I pulled the wrapped presents from where I'd hidden them in the closet and arranged them carefully underneath. Not much, some books, new clothes, the art supplies Zara had been begging for. Everything I could afford after setting aside money to start paying Olek back.
I shoved the thought away and stood, surveying the little tree. It would make Zara happy. That was what mattered. Timeto check on the house. I dressed quickly and slipped into the hallway. The mansion was quiet, everyone still asleep. I moved through the rooms systematically, checking that everything was perfect for Christmas day.
Fires laid but not yet lit. Tables set. Decorations pristine. Everything exactly as it should be. In the kitchen, Chef Boris was already working, pulling ingredients from the refrigerator.
"Morning," I said. "How are we looking?"
"Good, good. Turkey's ready to go in at seven. Sides are prepped." He gestured to the counter covered in bowls and trays. "This family, they eat like an army."
"It’s mostly men and growing children." I checked his list. "The special menu items?"
"All here. He is very specific." Boris shook his head. "Caviar for breakfast. Who eats caviar for breakfast on Christmas?"
"Russians," we said in unison, and I almost smiled.
Almost.
"Everything's perfect," I said. "I'll check back in an hour."
I made my way back toward the family quarters, my mind already running through the day's schedule. Breakfast at nine. Present exchange at ten. They were going out for lunch. Dinner here at four. Evening gathering with dessert.
I stopped. There was a stack of wrapped boxes in front of my door. My heart stuttered. I looked around the empty hallway, then knelt to examine it. Ten boxes, all wrapped in expensive paper—gold and cream, with silk ribbons. No card visible. But I knew.
I gathered them up and slipped inside, closing the door quietly behind me. Set them on the coffee table and just stared. I should return them unopened–maintain the boundaries I'd set.
Instead, I reached for the smallest box. The wrapping paper whispered as I tore it away. A velvet jewelry box underneath. I opened it. Earrings. Diamond studs that caught the light andthrew it back in rainbow fractals. Real diamonds. Probably worth more than my car. The second small box held a bracelet. Delicate gold chain with a single pendant—my initial in diamonds. My hands shook as I opened the note tucked underneath.
Katrina,
I'm sorry. For not telling you about Mila. For not explaining about Adrienne. For making you feel like you don't matter when you matter more than anything.
You asked me once why I wanted you to stay after our arrangement ended. The answer is simple: because I'm in love with you.
I know I have no right to say that. I know I've hurt you. But it's the truth.
These are yours regardless of what you decide. No strings. No expectations. Just because I wanted you to have them.
P.S. There's a matching ring too. But I'll give you that one in person when you're ready to hear what it means.
- Olek
I read it three times, my vision blurring.
I'm in love with you.
He couldn't—he didn't—but he did. And God help me, I loved him too. I set the note down with trembling hands and opened the other boxes. A cashmere scarf. A leather-bound journal. Afirst edition of a book I'd mentioned loving once in passing. He'd been listening. Remembering. Caring.
The last boxes were labeled for Zara. I opened them carefully. Art supplies—professional grade, the kind I could never afford. A new winter coat, sized perfectly. And a stuffed rabbit, twin to the one she already had but pristine and new. Tears spilled over before I could stop them.
He'd gotten gifts for my sister. Because he knew she mattered to me.
"Kat?"
I looked up. Zara stood in her doorway, rubbing her eyes. "Why are you crying? Is something wrong?"
"No, baby." I wiped my face quickly. "Nothing's wrong. Come see—Santa came."
Her eyes went huge. "He found us here?"
