A GOLDEN EMPIRE

CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE

HOLLINGSWORTH CHALET, nestled in the snow-covered mountains of Aspen, was a picture-perfect winter wonderland. Towering pines framed the sprawling estate, their branches dusted with freshly fallen snow. Twinkling lights adorned the trees and the chalet itself, casting a warm glow against the crisp night sky. Inside, the scent of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked cookies filled the air, creating an atmosphere of cozy holiday magic.

Aurora stood in the grand living room, surveying the festive scene. The vaulted ceilings, with their exposed wooden beams, gave the room a rustic yet elegant charm. A massive Christmas tree, nearly touching the ceiling, stood in the corner. Its ornaments gleamed in shades of gold, silver, and emerald green, reflecting the flickering light of the roaring fireplace.

"Roro, you've outdone yourself this year," Avalon remarked as she sipped on a glass of mulled wine. She was draped in a chic cashmere sweater and plaid pants, her signature red lipstick completing her holiday look.

"It's all Mom's doing," Aurora admitted with a smile, adjusting the tree topper. "She insisted on flying in the designer from Paris to handle the decorations."

From the corner, Adrianna chimed in, "Typical Hollingsworth extravagance. But I have to admit, it's breathtaking." She reclined on the velvet armchair, dressed in a floor-length emerald gown that shimmered under the soft lighting.

Justin leaned casually against the grand piano, a whiskey glass in hand. "I thought we were here to relax, not compete in a Christmas décor contest," he teased, earning a playful glare from Aurora.

"Don't act like you're not impressed," Aurora shot back, her stone grey eyes sparkling with amusement.

The sound of laughter echoed as Kingsley entered, carrying a tray of freshly baked cookies. "Who wants to taste my culinary masterpiece?" he announced, holding up a perfectly shaped gingerbread man.

"You baked these?" Brighton asked, skeptical as he took one.

"Supervised, technically," Kingsley admitted with a sheepish grin. "But I added the sprinkles myself."

Autumn and Mario entered, the latter balancing a tray of champagne flutes. "Alright, everyone, enough banter. Let's toast to Christmas and the end of a chaotic year." Her dark hair shimmered as she moved to the center of the room, her voice commanding yet warm.

The group gathered around the crackling fire, their glasses raised.

"To friendship, family, and an even brighter year ahead," Aurora said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. Her gaze lingered on each of her friends and family members, gratitude swelling in her chest.

As the night wore on, the group exchanged thoughtful, luxurious gifts. Adrianna gifted Aurora a custom-made vintage bracelet, while Justin surprised everyone with tickets for a luxury yacht trip in the Mediterranean. Laughter and stories filled the room, the warmth of their bonds rivaling the roaring fire.

Outside, snow began to fall softly, blanketing the chalet in silence and serenity. As the clock struck midnight, Aurora stepped out onto the balcony, a wool scarf wrapped around her neck. The crisp air stung her cheeks, but the view of the moonlit mountains was worth it.

"Hey," Justin's voice interrupted her thoughts. He joined her, draping his coat over her shoulders.

"Couldn't resist the view," Aurora said softly.

"Neither could I," Justin replied, though his eyes were fixed on her.

For a moment, the two stood in comfortable silence, the quiet magic of Christmas surrounding them. Inside, the sound of carols and laughter continued, a reminder of the love and joy that filled the Hollingsworth chalet that night.

Aurora smiled, her heart full. This was what Christmas was about—cherished moments with the people who mattered most. "Did you get everything that you wanted for Christmas?"

Justin's gaze lingered on Aurora, his usual confident demeanor softened by the glow of the moonlight. He reached for her hand, his touch warm despite the chill of the night air.

"I mean it, Aurora," he said, his voice low and sincere. "You're the one who keeps all of us together. Without you, none of this would feel the same."

Aurora glanced down at their joined hands, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink. "You give me too much credit, Justin. It's not just me. All of us make this happen."

"Maybe," he replied, a teasing grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "But you're the heart of it all. Always have been."

For a moment, Aurora didn't know what to say. Justin's words carried a weight that she wasn't sure how to respond to. Instead, she allowed herself to soak in the moment—the snow falling gently around them, the warmth of his hand in hers, and the way he looked at her as though she were the only person who mattered.

"Well," she finally said, her voice light with a hint of playfulness, "I guess that makes you the brain of this operation, always scheming and keeping us on our toes."

Justin chuckled, shaking his head. "And Kingsley's the comic relief, Adrianna's the boss, and Avalon's the glue?"

"Exactly," Aurora said with a laugh. "We're a team, Justin. A very dysfunctional, over-the-top, fabulous team."

He smiled, the kind of smile that reached his dark eyes and made Aurora's heart flutter. "A team I wouldn't trade for anything. Especially if it means I get to keep moments like this with you."

Aurora's breath hitched, the sincerity in his tone taking her by surprise. She didn't know how to respond, so instead, she stepped closer, leaning her head against his shoulder.

The two of them stood there in silence, watching as the snow blanketed the mountains and the lights from the chalet glimmered like stars.

Inside, the laughter and music of their friends created a warm, joyful hum that spilled out into the cold night. It was a reminder of everything Aurora held dear—love, friendship, and the comfort of knowing that, no matter what, she had people who cared for her deeply.

"Justin," she finally whispered, her voice barely audible over the wind.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you," she said simply, lifting her head to look at him. "For always being there. For... this."

He smiled again, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Always, Roro. Always."

As the snow continued to fall, Aurora leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. It was fleeting, but it carried the weight of everything she felt but couldn't put into words.

Justin's smile widened, and he tucked her closer against him. "Merry Christmas, Aurora."

"Merry Christmas, Justin," she replied, her heart full.

And for that moment, everything was perfect.