The party had reached its peak. The five Christmas trees, each representing a family, stood tall and proud, their branches laden with ornaments and twinkling lights. The room was bathed in a warm, golden glow, the scent of pine and cinnamon mingling with the faint sound of carols playing in the background. Beneath each tree, a pile of gifts waited patiently, their colorful wrappings shimmering under the lights.

  Ami stood beside the Shahi tree, her hands loosely clasped, anticipation etched across her face. She had been waiting for this moment all evening. With a radiant smile, she turned to her god-grandchildren, Julian and Jaden, who were bouncing on their toes, brimming with excitement.

  “Julian, Jaden,” she called, her tone full of affection, “your god-grandpa and I have a gift for you.”

  The boys lit up, their energy bubbling over as they chorused, “Thank you, Grandma Ami, Grandpa Sadra!”

  Ami held out two colorful envelopes. “We’ve set up a trust fund for your future. It’ll take care of your college education.”

  The boys froze. Julian tilted his head, his little fingers fidgeting with the hem of his sweater, while Jaden tugged at his brother’s sleeve. “But... what about toys?” Jaden asked, disappointed.

  Laughter erupted through the crowd, rich and genuine. Esme covered her mouth, shoulders shaking, while James let out a disbelieving snort. He met Ami’s gaze, gratitude shining through. “Ami, Sadra, you’ve already done so much for us, and now this? It’s... too much.”

  Ami chuckled, eyes crinkling at the corners. “You might think so, but clearly, they’d rather receive toys,” she teased.

  Another wave of laughter swept the room. As it faded, she turned to her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. “Lara, dear,” she said tenderly, “I have something for you.”

  Lara blinked, curiosity flickering as Ami placed something beautifully wrapped in her hands. The room fell silent, all attention drawn to them. Lara untied the ribbon, the smooth silk sliding through her fingers. Then, she peeled back the wrapper to reveal a velvet case. When she lifted the lid, her breath caught in her throat.

  Nestled within lay a Joséphine Aigrette Impériale tiara, crafted in white gold and paved with brilliant-cut diamonds. It sparkled as if it held the light of a thousand stars, its intricate design a testament to bygone artistry. Lara couldn’t believe her eyes, instinctively glancing at Kasra, who smiled at her with quiet devotion.

  “Aunt Ami, this—” Lara whispered.

  Ami reached out and gently squeezed her hand, her touch reassuring. “I have always intended to give each of my daughters-in-law a tiara,” she mused. “Consider this a symbol of your place in our family. You’ll wear it on your wedding day, won’t you?”

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  Sadra, handing her an envelope, added, “Lara, I’ve ordered for you the same jewelry armoire safe I got for Kate.”

  Tears welled as she embraced them both, murmuring her thanks. Aiden and Louisa’s expressions softened as they watched the scene unfold. They’d always been wary of their simple background, but in that moment, they felt a quiet acceptance that she was now part of the Shahi family.

  Nearby, Seven stood with arms folded, his attention fixed on the Fortier tree. The presents he’d prepared were unwrapped but neatly labeled. He crouched and picked up the first one.

  “This is for you, Grandpa Aaris,” he said as he handed it to the elder.

  Aaris arched a brow, his weathered palms cradling the item as if it were something fragile. He opened it slowly, revealing a bottle containing deep amber liquid and another filled with white capsules, their labels marked with instructions. Aaris studied the contents, his fingers tracing the edges, before a slow chuckle rumbled from him.

  “This is something money can’t buy,” he mused, giving Seven a long, appraising look.

  Huma, seated beside him, nudged his arm. “Appreciate your grandson-in-law now?”

  Aaris inclined his head, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Yes,” he murmured, respect threading his tone.

  A faint smile touched Seven’s lips as he moved on to Huma, Alain, and Amélie, distributing each item with the same quiet reverence. Alain, pragmatic as ever, examined the contents with intrigue, fingers brushing the label before nodding in approval. “This is priceless. Landry, you’ve ensured we’ll be here for years yet.”

  Amélie drew Seven into a tight embrace. “For so long, we wished we could care for you. And now, you’re the one caring for us.”

  Seven swallowed hard, the weight of her words pressing against his chest. His arms tightened around her for a brief moment before pulling away. “Family takes care of one another,” he said, low and resolute. “Always.”

  Steeling himself, he returned to the Fortier tree and distributed the remaining presents. Each recipient reacted with surprise and gratitude until he reached Sana’s. In addition to her supplements and custom creams, he handed a custom box filled with gem-shaped chocolates from Christopher Elbow’s Diamond Collection.

  “Open it,” he said, eyes flicking to hers. “There’s something hidden inside. Something I hope you’ll like.”

  Sana’s eyes widened as she gently lifted the lid and peeked inside. Nestled among the chocolates were a pair of diamond earrings, sparkling like dazzling stars.

  “You’re not only the most precious gem in the Shahi family, you’re also my most precious gem,” he murmured, a faint blush rising across his cheeks. His voice was low, unsteady, entirely earnest.

  She gasped, color rushing to Sana’s cheeks, her chest swelling with emotion. She set the gifts aside, then darted to the Shahi tree and returned with something she had prepared for him. Offering it to him, she mouthed, voice hushed, “This is from me to you.”

  Seven unwrapped it to reveal an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore chronograph. Its sleek design featured an interchangeable strap system and a sapphire caseback exposing the intricate mechanics within. Attached was a small card, its edges embossed with a delicate pattern. He unfolded it and read her elegant script:

  Here’s to every moment we share. May it be as timeless as this gift.

  His breath caught. Fingers tightening around the card, he looked at her, tenderness softening his gaze. The room fell away. He set the watch aside, cupped her face, and kissed her—gratitude, affection, and something unspoken flowing through that single, spellbinding instant.