CHAPTER 091: Christmas Eve Dinner
~~Luke~~
—
It’s the eve of Christmas. After much pleading and convincing, Julie has agreed to come to Colombia with me.
I’m excited for her to meet my parents. I wish we could visit hers as well, but Julie threatened to hang me the day I suggested it. Being from Colombia, I never understood the idea of estranged families. Your sister could literally be on TV as a wanted serial killer, and you’d let her hide in your basement from the police.
So the entire ‘Julie and her family‘ fallout affair seemed strange to me at first.
But I understand now.
And if we’re being fair, Julie’s mother tried to kill her. Then there’s that trial thing that ended recently. Elaine Jenkins got five years of probation, mandatory mental health treatment, 100 hours of community service, and anger management classes. Of course, there’s the most important one: no contact with the victim without court approval.
I know every
detail about that trial because Julie followed the entire case. She seemed disappointed with the results.
And now, she has a new interest. Ryan, Emily, and Paragon Jewels.
“That girl is so shameless,” Julie says as we drive to the airport.
“What girl?” I ask, though I already know where this is going.
“Emily.” She’s staring at her phone. “Her lawyer’s asking for 10 million.”
“Seems greedy. Didn’t she lie about Ryan being the father of her unborn child?”
“Yeah. Which is why I said she’s shameless. On one hand, I want her to lose. On the other hand, I want Ryan to lose. Does that make me a bad person?”
“Nah, it just means you’re human. Or maybe you need a new hobby. Ever thought about watching soap operas?”
She snorts. “Why would I watch those when this is way more dramatic?“”
Fair point. This whole Ryan O’Brien and Emily Cohen mess has turned into a real–life soap opera, and Julie is hooked. Emily sued Ryan and Paragon Jewels for sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, assault and battery, emotional distress, and a host of other things. I’m not exaggerating when I say their faces are everywhere. You can’t open a news app or scroll through social media without seeing Emily’s teary–eyed press conference or Ryan looking like he’s been run over by a truck.
CHAPTER 091: Christmas Eve Dinner
+25 BONUS
A video surfaced of Ryan pinning Emily against a wall and then flinging her aside. Since then, the internet has been dragging Paragon Jewels through the mud.
Several movements are involved. #MeToo; Survivors of Domestic Abuse Groups; Workplace Rights and Labor Groups; Feminist Movement.
And the entire affair would be interesting if it didn’t involve me and Julie. Stories have been dug up. So many media groups have contacted us for interviews.
And I just wish for it to be over.
Julie’s making the most of it, reading every article and watching every conspiracy video. She’s having the time of her life. On the other hand, I’ve had to hire security because of all the media attention, and Julie thinks it’s overkill. Maybe she’s right, but I’m not taking
chances. Not with her.
“Look at this,” Julie says, holding her phone up to me. “Ryan’s been fired as CEO, Adeline really did it. She axed her own son.”
I glance at the headline. “Damn. That’s cold.”
“Cold? It’s nuclear. She’s ruthless.‘
I keep my eyes on the road, though I’m not the one driving. Since we got bodyguards, I’ve been feeling useless.
“Maybe this trip to Colombia will be good for you,” I say. “You’ll have too much on your plate to keep up with this madness.”
“You really think I’m going to ignore this just because we’re in a different country?”
I chuckle. “A man can dream.”
She leans back in her seat, crossing her arms. “It’s not just about the drama. It’s about justice. Emily’s out here playing the victim, Ryan’s an idiot, and Adeline’s power–hungry. Someone needs to call them out.
“And you think you’re that someone?”
“Me? Hell no. But I’ll be watching.”
Haugh, the sound filling the car. “I almost forgot. How’s your Spanish?”
She tilts her head, eyes dancing with mischief. Oui?”
“That’s French.”
“Oh.”
We both burst out laughing.
CHAPTER 091 Christmas
“Maybe let me do most of the talking,” I say.
“Gladly,” she says, holding up her phone. “I’ve got the internet to keep me busy.”
I roll my eyes just as the airport comes into view.
+25 BONUS
By evening, we’re stepping out of José María Cordova International Airport into the warm, humid air of Medellín. The scent of rain mingles with roasted coffee and fried street food, filling my lungs with memories of home. Julie clutches my arm, wide–eyed, soaking in every detail.
“Our car’s here,” I say, guiding her toward the black SUV waiting at the curb.
The driver opens the door, and we climb in. Another security detail rides shotgun, scanning the crowd like we’re celebrities. Julie leans into my side as the car pulls away, her head resting on my shoulder. The hum of the city surrounds us, vibrant and alive.
My phone buzzes.
“Your sister again?” Julie asks.
“My mom’s losing her mind over Christmas Eve dinner. Carolina is her mouthpiece.”
Julie sighs, shifting closer. “I’m starving, though.”
“You’re always starving.”
“Touché. The streets are beautiful. I didn’t think I liked Christmas until now.”
“Yeah, it’s a big thing here.”
The city rushes past us, a kaleidoscope of lights and color. Medellín during Christmas is pure magic. Every street is draped in twinkling lights–arches of gold and red overhead, glowing stars hanging from lampposts, entire buildings outlined in shimmering color. Families crowd the plazas, music and laughter blending into the festive hum. Vendors line the sidewalks, their voices rising over the crowd as they sell buñuelos and natilla.
We finally get to my parents house.
The car rolls up the long, winding driveway, and I can already see the welcoming committee gathered at the front door. The entire extended family is crammed into one frame, jostling for a better view. My mother is, of course, front and center. She’s waving, her wide grin visible even through the tinted windows. I glance at Julie, who’s sitting up straighter, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her scarf.
“You ready for this?” I ask.
She shoots me a look that’s half excitement, half terror. “I think so?”
CHAPTER 091: Christmas Eve Dinner
“Too late to back out now.”
+25 BONUS
The car comes to a stop, and before I can open my door, my mom has yanked it open herself. She practically drags me out of the car, pulling me into a bone–crushing hug that smells like cinnamon, perfume, and nostalgia. Her hands are everywhere–patting my back, cupping my face, smoothing my hair.
“Mi hijo! Look at you! So handsome, but too thin. Are you eating enough? No, of course not, you work too hard. Let me look at you!”
“Mami,” I choke out, laughing as she finally releases me. “I’m fine.”
She swats my shoulder. “Fine? You’re skin and bones!”
Before I can protest, she’s turned her attention to Julie. “¡Y tú debes ser Julie!”
Without waiting for a response, my mother pulls her into a hug that’s just as overwhelming, speaking rapid–fire Spanish into her ear. Julie stands frozen for a second then pats my mom’s back, eyes wide.
“English, Mami,” I say, prying my mother off Julie. “Let her breathe.”
“Of course, of course!” My mother switches to English with a beaming smile. “Welcome, Julie! Come inside! Dinner is ready, and we have so much to talk about. You must be starving!”
Julie smiles. “I am, actually.”
My mother claps her hands, leading us into the house. The smell of roasted meat, fresh bread, and something sweet hits us immediately. The house is warm, loud, and alive. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors mill around, and the chatter is deafening. Julie’s eyes dart from one face to another, trying to keep up.
“Luke’s finally here!” Carolina shouts, bounding down the hallway. She gives me a quick hug before turning to Julie. “Julie, welcome to our home.‘
”
Julie smiles. “Thank you, Carolina.”
Isabel and Sofia, the twins, appear next, both grinning from ear to ear. “We saved you a seat next to Luke,” Isabel says, grabbing Julie’s hand. “You’ll need it.
“Why?” Julie asks, glancing at me.
”
“Because dinner is an event here,” Sofia explains with a dramatic eye roll. “You’ll need moral support.”
“Don’t listen to them,” I say, guiding Julie toward the dining room. “They’re just trying to
scare you.
CHAPTER 091: Christmas Eve Dinner
Elysian Sparrow Author
Hi, lovely readers.
Julie and Luke’s story will be coming to an end soon. Thank you so much for your support and comments. Let me know your though
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