Lizzy’s Secret Christmas Wishes #3
“Really?” She was surprised, especially after her conversation with Darcy last night, and had half-expected repercussions.
“Of course. I never doubted it because your article is excellent. Getting positive feedback on your first published article is a promising sign,” Richard said, lowering his voice slightly.
She beamed at the praise. It had always been her dream to have her articles published in a prestigious magazine like Pemberley Lifestyle.
“Also, thanks for the article you sent at nine in the evening. I appreciate your work ethic, but please don’t make it a habit, shall we? If not, I’d be in trouble,” he added, winking his eye.
“Oh, I’m sorry…”
“Hey, that’s okay,” Richard stopped her. “But Chief wants us to have a balanced work-life. Besides, I also disapprove if my staff staying longer in the office if it isn’t for crucial articles.”
“I promise I won’t do it again,” said Elizabeth.
“Great. Now, I’ll let you get back to work.
And keep bringing me good articles, Elizabeth,” Richard said, walking away, but he returned after a few steps.
“Hey, before I forget. Our company’s Christmas party will be next week.
I hope you’ll be there because it’s our tradition to give a warm welcome to newcomers at the party. ”
“Of course, I’ll be there.”
Richard gave her a thumbs-up and then walked back to his office. Elizabeth felt giddy with praise from her boss, and that made her day.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Caroline Bingley approach her desk and drop a heavy folder on it, sending a solid vibration through her arm.
Startled, Elizabeth jumped in her seat and bit her tongue once she saw who had done it.
The arrogant woman standing before her was the columnist of ‘Chic and Trendy’, one of the most beloved columns in the PLM.
Besides, who would want to provoke the sister of Darcy’s best friend, who also owned thirty percent of the company’s shares?
“Can I help you?” Elizabeth asked calmly.
“I want you to research color palettes and fabric choices that are trending in fashion,” said Caroline curtly.
“I’m sorry, I may not be able to assist you right now as Richard has already assigned me two projects that require my full attention,” Elizabeth replied.
Caroline’s cheeks flushed crimson. “As a junior, how dare you refuse…”
“Elizabeth, how did your interview with the yoga teachers go earlier?” Darcy’s voice boomed, cutting off Caroline’s voice.
Elizabeth and Caroline simultaneously turned towards Darcy, who was approaching them. Frowning, he looked at Caroline. “What are you doing here?”
“I came seeking her assistance,” Caroline answered, gesturing towards Elizabeth. “Besides, as a columnist, I want to broaden the horizons of our junior journalists.”
“You should broaden the horizons of your juniors because she works for Richard, just in case you forgot,” Darcy commented lightly.
Caroline shrugged and shot a glare at Elizabeth as she reclaimed the folder. However, she threw a sweet smile at Darcy as she looked at him. “So, how’s Georgina? I miss talking to her.”
“You have her phone number, so feel free to call her if you miss talking to her,” Darcy replied.
“I will,” she smiled, brushing her finger lightly against Darcy’s chest as she walked past him. Her hips swayed coquettishly as she left, though only Darcy’s back saw it; his gaze remained fixed on Lizzy.
“How’s your interview going? Any rejections?” Darcy asked again, deliberately raising his voice to be heard.
“There were no rejections at all. They were very friendly and eager to share their experiences. I gathered much valuable information from them,” Elizabeth said, smiling with gratitude for being rescued from Charlie’s sister.
A faint smile crossed his face. “I’m glad it went well. Good job, Lizzy,” Darcy commented. Without saying more, he left her. Elizabeth raised her eyebrow, surprised that he had called her by her nickname for the first time.
Just then, her phone rang. Jane’s name flashed on the screen. “Hey, Jan-”
“Oh, Lizzy!” Jane’s voice sounded excited. “Our school received twenty new children’s desks and chairs today. They came with plenty of classroom and art supplies. Oh, God. Who is the generous person who donated such valuable things to my school?”
Elizabeth pursed her lips. “Maybe... Charlie?”
“No, I know for sure it wasn’t him-” Jane stopped abruptly.
Elizabeth chuckled, knowing her sister always blushed whenever Charlie’s name was mentioned, although it wasn’t a secret they had been dating for almost two months now.
“Sorry, Sis, I can’t help. Why don’t we talk about it once we’re home?” Elizabeth said.
“Okay.”
They hung up. Elizabeth exhaled and began transferring her notes from the yellow pad to her computer screen.
***
Finally, the company Christmas party arrived.
Seated among her coworkers under Richard’s guidance, Elizabeth admired the exquisiteness of the vast rectangular room where the party was held.
There were ten round tables, each adorned with ten beautifully decorated chairs. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm yellow light reminiscent of stars in the night sky, and a giant Christmas tree stood next to a group of live musicians, enhancing the festive ambiance.
Elizabeth glanced at Darcy’s table, positioned at the head of the room, offering a clear view of all the other tables.
He looked handsome in his tailored navy blazer adorned with a hint of red on his square pocket and a Christmas-themed lapel pin.
Underneath, he wore a crisp white shirt and a burgundy knit tie.
To her surprise, Darcy turned and caught her gazing at him.
A smile broke on his lips in acknowledgment before he shifted his eyes to the people at his side.
Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm. Unconsciously, she glanced at the hand that had brushed against his the other night.
A wish flashed in her mind, but she quickly suppressed it by shaking her head.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying the party, despite the many speeches that filled the event.
However, Elizabeth found the speeches particularly enlightening.
She gained a deeper understanding of her company’s contributions to local schools, children’s hospitals, animal shelters, and senior living facilities through donations and sponsorships.
She also learned about its collaboration with local after-school programs, allowing high school students to work fifteen hours a week.
Glancing at Darcy, her mind racing with thoughts of the recent anonymous donation to Jane’s school and the jobs Kitty and Lydia had secured. Could he be behind it all?
At ten-thirty, the party was over.
The restaurant’s valet service was busy delivering cars to all the employees lined up at the entrance.
Elizabeth grew restless as she was the only one who couldn’t find her car. Her anxiety lessened when she spotted her Ford C-Max in the distance, pulling up in front of her. However, her jaw dropped as she recognized Darcy sitting behind the wheel.
“What are you doing in my car?” she asked, leaning in through the rolled-down window on the passenger side.
“Why don’t you climb in for the answer?” he replied, reaching out to open the door for her.
Elizabeth hesitated but climbed in anyway.
“If this is a joke, it’s not funny at all,” Elizabeth pouted as Darcy steered the car away from the curb.
“I don’t think driving you back home is a joke,” Darcy answered. “Why don’t you sit back and relax, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth swallowed. No one said a word for the next stretch of time; only the song ‘All I Want for Christmas’ filled the car.
In less than thirty minutes, they arrived at her apartment, and Darcy parked the car in the designated carport. Elizabeth noticed a hesitation clear on his face as he unfastened and turned to her.
“Is it too late for me to say I’m sorry for what I said about your family?” he whispered.
“Why?”
“Because I realized I was wrong, and I can’t stand the thought of you hating me. Will you forgive me?” Darcy studied her.
“Those words hurt me badly, but I don’t want…” her voice trailed off as she looked away.
Darcy swallowed hard, nodding. “I understand. If I were you, I wouldn’t forgive myself too. Good night, Lizzy, and Merry Christmas.” His hand moved to open the door, but Elizabeth put her hand on his arm to stop him.
Quizzical concern was apparent in his eyes as he turned to her.
“What I was about to say is that I don’t want to hold a grudge anymore, especially after seeing how much you’ve changed.
At the office, it’s clear that you genuinely care about your employees’ well-being,” Elizabeth said, looking at him.
“And earlier, I found out that it was you who helped Jane’s school, and indirectly, you helped Kitty and Lydia get their first part-time jobs.
If, after knowing all this, I still don’t forgive you, I wouldn’t be much of a human. ”
“Don’t you know that I did all of them just for you?” Darcy answered, looking at her tenderly.
Elizabeth nodded.
A wave of relief washed over his face at her answer. “Lizzy, could you please reconsider my feelings? They have stayed the same. However, if you say no, I won’t bother you anymore-” Elizabeth put a finger on his lips to stop him, her eyes lingering briefly on it before she glanced up at him.
“I-I think Santa knew exactly what my secret wish for Christmas was,” she whispered softly. “And it’s you, Darcy.”
Darcy’s lips parted slightly. He leaned over, cupping her face in his hands, and kissed her gently, like a feather touching the water’s surface.