A.N:-

MERRY (belated) CHRISTMAS ORANGESSSSS 🎄🌟🧡

This is your present 😜 (longest chapter yet) so you're welcomeeee and THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN STICKING WITH ME THROUGH THE LONG UPDATE TIMES ILYSM AND I HOPE YOU GUYS HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY ❤️❤️

Random fun fact: I used the oven at my house for the first time today to warm up some frozen lava cakes I got. I...left them inside for too long...so now I have CAKEY BROWNIE COOKIES WITH BURNT EDGES AND BASES YAYAYAYAYYAYYYYY-

Guys trust me it's as lava-y as Mount Everest there's like sooooo much lava 🤩😌

*cries in the corner*

*stops crying*

*stuffs blackish-brown cake cookie in my mouth*

*cries again*



So, before we start, two things I would like to add -

One, I deleted the characters page because I think it would be better if y'all just imagine them in your head :] gives you more...authority (is that the word?) as a reader lol

Though, I guess stuff related to the characters' eyes or hair will be mentioned, you can let your imagination run wild with the rest 😏

Two, THIS BOOK WILL NOT HAVE ANY SMUT.

I have added this in the book description as well for new readers, but for those of you who have already come till here, I'm just putting it out there 🙃

If you're reading this book just for the smut or with any expectations of it, I'm gonna have to disappoint you, and if you don't want to read anymore because of that, feel free to go to other books. I understand if this kinda thing isn't what you're looking for. 🫡

In case you're wondering why, honestly I don't know what to tell you- I just don't wanna do it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Anyway, that's all I wanted to say merry christmas once again I hope you enjoy the chapterrrr ❤️

ALSOALSOALSO I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND LISTENING TO THE PLAYLIST LINK I ADDED AT THE TOP WHILE READING THIS ONE HEHE

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Daliah's POV

"Whoever thought stringing lights around all of the windows was a good idea clearly hasn't untangled them before," Lisa muttered, holding a bundle of knotted fairy lights like it had personally wronged her. "CALEB! GET OVER HERE!"

I secretly chuckled. Lisa and Caleb were tasked with hanging up the lights, and just 5 minutes in, Caleb excused himself to go to the restroom. Well, its been an hour since then.

I sighed. Classic Caleb, bailing the second it gets complicated.

Placing a steaming plate of fresh cookies on the table, I skipped back over to the kitchen, even though my feet ached from hours of running back and forth.

My gaze flickered over to the decorated windows, where multicolored lights cast a soft glow on the tables.

The Cottage Cafe has never looked so cozy. And why wouldn't it? It's Christmas, after all.

The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg lingered in the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of peppermint cocoa. Tinsel lined the edges of the counter, and a miniature Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner, its ornaments glinting under the warm glow of fairy lights.

I moved between scattered decoration on the floor yet to be put up, and the remains of the previous Christmas tree Caleb managed to accidentally break, humming to the holiday carols playing softly in the background.

Despite the robbery casting a shadow just a week ago - which was the reason the cafe had been closed till yesterday - Mr. Gray was determined to have us open on Christmas. He even told us all to come three hours before opening to decorate the whole place. Nobody agreed, of course. That is, until he told us he would pay extra.

That is why all of us are here working our ass off since 7:00 a.m. in the fucking morning.

But, to be honest, its not half bad.

I mixed the large bowl of cookie dough in my hands, swaying slightly.

I was feeling pretty good today for a number of reasons. For one, it was snowing outside. I associated some very special memories with snow so a sense of nostalgia washed over me as I discovered the white wonderland outside my door today morning.

And second, every Christmas, Dimitri goes on a trip with his friends to Vegas. It lasts a minimum of four days, but it can go on as long as he wants. And with Dimitri gone, what reason was there not to be happy- erm- jolly?

I glanced at the wall clock. It was 8:00 a.m.

Just then, the sound of jingling bells sounded and I looked towards the opening entrance to see Dylan.

Fucking finally.

He quite literally waltzed inside with a derpy grin on his face.

Hold on...

Oh shit.

I put the bowl of cookie dough down on the counter and sprinted right up to him at a speed that could put The Flash to shame.

"STOP stopstopstopstop!" I rooted him in place, firmly placing one hand around the back of his neck.

For some reason, he raised his hands in the air like some sort of criminal.

I released his neck and reached out towards one of his coat. A twinkling garland of fairy lights had caught onto one of its buttons. After detangling it, I breathed a sigh of relief. God knows how bad Lisa would scream at him if I didn't stop him from destroying the whole lighting in time.

"No way, when did that happen- thanks Daliah," he muttered before glancing back. "Watch out Enz- oops."

I turned to see Enzo standing in the doorway...and also knocking his head into the modest wreath hung at the entrance. The thing was about to fall down but he let go of one of his crutches to grab it just in time. I couldn't help but smirk as he hung it on the hook again with a ruffled expression.

Caleb had said that nobody was gonna be tall enough to touch that thing anyway...

"Looks like Santa threw up in here," Dylan remarked, ogling the interior of the cafe.

"What have you done to him?" I whispered in Dylan's ear, glancing at the tall figure in the doorway.

Enzo was dressed in a black coat, black trousers, black shirt...

With a Santa cap adorning his head and a bright red bow clipped onto his shirt's collar.

Judging by his face, you could mistake him for a grumpy snowman. A goth one too, with the outfit he had going on.

Dylan giggled in response. "Suits him, right? Personally, I wouldn't mind this Santa coming down my chimney tonight~ We can definitely rock the night away..."

Enzo hobbled in, leaning heavily on his crutches, his sharp features framed by the warm glow of the cafe's lighting.

"Who shoved a candy cane up your ass?" I snickered with Dylan as Enzo passed us, pointedly looking at the accessory on his head.

Ever since last week's what-could-very-well-have-been-a 'near-death' experience, I felt closer and a lot more comfortable with him, and I would like to think the feeling was mutual.

"Ha-ha," he scoffed, brows furrowing even more. "It was this or the fucking reindeer antlers headband. That one even had lights on it." he grimaced, before his expression softened as his gaze swept across the decorations.

Dylan rolled his eyes dramatically as he went to check out the mini fir tree set up in the corner, leaving Enzo to trail behind at his own pace.

I noticed how stiffly Enzo moved, and the thought of how close we'd come to disaster during the robbery just days ago flashed through my mind.

"Daliah," Enzo's voice drew me back. He gave me a soft smile, something oddly warm in his expression. "The place looks beautiful."

Well, good to know he's got some holiday cheer in him now hehe.

"Thanks," I replied, brushing a stray strand of hair out of my face before winking. "Anything for the extra pay."

Enzo chuckled quietly, settling into a chair. "You've outdone yourself, though. It's cozy. Or should I say...cozy-er."

His compliment made something warm swell up in my chest and I thanked him before getting back to work.

▪︎▪︎☆~☆▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎☆~tHrEe hOuRs LaTeR~☆▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎☆~☆▪︎▪︎ (pls read that in the spongebob tone-)

The cafe is open and buzzing with activity. You could almost taste the festiveness in the air, specially with those double chocolate chip cookies in the oven. Mmm...

In celebration of today being special, everyone could get off work early. Which meant that... the next shift will be my last one.

Today, the cafe is so crowded that we had to pull out our outdoor chairs and tables which had been locked away in the store room.

"Staff dinner at 6:30," Dylan announced, hopping onto the counter and swinging his legs like a child. "Don't be late!"

I groaned, shaking my head. "I can't co-"

"Hold it right there savannah- You never come. But I'm not taking 'no' as an answer today." he interrupted, holding up a finger.

"But-"

"Baby, its Christmas," he deadpanned. "Pretty please? You're not gonna leave me all alone there will you?"

His lower lip stuck out.

"Fine. Now leave me alone." I sighed, knowing arguing more would be pointless. Moving away my hands picked up the tray filled with decorated gingerbread cookies.

"Great! That's the spirit!" he exclaimed before pointing out, "Oh, by the way, you've got frosting on your cheek."

"Do I?" I paused mid-step, frowning and swiping a hand at my face.

"Here, let me—" Before I could react, Dylan shifted his tray to one hand, his free one moving swiftly to brush the frosting away.

I flinched at the unexpected contact, but Dylan, ever oblivious, simply grinned as he wiped his thumb clean on a napkin.

"There. All good," he said with a wink, before moving off into the crowd, completely unaware of the pair of eyes boring into the back of his head.

I turned just in time to catch Enzo staring, seated on his corner table nearby, drinking a glass of water. His sharp features were shadowed by something unreadable, gaze flicking from Dylan to me, then settling back on Dylan.

Did he want one of us to bring him something?

"Enzo, you okay?" I asked, walking over to him.

Enzo's head whipped around, his gaze snapping to me so fast it was almost comical. In his surprise, he jolted slightly—and then choked on his water.

A loud, sputtering cough escaped him, followed by a desperate attempt to catch his breath. His crutches, which were leaning against his chair, clattered to the ground because of the sudden movement.

"Whoa, easy there!" I darted forward to steady him, biting back a laugh as he recovered, his cheeks tinted with a faint flush that had nothing to do with the cold.

"I'm fine," he rasped, his voice rough as he cleared his throat.

"Sure you are," I teased, raising an eyebrow as I picked up his crutches. "That was graceful."

"Oh, shut it," he snapped, swiping a hand over his mouth as his composure slowly returned. "Just...went down the wrong way."

"Right, right, of course," I said, shrugging it off. "Well, holler if you need anything."

I sauntered away, thinking of whipping something up for him if I get time to.

What, I told you, I feel really happy today. And if I'm happy I'm nice. If I'm not happy, I'm...

Anyway, that's not the point.

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of steaming mugs, jingling bells, and endless chatter. The crowd was relentless, surging through the doors in waves as though the entire town had decided to make the Cottage Cafe their Christmas hub.

And boy, were the humans out there hungry. Santa's one horse sleigh would be jealous of the way I'm dashing through the s̶n̶o̶w̶ tables.

"Berry Cheesecake to Table Seven!" Lisa shouted from behind the counter.

"Got it!" I called back, sliding past Caleb, who was attempting to balance three plates at once.

"Careful, you're gonna—"

A plate of brownies wobbled precariously on his tray before toppling onto the floor with a dramatic splat.

"—drop it," I finished, before walking away - not my problem anyway.

"Stupid cake wannabes," Caleb muttered behind me, crouching down to clean up the mess.

By the time the clock struck 4:00 p.m., the cafe had started to quiet down, and Mr. Gray gave us the go-ahead to close early, making collective cheer go up from the staff.

I wiped my hands on my apron, glancing around at the now-empty cafe. The decorations still twinkled softly, casting a warm glow over the room. It was the kind of scene that belonged on a Christmas card—cozy, inviting, and just a little magical.

▪︎▪︎☆~☆▪︎▪︎

Leonardo's POV (SURPRISE HEHEHEHE- you remember who he is right T_T)

The chime of the door rang as I pushed it open, stepping into the quiet of the Cottage Cafe.

I was slightly surprised to see the place so empty—no bustling customers, no staff running around. Maybe they're opening in the evening or something.

For now, I decided to make my way over to the cashier's desk, where someone from the staff was busying herself behind the counter. She looked up as I approached, both our eyes widening with recognition.

It was her. The woman indebted to Dante—no, Enzo. Oh right, she works here.

"Ah, Daliah," I greeted, leaning in to place a kiss on each of her cheeks. She moved away a bit in the beginning before realizing what I was doing and returning the action.

A.N:- guys please dont take it the wrong way this is just the way italians greet each other (not always its just a respectful thing you do with close people)

"...Leo, was it?" she asked as we pulled away.

"Good to know you remember me," I grinned.

"You're quite memorable," she laughed. "Allora, anche tu sei italiano?" (So, are you Italian too?)

"Ah, sì, sono italiano." (Yes, I am Italian.)

"Me too," she said casually.

"I know," I replied.

"How?"

Oh shit. Umm...

"It's pretty easy to guess," I said smoothly. "Plus, correct me if I'm wrong, but you were speaking Italian just now, weren't you?"

"Oh, right," she shrugged, hopefully falling for my lie.

"Anyway," I changed the topic. "I thought this place would be packed right now."

"We're closed for the day, actually. Just finishing up," she admitted.

"Oh damn," I feigned disappointment, hoping for a favor. "I guess I got unlucky today, huh?"

"Um.." she hesitated. "I guess I could make an exception for you."

"Aw, really?" I beamed. "I would love that!"

"Of course," she said warmly. "What would you like?"

What should I get? Something that takes a bit of time to prepare but not too much time to consume.

"Can you do latte art, perchance?"

A proud smile graced her lips. "I can, actually."

Perfect.

"Perfect. I would like a Christmas tree on mine, please," I decided. It's a design complex enough to occupy her for some time.

"Sure," she agreed.

"Bene. You're too kind, by the way." (Good.)

"No problem. It's not like the latte is on the house," Daliah joked before walking away while muttering something about why she keeps meeting random Italians.

Turning around, I scanned the room until my eyes landed on a dark figure settled at one of the tables. As if sensing my gaze, Dante looked up knowingly and met my eyes. I smirked in acknowledgement as he raised an eyebrow.

Then, I walked away, taking a seat at a table far from him, and pulled out one of my temporary phones. My fingers began typing under the table before sending the message.

From across the room I saw Dante pick up his phone without giving me a single glance.

---------------------------------------------

A.N:- "Unknown" here is Enzo/Dante.

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YOU: Sup fra (bro)

Unknown: why are you here?

YOU: Man ik youre the grinch and all but at least wish me :(

Unknown: merry christmas leonardo

YOU: aww, you too :D

YOU: Brazier dandelion <3

Unknown: ...

Unknown: what?

YOU: shit autocorrect

YOU: *grazie dannydan (thank you)

YOU: <3

Unknown: why are you here?

YOU: the cheese has been eaten

That was code for "there is a rat/mole/traitor/you get what I mean".

Unknown: who?

YOU: Guerino

Guerino is a close cousin of Ludovico - Dante's father. He was the last person I'd have suspected to betray us.

It took a minute before Dante's reply popped up.

Unknown: Are you sure?

YOU: 90%

YOU: just wanted to tell you to be on guard for now till its confirmed

Unknown: where did the cheese go

The "cheese" refers to the information leaked by the traitor. So, Dante was asking me who the supposed mole is working for.

I hesitated, feeling a little nervous for his reaction, knowing what happened. But it was only right to tell him.

YOU: Aroldo's family

This time it took more than a minute for Dante to respond. I glanced up at him. He looked as calm as ever, expertly hiding the turmoil he was undoubtedly going through.

The phone in my hand buzzed and I instantly moved to look at what he had to say, but just as I started reading, something clinked down on my table. Startled, I looked up to find that Daliah has arrived with the latte I ordered.

Ugh, that was quick.

Trying to switch the phone off as discreetly and quickly as possible, I greeted her with the brightest smile I could muster.

"I tried my best," she laughed. "Enjoy!"

"Thank you so much. It looks wonderful," I said, glancing down at the neat white pattern of a fir tree on my latte.

She left after the short interaction and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Unknown: but he has always been on our side. What reason could there be?

YOU: thats what i want to know as well..

YOU: i'll contact you again when i have more information

Unknown: okay, i trust you

Unknown: keep an eye on him

YOU: i will

YOU: you should be careful too

A weary sigh escaped my lips. I felt bad for him. Someone directly under our family name being unfaithful was unexpected, but that's life in this world, I guess.

I just hope that - if Guerino turns out to be guilty - Dante can handle matters without letting his emotions interfere. The last time he acted with his heart instead of his head...things hadn't gone well.

YOU: just remember that family ties are powerful

YOU: but they can also be a noose around your neck

I silently switched off my phone after noticing that Dante had done the same after reading my last message.

After leaving the payment under the plate, I pushed back my chair and stood up to leave, throwing a quick smile towards Daliah. "Thanks for the favor. It tasted delicious. Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!" she grinned cheerfully, giving me a small wave as I exited the cafe to the sound of jingling bells.

Once I turned the corner into an isolated alley, I hurled the phone I'd used to message Dante against the nearest wall. It clattered to the ground, the display and body completely shattered. Bending down, I confirmed that it was beyond repair before leaving it there and walking away.

▪︎▪︎☆~☆▪︎▪︎

Daliah's POV

The evening air inside the Cottage Cafe buzzed with laughter and clinking plates as the staff dinner commenced. The cafe's twinkling lights and holiday decor felt brighter than ever, casting a warm glow over the gathered crowd. The sound of Christmas songs and conversations provided an upbeat backdrop to the gathering.

A few other guests had joined the dinner—regulars from the cafe who Mr. Gray had invited to "spread the cheer." Though...they seemed a bit too cheery from indulging in..um..adult hot chocolate. Still, their enthusiasm was infectious.

I was perched on top of one of the tables, peacefully sipping a peppermint mocha as Dylan launched into yet another exaggerated story about his "heroics" at the cafe today - this one involving a very dramatic customer and a tragically spilt eggnog latte.

"Oh, come on, Dylan," I teased. "I bet you loved the attention. That customer looked like a rich old man. That's, like, your dream husband, right?"

"HEY!" Dylan exclaimed, looking insulted. "Crusty grandpas are not my taste, I'm not THAT desperate. And anyway, I just did what anyone would do-"

"Sure you did," I cut in comfortingly. "Though, I think the real hero of the story is that apron you wear. It's doing all the heavy lifting."

Caleb nearly choked on his cider, and Lisa bit back a laugh. Dylan, for his part, looked utterly flustered.

"Anyway," he muttered, clearing his throat and retreating to the far end of the counter to stack plates. I chuckled lowly, watching him go.

Meanwhile, at his corner table, Enzo sat quietly, his expression as unreadable as ever. But I noticed the way his fingers tapped lightly against the edge of the table.

"Dylan," Enzo called out quietly, catching his attention.

"Yeah?"

"Can I borrow your car?"

Dylan's brows furrowed. "What for?"

"To leave," Enzo said bluntly.

Dylan raised an eyebrow. "Uh, no offense, but how exactly are you planning to drive with that leg?"

Enzo looked like he was gonna say something stupid like I'll manage but Dylan shook his head. "You're stuck here, dude. Sorry."

Enzo opened his mouth to argue but before he could, Lisa interjected.

"Oh no, no, no," she drawled, sidling up to him. "Why would you leaveeee? Aren't you enjoying the vibes? Loosen up."

Enzo's eyes narrowed, but Lisa wasn't done. "Besides," she added, leaning just a little closer, "it's not every day we get a guest as easy on the eyes as you at one of these things. Might as well make it worth everyone's while."

I felt a flicker of irritation at her words. Enzo wasn't here to entertain anyone.

The faintest crease appeared in his brow, but he stayed silent, as if Lisa wasn't important enough to waste his energy on.

She turned to the group. "Right, guys? No problem with Enzo hanging around, especially since we've got a few non-staff here too."

Everyone nodded or shrugged, clearly indifferent.

I noticed the subtle tightness in Enzo's expression and tried to offer a reassuring smile. "Yeah, stay. I mean, it's just dinner. No big deal."

"Fine," he muttered with a stoic expression that screamed "I'd rather be anywhere else."

▪︎▪︎☆~☆▪︎▪︎

The dinner eventually wound down, leaving a cozy hush over the cafe as the last plates were cleared away. I slipped on my coat and scarf, ready to head home.

"Leaving so soon?" Enzo's voice cut through the quiet.

I turned to find him standing a few feet away, his crutches tucked securely under his arms. He looked...hesitant, which was strange for someone who usually exuded so much confidence.

"Yeah," I replied, brushing a stray strand of hair out of my face. "You?"

"Not yet," he said, shifting his weight slightly. Then, as though gathering his courage, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped package. "Merry Christmas, Daliah."

My eyes widened. "What's this?"

"A gift," he said simply, holding it out to me.

I blinked, my brain short-circuiting for a moment. "For me?"

"No, for the tree," he deadpanned.

"Wow, sarcasm. Merry Christmas to you too." I took the package from his hands, feeling the slight weight of it. The wrapping paper was sleek, black with a faint gold sheen, tied together with a crimson ribbon. It was so...Enzo.

"You didn't have to—"

"Just open it."

After a long time, I felt speechless. I didn't even remember the last time I had received a present like this. His unexpected gesture made something in my stomach do...something.

"Should I open it now?" I asked, holding it up.

"That's usually how gifts work," he deadpanned, though there was a trace of amusement in his eyes.

I untied the ribbon carefully, peeling back the paper with widened eyes to reveal a small velvet box. My heart skipped a beat.

"You didn't..." I trailed off, opening the box to find a delicate silver bracelet nestled inside. The chain was simple but elegant, with a silver coffee bean at the center.

"It's beautiful," I murmured, my fingers brushing over the charm.

"I thought it suited you."

I didn't know what to say. Nobody had ever given me something so thoughtful before.

"Thank you," I said finally, my voice quieter than I intended. "I...I love it."

"Good," he said, his lips lifting up in a small smile.

Before I could overthink it, I slipped the bracelet onto my wrist, letting the cool metal settle against my skin.

"You're making the rest of us look bad," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"That's not hard to do," he quipped, the teasing edge returning to his tone.

The moment lingered, heavy with unspoken words. Then he turned away, his guarded demeanor slipping back into place.

I watched him for a moment longer, warmth blooming in my chest, before panic gripped me.

I didn't get him anything!

▪︎▪︎☆~☆▪︎▪︎

Fast forward an hour, and I was pacing back and forth at home, staring at the small gift bag on my coffee table.

It wasn't much - a cute ceramic mug with "All I want for Christmas is... coffee." scrawled on it in glittery script, paired with a tub of Belgian chocolate ice cream. I'd remembered Enzo mentioning that chocolate was his favorite flavor of ice cream, it was one of the things we had in common.

Still, doubt gnawed at me. "Is this too casual? Too thoughtful?" I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "God, this is stupid."

Before I could second-guess myself further, I grabbed the bag and headed out, braving the chilly night. By the time I reached Dylan's doorstep, my nose was red and my fingers frozen.

Taking a deep breath, I rang the bell, clutching the bag tightly.

I hope he likes it.

_________________________________________