"Here are a few gifts for your family," Dominick said, handing several heavy, high-end shopping bags to Kavin. "Go ho and enjoy the Christmas holidays with them. You’ve worked hard enough this year."
Kavin hesitated, looking at the generous offerings. "Your Highness, I was planning to stay until Christmas Eve to ensure everything here was in order."
"There is no need for that," Dominick countered with a firm, appreciative smile. "I’ve already dismissed the rest of the household staff. Only the cleaning lady will be coming by in the mornings since she lives nearby in town; everyone else is heading ho today. Don’t worry about the logistics. I am perfectly capable of handling the kitchen, and if I’m not in the mood to cook, I’ll simply order from the city."
Dominick patted Kavin on the shoulder before lowering his hand to his side. "Your grandkids are eagerly waiting for you," Dominick added, his voice softening to ensure Kavin felt no guilt about leaving. "Don’t keep them waiting—and don’t give the residence another thought."
Just as Kavin was about to offer his final thanks, Jeniva stepped into the living room, clutching a beautifully wrapped bag. "Kavin, rry Christmas! Thank goodness I caught you before you stepped out," she said with a warm smile, gently pushing the gift into his hands.
"Thank you, Jeniva. Truly," Kavin replied, moved by the double display of kindness. He gave a final, respectful bow to the Prince before heading out to the driveway. A taxi, which Dominick had already pre-arranged and paid for, was waiting at the curb.
Dominick and Jeniva stood on the front steps, waving as Kavin settled into the car and disappeared down the winding drive.
"You didn’t go ho," Dominick noted, his tone shifting as he turned to head back inside the quiet house.
Jeniva followed him closely, her footsteps echoing in the suddenly vacant foyer. "His Highness already knows that I am bound by duty to remain here. I would be severely reprimanded if I left your side and anything were to happen to you," she asserted.
"Then how will your family celebrate?" Dominick remarked, not looking back as he walked. "Their daughter won’t be ho on such a special day. Surely they expected you."
"My father passed away a month ago," Jeniva answered.
Dominick froze mid-stride. He turned to her, his expression shifting from casual observation to genuine shock. "When? Jeniva, why didn’t you tell ? Was it when I went to the palace?"
"I am so deeply sorry to hear that. I... I will pray for your father’s soul," Dominick said, his voice dropping as he closed his eyes briefly in a mont of silent respect. When he opened them, he looked at Jeniva with newfound perspective, wondering how she managed to carry such a heavy burden with such quiet strength.
"You should have taken ti off for yourself," Dominick insisted, his brow furrowed with concern. "And what about your younger sister? Is she alone?"
"My sister is still in college, so she’s staying in the hostel for the term," Jeniva answered steadily. "Dad had been sick for a long ti, so in a way, we were both prepared for the end. Staying ho and taking ti off would have only made the grief feel heavier. I preferred to return to work; I know my father would be happy seeing working hard and staying focused."
Dominick was moved by her resilience. The festive decorations scattered around the house suddenly felt poignant in the face of her loss. At the sa ti, he felt guilty of scolding Jeniva, not knowing she was undergoing such a big pain.
"I’m sorry, Jeniva. I have been far too harsh with you lately," Dominick apologized with genuine regret in his voice.
"It’s fine, Your Highness. Truly, I don’t mind it," Jeniva replied with a small smile. She began to step away toward her own room on the residence. "I’ll walk ahead then."
"Let’s go out," Dominick said suddenly, stopping her. "We need to buy a Christmas tree and so proper decorations. You were so excited about the holiday until yesterday, don’t let that spark go out now."
Jeniva turned back, her expression clouded with hesitation. "Your Highness, I can’t go with you. A paparazzi caught us in a photo the last ti we were out together. We can’t risk another scandal, especially not now."
"Don’t worry about that. I will dress up nicely that no one will recognize . You should also get ready," Dominick stated before heading toward his room in a bit of excitent.
"He’s pitying , isn’t he?" Jeniva murmured.
~~~~
"Mom, please understand, I’ve been buried in work lately, which is why I haven’t been around," Karn explained, his voice muffled as he tugged a cap low over his forehead to hide his face.
He gripped the handle of his heavy duffle bag while balancing a trolley bag at his side. Norma watched him with a skeptical eye, her arms folded across her chest.
"And where exactly are you heading now? It’s the festive season; you should be at ho, not running off again. A dear friend of mine is visiting from out of town with his daughters. I was truly hoping you’d finally let introduce you to one of them."
"Mom, I’ve told you that I’m not interested in being ’set up’ with anyone," Karn stated firmly, cutting off the match-making attempt before it could gain montum. "Don’t arrange anything. I promise I’ll see you the day after Christmas."
Before she could craft a rebuttal, he leaned in, catching her in a quick hug and pressing a kiss to her cheek. It was his way of softening the blow before making a tactical retreat.
"rry Christmas, Mom!" he called out, already moving toward the door. Before Norma could even open her mouth to protest, he had vanished from the foyer.
"He never listens," Norma murmured to the empty hallway, her shoulders slumping. She let out a long, weary sigh, the weight of her disappointnt settling in. "I really thought this would be the year we actually celebrated together."
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