Before the year ends, Cayenne returned to City A with her family and friends. It was time for them to celebrate Christmas with their family members who stayed at home.
They arrived home in the afternoon of December 24. It was already snowing outside which greatly impacted the white Christmas she envisioned for this year.
When she opened the door to her home, she wasn't surprised to find so many people waiting for them; or rather, waiting for the triplets to come home.
"Wuwu!" Luiz pretended to cry as he took Jahzara from the nanny. "I miss you so much, my little angel," he said and lightly pinched her chin. "Oh, where's Zeki and Aziel?"
In response to her brother, Cayenne pointed her finger to the porch. Latticia was holding the smiling Zeki while Reuben was holding Aziel.
The triplets were born prematurely and when they got discharged from the hospital and came home, they thought that Zeki needed special attention.
He didn't make a fuss like his other siblings nor did he smile at them.
It turned out, he was looking for a favorite person, because the first time he saw Latticia was also the first time he showed his emotions.
He learned to smile when he felt happy and he would pout otherwise.
"Zeki really likes Latticia. He must have felt like having a grandmother with her around," Luiz commented without knowing how perfectly right he was with his statement.
"Let him be," Stefan answered with a faint smile. He wasn't envious of his son's preferential treatment. He was very happy for his mother, instead.
"You should go and rest. We'll take care of the children and everything that needs to be prepared," Cory said and pushed them to go upstairs. "We'll wake you up for Christmas Eve."
Cayenne whispered her gratitude and kissed the old lady before going up with her husband.
***
"It's Christmas and you want me to leave? Are you serious?!" Julia questioned hysterically while pacing back and forth. "Are you going to abandon me for money?"
Celestine looked at her daughter as if she was growing three horns on her head; so unfamiliar and evil.
She may not be a perfect mother or a perfect person, but even with her ambitious personality, and even after ruining many people's lives, she never thought of harming innocent children.
Julia was different. She would do whatever it takes to achieve her goals even if it means sarcrificing children.
"Lia, you know exactly why I want you to leave," Celestine stated calmly, hoping to resolve this matter with her daughter. "Stefan won't help you. He knows what you're doing."
"What are you talking about, mom?"
"Do I have to mention each of them?"
Julia was stunned for a moment before faint chuckles echoed in the room. "You're kidding me, right?" But Celestine looked so serious. Soon, her laughter faded into silence. "If he knew, he would've retaliated already. You know what kind of person he is. He won't tolerate anyone harming his wife."
"And that is exactly why I want you to leave. He is not taking action yet, probably because he is busy with his family and other stuff, but that doesn't mean you will be left unscathed."
Julia rolled her eyes, crossed her arms over her chest and sat across Celestine. "You are just being paranoid."
Celestine inhaled deeply and sighed. "Then, tell me why you did it? What is your reason this time?"
Julia snorted and refused to answer.
With how her mother reacted this time, she knew that she will no longer stand on her side.
"If you want me to leave, then fine. I'm leaving tomorrow. Forget that I exist, least, you'll get implicated."
"You know that's - "
"I don't want to hear anymore of your excuses. I'm leaving."
Watching her walk out of the door, Celestine felt a throbbing headache. [This must be my retribution.]
Hearing their teasing statements, Cayenne didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Her brothers really knew how to cheer her up.
Not long after, Erwin set-up the timer for the Christmas countdown and they all waited excitedly for the timer to hit zero.
"10"
"9"
"8"
"7"
"6"
"5"
"4"
"3"
"2"
"1"
"Merry Christmas Everyone!"
They all raised their glasses containing juice or wine, and made a toast to celebrate their Christmas.
Along with the clanking of their glasses, fireworks bloomed in the sky like flowers in spring.
It astounded many civilians who gazed upon the sky.
The majestic castle with amazing and colorful fireworks was like a scene from a fairytale movie.
It was the source of envy for many people.
Half an hour later, the fireworks display finally stopped and passersby continued with their life.
***
Mini Theater
"I'm glad that we're living in this apartment. It's not the most beautiful but we get to see the most beautiful view everyday," said the child who was standing next to his mother while holding on to the railing bars.
They occupied the fourth floor of the simplest and cheapest apartment building in City A. In the morning they get to see the sunrise from the window to their room. In the afternoon, they get to see the beautiful castle with the red-orange streaks of sunrays.
When evening came, the majestic castle lights up their garden and they could see its beauty despite the distance.
He liked it very much.
"One day, I will build my own castle and make you the Queen. Mama, you don't have to look for papa. I will study hard and work hard for you. So, don't be sad anymore."
The child's innocence brought warmth in his mother's heart and she could only lightly squeeze his little hand in agreement.
"Hn. One day, I will become a Queen and you will bring your princess home and we will live in your castle happily ever after."
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"Hn!"
The child nodded happily without knowing how his fate would unfold.