#Chapter 137: Holiday Party

The holiday season had descended upon the city like a blanket of snow, and with it came a flurry of festive celebrations and gatherings. Rain turned to a harsh sleet, then into plush, dreamy snow. The air was crisp and tinged with the scent of pine, and the city was adorned with twinkling lights and glittering decorations. For Aria and me, however, the joys of the season were overshadowed by the lingering turmoil in our lives. The tumultuous events involving Timothy and Stella had left us reeling. Of course, leave it to Lucas to introduce some fun back into our lives. He extended an invitation to a company holiday party of his that night while he was over for dinner. "We could all use a break from the chaos," he had said with a warm smile. When the night of the company party arrived, and Aria and I found ourselves standing in front of the grand entrance to the venue. The building was bathed in a warm, golden light, and the strains of festive music wafted through the crisp wint