Samantha and Daniel hosted the Christmas eve dinner celebration with both of their families together. The atmosphere in the cliffside villa was filled with melodious laughter and Dean Martin's cool voice singing 'Let It Snow!' – a piece of truly befitting music as snowflakes slowly trickled down from the sky.
Everyone stayed warm inside with their comfy jumpers and a glass of eggnog which Samantha made earlier with Daniel and Seo Joon's help whilst sharing each other's stories about their childhood wishes and fun-filled memories in the living room where the faint sound of wood crackling from the fireplace can be heard.
Sitting on a large armchair was Daniel and on his lap was Samantha who was leaning against his warm embrace as they both listened and observed their families on this joyous occasion.
"You know honey, I never thought this is how my Christmas would look like this year," she said in a hushed tone that only Daniel can hear.
Stroking her arm, he inhaled her sweet peachy scent and kissed her cheek, "This is nice. I'd love to have this every year."
"It definitely is," she snuggled closer.
Resting his head on her shoulder, he added, "Your birthday's coming up soon too... in less than a month. Do you have anything that you'd want to do?"
"You're right… It's that fast? Well… nothing really, as long as there are no more tequila shots," she pursed her lips and glanced at him. 'Oops,' her mouth was faster than her brain again.
Daniel's brows furrowed upon hearing her words. His thoughts were instantly brought back to that night of her birthday when Andrew had tried to force himself on her. If he had not come back for her… he did not even want to finish his thoughts.
He lightly slapped her thigh, "You are not allowed to drink shots unless I am with you. That can never happen again. Do you understand?" He spoke with a firm voice.
"Understood," she replied.
"You cannot drink any liquor while I am not in the same room."
"Yes, sir."
"And without my knowledge."
"Affirmative," she replied and his brows knitted even more causing lines to form on his forehead.
Smiling, she stroked his arm and kissed his nose, "You're my hero, thank you for saving me that night."
Breathing out a sigh of relief, Daniel was just glad that it was all in the past. Looking at the woman in his arms, how he wondered what his life would have been if they had not met. He's probably buried in his work somewhere even on Christmas day.
His thoughts were interrupted with the sound of their family's countdown.
"Five… Four… Three… Two… One…"
"Merry Christmas!" Cheers and merry greetings were heard all over the house. And with everyone's smiling faces, they exchanged warm hugs and well wishes.
Samantha found a nearby mistletoe decoration and she grabbed it swiftly and raised it above their heads, "Merry Christmas, Love." She said before leaning in and she gave her husband a sweet kiss.
Finishing their kiss, Daniel returned the greeting, "Merry Christmas."
At one in the morning, their guests decided to call it a night and go home.
When everyone left, Samantha and Daniel finally had the home to themselves again. They were being cozy on the sofa with Samantha's legs up across his thighs, enjoying a glass of wine as they talked about their future plans.
Liam and Becca arrived at their floor and both of them were quiet since they left the cliffside villa.
Reaching her door, she turned around and gave him a gentle smile. "You were right, I had a lovely time with your family."
"I'm glad you enjoyed your first Christmas eve experience," he replied, returning her smile with a warm one.
Her heart unexpectedly started racing when as she stared back at him. She quickly snapped out of it and hurried, "So… this is me," she pointed at her door, "I guess I'll see you around then." She said before she reached for the doorknob.
Liam's warm hand held her arm gently, making her face him again, "Becca…" he called. He was unsure of what he was going to do but his gut was telling him to just do it.
Surprised by his sudden action, Becca looked up at him in confusion, "Yes?"
Leaning forward in a swift motion, he stopped a few inches before his lips touched hers. She swallowed and froze on the spot, she could feel his warm breathing and could see his eyes wavering a little as if he was debating whether to do it or not. And she wished that he would but then she was scared that he would.
He gulped and tilted his head to the side, leaning in to kiss her cheek instead. His lips touched her soft cheek and she found it really sweet. "Merry Christmas, Becca." He whispered before he backed away and turned around, he added, "Good night."
Liam entered his own unit leaving Becca dazed by her door. It took her a minute to recover before she smiled at what just happened. "Merry Christmas, Liam." She said to herself.
...
Back at the Cliffside Villa.
While the couple was engaged in their chatting, Samantha suddenly remembered something. Getting off the sofa, she walked towards the nearby table with a huge pile of gifts.
"Oh, presents!" She exclaimed like a child, making Daniel chuckle when he found her adorable.
She took out a small square box and handed it to him. Opening the box, he found the bracelet that she told him she was going to get one for him. He picked it up and examined the jewelry in his hand. It was very similar to Samantha's that she still wears until now except there was a thin band with "To my husband" engraved in cursive on it.
Daniel ran a finger on the words and a smile appeared on his face. "I love it. Thank you," he said before he kissed Samantha on the lips.
He took out a velvet box from his pants and gave it to her, "My turn."
With a surprised look, Samantha received the box from him and the instant that she opened it, her eyes became watery. She brought up a hand to her mouth and tears started to flow. She could not hold herself back as she looked at the pair of beautiful white gold wedding rings sitting inside the box.
The rings had a simple design just like how she would like it if she were to choose one. On the inner part of the rings, she read the words "always and forever D & S". She loved it so much and she was rendered speechless.
Daniel chuckled at her expression, "Why are you crying?" he asked as he wiped the water away from her face with his long fingers.
She had so many words to say to him yet she was unable to utter anything. She was simply blown away by the love that this man has given her. They were only rings yet she knew that a wedding ring was a symbol of their marriage. One constant reminder that they were bound together and will always be there for each other.
Seeing that his wife could not say anything, Daniel pulled her into his embrace and gave her a kiss. "I love you, Samantha." He breathed.
Nodding, she could only reply to his sweet confession, "And I love you."