Chapter 72: A Common Feeling
With Christmas approaching, Bella decided to take a break from her quest for revenge against Johnny and from business. This year, she chose not to organize one of the grandiose parties she was known for. The pain of the recent losses-that of her father and brother—still weighed heavily. However, she knew that, despite her sadness, Théo deserved a special Christmas. She planned a full dinner, including the traditional gingerbread cookies.
While Bella was organizing the list of preparations, Théo approached her with an idea that took her by surprise.
“Mom, can we invite Dylan to spend Christmas with us?”
Bella looked up, clearly uncomfortable.
“How said, boy?” she asked, trying to contain her irritation.
“It’s just an idea,” Théo replied matter-of-factly. “I miss him.”
Bella raised her eyebrows in disbelief.
“Up until four months ago, you didn’t even know him and hated the idea of being the son of a Kicher. Why such a sudden change?”
Théo shrugged.
“I think it was the time I spent with him.” Bella sighed deeply, trying to remain calm.
“Théo, your father is probably busy. He has his obligations.” The boy, however, did not give up.
“It seems like you’ve gotten over him, I understood. So, why don’t you invite that doctor you went out with the other day? Wouldn’t that be better than spending Christmas lonely?” Bella’s eyes widened, not believing her son’s boldness.
“Boy! I won’t be alone. I’ll spend it with you and Susan.” It was at that moment that Susan, who had been listening to the conversation from a distance, approached with a discreet smile.
“Actually, Miss Hahn, I was thinking of spending this special day with my uncle. He’s over at my apartment, and I wanted to enjoy this time with him. But if you prefer, I can stay with you and Théo.” Bella shook her head, politely refusing.
“No need, Susan. You can go. After all, apart from Johnny, that damned person, no one else is to blame for the tragedy that happened to my family.” His voice carried a touch of sadness. It was clear that, even surrounded by loyalty and respect, Bella felt the weight of loneliness, especially on such a significant date.
Meanwhile, in Miami, DK was also facing the arrival of Christmas, somewhat melancholy without the presence of his father, the legendary Alexander Kicher.
“This will be the first year I spend without my father,” Dylan said, with a touch of longing in his voice. “Sometimes we argued and disagreed on many things, but on those dates, we were always together.”
Rebecca, who was sitting next to him, nodded with a nostalgic smile.
“I remember... Every December 1st, he would gather everyone to decorate the Christmas tree and decorate the entire house. All the employees participated, and we only stopped when the last light was turned on. Good times.”
DK sighed, staring into the void.
“What I really wanted this year was to spend Christmas with Théo, but I'm sure Bella would never allow it.”
Before the silence could become oppressive, Oliver, always direct and witty, intervened:
“Since when do you give up so easily? Boss, I don’t recognize you.”
The comment drew a spark of irritation from Rebecca.
“Why do you do that, Oliver? I don’t want to be here alone with you without DK.”
Oliver, feigning indignation, raised his hands in defense.
“Wow, that hurt. Why do you hate me so much?”
“I don’t hate you. I just don’t want to be alone with you.”
DK gave a brief laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
“Rebecca, if you prefer, you can go to California and enjoy the inheritance my father left you.” Rebecca snorted dramatically.
“Ugh! Whoever I want to like me ignores me. And whoever I don't want around, loves me. What a damn life!”. What a damn life!”
Oliver sighed, visibly dejected by her rejection.
“Are you really going to New York for Christmas?” he asked, changing the subject.
DK shook his head.
“No. I’m going to stay here. Have a few drinks until I get drunk thinking about my brunette, and then I’m going to sleep.”
Rebecca snorted again, crossing her arms like a disgruntled teenager.
“Oh, how boring! I’m not going to spend Christmas with you two boring people.”
“And where think about going?” Oliver asked, curious.
“To a club. See different people.”
Oliver sighed, but didn’t hide his frustration.
“I don’t think she’ll ever accept my love, right?” DK put his hand on his friend’s shoulder, with an understanding look.
“Honestly, Oliver, you deserve someone better than Rebecca. Find a woman who values you.”
Oliver laughed humorlessly.
“Look who’s talking.”
Dylan smiled, a little sadly.
“My problem with Bella isn’t a lack of appreciation. We hurt each other a lot. Even though we still love each other, we have wounds and differences that need to be resolved before anything else.” Oliver nodded, but melancholy hung between them, while Rebecca, already made up her mind, walked out the door.
On the other side of the city, Johnny was sitting on the office couch enjoying his third glass of whiskey while he felt Emma’s mouth, one of his employees, sucking hard on his member. He smiled watching the woman move her lips back and forth, making him almost cum. “Oh, you bitch, how very well you know how to do that.” Emma just smiled at her boss who made her get on all fours on the couch, pulling her panties aside and thrusting his member mercilessly, making her moan loudly. The handsome blond-haired man starts stock up with force, forcing the maid not to hold back her moans. She tries to complain, but he doesn't listen because his thoughts were elsewhere, to be exact, in New York. He was thinking about his ex-wife and the few times they had sex. He remembered that he had already had that beautiful tanned body in his hands:
"Bella, why did you have to be so hot?" and it was then that he increased his movements and soon reached his limit. Johnny let go of the maid and threw himself on the couch, letting out a long sigh. She took the opportunity to question him:
"Because you called me Bella while we were having sex. You know very well that my name is Emma."
"Ahh, that's it? I know your name very well. I was just thinking about my ex-wife while I was fucking you, do you understand?"
"That's so offensive." Emma gets irritated.
"I don't care. By the way, why don't you go back to the kitchen where you belong?" Johnny is cruel with his words and Emma simply leaves feeling humiliated. He, however, remains on the couch, putting his hands behind his head, staring into space and whispering to himself:
"I can't believe I'm missing that bitch. And we'll never spend Christmas together again. At least now she must be happy.
The fact was that each of them would face Christmas in their own way, but they all shared a common feeling: the absence of something — or someone — that gave them purpose.