CHAPTER FIVE
AMARA
The sound of holiday music filled the penthouse as I moved through the living room, straightening decorations and adjusting the placement of presents under the tree. It should have been a joyful undertaking, but without Andrew here, everything felt off. He was halfway across the world, handling business in Tokyo, and the house felt emptier than ever.
I glanced at the clock. He had called earlier to check in, but the conversation was brief—too much tension in his voice, too many distractions pulling him away. I tried to shake off the lingering displeasure as I went back to fluffing the garland on the mantel, determined to keep the festive spirit alive for the kids.
Austin and August were in their room, playing with the new Christmas crafts I had given them, and little Journee was fast asleep. I should have been taking this quiet moment to relax, but my mind kept wandering back to Andrew, wondering how he was holding up. The stress of the deal was getting to him, I could tell. Even over the phone, his voice had sounded strained.
I sighed and walked over to the window, staring out at the snowy city below. Christmas lights twinkled on every corner, and the city felt alive with holiday cheer. But all I could think about was how incomplete everything felt without Andrew by my side.
The doorbell rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. I crossed the room quickly, opening the door to find Melody standing there with a bottle of wine and a smile.
“I come bearing gifts,” she said, holding up the wine like it was a golden prize.
I smiled, grateful for the company. “Come in. I could use a distraction.”
She stepped inside, kicking off her boots and handing me the wine. “I thought you might. How are things with the company?”
“Complicated,” I said, leading her into the living room. “Andrew’s still in Tokyo, and I’m here, trying to keep everything running smoothly for the kids.”
Melody nodded sympathetically. “I don’t know how you do it. You’ve got three little ones and a husband halfway across the world.”
I poured a glass of wine each and sat down on the couch. “I’m trying to stay positive; you know? I just keep thinking that by Christmas morning, my husband will be back, and everything will feel right again.”
Melody sipped her wine, eyeing me carefully. “But it’s not just about Christmas morning, is it?”
I shrugged, not wanting to get too deep into my worries. “He’s got so much on his plate. I get that. But sometimes... it feels like work is always going to be the thing that comes first.”
Melody frowned. “That’s tough. Have you talked to him about it?”
I nodded, swirling my wine glass. “We’ve talked. It’s just... I know how important this deal is. But I also know how important our family is. I guess I just want him to remember that too.”
Melody leaned back on the couch, a thoughtful look on her face. “You guys will figure it out. You’ve always had a way of making things work.”
“I know we will,” I said softly, glancing toward the Christmas tree. “I have faith in my husband.”