(Chapter 23) Gleeful holidays
The Tuhs family's winter holiday was fulfilling and sweet.
They didn't have much of an extended family, and the ones they did would call during the day anyway, so Mrs. Tuhs was quite happy having a quiet holiday with her daughter instead.
Add on the attendants and staff, and the holidays were great! Along with a bonus of pay, all of the staff had a grand meal that was ordered in by Mr. Tuhs, he said that he wished to thank, and reward their efforts...
Although, he was clear that they only had such a grand holiday due to the Young Miss' improved health. In previous years, that would be given holidays for the time of year. But the house was often cold, since the Young Miss would miss out on some parts due to her health...
"Mum, dad. Thank you." Astrid felt tears come into her eyes looking at the mountains of gifts she was given, including some more that they hadn't finished preparing yet...
"Haha, no need to thank us. You are our greatest gift baby. Anything you get you deserve." Mrs. Tuhs hugged Astrid strongly. Afraid she would leave her if she let go...
Mr. Tuhs just smiled and nodded. Ever since his daughter's health improved, his wife's mood improved drastically. Now he didn't have to deal with his wife dealing with Astrid's illness all day. And his loveable daughter was able to live a normal life...
"M-Madam, I can't accept this." Winoa was in tears, as her hands shook as she held an expensive-looking box.
Mrs. Tuhs shook her head. "Winoa, you and your mum had been so close to me for many years. Take it as our thanks." Mrs. Tuhs saw Winoa as another daughter to her. She had also taken care of her when she was younger, when Andrea couldn't.
Andrea wiped away her threatening tears. She seemed to know how important a gift was in that box. While Winoa only had an understanding that it was expensive...
The jewelry in the box was used for identification. Identification of the closest attendant of the leader of the long-lost Urzhokov family...
Winoa took a deep breath and accepted the gift, she opened the box. Revealing a jade necklace, just the shine on the necklace made Winoa feel this gift was too expensive...
Mr. Tuhs smiled when he saw Winoa put on the necklace around her neck. He saw no greed in the young girl's eyes, just appreciation. 'Good, it seems she is safe.'
Astrid didn't notice her father and mother judging Winoa because of her reaction to their gift. She mainly focused on the snacks abailabe, and one particular gift...
"Dad... What is this?" Astrid asked with confusion, as she saw a piece of paper folded a few times, she took it fully out of the envelope and started to read it.
"Aaah, that's just some documentation of some properties under me and your mum. Take them as a gift." He spoke casually, not caring about the price of these properties that he had given to a 14-year-old girl.
Astrid's face slowly contorted, she wasn't an emotional person. But with the influence of her parents, she often showed her emotions on her face at home...
"Dad... I can't accept these." Astrid spoke softly.
Mr. Tuhs had a smile lingering in his eyes. "Why?" He asked as a smile threatened to form on his face.
He was glad, glad his daughter was still in this world. So he was giving her everything he could. He was more than happy to do so...
Astrid choked when asked that question. Why? All of her former life, she was grateful for being able to eat with her parents. At first she thought she was chosen because they liked her, but she slowly understood. She was their subject, not their daughter...
She was sad, she had gone to school and seen children being picked up by their parents every day. While she was made to walk 5 miles home, and then asked to study until late at night something her mother wished her to learn. Then, her father involved her in the dark side of the world... She was an elite assassin, and her services were required at night...
But now, her parents were so nice to her. She felt sickly from the sweetness she got from them. But... She liked it.
"You are our dearest child. Every day I go to work is for you and your mother. So these gifts from me and her. Are for you in the future when we are old." Mr. Tuhs knew he was hasty, but seeing his daughter's intelligence in business first hand, he would be happy to see her in his seat.
Astrid clutched the piece of paper, on it, were a list of properties, vehicles, and shares that had been transferred over to her. "But... I'm not 16 yet." Astrid bit her lips.
Mrs. Tuhs chuckled. "We know, but these were meant for you anyway... You have grown up so much anyway, we are confident you wouldn't do something wrong in the future." She lightly stroked Astrid's face.
Astrid nodded while biting her lips. Fighting her threatening tears of joy...
"Master, Stephan has arrived." The butler reported, despite his gentlemanly actions. He was wearing a Christmas jumper that seemed to be for kids...
The butler enjoyed the presence of children and had taken the responsibility of raising some of the staff's children when he had the time.
"Let him in." Mr. Tuhs spoke cheerfully, he was sure he had gotten his present earlier...
Stephan came in and immediately thanked Mr. Tuhs endlessly for his gift. Which was a pair of father and son suits for him and his son.
His son was almost 11 years old. He had raised him on his own since he was young due to some issues with the mother. But his boss always gave him time for his son, and had sometimes had him over...
Then his 10-year-old son walked in and also said thanks for the present. He knew that Mr. Tuhs was his dad's boss, so thanking him for a present was expected.
The Tuhs household was gleeful. As a massive meal was held with the staff at the table. Astrid wouldn't stop eating from glee. Also having a few glasses of wine. Before feeling a little sick.
Astrid fell asleep not long after and everyone was incredibly satisfied. They all went about their way for the rest of the day. While Winoa stayed with Astrid as she slept on the sofa.