The evening stars

Christmas

The morning of Christmas has arrived. Sophie woke up with a smile on her face, feeling incredible joy and tranquility. The sun's rays gently glided over the curtains of her room, promising a clear, festive day. She put on a white knitted dress that gently accentuated her figure and neatly tied her hair with a red ribbon, creating a festive mood. Sophie was full of enthusiasm — today she was going to prepare a festive lunch for the Rossi family. But before that, she had one more important mission: a gift for Stephen.

She took the small box with the keychain she had bought the day before and headed towards Stephen's room. Knocking, she quietly entered, hearing Stephen typing something at his desk. He turned to her, and a slight smile appeared on his face.

— You're right on time, — he said, meeting her gaze.

— In time for what? — Sophie frowned, slightly intrigued.

— For my gift, — replied Stephen, beckoning her with his hand. — Come here.

Sophie curiously stepped closer, and Steven turned his laptop screen towards her. On the screen, the magazine cover featuring her photograph was displayed beautifully. Sophie's image was bright and vivid, every detail of the photo conveyed her natural beauty and grace. Her eyes widened in surprise.

— Do you like it? — Stephen asked with a smile, watching her reaction. — It's hard to understand your emotions.

— I'm thrilled! — Sophie finally exclaimed, shifting her gaze from the screen to him.

Steven leaned back in his chair, his eyes shining with joy at the fact that his surprise had made such an impression.

"Wait, that's not all," he added mysteriously, turning back to the screen. — I wanted absolutely everyone to see this.

He pressed a few keys, and a website with a live stream from Times Square opened up before Sophie's eyes. She gasped when she saw her photo on a huge advertising billboard, shining right in the middle of New York City. Her face, her image — all of this now looked at the hundreds of thousands of people passing by.

— Oh God, Steven, — her voice trembled with emotion. — I can't believe it! My face is on Times Square right now! — She laughed, and tears of joy appeared in the corners of her eyes. — No one has ever given me anything like this!

Stephen, smiling, watched her reaction.

— I'm glad you liked it, — his voice sounded soft and gentle.

Sophie, overwhelmed with emotions, stepped forward and hugged him. She snuggled up to him, feeling the warmth of his body, and whispered:

— Now I feel awkward giving my gift.

— Sophie, I will be happy with any gift from you, — Stephen reassured her. — Honestly, I didn't expect a gift at all.

Sophie, smiling, pulled a small box out of her pocket and handed it to him. Stephen carefully removed the lid and saw a keychain inside with the inscription Amore mio. He took it in his hands, contemplating the simplicity yet the depth of this gift.

— Do you know how this translates? — he asked, slightly frowning but still smiling.

— Yes, — Sophie nodded. — I looked it up in the translator.

Stephen looked at her in astonishment, not believing his ears. Her conscious choice of words touched him to the depths of his soul.

— I don't understand you right now, — he said quietly, looking at her.

— What's unclear here, Amore mio, — Sophie laughed, looking into his eyes. — I thought Italian was your native language?

Stephen could no longer hold back. All his feelings, which he had tried to suppress for so long, burst forth. He cupped her face in his hands, gently pulling her closer to him. Their lips met in a kiss full of passion and sincerity. He kissed her as if she were his air, his light, without which he could not live. At that moment, the whole world disappeared; only the two of them remained, absorbed in each other and their feelings.

This kiss was not just an expression of their love, but also an acknowledgment that they could no longer ignore what was happening between them.

Stephen gently broke their kiss, leaving Sophie with a warm feeling on her lips, as if the world around them had come to a standstill. His eyes were filled with tenderness and determination as he quietly said:

— In the evening, I need to talk to you about something important to me. Are you okay with that?

Sophie looked at him with curiosity and a hint of anxiety, but a calming smile appeared on her face.

— Of course, — she replied, nodding. — I'm going to cook the turkey with your mom. Wish me luck.

Stephen smiled, winking at her:

— She is not needed by you. You will do great.

Sophie smiled in response, feeling a lightness in her chest from his support. She headed down to the kitchen, where Chiara was already waiting for her. Looking at her, she couldn't contain the warmth that suddenly enveloped her — after all the time she had spent with them, she truly felt like a part of this family.

When Sophie entered the kitchen, Chiara was already standing at the table, laying out the ingredients and preparing everything necessary for the Christmas dinner. On the table lay bright spices, herbs, and a thawed turkey — everything was ready for the celebration.

— Oh, Sophie! — Kiara exclaimed joyfully when she noticed her. — Beautiful dress! It suits you so well.