Just Another Series Book 3: Just Another Christmas
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Chapter 1
Book 3: Just Another Christmas
ANA
It had been a month since Aron and Becky got married, and today they were finally coming home from their honeymoon. I could barely sit still—I missed them both so much.
Honestly, I missed my brother, but I think I missed Becky even more. She’s the first real female friend I’ve ever had. I never really clicked with other girls before her.
Okay, that’s not totally true. Vicky and I have been friends since we were kids, but she’s always busy running her own business. I hate bugging her with my problems, so I usually just keep it all bottled up.
Lately, though, it’s been getting harder to keep everything inside. All these problems I’ve been swallowing down are starting to bubble up. A few months ago, I finally told Rachel and Becky about my ex-boyfriend.
At least, I think that’s what I should call him.
Let me back up a little.
His name is Will—short for William. You’d think that would have been a clue, right? But nope, I didn’t put two and two together.
We met our first year of college and hit it off right away. I made it all the way to my third year, just a few finals away from my business degree.
Then, one day on campus, when I was floating on a cloud of happiness, this woman walked up to me. She looked like she was headed to a runway show, not a college campus. Her outfit was intimidating, but I tried not to judge. After all, Becky used to model and she still loves fashion, but she never acts like she’s better than everyone else.
This woman, though—she had arrogance down to an art. She looked at me like I was something she’d scrape off her shoe.
And then she opened her mouth and ruined my day.
She told me that William—my William—had an arranged marriage. Yep, you guessed it. She was the bride-to-be.
When I didn’t believe her, she whipped out their wedding invitations. It took everything in me not to break down right there. It was bad enough hearing it from her instead of my so-called boyfriend. I wasn’t about to let her see me cry.
So I smiled, told her to enjoy her marriage, and walked away. I could feel her staring at my back, probably shocked I didn’t fall apart.
A few days later, I packed my bags and left college. Thank God my professors liked me enough not to let me quit. We worked out a plan so I could finish my finals from home.
Today, I took my last exam and already got my results—one hundred percent, just like the others. I’m officially done with school and ready to start my own business.
But to do that, I need help from my best friend and sister-in-law.
That’s how I ended up at the airport, waiting for Aron and Becky.
I started to worry when everyone else from their flight had already come out, but they were nowhere to be seen.
Then, suddenly, they appeared—coming out of the bathrooms together. Becky’s hair was a mess, and I didn’t need to be a genius to figure out what they’d been up to. I burst out laughing.
Becky turned bright red, but Aron just grinned even bigger.
They really are perfect for each other.
As soon as they got close, I pulled them both into a hug. “I’ve missed you, you horny teenagers.”
Becky’s face went even redder, and I couldn’t help but giggle.
“Stop it, Ana! It’s not my fault your brother corrupted my innocence.”
She tried to sound serious, but the second we made eye contact, we both lost it and started laughing.
“It’s so good to have you both back. Now, tell me everything about your trip—and then I have a business proposition for you.”
Aron’s eyes went wide. “Wait. You have a business proposition for my wife, but you don’t want your brother involved?”
I just smiled at him. I know he only wants the best for me, but I want to build my business on my own—just like he did.
We both had that same stubborn streak running through our veins, so I knew I’d get there—eventually.
“Aron, you know I love that you want to help,” I said, trying to keep my voice gentle. “But I really want to do this on my own. I need to know I built it myself.”
He let out a sigh, his shoulders drooping like I’d just told him his favorite football team lost. But I could see in his eyes that he understood.
Becky, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement. She leaned in, eyes wide, like she was about to burst if I didn’t spill everything.
“Okay, okay, calm down, woman!” I laughed, holding up my hands. “So, my business—it’s a makeup shop. All the products are made from flowers, plants, and their extracts. No weird additives. It’s all natural. You could call it bio, I guess. And now I need someone for my promo campaign, and I was hoping you’d be my main model?”
Her smile was so bright it could have powered all of London. The next thing I knew, she was hugging me so tight I could barely breathe.
“Oh my God. Of course I will! I’m so proud of you. We’re going to be the best team ever. I’ll get Rachel to help with phone calls and paperwork too!”
She was already making plans, talking a mile a minute, and honestly, I loved every second of it.
Having my best friend by my side at the start of this business felt like the best kind of magic.
With their help, we could launch our first products before Christmas. It felt like everything was falling into place.
What more could a girl wish for at Christmas?
Well, maybe one thing. Or, more honestly, one person.
Because even after almost six months apart from Will, I still missed him. My heart ached every time his name crossed my mind.
So, yes, there was one more wish I had.
I looked up at the cloudy London sky and thought, All I want for Christmas is you.
