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"Thank you so much, Mr. Nicholas!" Abby exclaimed, hugging the books to her chest. Nicholas ruffled her hair affectionately, and I marveled at how effortlessly he balanced his roles as both the feared mafia leader and the loving, nurturing father figure.
"All right, let's continue," I suggested, eager to prolong this rare moment of peace and happiness. And as we shared our gifts and enjoyed each other's company, the harsh realities of our world momentarily receded, replaced by the warmth and love that filled the room.
"I believe this one is for Liliana," Nicholas said, handing Abby a small, elegantly wrapped gift.
Abby hesitated for a moment before handing me the gift. "Here, Miss Liliana. I wonder what it is?"
"Do you want to help me open it?" I asked.
Abby climbed on my lap. "Yes, please!"
We opened the gift to find a beautiful velvet jewelry box. My heart raced, wondering what could be inside. As I opened it, my breath caught at the sight of a stunning ruby necklace.
"Nicholas, it's beautiful," I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine surprise and gratitude.
"Rubies suit you, Liliana," Nicholas replied.
Abby slipped off my lap. "Ugh, jewelry. You can't even play games with it."
"Abby," Nicholas said, handing her another gift. "This one is also for you."
"Another book?" Abby asked, sounding hopeful.
"Open it and find out," I encouraged her.
She tore into the wrapping paper and squealed in delight when she saw the cover of a book.
"Miss Liliana, look! It's a book about magical creatures and adventures! I love reading more than anything!" Abby exclaimed, hugging the book tightly.
"Reading can take you on incredible journeys," I agreed, smiling at her enthusiasm.
Nicholas lifted a heavy box and handed it to Jocelyn. "I believe this is for you."
Jocelyn looked surprised. "I didn't need any gifts," she said. "And I didn't get you anything."
"We didn't get you anything," I said, "this is from Santa."
I watched as Jocelyn carefully unwrapped the gift, her eyes widening with delight. She had been wearing the same few old outfits since she moved in, and I knew she desperately needed something new.
"Thank you so much, Liliana," Jocelyn whispered, running her fingers over the luxurious material. "These are beautiful."
"I'll make sure to pass on your thanks to Santa," I replied, trying to suppress the satisfaction that welled inside me. It was a small gesture that would not erase the horrors she had experienced at the hands of her abusive husband, but it was a start, and it felt good to make her happy.
"Where's Sophia's gift?" Nicholas asked, his piercing blue eyes scanning the space beneath the tree.
"Ah, well, it's not under the tree," I explained, a secretive smile dancing on my lips. "For her gift, we need to go to my office."
Sophia looked both puzzled and intrigued by this development. She glanced at me for reassurance, then followed us down the hall towards my office. My heart raced with anticipation, and I couldn't help but steal a glance at Nicholas, who seemed to share my excitement.
As we approached my office, Sophia's confusion only grew when she noticed the door next to it wrapped like a giant gift. I bit back a grin, knowing what lay beyond that door.
"Go ahead, Sophia," I urged her gently, nodding towards the gift-wrapped entrance. "Open your present."
Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out and pulled at the ribbon, causing the wrapping paper to fall away, revealing the door beneath. With a deep breath, she opened the door and gasped.
Inside was an artist's studio, filled with everything she needed to begin painting again. Easels, canvases, brushes, and paints adorned the room, and sunlight streamed through the large windows. It was a space that begged for creativity and inspiration, and I knew Sophia had longed for such a place since she'd lost her old one.
"Is this...for me?" she stammered, tears welling in her eyes.
