23, Christmas Eve

The heat from the hot chocolate warmed thin fingers from the cold air outside. No matter the weather in rain or snow, she had to spend her first hour of the day watching the holly tree that grew year-round two miles out.

It was a gift given to the young woman by a special friend, a token of loyalty. It was calming to watch the leaves grow and the little berries that offered the perfect pop of color during the snowy Christmas season.

Tabitha took a long sip of her favorite beverage, putting her hand out the window to catch some snowflakes. It was the first time she didn't feel pressure during the holiday season. If it wasn't school, keeping up duties with her family or work would always leave her too busy to take a breath of the crisp, fresh air that the world had to offer.

Sure, she had to wake up an hour earlier than everyone else in her home, but it was worth seeing the sunrise over the hill of the English countryside.

Tabitha's goal five years ago was to head back to New York and start her life fresh, but as the universe would have it, different plans came into effect. But, of course, she was thankful for the events that had happened in recent years despite the terrible circumstances that brought her to this point.

The fur blanket wrapped around her petite form kept her warm. She watched her breath crystalize from the coldness.

She wanted to be young again, to run into the snow and make angels along her line of snowmen. There were memories of the blizzards her childhood home used to offer, creating hills big enough for sledding. The journey going home from school would always be disastrous, forcing her to rush into the heat so she wouldn't suffer from frostbite.

But now, Tabitha didn't have time to reminiscent about the past. If she lingered too long, those dark memories of the nearby past would quickly consume her.

It would leave her in shambles.

Tabitha held a bittersweet smile for a short moment more, watching the snow fall on the tree.

The alarm clock went off in her dark room.

It was time for the show to begin.

On cue, she heard a cry from the end of the hall, "Morning mummy!"

Putting the empty cup down, Tabitha rushed to her child, giving the morning hug and kiss her child became used to over the years.

"Good morning, Issac. Do you know what day it is?"

Rubbing his tired eyes, the small boy nodded with excitement, "It's Christmas Eve! Santa's gonna come tonight."

While she did try to explain many times that Santa wasn't real, people around her would often say it was harsh to burst the bubble for the five-year-old. It wasn't a fight worth winning for the time being.

"And you've been a good boy this year, right?"

"Yes! Very good. I hope he gets me my lightsaber." Kissing Issac's forehead once more time, Tabitha couldn't shake the sudden bad feeling crossing her spine.

Maybe it was just her nerves getting the best of her. It was going to be an eventful night. It had been years since the looming feeling came over her. Hugging her child close, the young woman looked into his brown eyes.

They looked exactly like his father's, and she was constantly reminded of the brooding man through Issac's innocent eyes.

"We'll just have to wait and see."

Tabitha wasn't sure if she said that to assure her son or herself.

The rest of the morning went without a hitch. Tabitha was convinced her nerves were getting the best of her.

It'll be just like any other night.

Joyous, and problem-free.

She hoped.

~~~

Blinking and dazzling lights were going off every second, capturing the invitees of the annual Christmas Gala. Several celebrities attended a charity event to help raise money for those less fortunate in the country.

"And here we have everyone's favorite television journalist, Tabitha Rampersaud. She has lent a massive hand in bringing forth the story surrounding this year's charity to help the orphaned children in our country. Proceeds will go to buying goods, clothes, and toys for the children, as well as rehabilitating the homes they live in."

Tabitha gave a warm smile to the interviewer and the cameras, her hands politely by her sides.

"It's so lovely seeing you here, Tabitha. Although you had only started this journey barely 2 years ago, and you've managed to become very popular. What's your secret?"

She gave a small laugh, "I'm not quite sure. I love my job, and I try to do my best. But, it's always fun to go out there and get the public's attention for important matters and meet new people."

The interviewer fixed her hair, "Ahh, yes, you are quite good at grabbing our attention. You had many high-profile stories this year, including meeting the Beckhams."

"Yes, it was one of the greatest moments of my life. As a long-time Spice, it was an honor to meet Posh Spice in the flesh."

"And who's your date for the evening?" Just in time, Tabitha's date came to her side.

"As always, we've been a pair."

"I have no doubt that you've created the masterpiece Ms.Rampersaud is wearing tonight, Mr.Han?" The interviewer's cameraman panned down to emerald green off-shoulder silk dress. Tiny diamonds were adorned along the waist, and the material wrapped around Tabitha like a second skin. The skirt was opened for her left leg to be exposed, a risque outfit for most, but elegant with the layers of silk gathered together in the big dress.

"Of course, you know I would never let her come to an event with something that is not my creation." Tae Seok gave a charismatic laugh, his handsome face looking straight at the cameras.

"There are rumours going around citing that while you both are known to have an extremely close friendship, in recent years, the relationship has evolved into something...more. Is there any truth to that?"

Tae Seok was ready to give a response, but Tabitha beat him to it, "No, I'm afraid that it's all just rumours. We have been close friends for several years, and nothing's going to change that. He's my best friend."

"And she's my muse." Tae Seok looked down at his date with loving eyes, his fingers digging into her waist. Tabitha gave the camera another smile, prying his harsh grip off her soft skin.

"It's best we head inside now. Have a lovely night!"

The painted smiles remained on the pair's faces until they headed inside.

Tabitha gave a soft sigh, "Let's not ruin the night, alright?" Her hands rubbed Tae Seok's gloved fingers. While his lips were twisted up, the older man knew she was right. If he made a fuss about what had happened, it would be all over the tabloids within hours.

It was best to leave the truth hidden for a while longer.

Despite his personal wishes.

Tabitha combed a stray dark lock out of Tae's face, "Why don't we head for the refreshments first? "

The fashion designer smile, allowing his tall body to be pulled by the small woman. If there was anything she could easily do, it persuaded him to her will.

Let their night begin.

~~~

Hours had passed since the gala started. There were several Christmas performances throughout the night, entertaining the room full of celebrities counting down for the festive holiday.

While Christmas Eve was most inconvenient for the event, all did their best to make the most of it. However, it didn't stop others from being vocal about their disappointment.

"I do wish the was handled much better. Possible a few days prior? Who really wants to spend the night out on the eve over spending time at home with family?" Tabitha did her best to pay attention to the grievances of the C-list celebrity, but if this was such a problem, then it would've been best if they simply didn't attend.

Other than the complaining guest, everything else was running smoothly. Tabitha found herself the popular girl of the gala, being pulled left, right, and center into conversations. While she did learn to become a conversationalist over the years, a part of her was somewhat dizzy from the attention.

Many men asked to share a dance with the pretty journalist, all proposing dates for future events. She rejected them with a lovely smile, citing her promise to Mr.Han.

Speaking of Tae Seok, he spent most of the evening chatting with some models crowded around the table. All wanted a chance to be the next face of Hanseok for the incoming fashion season. But, while the designer did entertain the beautiful young women, his eyes never stopped gazing at the pretty young woman wearing his emerald dress.

Although the models were perfect to be muses for his future projects, none would have the power to move him creatively as Tabitha did. She held him captive with her big eyes from the moment they met five years ago.

He was never going to give that up.

Ever.

Tabitha found herself under Tae Seok's dark gaze again, beckoning her to his side. She did as he silently asked, carrying on conversations with those at their table.

The air became hot, and cold water wasn't alleviating the feeling.

"Excuse me, I think some fresh air would do me some good." She gave a small smile before leaving the ballroom, heading outside to the balcony for the cool breeze to hit her.

The snow was still falling, and it was biting cold. Some would call her foolish for going outside with bare shoulders, but she didn't care at that moment. Her head was beginning to feel much better.

Tabitha always did prefer some alone time from big events.

Her ears perked, hearing carolers walking in the streets. They were all in tune and sounded happy.

Although her body was quick to shiver, Tabitha closed her eyes, relishing in the peace of the night. She remembered singing the Christmas tune to Issac when he was but a little babe. Her voice was not the best by any means, but her heart was in the song. It would always put him to sleep.

The carolers left as quickly as they came, going on their merry journey to spread holiday joy to the community. Tabitha continued to softly sing the song, wishing she was tucking her little ones to sleep.

After a few minutes, she went back inside, knowing everyone would wonder where she went. Before heading back into the ballroom, she decided to search for the restroom, just to refresh before facing the masses once more.

The hallway was rich in historic splendor of portraits and treasures of the country's glory. Her heels clicked on the marble floor, not paying attention to any lurking figures nearby.

Washing her face, Tabitha wiped her eyes from any little residue from her mascara. Looking at the reflection in the mirror, her gaze focused on a dark figure who stood still from a distance.

A loud gasp escaped her lips as she turned around, but there was no one there. Wiping her face with paper towels, she gave one more circle to make sure she was alone.

Butterflies were fluttering in her stomach, fear encompassing her thoughts.

Forcibly shrugging it off, Tabitha went back to reapplying her lipstick before heading back to the ballroom.

She was glad to see Tae Seok waving her over to the table.

"Where have you been? And why are you shivering so much?"

Rubbing her arms, Tabitha reached for her shawl, "I was outside for a couple of minutes to get some air." Tae Seok rubbed her shoulders for some warmth, pulling her body close.

The young woman pulled back, not wanting anyone to make quick assumptions. Tae was firm with his grip, keeping her in place as he bent his head to her ear.

"Should we call it a night?"

She looked at him with wary eyes but gave a curt nod.

"Good. Let's just bid everyone goodnight. If anything, meet me by the end of Pemberton Hall." Both went separate ways while giving farewells to the fellow guests.

Tabitha was much quicker, wanting nothing more than to enter the coziness of her home as she had a countdown to Christmas. Hugging herself, she went to the meeting place, looking at the treasures around the area.

There was a crown full of purple jewels, said to be from the 18th century. Caught up in the little scribble of history attached to the artifact, Tabitha paid no mind to the footsteps from the hallway. Many guests were heading home for the holiday, and this was the only way out.

Tucking a small strand of hair behind her ear, she began to hum the Christmas tune again, happy she was in a merry mood. She walked in idle steps, wondering what took Tae Seok so long. Did he get lost?

"Tabitha?"

Her foot stopped mid-step. Eyes widened as pupils dilated. Her body instantly turned cold from fear.

She could recognize that voice anywhere.

She spent the last five years trying her best to forget it.

No

No

This could not be happening, not right now.

Her body remained frozen, hoping she could play dead and he would leave.

"Tabitha?" His deep voice became breathless, as one would for a lost lover.

They were far from lovers.

Her only choice was to move forward. Turning back would turn her into a pillar, sealing her fate to his evil designs.

Her feet were fast, but he had longer strides.

A rough tug pulled her body back, turning Tabitha around to meet her past doom.

Incredulous light brown eyes looked into her soul. The vice grip didn't let up. Instead, it only grew in strength.

"It's you."

His rugged voice was full of surprise after seeing her after so many years.

A snarl was quick to form on her pretty face, pulling her body away from him, "Get away from me!"

She tugged and tugged, but he didn't let go.

Tears began to fall, "Why are you here?"

"I was hoping to ask you the same thing."

Stephen Foley wasn't the same rough priest from five years ago. At least that's what he told himself on a daily basis.

After that fateful night at the country club, he had to take time to rethink his life choices.

He waited day and night for Tabitha to visit her grandmother in the hospital, but it never came. She had run away, and there was no way of getting to her without trouble brewing.

This wasn't to say that Stephen gave up on her. On the contrary, he spent the last few years working on his father's financial firm, expanding it across the UK and making it one of the top firms in Europe. It took some time to adjust to living life after the priesthood, but it had become a successful period in his life.

While his thoughts on Tabitha started to dwindle a little, so did his need to have any family. As far as he figured, she had gone back to America to pursue what dreams she had left. She had literally been across the pond, which fueled his frustration. Stephen became the most eligible bachelor for three years in a row, and it was a title he was quite happy with.

But now, that had all changed.

When he first saw Tabitha in the ballroom, Stephen thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. How could she afford to be at a gala full of celebrities?

Upon closer examination around the loo, his suspicion was proven correct.

Having her in his arms, all the feelings from five years ago came back to haunt him.

She was the same girl from before, with fiery eyes full of resentment against him, but she looked like a woman. The baby fat that used to cover her cheeks was replaced with high cheekbones. Her hair was cut into a short bob, and her body was fully developed. She transformed in a matter of a few years, and Stephen missed it all.

"Let go of me, Foley."

Just like before, she never addressed him properly. It was a pet peeve, and Tabitha knew how it grind his gears.

There wasn't much time for rebuttal, hearing the voices of some older ladies coming close.

He pushed her away, watching her arms move around her body in protection.

The ladies didn't pay them any mind, but it was already done. Stephen knew he had lost his chance of getting Tabitha.

"How is he?"

Her arched brows furrowed, but she gave no response.

"Our son. How is he?"

The fire left her dark eyes, replaced with frigid defeat. She knew there was no way to deny him that truth.

"My son is doing well. Don't worry about him."

Stephen's anger was only growing with Tabitha's constant need to rebel against him. She knew how to get under his skin, and all those unholy desires he held from before were quickly coming back to him.

"You cannot deny me my flesh."

"I'm not denying you anything. I want to protect my child from the monster his father is."

That slashed his heart. Stephen didn't know how to respond to the heavy words.

Without much choice and his only way to hold some dignity left, Stephen left silently, stunned from the surprise reunion. He never expected to see Tabitha again, but he never expected all the anger to come back.

Stephen thought if he was to see Tabitha again, he would've been gentle and kind to her. She would have grown up, and her childish antics would have disappeared.

As he sat in his car going back home, he quickly went into his wallet and pulled out an old photo.

It was from Tabitha's sixteenth birthday, the night that started Stephen's spiral down into wickedness. Fingers touched the photographed teen, and his heart skipped a beat.

Stephen knew this was the beginning of his second chance. It was an opportunity to make it up to Tabitha and their son and prove himself to be a worthy man.

Now, all he had to do was plan it all out. But to do that, he needed more information on her.

Stephen was going to get every dirty little secret about Tabitha.

He was going to show her who was in charge.

Tabitha was going to bend to his will, whether she liked it or not.

~~~

For thirty minutes, Tabitha sat in front of her vanity, thinking about the encounter she had at the end of her night. She never expected to see Stephen Foley in the flesh after all these years.

She was reminded of the looming feeling that passed her earlier in the day. She was warned before but ignored that feeling.

Now that he knew she was here, there was no telling of what would happen. Stephen knew Issac was alive and well, and he always wanted them to be a family.

Luckily, she already had that covered.

"Darling, are you still in that dress?"

Wiping the last bit of makeup off, Tabitha was quick to shout back, "I'm almost finished. Just trying to get it off without wrinkling it."

Footsteps entered the bedroom, Cufflinks fell into a porcelain plate.

"If you need help, just ask. I don't know why you're still so shy after all these years."

Arms wrapped around her torso, pulling her back to a muscular chest.

She watched dark eyes through the reflection of her vanity, swallowing lightly as soft kisses trailed along her neck.

It was a sensual moment, but the only emotion her brain allowed Tabitha to feel was terror. Memories of all she suffered as a teen came back to her, causing thin fingers to push her husband away.

"What's wrong?"

"I-it's nothing. I'm just tired from tonight. And tomorrow is going to be a long day with the kids." She couldn't look him in the eyes; it would give away the truth.

Pushing off the dress, Tabitha hung it up before changing into a nightgown.