“My grandmother’s a Fortier! I’m Landry’s cousin,” Vera explained cheerfully.
As realization struck Shan, he snapped his fingers. “Damn! Sana didn’t tell me anything. I had no idea you were related to him.”
Vera shrugged. “Small world, huh?”
They fell into easy conversation. Vera’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Shan found himself genuinely enjoying her company. As they talked, he noticed how effortlessly she carried herself, her confidence and warmth making her stand out in the room.
“You know, you’re really good at this: planning weddings, I mean. You make it sound so easy,” Shan praised.
Vera beamed. “It’s not always easy, but I love it. There’s something magical about helping people create their perfect day.”
Shan regarded her for a moment longer than necessary. “If you ever need a break from weddings, let me know. I could use someone with your organizational talents.”
Vera laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Meanwhile, Sana, in her red Mac Duggal strapless mini dress with a rose ruffle detail, weaved through clusters of kith and kin, linking her arm with Sig’s. Dressed impeccably in a charcoal Hilfiger quarter zip mockneck pullover and blue jeans, he happily let his little cousin lead him around.
“Sig, this is Lena,” Sana introduced, gesturing to the young woman standing nearby. “She’s one of your jewelry designers.”
Sig’s brows rose. “Really? What is she doing here?”
She batted her lashes at him. “She’s my boyfriend’s cousin!”
Lena’s hazel-brown eyes sparkled under the Christmas lights. “It’s good to meet you, President Shahi.”
“Please call me Sig,” he murmured, extending his hand. “And it’s nice to meet you, too. How is working at Signette?”
Lena shook his hand, her grip firm yet not overpowering. “I’ve been with Signette for about a year. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Sig’s gaze lingered on her. She reminded him of a young Kate Beckinsale, her delicate features alluring.
“I’m glad we met tonight,” Sig offered warmly. “It’s not often I get to meet the talented people behind my company.”
Lena’s cheeks colored faintly. “Thank you. It’s nice to put a face to the name.”
As they continued chatting, Sig found himself increasingly captivated by Lena’s charm. She was intelligent and witty; she had a way of making him feel at ease. For the first time in his life, he felt a spark of something he hadn’t felt before—genuine interest.
……
Near the buffet spread, Harper stood with her parents, Halston and Lauryn, as she introduced them to Sana’s parents first, and then Kian.
“Mom, Dad, this is Kian.”
Kian extended his hand, his expression warm. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Lange.”
Halston shook Kian’s hand firmly, his manner polite. “Likewise. Harper’s told us quite a bit about you.”
A faint curl tugged at the corners of Lauryn’s mouth. “Yes, she has. I must say that the Shahi genes are excellent: Sana’s so beautiful, and you’re very handsome.”
Harper, clearly happy with how the evening was going, continued, “Mom, Dad, there’s something else I wanted to share. Kian and I... we’re dating.”
Sadra and Ami exchanged a glance, their delight evident. “That’s wonderful news!” Ami exclaimed happily. “Took you long enough, son!”
Halston and Lauryn, however, exchanged a more subdued look. Halston cleared his throat. “That’s... uh, isn’t Kian… your boss?”
Harper froze, then quickly recovered. “Yes, he is. But it’s not like that. We’re professional at work, and this... this is something separate.”
Lauryn inclined her head slowly, her expression thoughtful. Halston forced a polite nod, though his discomfort was evident. “We’ll talk more about this later, sweetheart.”
Harper stiffened, sensing her parents’ unease. She glanced at Kian, who gave her a reassuring glance. They would have to address this later. For now, they would focus on enjoying the evening.
