𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗲

32- 𝗔 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝘁.1

Christmas in the Romero household was always dismal. Despite Amara's persistence to celebrate the tradition, the day was always dull and lacking any life whatsoever.

However, in the Maldonado household, Christmas was one of the biggest events of the year. Natalia couldn't care less, but it was always a way for Enzo to create press on Maldonado Tech and give it publicity.

Aurelia was the main driving force behind that, so both Estela and Enzo wanted to honour her this year.

"A bit to the righ- no, not that far-" Estela complained as multiple men attempted to move the Christmas tree whilst wobbling on a ladder.

"Fine, fine- leave it. You're making a mess of everything" Estela spat, pinching the bridge of her nose as she took a deep sigh.

"Darling, you need to take a break" A husky voice spoke from behind her as a familiar pair of arms wrapped around her waist.

"I know, Leo, but-" Estela started, but was cut off as Leonardo placed a kiss on her jawline, his chin resting in the crook of her neck.

"No buts, darling- I think you've earned a well deserved break" Leonardo told her as he planted kisses along her neck, hands now gripping her waist.

Estela tilted her head back, eyes closed yet, when she opened them- she locked eyes with the woman she had been attempting to avoid since her engagement.

Ines Maxwell.

"Let's take this someplace else" Estela told Leonardo as he brought his head up, a smirk on his face.

"I like the sound of that, darling" Leonardo spoke and, before she could even react, he threw her over his shoulder, carrying her away and in the direction of his bedroom.

Ines couldn't help but feel a lump in her throat, it was yet to leave since she saw Leonardo on one knee. She had been working overtime to try and avoid them, but it seemed she never could.

"I'm going to fucking sleep" Ines muttered, rubbing her eyes and heading to her bedroom. She even took a 24 hour shift to avoid them, why was this affecting her so much?

Meanwhile, Natalia was on edge ever since she opened that package. She had put it in a safe with a code she thought was impossible to crack, after all- she couldn't let it get into the wrong hands.

And even whilst she is in a shit mood, everyone else seemed to be having the time of their lives spending time with others. It was a strange scene considering most of those people were Mafia men, but it turns out everyone has a soft side.

She ran a hand through her hair, exhausted because of her sleepless nights, but stopped in her tracks once she heard a familiar voice coming from the kitchen.

Two familiar voices, actually. And she never expected them to ever be in the same room together.

She walked towards the door, opening it so see a sight she immediately smiled at.

Arabella was latching onto Elias' leg, his jaw clenched as she was showing determination not to let go.

"Auntie Nat!" Arabella yelled, causing Elias' attention to turn towards the figure standing near the door.

"Bella, what are you doing?" Natalia asked, a chuckle emitting from her mouth until her gaze locked with Elias'.

Despite his anger for the situation he was currently in, he couldn't help but let the corner of his mouth creep up- only slightly.

"Ellie won't make cookies with me" Arabella exclaimed and Natalia just exhaled, taking off her jacket and hanging it over the back of the chair.

"Come on, Bella" Natalia spoke, walking towards her as she reluctantly let go of Elias' leg, standing up.