Chapter 2116 - Christmas Party 2023 (3)

Both Michael and Oni grew up without the warmth of a family. Michael was sent early to the United Kingdom (for education), and then he continued as an operative of Shadow Ravens. Oni grew up in an impoverished family, and she found herself in a basement, hours away from being sold to the highest bidder.

The Cliffside Villa is providing Michael and Oni with a family that is diverse and energetic, and everyone is getting along well.

At the Cliffside Villa, they also have dogs and leopards, and there is a pond with koi fish, a massive cage with birds, and a gazebo where Michael and Oni had more than one romantic meal. The land is spacious, and there are various training and learning facilities (above and underground), but the most important are people who treat them as next of kin and are always ready to lend a helping hand.

Mealtimes are lively, and most of the days end with laugher and dancing next to a bonfire, and whenever Michael and Oni need peace and quiet, their apartment is a sanctuary that provides privacy.

Why would they move? High-tech security and rent-free are additional features.

Michael and Oni are not the only couple who wishes to stay at the Cliffside Villa. Ron and Zula also asked if they could call the Cliffside Villa their permanent residence (their wedding is one month away), and Nala and Haru expressed that they don't plan to move (they are engaged, still figuring out their wedding date).

Zack moved in months ago, and he and Masika are doing great. They are not engaged, but seeing that they are completely smitten with each other, that is only a matter of time. Zack had no idea that the little girl with a rifle who saved his life several years ago will become the center of his world. Thanks to Masika, Zack found his purpose and he couldn't be happier.

Sarah and Aiden don't mind living with so many people. Having everyone in the same place is the best. They can enjoy their time together, protect and support each other, yet they have enough space, so it's not crowded.

Thanks to the investments that Sarah and Aiden started for their kids early, in addition to their salary (for the ones who are working), each of the kids has an additional income and they can afford to travel and get for themselves whatever they want. It's a small community they call family.

Considering that Oni is pregnant and that soon Zula and Nala might be as well, Sarah and Aiden decided to build another building with apartments that will have four bedrooms. Those apartments will be offered to couples who are expanding their family so that they can accommodate a nursery or kid's room.

Several couples (Daniel and Xiaohui, Tejan and Rosa) moved from single rooms into the apartments, they will combine some of those single rooms and repurpose them for something (Sarah is still thinking what that 'something' will be).

Ah, there is so much to do!

Their dedicated building crew, Louis (the architect) and Cash (the construction manager) are happy that Sarah and Aiden are providing them with a steady stream of projects.

In the master bedroom of the Cliffside Villa…

"Your parents are here…", Sarah told Aiden.

"Alright. I will go and welcome them. You rest, and I will get you when all guests arrive." Aiden gave her a quick kiss. "If I see you out I will be upset." He showed her a pretend-angry look and she giggled.

"Eve!", Aiden called.

"Yes, Aiden…", Eve responded.

"If Sarah leaves this room, let me know!"

Sarah's face fell. "Are you keeping me here as a prisoner? Is that why you requested that I give you the same privileges I have?"

Aiden pecked her lips. "Be a good girl and rest until I come back. Don't make me worried."

Sarah helplessly watched as Aiden left the room. She knows that he means well, but sometimes he is overbearing. She is not made of glass, alright?

The guests are arriving since half an hour ago, but Aiden asked Sarah to take it easy. Genie and the rest of the staff are welcoming guests, and Aiden wants Sarah to relax as much as possible. She is nearly eight months pregnant, and Aiden is hoping that they can dance after dinner, so he wants her to save her energy.

How Aiden sees it, Sarah is too casual about her pregnancy. On several occasions, she overdid it and ended up with swollen feet and an achy back. Sarah told him how that is normal, but Aiden said that he will have none of it again.

Everyone knows that Sarah is very pregnant, and no one will mind that she is not standing at the door and greeting them as they arrive.

Aiden would stay with her, but these are his parents and he wanted to welcome them personally. Also, he wanted to prevent any possible conflicts with Jeff.

Elanor and Oscar had their last talk with Jeff and Aiden two months ago. They discussed their past and decisions made, and since then, things are in limbo. Each side believes that they are right and that the other one is unreasonable.

Elanor and Oscar arranged for Jeff to get an education and opportunities to lead the White corp. and the White family. He is the firstborn and that was the tradition. At the same time, they looked at other prospects for Aiden.

Aiden doesn't mind. He is focused on Sarah, preparations for their baby (aka Logan), and what they have at the Cliffside Villa. Aiden did his own thing, no matter what Elanor and Oscar planned for him.

On the other side, as far as Jeff's memory is serving him, Jeff did exactly what Elanor and Oscar planned, and that is irritating him. Other than being married to JoAnna, Jeff followed step-by-step how his parents arranged for him since he was a child. He feels manipulated and betrayed and is unable to shake it off.

Their last talk ended with them agreeing to disagree and since then Elanor and Oscar kept their distance in order for everyone to cool down.

Sarah invited Elanor and Oscar for this Christmas party with the hope they will start smoothening out their relationship. Two months should be enough of a cooling period and staying away will not fix anything.

Considering that Logan is due to join their family in a month (give or take a day), Sarah wanted for her baby to spend time with both sets of grandparents. With the tense relationship between Jeff and her in-laws, Elanor and Oscar are not coming to Los Angeles. In the last few months, Sarah saw more often Stella and Edward who are in Eastern Europe than Elanor and Oscar who are one hour flight away.

At this party, even if they don't talk to Jeff, Elanor and Oscar will not be bored. They can spend their time with Alice, Jayden, and other kids. From the older generation Stella and Edward will be in attendance and so will Jarred, Donnie, Angelo, Melissa, Mathew, Vasily, and also Mason and Ryder (from the White foundation).

Hong will not be joining them at the Cliffside Villa. He will spend this holiday with Tashi.

Mid-October, Hong approached Tashi and revealed his identity. She didn't accept him as part of her life, but she agreed to listen and to give him a chance. Hong is optimistic.

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