Nora strolled through the lively Christmas market, a small smile gracing her lips. The shimring lights cast a golden glow over the cobbled streets, making the entire place look top dreamy.
Last Christmas had been nothing like this. Back then, her world was confined to hospital corridors and her workplace to make ends et. The festive season had felt like a distant luxury to her, overshadowed by only worry and exhaustion. There had been no ti for joy, no space for warmth a year ago.
But things had changed. She had made it through. And along the way, she had t soone who had unexpectedly beco a part of her life—Demitri Velkazh.
As she wandered through the market, her gaze fell upon a small stall brimming with handcrafted treasures. She paused, fingers trailing over delicate trinkets and intricate carvings. Among them, a leather bracelet caught her eye, its surface engraved with a single word—"Forever."
A warmth spread through her chest. ’Will Demitri like it? Will he even wear sothing like this?’
Without overthinking, she picked up the bracelet and turned to the vendor.
"I’ll take this one," she said, pulling out her wallet.
The vendor carefully wrapped the bracelet in a small envelope before handing it to her. After paying, she slipped the envelope into her purse pocket and continued walking through the market.
It wasn’t much, but it was a small token of gratitude for the man who had helped her every ti she was in danger.
Nora felt the vibration from her purse and pulled out her phone. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Demitri’s na flashing on the screen.
She quickly answered, bringing the phone to her ear.
"Hey! Where are you?" His deep voice ca through.
"I’m at the Christmas market," Nora replied, "Why?" she asked, looking puzzled.
"Which one?"
"In St. Peter’s Square," she answered, glancing around at the festive decorations.
"Alright. I’m coming there."
Her eyes widened. "Huh? Why? Are you nearby?" she asked.
"Hmm. Just stay near the Christmas tree so I can find you."
Before she could say another word, the call ended.
Nora stared at the screen, montarily stunned. ’He is coming here?’
Nora turned toward the front of St. Peter’s Square, where the towering Christmas tree stood in all its festive glory. The crowd made it difficult to move quickly, and it took her nearly fifteen minutes to weave her way through the bustling market.
As she reached the tree, her eyes traveled upward, following the twinkling lights until they landed on the golden star perched at the very top. A small smile graced her lips, but before she could admire it for too long, a sudden shiver ran down her spine. The winter air bit through her coat, and she sneezed softly, quickly covering her mouth.
"Bless you," a familiar voice murmured.
Nora’s head snapped up to find Demitri standing in front of her, his deep eyes watching her intently. Without hesitation, he unwound the woolen scarf from his own neck and draped it around hers, wrapping it snugly.
"I’m fine," she protested, her hands reaching to remove it. "I don’t want you to catch a cold."
Demitri simply shook his head, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "No, you’re not. The air is freezing." Without another word, he tugged her closer, his arms securing her against the warmth of his body. His fingers brushed lightly over her hair before resting on the back of her head in a tender gesture.
"It’s our first official date, Nora. So, let’s make this one morable," he said.
Nora blinked, taken aback. "Wait! What? You didn’t even tell it was a date!" she exclaid, biting her lip as she suddenly beca aware of her casual attire. "I would have at least dressed up... maybe put on a little makeup."
Demitri let out a soft chuckle, tilting her chin up so she would et his gaze. "You look beautiful just like this. I didn’t co here for a dress or makeup. I ca here for you."
"Let’s start with sothing warm to drink. How about a hot chocolate fudge, or do you want sothing else?" Demitri asked, his gaze fixed on her with a soft smile.
"Fudge sounds perfect," Nora replied, rubbing her gloved hands together for warmth. She glanced around the festive market before adding, "But I think we’ll need to step outside to find a good place."
Demitri shook his head. "No need. There’s a bakery right here," he said.
Before she could take a step toward it, Demitri suddenly halted. "Oh, wait. Before that, let’s take so pictures of you," he said with a playful glint in his eyes.
Nora blinked at him. "Pictures? Of ?"
"Of course. You look so beautiful today," he smirked, already reaching for his phone. "I need proof of this mont."
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at her lips. "But... I told you I didn’t even dress up nicely," Nora was hesitant to even click so pictures.
"Hey, I told you—you look perfect," Demitri reassured her with a smirk. "Just stand there and focus on the cara."
Before Nora could protest, he smoothly took her purse and slung it over his shoulder, as if it were the most natural thing to do.
With a small sigh, she stepped toward the Christmas tree, the golden lights casting a soft glow around her. She clasped her hands together, unsure of how to pose.
"Don’t force yourself," Demitri said, adjusting the angle on his phone. "Just stand straight and relax your shoulders."
Nora exhaled and let her posture loosen, but she still felt a little awkward.
Demitri chuckled. "You look like you’re about to take a school picture. Don’t be stiff."
She shot him a playful glare. "Well, just click one."
His eyes glinted mischievously. "You don’t have to be. You’re already beautiful."
Nora’s breath caught in her throat, but before she could respond, the cara clicked, capturing her one picture.
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