HIS GIRLFRIEND.

MAYA.

Today had been absolute perfection. The food, the company, and the gifts had all exceeded my expectations. I was still reeling from the stunning necklace Andrew had given me as a Christmas gift.

"Do you love it that much?" Hossein asked, chuckling lightly, as he approached me on the balcony. I was twirling the necklace around my finger, lost in thought.

I smiled, turning to face him. "Hey, you're still up?" I asked, surprised. We stood side by side, gazing out into the night sky.

"I didn't drink much," Hossein replied, folding his arms across his chest. I nodded, understanding why he was still awake at almost midnight. The others had called it a night a while ago, succumbing to the effects of too much holiday cheer. It was Christmas, after all – a time for indulgence and celebration.

Hossein nudged me gently, asking, "Why are you still awake?" He added, with a hint of amusement, "It's almost midnight."