A Christmas in Avalon

Chapter One Ring… Ring… Ring! The alarm blared for the third time that morning, but Ava still lay buried under her blanket. She groaned, rolling over and slapping the snooze button once again. The warmth of her bed was too tempting to leave, but reality hit her like a thunderclap she was already an hour late for work! “Holy crap!” she yelped, eyes darting to the clock. Throwing off the covers, she stumbled out of bed, moving sluggishly like a log of wood. Her entire body ached from exhaustion, and she wished she could call in sick. But she couldn’t afford to lose her job not when she had bills to pay. Ava was a stunning young woman in her early twenties, with golden blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, striking blue eyes, and full, plum lips that gave her an effortlessly alluring charm. Her straight, slender legs added to her elegance, and though she lived alone in a small apartment, she remained close to her mother and younger sister, who resided in the same city. After rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she dashed into the bathroom, freshened up within minutes, and hurriedly dressed. Thankfully, she had laid out her outfit the night before. Pulling her long hair into a sleek ponytail, she grabbed her bag and rushed out the door. Mrs. Pat’s wrath was something she could never escape. As she booked a cab and made her way to the restaurant, her heart pounded with anxiety. The moment she arrived and stepped out, she spotted a familiar figure at the back entrance. Madam Pat. Before Ava could even plead for mercy, a loud smack! echoed through the air. “You lazy miscreant!” Mrs. Pat fumed, her hands planted firmly on her hips. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for you? Two whole hours! Where have you been?!” “I’m so sorry, ma’am,” Ava winced, rubbing her stinging cheek. “I was exhausted from yesterday’s shift. We closed really late, and—” “Enough of your excuses!” Mrs. Pat cut her off. “Now get inside and get to work before I lose my temper even more!” Ava swallowed her frustration, wiped the forming tears from her eyes, and slipped on her apron. She had been working at the restaurant for seven grueling months, enduring everything from insults to outright abuse. But she had no choice; the pay wasn’t great, but it was better than nothing, she has a dream of having her own bakery so she has been saving heavily for it, loosing her job would be really bad for her As the evening drew closer, she and her colleague Lola began cleaning up, preparing for closing time. “Lola, can you turn off the gas?” Ava called out from the back. It was just the two of them left in the restaurant. Mrs. Pat had gone out with some workers to handle catering orders, as the festive season was her busiest time. Mrs. Pat wasn’t just a chef; she was a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world. Her restaurant was one of the most renowned in the city, and she was highly sought after by wealthy clients for home service and large events. After locking up, Ava bid Lola goodnight and started her usual routine trekking home to save money. It had become a habit: take a cab to work in the morning and walk back at night. By the time she reached her apartment complex, she was relieved. Having just paid her rent the previous day, she walked in with a sense of satisfaction. But as she approached her door, a sudden wave of unease washed over her. Her door was slightly open. Had she forgotten to lock it in the morning? Heart pounding, she removed one of her shoes and held it like a weapon as she slowly stepped inside. The living room was empty. But then a noise. From the kitchen. She crept closer and—boom! “Nick?!” she gasped, seeing her boyfriend standing over her stove. He turned with a grin, licking his fingers. “Hey, babe. Nice pottage.” Ava gawked at him in disbelief. “How the hell did you get in here? And what are you doing with my pot? Nick gave her a lopsided smirk. “Relax, baby. I came to check up on you.” She folded her arms. “Check up on me? You ghosted me for a whole month, Nick! And now you show up acting like nothing happened?” Nick sighed, setting the pot down. “Come on, babe. I missed you, okay? That’s why I’m here.” Ava narrowed her eyes. “How did you even get in?” Nick grinned mischievously and dangled a spare key in front of her face. “I still have this.” Her jaw clenched. “Nick, we need to talk.” His playful expression faded. “Babe, let’s not ruin the moment.” Ava took a deep breath, crossing her arms. She had a bad feeling about this. Meanwhile… Across the city, in a grand mansion, a couple sat in their lavish living room. “Honey,” Mrs. Alexandra spoke, turning to her husband. “Don’t you think it’s time we called the children home? It seems they’ve forgotten about our Christmas tradition.” Mr. Alexandra, the powerful CEO of Nova Spark, leaned back in his chair. He was one of Avalon’s most influential business tycoons, with enterprises spread across the country and beyond. He chuckled. “Calm down, dear. I’m sure they haven’t forgotten. They’ll be home soon enough.” Little did they know, this holiday season would be far from ordinary Chapter Two “Nick,wake up…” Nick groaned, rolling over and pulling her closer. Ava huffed, pushing against his bare chest. “Nick, get up and take a shower! You stink.” He groaned childishly. “But I showered this morning, and I still smell fine.” “No, you don’t.” Ava wrinkled her nose. “Now, move.” With great effort, she shoved him off the bed, making him stumble towards the bathroom. “Ugh, you’re so mean,” he whined, dragging himself inside while she chuckled. Shaking her head, she headed to the kitchen to make dinner. As she was stirring the pot, her phone rang. The screen flashed Mom. “Hello, Mom.” “How are you, my daughter? How was work?” her mother’s warm voice filled her ears. “Tiring, but fine.” Before her mom could reply, an excited voice shrieked in the background. “Ava! Ava! I need a new pair of shoes for school!” Audrey, her younger sister, yelled over the phone, clearly struggling to take the phone from their mother. Ava chuckled. “Okay, Audrey. I’ll send the money to Mom, alright?” “Yay! Thank you, sis! Love you,muah!” Her mom sighed. “Ava, don’t worry about it. I can get her the shoes next week.” “It’s fine, Mom. It’s just a pair of shoes,” Ava reassured. Before she could finish her sentence, another voice interrupted. “Baby, what’s for dinner?” Ava froze. Her mother’s voice turned sharp. “Ava, don’t tell me that was that useless boyfriend of yours!” “Uh… Mom, I’ll call you later.” She quickly hung up before her mother could continue. Nick walked into the kitchen, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Spaghetti Bolognese, just the way you like it,” she answered. After dinner, they curled up on the couch. The evening felt peaceful until Nick broke the silence. “Babe…” “Hm?” “I need a favor.” Ava sat up, instantly wary. “What kind of favor?” Nick scratched the back of his head. “I need a loan. There’s this business I want to start, and I’m short on funds.” Ava stared at him, realization dawning. So this was why he came back. “Nick,” she said slowly, “was this why you returned after ghosting me for a month? You needed money?” “No! Ava, it’s not like that—” “I’ve given you money before, and it was always a waste. I’m done. I’m not your personal bank.” Nick’s face hardened. “Are you serious?” “Yes, Nick. I’m done.” A heated argument erupted between them, voices rising in frustration. In the end, Nick stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him. Ava exhaled shakily, feeling a mix of anger and relief. She had loved Nick, but she finally saw the truth. It was time to move on. Far Away in the City of Emerald The grand penthouse was dimly lit, scented with the soft aroma of expensive cologne and fresh linen. A man emerged from the bathroom, steam rising behind him as he stepped into the room. He was tall, effortlessly graceful, with an air of quiet power. His broad shoulders, sculpted abs, and defined jawline made him a breathtaking sight. A white towel hung loosely around his waist, droplets of water trickling down his toned chest. Tyler Alexandra. The man who carried the weight of the Alexandra name yet sought to make his own mark in the world. Unlike his siblings, Tyler didn’t depend on his family’s wealth he was a self-made CEO with his own thriving empire. His black, silky hair was still damp as he ran a hand through it, sighing as his phone rang for the fifth time that day. He glanced at the caller ID. Mom. Another reminder about the family get-together. Tyler exhaled deeply. He loved his parents, but going back to Avalon meant facing the people he had spent the last two years avoiding. “Leo,” he called out. His personal assistant, a sharp-dressed man in his early thirties, stepped into the room. “Yes, sir?” “What’s on the schedule today?” Tyler asked, slipping into a crisp white shirt. “You have a meeting with J&C Corps at noon and another with D Empire at 3:30 p.m.,” Leo replied. Tyler nodded. “That’s all?” “Yes, sir.” “Good.” As Leo turned to leave, Tyler’s voice stopped him. “Prepare for travel. We’re heading to Avalon next week.” Leo blinked in surprise but quickly recovered. “Noted, sir.” With that, Tyler sighed, buttoning up his shirt. Avalon. A place filled with memories both good and painful. And soon, he would be back. Back in Avalon Mrs. Felicia Alexandra, the matriarch of the Alexandra family, stood in the grand kitchen, instructing the head chef. “The house will be full this season. We need more hands in the kitchen,” she said, stirring her tea. Chef T, the head cook, nodded. “I agree. We’ll need extra chefs to help manage the workload.” Meanwhile, across town, Ava woke up early, determined to be on time for work. Despite her heartache over Nick, she forced herself to move forward. She arrived at the restaurant before Mrs. Pat, surprising her coworkers. Nina’s jaw dropped. “Ava… you’re early?” “Yes, I am,” Ava replied, laughing. Lola joined in. “Did you sleep in the shop?” The girls burst into giggles, lightening the mood before the rush of customers. Later that day, Madam Pat received an unexpected call from her friend. “Madam Pat, guess what?” the woman’s excited voice chirped. “What?” “The Alexandras are looking for elite chefs for their holiday gathering! The pay is huge.” Madam Pat’s eyebrows lifted in interest. The opportunity sounded tempting, but she couldn’t abandon her restaurant for that long. “I’ll think about it,” she said. The next day,she got an invite from the Alexandras, she was amongst the chefs that would come for screening. after careful consideration, she made her decision. Gathering her staff, she made an announcement. “We’ve been invited to the Alexandras’ estate. I’m taking a few of you with me. The rest will manage the restaurant in my absence.” Ava, Nina, and Lola were among those selected to go. Excitement buzzed in the air. Emerald City—Tyler’s Office Tyler arrived at his company in his sleek black car, stepping out with effortless grace. As always, women couldn’t take their eyes off him. Employees and business partners alike admired the tall, handsome CEO with striking dark eyes and a soft, magnetic presence that made people feel drawn to him. But Tyler remained focused, never indulging in meaningless flings. He had learned his lesson the hard way. After his last relationship ended thanks to his sisters’ interference he had sworn off love. Chapter Three Ava returned from the market, exhausted but relieved to have completed her errands. She made her way to Madam Pat’s office, placing the bags down before giving a detailed account of what she had bought. Madam Pat gave her a sharp nod. “Good. Now get back to work.” Ava hurried out of the office, grateful that she had managed to avoid another scolding. By closing time, she was more than ready to go home. But as she approached her apartment, she noticed something strange her door was open. Again. Her heart skipped a beat. Had Nick come back? Steeling herself, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. “Surprise!” Ava nearly jumped out of her skin before she recognized the familiar voice. “Crystal?!” Her best friend stood in the middle of the living room, arms outstretched with a wide grin on her face. Ava’s shock turned into delight. “Oh my God! What are you doing here?” The two women threw themselves into a tight hug, laughing. “Okay, okay, I can’t breathe!” Crystal gasped dramatically, making Ava laugh harder. “I can’t believe you’re back so soon,” Ava said, still beaming. “I thought you’d be staying longer in your hometown.” Crystal’s face twisted into an expression of mock annoyance. “Girl, my mom tricked me into going home just so she could lecture me about marriage! Can you believe that? They practically bored me with wedding talk!” Ava burst into laughter. “Well… maybe it’s time you got married?” Crystal shot her a deadly glare before grabbing the nearest pillow and hurling it at Ava’s head. The two collapsed into giggles, catching up on everything they had missed. Later that night, Ava shared the exciting news. “Guess what?” she said, grinning. “What?” “Madam Pat got an invite from the Alexandras, they needs chef's who are going to deliver during their Christmas party, so if madam Pat passes the screening we would be going there” She told her Crystal gasped. “WHAT?! You’re going to the Novas Estate?” “Well… I’ll be working as a chef, so it’s not like I’m going as a guest,” Ava clarified. Crystal waved off her words. “Same difference! That means the Alexandras are coming home! Including him.” Ava raised an eyebrow. “Him?” Crystal dramatically grabbed Ava’s hands. “Tyler Alexandra, of course! The most handsome, dreamy billionaire to ever exist. I heard he smells like vanilla and his voice could melt steel.” Ava rolled her eyes but laughed. “Crystal, you need help.” Crystal grinned mischievously. “If you see him, you better take a picture for me!” Ava shook her head, amused. “Come on, let’s go to bed.” The Next Day – The Alexandras’ Screening for Chefs Madam Pat and the other invited chefs arrived at the Alexandras’ estate for their screening. The Nova Estate was massive, an architectural masterpiece that screamed wealth and power. The process was competitive, with only a select few making it through. Luckily, Madam Pat was one of them When she returned to the restaurant, she was beaming. Gathering her workers, she divided them into two groups. One team would stay and manage the restaurant, while the other including Ava, Nina, and Lola would accompany her to the Alexandras’ mansion. Ava went home that night feeling both excited and nervous. Crystal was practically bouncing with excitement when she heard the news “Ava, you HAVE to call me when you get there. Even if it’s just once!” Ava laughed. “Alright, alright, I promise.” Crystal dramatically wiped fake tears. “My bestie is going to the land of the rich and famous!” They spent the night packing, chatting, and giggling like teenagers. The next morning, Ava and the other chefs arrived at the Nova Estate, staring in awe at the sheer grandeur before them. The mansion was even more breathtaking up close tall glass walls, golden chandeliers peeking through the windows, and security guards in crisp black suits stationed at every entrance. For a moment, Ava felt like she had stepped into a whole different world. Inside, the estate was already buzzing with preparations for the Alexandra family’s grand holiday event. The kitchen staff were divided into teams, each assigned a specific type of cuisine. Ava, Nina, and Lola were placed under Chef T’s supervision, preparing both continental and traditional dishes. “You’ll all be expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism,” Chef T instructed firmly. “The Alexandras and their guests expect nothing less than perfection.” Meanwhile, in Emerald City Tyler stood in his penthouse, finishing the last of his packing. His personal assistant, Leo, was sorting through final details. “Sir, we’ll be leaving at 9 AM sharp. I’ve arranged for security to be on standby.” Tyler nodded, barely paying attention as he responded to emails. Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen. Derek. With a sigh, he answered. “Derek.” “BROTHER!” Derek’s loud, carefree voice boomed through the phone. Tyler sighed. “What do you want?” “Why so cold, bro? I just wanted to check in on you.” “Derek.” “Fine, fine, I just wanted to know if you’re really coming home for the holidays.” “I’ll be there tomorrow,” Tyler replied. “Great! Jasmine and Adriana are already on their way. You know how they get when they don’t get what they want,” Derek chuckled. Tyler clenched his jaw. He knew all too well. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He hung up. Taking a deep breath, he stared out of his penthouse window, overlooking the city lights. Avalon. A place filled with love, betrayal, and ghosts of the past. And now, he was returning. The Next Day – Arrival at the Alexandras’ Estate The Nova Estate was buzzing with activity. Servants rushed around, finalizing preparations for the Alexandra children’s homecoming. Mrs. Felicia Alexandra, the elegant matriarch, gave instructions to the staff. At noon, the arrivals began. First, Jasmine and Adriana. Both women were gorgeous and ruthlessly sophisticated. Dressed in designer outfits, they entered the mansion with their foreign friends, immediately taking over the space with their loud laughter and expensive perfumes. “Mom, you look stunning, as always,” Adriana cooed. “Yes, Dad must be taking extra good care of you,” Jasmine added with a teasing wink. Mrs. Felicia hugged her daughters warmly. Next, Derek. The reckless, handsome, wild-child of the family strutted into the estate like he owned it. Women especially the staff openly swooned. Adriana squealed when she saw him. “Derek! Look at you, looking all… well, the same!” Derek smirked. “Miss me?” Then, finally… Tyler arrived. The moment he stepped out of his sleek black car, the air shifted. He moved with effortless grace, dressed in a tailored black suit that hugged his athletic build perfectly. His dark eyes held a quiet depth, his lips curved into a soft, charming smile. His presence alone commanded attention. Lisa, Adriana’s friend, visibly gasped. “Oh my God,” she whispered. “He’s even more perfect in person.” Tyler removed his sunglasses, his gaze scanning the estate. His mother’s face lit up with joy. Of all her children, she loved Tyler the most. “Tyler, my dear!” she gushed, embracing him warmly. Tyler chuckled, kissing her forehead. “It’s good to see you, Mom.” His father, Mr. Alexandra, stepped forward, shaking his son’s hand firmly. “Welcome home, son.” Tyler nodded. “It’s good to be back.” Meanwhile, in the staff quarters, Ava and her coworkers were being briefed. Mona rushed in, breathless. “You won’t believe who just arrived!” she gushed. Ava looked up. “Who?” “The Alexandra heir Tyler. And let me tell you, he’s even more gorgeous in real life.” “What” Nina gasped Ava simply shook her head. Crystal would die if she heard this. Ava and the other chefs had barely finished setting up when linda, one of the staffs, rushed in, her face lit up with excitement. “Everyone, we need to be in the main hall! The Alexandras are about to introduce themselves.” Nina's eyes widened. “Wait, wait. You mean Tyler Alexandra is going to be there?” Mona nodded eagerly. “Of course! He has arrived .” “Did you see him?” Lola asked Mona sighed dreamily. “Ladies, he is even more gorgeous in person. Tall, elegant, soft-spoken… and those eyes my God.” Ava rolled her eyes as the girls practically swooned. Crystal would lose her mind if she were here. Reluctantly, Ava followed the rest of the staff to the main chamber, standing among the other workers as the Alexandras made their grand entrance. The moment Tyler stepped in, the room fell into a hushed silence. His presence was magnetic. Dressed in a tailored black suit, his posture exuded both grace and quiet authority. His dark eyes were warm yet unreadable, and when he spoke, his voice was smooth and refined, carrying an effortless charm. Nina nudged Ava sharply. “Oh my God, look at him,” she whispered. Ava stole a glance at him and immediately regretted it. He was breathtaking. There was something about the way he carried himself so calmly, so controlled, yet undeniably powerful. As the introductions continued, Ava couldn’t help but notice how different Tyler was from his siblings. Derek, for instance, was all about flashy confidence and playful arrogance. Jasmine was sweet and well-mannered, but Adriana? Adriana was exactly what Ava had expected cold, sharp, and dripping with entitlement. When Mrs. Felicia introduced Tyler as the most successful and independent of her children, Adriana barely hid her irritation. Tyler, on the other hand, barely reacted. He simply nodded, offering a small, polite smile before shifting his focus back to his phone. Ava found herself watching him, fascinated by how reserved yet intriguing he was. Later That Evening – Disaster in the Dining Room After the introductions, Ava and the kitchen staff hurried to prepare dinner. Ava was assigned to serve the main table, her hands slightly trembling as she carefully uncovered the dishes. The atmosphere was lavish, with golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the dining hall. The Alexandras and their elite guests sat at the grand table, engaged in quiet conversation. Ava focused on not making a fool of herself. Everything was going fine until it wasn’t. While pouring a glass of water, her fingers slipped The crystal-clear water tumbled down in slow motion, splashing across Tyler Alexandra’s lap. Ava’s breath caught. No. No. No. The entire dining hall went silent. Tyler tensed as the cold seeped into his expensive suit, his fingers pausing on his silverware. Ava’s heart pounded against her ribs. Oh God, I just ruined a billionaire’s suit. Her hands shook as she grabbed a napkin, but before shecould react— Adriana’s sharp voice sliced through the tension. “You clumsy little—” Tyler lifted a hand, silencing her without a word. He took the napkin from Ava’s trembling fingers, dabbing at his pants with an almost amused expression. Then, to her utter shock, he chuckled softly. “It’s just water,” he said, his deep voice impossibly calm. “No harm done.” Ava barely heard him. Blood rushed to her ears, her cheeks burning with shame. Adriana huffed. “I swear, the quality of workers these days is pathetic ” Tyler’s eyes flicked to his sister, his easygoing smile turning cool. “There’s no need for insults, Adriana.” Adriana stiffened, clearly unused to being corrected. Ava bit her lip. She knew she had just witnessed something rare Tyler Alexandra defending a mere staff member. And she wasn’t sure what to make Adriana pursed her lips but said nothing. Ava’s breath shook as she turned to leave. As soon as she entered the staff quarters, she was met with Mrs. Pat’s furious glare. “What is wrong with you?!” the woman snapped, grabbing her by the ear. “Ow! Ow! Madam Pat, please!” “You just embarrassed me in front of the richest family in Avalon! You foolish girl, for this act of yours, your salary would be deducted, With one last angry huff, she released Ava and stormed off. Ava sank onto her bed, covering her face in embarrassment. Lola sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Forget Adriana,” Lola huffed. “Tyler didn’t even care. He barely reacted.” Ava sighed. “I just wish I hadn’t made a fool of myself.” Lola hugged her, while consoling her too Chapter Five Ava’s POV I couldn’t sleep. No matter how many times I turned, flipped my pillow, or buried my face in the sheets, my mind wouldn’t stop replaying what happened at dinner. I had embarrassed myself in front of the entire Alexandra family. Not just anyone, but Tyler Alexandra. I groaned, pressing my hands to my burning face. The way Adriana humiliated me in front of everyone made me feel so small. If Tyler had scolded me, or even looked annoyed, I could have handled it. But he hadn’t. Instead, he smiled his voice gentle, his eyes kind. He had defended me. And that made it worse. Why did he have to be so nice? Tyler’s POV After dinner, I returned to my suite, freshened up, and sat at my desk. I had emails to reply to. Documents to review. Calls to make. I had a change of clothing and carried my laptop A soft cough escaped my throat. I frowned, realizing I had caught a slight cold from the flight. Reaching for the phone, I dialed the service line. “Yes, sir?” a voice answered. “I need a bottle of red wine and a glass.” “Right away, sir.” Minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Leo, my ever-efficient assistant, walked in with the bottle. “Sir, your drink.” “Thank you.” I poured myself a glass, letting the warmth settle in my chest. Leo lingered. “Sir… are you feeling unwell?” I waved him off. “Just a minor cold.” He didn’t look convinced, but nodded. “Very well, sir.” As he turned to leave, my sister walked in Jasmine. “Hey, big brother.” Her voice was playful. “You’re not still working, are you?” I smirked. “I am.” At least I preferred her to Adriana Jasmine groaned. “Tyler, it’s the holidays. Can’t you stop being a CEO for just a few days?” I chuckled. “I’ll try.” She hesitated before speaking again so how have u been, how is Emerald , and who is the lucky girl in your life now I sighed. “ Jasmine please , there's no lady at all I closed my laptop changing the topic , so tell me “How many gold digging friends did Adriana come home with this time” I asked her She laughed, so many and “Lisa is drooling already” “She can drool for all I care, am not interested,I sighed Meanwhile, in Derek’s Suite Derek lounged on the velvet couch, lazily scrolling through his phone as Mona placed a tray of freshly cut fruit in front of him. She moved slowly, bending lower than necessary, her dress clinging to her figure. Derek smirked. Women were so predictable. He leaned back, watching her. “What’s your name again?” Mona batted her lashes. “its Mona, sir.” He hummed, eyeing her up and down. “You like what you see?” he teased. Mona swallowed. “Yes, sir.” Derek’s smirk widened. “Good.” He stood, stepping closer, his fingers tracing along her jaw. “You know,” he murmured, “I don’t do relationships. Just… fun.” Mona’s breath hitched. “That’s fine with me sir.” Derek chuckled, running a hand through his slicked-back hair. “Smart girl.” He leaned in, his lips hovering near hers. “Lock the door.” Mona obeyed. The Next Morning The entire estate was buzzing with activity. Breakfast had been prepared, and all the Alexandra family members, their guests, and the staff gathered in the grand dining hall. Mr. Alexandra stood at the head of the table, clearing his throat. “As you all know,” he began, “this gathering is a family tradition. A time for unity. But this year, I have another reason for bringing you all together.” Everyone leaned forward. Ava, standing among the servers, couldn’t help but listen. “I am officially stepping down as CEO of Nova Spark,” Mr. Alexandra announced. “And before the holiday ends, I will be announcing my successor." gasp filled the room