A Journey Through Love and Loss

Christmas Eve

Avery's POV

Christmas evening had finally arrived, and I was putting the finishing touches on my outfit. I wore a red dress that perfectly hugged my curves, feeling festive and confident. I was in our walk-in closet, carefully selecting the right accessories to complement my attire.

As I clasped a delicate necklace around my neck, the door to the closet opened suddenly, and Tyler walked in. Wala itong suot na damit pang-itaas at mukhang kaliligo lang niya dahil may ilang butil ng tubig pa ang tumutulo mula sa buhok nito. His toned physique catching my eye. I couldn't help but stare for a moment, my heart racing.

He raised an eyebrow at me, clearly noticing my gaze. Without a word, he grabbed a dark green sweater from the shelf, pulled it over his head, and walked out of the closet, leaving me flustered and blushing.

Nakakahiya! Bakit ba kasi ako tumitig pa sa kanya.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, feeling my cheeks burning.

Why did he have this effect on me? Ano bang nangyayari sayo, Avery?

I shook my head, trying to focus on the task at hand. I quickly finished putting on my accessories and took a final look in the mirror. My red dress shimmered under the lights, and I felt a surge of confidence.

Kaya ko naman pala mag-ayos without a help of Secretary KC.

Stepping out of the closet, I found Tyler waiting for me in the bedroom. He was now fully dressed, looking incredibly handsome in his dark green sweater and black jeans. Simple lang suot niya pero ang lakas pa din ng dating. Red and dark green kasi ang theme ng susuotin namin ngayong christmas. Utos iyon ni Mr. Sandoval.

He turned to me, he looked at me head to toe.

"Not bad." he said.

Napairap naman ako. May inabot siya sa akin na paper bag at nung buklatin ko iyon ay nagulat ako sa laman.

"Is this mine?" I asked in surprise. Complete nursing kit ito like stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and various other medical kit.

"That's my Christmas gift. You'll find it useful," Tyler said while putting on his shoes.

"Thanks," I said, grateful. Magagamit ko talaga yun lalo na kapag may demo kami. I picked up the gift I had for him, tinago ko ito sa ilalim ng kama namin para hindi niya makita.

Inabot ko rin sa kanya yung regalo kong nakapaper bag. He found a box inside. He opened the box to reveal a vintage watch that I had specially ordered from Tiffany & Co., with the help of Mr. Fernandez.

I was a bit nervous about whether he would like it or not. And to my surprised my heart skipped a beat when he immediately put it on. "It fits perfectly," he said.

Pinagpatuloy na niya yung pagsasapatos niya at ako naman ay tinabi na yung regalo niya sa akin. I grabbed my handbag na gagamitin ko.

As Tyler and I descended the grand staircase, the soft sound of our footsteps echoing through the hallway, we were met with the sight of Secretary KC and our three maids, all impeccably dressed for the evening. The maids wore elegant red and green dresses that matched the festive theme, while Secretary KC was in a sharp, dark green suit that complemented his professional demeanor.

"Good evening, Miss Avery, Master Tyler," Secretary KC greeted us with a polite bow. "Are you ready to head to the Sandoval residence?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Ito ang kauna-unahang christmas na magkasama ang pamilya ko at pamilya ni Tyler.

"Yes, we're ready," Tyler said, his tone calm and composed as always. "Let's make sure we don't keep my parents waiting."

We all walked out to the waiting car, a sleek black BMW that was polished to perfection. The driver, in a crisp uniform, held the door open for us. Tyler gestured for me to get in first, and I settled into the plush leather seat, the scent of pine and leather filling the air.