Page 55 of Johan.

Her eyes soften, but the worry remains etched in her features. “We promised Dr. Angela and my aunt we would follow the plan. When are you going to Oman?” she asks, her voice trembling, almost as if she's trying to hold back tears.

“I think it’s the fifteenth or so.” I brush a strand of hair behind her ear tenderly, wanting to soothe her, if only a little.

Her face falls in disappointment. “Oh, well, class only starts on the 21st.”

“Does that mean you’re staying here until then?” I ask, worried that I might not see her before I leave for Oman.

“I was supposed to.” She shakes her head, sniffing back tears, her sadness palpable. “Loving you hurts so much, Johan. Elise was right to judge me on bringing an engaged man here.”

The weight of her words hits me hard, and I scramble for a solution. “What if I ask Conrad to bring you as his plus one? We could spend New Year’s Eve together.”

She pulls away slightly, her face twisting in bitterness. “And watch you playing the perfect fiancé? No, thank you.”

Desperation creeps into my voice. “Can you at least meet me before I leave for Oman? I’m sure Amelia wants to schedule a meeting before I go.”

“I don’t know.” Her voice is barely a whisper. “Maybe I should just get used to not seeing you.”

“What if I come back after New Year’s Eve?” I ask, my heart aching at the thought of losing her. “I can fly back the next day or so.”

Her shoulders sag. “Astrid will figure everything out and ruin us.”

I reach out, cupping her face in my hands, trying to pour all my love and determination into my touch. “Maybe it’s worth giving it a try.”

Just then, a knock on the door interrupts us. Hannah’s voice, tinged with resignation, calls out, “Yes?”

Someone opens the door from the other side, and a housekeeper shows up. “Ms. Hannah, sorry to disturb you, but your parents are downstairs. They have arrived for the luncheon, and your aunts too.”

She sighs, standing up with a visible effort. “Let’s go. It’s going to be a long day.”

As I leave the bedroom, a sense of impending dread settles over me. The holidays, meant to be a time of joy and togetherness, have become a minefield of complications and heartbreak. But I’m determined to navigate it all for Hannah’s sake. For our sake.

As we descend the stairs, the sounds of conversation and clinking glasses grow louder, filling the space with a warm, familial ambiance. The aroma of savory appetizers wafts through the air, mingling with the faint scent of pine from the Christmas decorations. In the living room, the family is gathered around, enjoying appetizers and champagne. Plates of cheese, crackers, and assorted hors d'oeuvres are spread out on the coffee table, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting.

Hannah pauses, her brow furrowing as she surveys the room, noticing the absence of a few key people. “Where are Elise and Andries?” she asks, turning to Julia, who is arranging a platter of shrimp cocktails.

Julia glances up, her smile reassuring as she sits beside her husband. “Elise’s having lunch at Dan’s, and Andries is at his in-laws’.”

Before we can respond, Arthur rushes into the room, his face alight with excitement, brandishing his sword and dragon. “Look, everyone! Look at my dragon!”

His parents’ faces light up with pride and delight, and Julia's eyes soften as she watches the scene unfold. She crouches downto her son’s level, her smile warm and encouraging. “Show us what you’ve got, sweetheart!”

Arthur eagerly demonstrates a little swordfight, the dragon roaring in his imagination. Laughter bubbles up from the family, filling the room with joy.

Hannah stands, turning to the others. “This reminds me of the duel Joris and Johan had.” She pulls out her iPhone, her fingers deftly navigating to the video. “I took a video. Let me show you.”

As the video plays for her parents, I can’t help but watch Hannah. Her eyes sparkle with amusement, and a genuine smile spreads across her face, the tension from earlier seemingly forgotten. Seeing her so happy makes my heart ache with a mixture of love and longing. If I could spend New Year's Eve here or just with her, it would be perfect.

Julia’s voice pulls me back to the present. “Johan, you handled that duel so well.”

Seb nods in agreement, a thoughtful expression on his face. “It's surprising how well you managed, considering you didn't grow up with siblings.”

As we continue to enjoy the appetizers and champagne in the living room, I can’t shake the nagging thoughts about the NYE ball at Astrid’s. The idea of being paraded around as her fiancé feels unbearable. I glance around the room, taking in the warm, familial atmosphere, and a plan begins to take shape in my mind.

I excuse myself, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll be right back, just need to make a quick call.”

I hurry upstairs to the bedroom, my heart pounding with the urgency of my new plan. Once inside the room, I lock the door behind me so as not to be disturbed. Dialing my father’s number, I feel a cold sweat forming on my brow. He answers after a few rings, his voice gruff and impatient.

“Hello, son,” he says, his tone giving away his impatience. “Merry Christmas.”

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