Chapter 52: Chapter 52

- I think we got everything, don't we?

Heaving a contented sigh, Missy flopped down on the huge bed in Logan's room – or rather, their room, as she sometimes forgot to refer to it. Around the two, the two small suitcases were already ready to be taken to Daniel and Gwyneth's house during Christmas. Of course, since Megan and Devon had started their relationship, Missy had spent her last two Christmases with the Knights, however, without ever really following the family tradition that involved spending the entire holiday at the house from the night of the 23rd. she came only for supper and the exchange of gifts, but always saying goodbye before the end of the night, since it was quite obvious that her presence bothered Logan deeply. As much as she adored the Knights, at the time it hadn't seemed fair that the family would be in such an uncomfortable situation because of her, since Logan always tended to pull away when she was around.

But not that year.

From that year forward, they would finally be a family in the truest sense of the word.

- Looking forward to your favorite holiday? - Logan lay down next to her on the bed, pulling her into his arms.

- How do you know this is my favorite holiday? Missy asked, sincerely curious as to how he knew that.

- I like to think I know a lot about you. – he opened a sparkling smile, and also undoubtedly proud – Even when I didn't say a word to you, I couldn't control my eyes. Whenever you were around, they followed you around. And the last two years, when you would come over to my parents' house for Christmas... It was just beautiful. – Logan sighed, enchanting, while the green eyes remained passionately fixed on her – And charming. Watching the way your eyes lit up when you saw our Christmas decorations, your excitement when the snow finally started to fall, how deeply happy you seemed to be being welcomed into our family… it was magical. As if I could feel your joy three times more, inside my own heart. - He took her hand and placed it on her chest, inside the half-open shirt, where the steady beat could be felt against the warm skin - And I still can. I don't think I'll ever be able to truly describe how happy I am to be able to be by your side this year, knowing that I'm responsible for part of the joy I see on your face... That I'll finally be able to give you a gift without having to do this anonymously...

- Wait, anonymously? – Missy asked, while an old doubt was finally answered in her mind – So… That dress last year…

- I had traveled to Japan to close some deals at the time. – Logan smiled shyly – One of the fashion shows had the theme of this anime that I knew you liked so much, so… Suddenly I saw that dress, so beautiful and enchanting, and I knew that you would look simply stunning in it. And as much as I was still trying to fool myself and force myself to stay away from you, I knew I wanted to give it to you as a Christmas present. That I wanted to see you smile when you received it, even if you never knew I was the sender... - he sighed regretfully, before a moment passed and his expression became happier - But this year will be very different. And your gifts will be even better too, I promise. He blinked enigmatically.

- You know you don't have to give me anything. – She smiled shyly – The last three months with you were the best gift I could receive.

-And we still have a whole life ahead of us...-Logan reflected dreamily, while gently caressing her face – But that doesn't change anything the fact that I planned some surprises for you this Christmas. And I will plan several more, all the time, with each new moment we have together. – he promised solemnly, while bringing her hand to his lips and kissing her knuckles – I just hope you like the gifts I'll give you this year.

- How could I not like it? – Missy snuggled even closer against his chest, her heart seeming to float – This will be our first Christmas together! Everything is already absolutely perfect, Logan. And whatever you have planned, I know it will make it even more special.

- Yes, you are right. – Logan moved his eyes away from her, staring at the window as she smiled playfully – Although I am not always responsible for the special things that end up happening.

Not understanding what he was referring to, Missy shook her head, following his gaze to the window, breaking into a huge smile as soon as she realized what he was talking about.

- It's snowing! She jumped out of bed, running to the glass wall with a delighted smile. It was still early days and the green grass and the roofs of the other houses in the distance were just beginning to be decorated with a thin velvety white coat, but still, Missy couldn't contain her glee.

- Looks like we'll have a white Christmas this year. – Logan suddenly hugged her from behind, saying exactly what she was thinking.

"It's so beautiful..." Missy sighed, watching the scattered flakes spill from the still only slightly gray sky.

-Not as handsome as you... – he whispered maliciously against her ear, before starting to distribute teasing kisses on her shoulders – But anything that puts that smile on your face undoubtedly has my sympathy too.

She laughed, and was about to turn around in his arms so she could kiss him, when the words spoken in that sentence awakened something inside her. Quickly letting go of him with a happy smile, Missy walked to the huge closet in the bedroom that now belonged to both of them and opened one of the last drawers, needing to rummage through the items that were there a little, until she finally found what she was looking for, going back to near him.

- Are you going to take this dress? – Logan asked, incredulous, as he watched her keep the dress he had given her as a gift, the same one she had worn that fateful night, inside her suitcase – Why?

-Because he was a gift from her. – Missy smiled, imagining how heartbroken he must have been to see her wearing that dress on a night that she was not only next to Liam, but also had her heart broken by him – I know he brings some bad memories... - she said, regretfully - But I want to change that. I loved this dress from the first time I saw it in that beautiful gift box a year ago, and now that I know you chose it especially for me... I want us to be able to make good memories with it this year. Christmas. – She closed the suitcase with the dress inside, approaching him so she could give him a tight hug, which he quickly returned.

- Nothing would make me happier than building good memories with you... About that dress, about our family... About everything we can. His eyes had a loving, hopeful gleam when they met hers.

"Me too…" she purred, rubbing her cheek against his chest almost like a cat, a sinfully exciting idea forming in her mind as she thought of what they could do that last afternoon alone at home, before they got together. to the Knights...

That's when the loud sound of her cell phone notification interrupted his thoughts, drawing their attention to his cell phone, which he was carrying on one of the bedside tables.

- Oh... - Missy sighed, loosening the hug a little bit - It must be Megan. She told me she would text me today about the market price of my software and the companies' first bids before she and Devon started packing too.

- Then you need to look. – Logan encouraged her, with a happy smile – Let's find out how much these technology companies recognized the extraordinary work you did.

Missy giggled awkwardly, blushing slightly as she pulled him by the hand with her to the bedside table, turning the screen on in time to see the notification of the last message Megan had sent her: “Congratulations, Missy! I always knew you would go far! I'm proud!".

Hopeful, Missy leaned her back against Logan's chest as she unlocked the screen and quickly opened the messaging app, wondering if companies had really offered that much money to buy her work...

That's when she finally saw the numbers Megan had sent her, along with a list of the names of the most renowned technology companies in the world and how much each was willing to pay. But immediately, she was almost sure that it was all a mistake.

Because there were too many zeros in those values. Something had to be wrong. It was... It was too exorbitant a price to be the price that companies were willing to pay for their work, because otherwise, regardless of who they chose to sell their work to, they would be...

Millionaire.

- Missy? – Logan called her, looking terribly worried to see her completely frozen by the shock, with the cell phone between her hands and the lost look – Love, what happened…? - He looked down at his cell phone, looking over his shoulder, until he finally saw the list of values that was there. However, unlike her, he didn't seem to think anything was wrong, as he immediately opened a huge smile filled with pure happiness and pride – Congratulations, my love! – he congratulated her, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist before spinning her around the room, incredibly happy for her – This is amazing! I knew that all these companies would not be blind to how much your work is wonderful!

- This... This... - Missy tried to speak, still completely paralyzed by shock - Is this really true?

- Of course it is, my love. – Logan put her on the floor, still showing that gigantic smile – Megan took many of our agency courses and I'm sure she wouldn't be able to send these values to you, if it wasn't something completely confirmed. Your hard work is worth every penny of those millions, Missy! No doubt it. – he pulled her into a jubilant kiss – Just worry about which of these companies you think will make the best use of your software.

- I... I didn't expect this... This is... - Missy stammered, still looking at her cell phone screen in disbelief, while reality began, little by little, to make sense in her mind - This is it. .. Fantastic. – She finally opened a surprised smile, even if it was still hard to believe that her work was really worth all that.

- You are amazing. – Logan hugged her waist even more firmly, kissing her temple passionately – So, you don't have to be so shocked. You are only getting what your work deserves. Let's go... - he encouraged her sweetly - There's nothing wrong here, love. It's time to be happy for your achievement.

Still blinking rapidly, Missy repeatedly shifted her gaze between Logan and the cell phone screen, letting the reality of it all finally sink in. Out of all the companies on that list, she knew which one she would choose and was honored to partner with them. But it also hadn't escaped him that this company had also been the one that had given him the highest bid. The proposal that would make her an eight-figure millionaire in her bank account. Before, Jonathan's inheritance had given her the possibility of never working again, if she knew how to manage that money.

Now, even her great-grandchildren might never have to work. And they wouldn't even need to be good managers.

- You have no idea how proud I am… - Logan laughed, extremely happy, turning her a few times again, finally making her laugh – You are so incredible, my love. Have I ever told you how absolutely amazing you are?

- Only a thousand times in the last half hour. – Missy laughed, now feeling almost floating, as she felt the warm arms tighten around her – Heavens, I still can't believe this…

- Then believe! – She wondered if, at some point, Logan's dazzling smile would no longer make her so absolutely dazzled – This Christmas is getting better and better!

He had barely finished that sentence when his cell phone started ringing, still in his hands, surprising both of them. However, nothing, perhaps not even the news that she would become a millionaire in a short time, would be able to surprise her more than when they both read the name of the caller:

Victoria.

- Why is she calling? – Logan half asked and half growled, seeming to be trying to contain the dislike he had for his mother. Especially when, days ago, she'd told him that Victoria usually never remembered to call to wish her or Megan a Merry Christmas, unless one of them made the first move.

- Maybe Megan told her about the software... - Missy reflected, knowing that financial success was one of the few things that really made Victoria happy and proud, although it didn't make much sense that Megan had warned her about that - I think I'd better answer ... She's perfectly capable of bothering us all through the holiday, if I ignore her – Missy sighed, before answering the call, while Logan hugged her protectively – Mom?

-Melissa Edith Sutton! – She immediately prevailed, so angry that Missy felt herself shudder, just like she did when she was a child – Do you know how humiliated I felt when I found out about my daughter's relationship through an article in the gossip magazines? And mostly what were you thinking when you didn't call me to tell me about it? Do you really think I have time to waste calling you myself? After all, why didn't you tell me you managed to ensnare Logan Knight? - Even the delight and insulting surprise in her mother's tone could not disguise the revolt she seemed to be feeling that Missy had not told her about her affair.

- Wait... You heard about it from a gossip magazine? Missy repeated, looking alarmed at Logan, who also widened his eyes, stunned and irritated, before pulling out his own cell phone and typing quickly, while Victoria continued talking, still irritated.

- And it wasn't even on the cover! – Her mother snarled, as if that was sacrilege – The man was the most sought after model in the world just a few years ago and they barely bother to give some prominence to his relationship? What nonsense! Including , didnt he have a slightly better place to take you than a mall? Honestly... - she sighed, disgusted - But that doesn't matter! What matters is that you were finally able to attract a suitable man, instead of that big idiot Nilman. – It took Missy a moment to understand that her mother didn't even remember that Liam's last name was “Newton” – Did you regret not listening to me sooner? I told you that changing the way you act and dress would make all the difference. Of course, you're still terribly dressed in that photo… – she could almost see her mother wrinkle her nose, in total disapproval – But I know that you must certainly be dressing better in your day-to-day life. After all, how could you have attracted a man like him without following my advice? she questioned, audibly pleased with herself.

Uncomfortable, Missy turned to Logan, noticing him looking at something on his cell phone with a frown. Craning her neck further, she realized it was a post made on a social network, showing a photo of the two of them in front of the lingerie store in the mall, with Logan glaring at the camera, while she had her face pressed against his chest, but thus visible, since she was also looking at the camera, only confused. Below the photo, written in capital letters, was the beginning of the post “Former model Logan Knight seen walking with unknown woman in mall.”.

- And to think that they dared to call you “unknown”. – Victoria snorted, almost as if she was reading the article along with her – I hope Logan is planning to change that soon. And if you find him putting it off, Melissa, you better find a way to convince him otherwise, you hear? This is your big chance and I won't forgive you if you blow it. A handsome, rich, influential man! – Her mother exhaled, almost in ecstasy – I confess that I had given up on seeing that day come for you. Of course, I always knew that Megan, naughty as she is, would make a good marriage one day, but you and your gangly ways really put me off completely, until I saw that. Now, tell me: where are you going to spend Christmas? In Caribe? In Switzerland? Oh, convince him to come to Paris! – For the first time in a long time, Missy noticed that Victoria looked really excited – So I can introduce you to my friends! Just be aware of some of them, okay? They are professional gold diggers and wouldn't hesitate to get their claws into a committed man if you don't hold him tight enough. So make sure you leave all those ridiculous clothes of yours at home and wear something...

- Mom! – Missy finally couldn't take it anymore, interrupting her almost with a scream, with her stomach churning just thinking about going through everything she was describing – Nobody goes to Paris, okay? We're both going to stay here and spend Christmas with our family... With the Knights. Missy completed hesitantly, feeling a little guilty as she said it in a way that almost made it sound like Victoria wasn't her family anymore, although she doubted her mother realized.

- Well, how boring. – Victoria snorted, irritated – Honestly, they need some time in Paris too, to learn to live a little more properly with all that the son's money can provide. But don't think that was an invitation, Melissa! – She warned her, in the same stern tone she always used to scold her – Don't even dare to think about bringing them here too. You know how much I hate having my house full of people. Just bring Logan here and...

- You don't understand, mother! – Missy practically snarled – We are not coming to you! We want to spend Christmas with his parents and that's what we're going to do! And honestly, we don't want to meet your friends either. So just please… - Missy sighed anxiously – Stop, okay? - As soon as those words were out of her throat, she knew Victoria wasn't going to let that go. But, being honest with herself, a part of her couldn't care anymore. Of course, half of her was still that scared little girl eager to get her mother's approval, but after everything she'd been through in the last three months... There was no room left inside her to put up with Victoria's criticism any longer. silence.

- What did you say, Melissa? – Victoria's tone was low and incredulous, but also dangerous, which made Missy shudder a little.

For a second, her voice trailed off with apprehension, but before the fear could even overwhelm her, the grip of Logan's arms around her tightened, causing her to immediately seek his gaze... and meet those eyes. green and deep staring at her with such pride and support that her heart immediately felt lighter and even stronger. “Say what you need to say, love,” it was the message she could clearly read in his loving expression as he rested her chin on his shoulder, keeping her so close to him that Missy almost felt like he was physically trying to give her strength so she could face this conversation.

And that's exactly how she felt: full of strength and courage.

- I said what you heard, mom. – Missy finally completed, with a heavy sigh – Listen, I don't want to fight with you. I really don't want to. But I can't take it anymore. I can't take any more of your pressures, your criticisms, the way you talk to me like I'm nothing more than a disappointment... Maybe you think it helps me somehow, but the truth is that it only hurts me, Mom. – she finally revealed, feeling tears trickle down her eyes – It makes me feel like you'll only love me when I change and become what you want me to be. But the truth is, I don't want to change, Mom. I don't need to change. And I understand that now. – Missy smiled through her tears, even knowing that Victoria would never see how much that made her genuinely happy – It wasn't my way of being that caused that horrible breakup with Liam, as you made it seem in her messages. The only person responsible for all that was his bad character. It wasn't his advice that made Logan fall in love with me. It was me. It was the person I am, with all the flaws, and the shyness and the clothes you hate... He fell in love with who I am! And I... I like being that person. I'm proud of it! – she revealed, sniffling emotionally, still with a smile on her lips.

– I know you think I need to be like you to be happy, but… I'm already happy. I don't know if it matters to you, but... I'm really happy. And I would love for you to be part of that happiness, mom, but... - Missy swallowed, hesitant - As long as you keep making these kinds of comments... Making me feel wrong... As if being myself was a crime... Acting like the most important thing in my relationship is the fact that you can flaunt it around, rather than whether I'm really in love or not... So I guess it's best to carry on as we are now : away. – she finally sighed, letting a few more tears fall – Because I'm tired of feeling diminished. And unfortunately, this is how I feel when I'm around you, since I was born.

The silence on the other end of the line remained unbroken for so long that Missy thought Victoria might have hung up in the middle of her speech, not even bothering to listen to her rant until the end. However, finally, after several long minutes, her mother's voice finally reappeared, now sounding completely disoriented, almost incoherent.

- You… How can you accuse me… – she spoke disjointedly, sounding suffocated – I was just trying… I promised Jonathan that I would try to be a good mother and I… I was just trying to prepare you for the world... How can you think that I...

- I know you didn't mean to, mom. But unfortunately, that's how I've always felt. – Missy sighed – And, if you really remember every word, criticism and charge you ever said to me and you can't understand why I got hurt... Then I guess this is not the time to continue this conversation, already that we are unlikely to get anywhere. I love you mom. – she smiled tearfully – But I would be being very unfair to myself if I continued enduring all this in silence, without telling you how I always felt. You can call me again, after thinking about what I said, if you want to talk a little more... - Missy offered, hesitant - But until then, I'll stay here with my boyfriend and our family. Merry Christmas, Mom. she finally wished, ending the call before Victoria could speak again. Her mother was rarely cross or at a loss for words, and from experience Missy knew that she tended to fly into a rage when either of those two things happened, venting her hatred on anyone close to her, especially her "opponent", even if her mother's fault was hers. situation or claim was really hers.

- You were very strong. – Logan praised her with a delicate murmur, kissing her shoulder gently – And immensely brave too. I know it wasn't easy for you to say those things to her, but believe me, baby, she needed to hear it... And you needed to finally get it all out of you. – He placed his hand on her chest, almost as if he wanted to caress her heart – How do you feel, love? Are you okay?

- I think so… – she revealed, struggling to understand all the feelings that were mixed inside her at that moment – On the one hand, I know she will be very irritated with me, once she processes what I said, but ... I also feel a little better. Lighter. As if someone had taken a weight off my shoulders that I didn't even know I was carrying. – Missy revealed, sighing peacefully – Now I understand why my therapist always insisted that I have this conversation with Victoria as soon as possible. I feel like I've faced a dragon... - she joked softly - Even though I know there will be consequences later... And there will certainly be more conversations like this in the future... As painful as they are. – she shrugged her shoulders, momentarily downcast – But really… – she looked up at him again, opening a smile – For now, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that we have a long list of good things to celebrate while having an amazing Christmas with our family. And I'm not going to let this conversation spoil that. - Missy promised, determined.

- That's my Missy. – Logan praised, clearly proud – You don't know how proud I am to see that you were finally able to confront her.

- Do you think... That she would be able to change the way she thinks about me? Missy asked hesitantly, equal parts fear and hope in her voice.

- Honestly, I don't know, love. – Logan replied, sincere and sorry, but soon after he turned her towards him, caressing her face between his hands with a determined gleam in his eyes – But, of one thing I am sure: regardless of what your mother thinks, you never, she will never be alone or being treated as inferior. You will always have every member of the Knight family there to remind you, whenever you need it, of how much you deserve all the good in the world. I promise. – the palpable intensity with which he made that promise made her want to cry, this time with joy. In fact, she hadn't even noticed that she'd shed a few tears again, until he'd wiped them away with his thumbs, smiling encouragingly, “It's all right now. No more tears, okay? – he kissed her affectionately – Listen, our bags are already packed… What do you think about surprising my parents, arriving earlier? I'm sure they already have a batch of Christmas cookies just waiting for us.

Touched by his gesture of trying to cheer her up, Missy just stayed a few moments contemplating that wonderful man, deeply grateful for having him in her life. So much so that, as her thoughts of him drifted farther and farther into her mind, she suddenly remembered what her plans had been before they were interrupted by the phone. And, after everything that had happened that day, she knew that she couldn't get out of their bed for the holiday, without first putting into practice the malicious idea that was in her mind.

- Actually… – she bit her lip hesitantly, as her cheeks started to tingle from the blush – There's something I'd like to do… Before we go. – Missy glanced at the bed, resting on the sheet already a little messed up from lying on it earlier.

Logan followed her gaze with interest, letting out a deep, sly laugh from the back of his throat just as he began to realize what she was talking about.

"Do you want to enjoy a little more privacy before we're stuck with eight people for three whole days?" – he questioned, teasingly, licking his lips maliciously – Because, if that's your plan, I couldn't agree more.

- Well... It's about that too... - Missy revealed, fearful - But... I would like to do something else... - she spoke calmly, while Logan just remained watching her in silence and with total curiosity and anticipation – I… I finally feel ready to… To have you… there. - She admitted shyly, although she knew that the suggestive smile that formed on her face was not discreet at all.

It took literally a few minutes for Logan to finally seem to realize what she was talking about, while Missy remained snuggled in his arms, her hands gently stroking his strong chest. Finally, when her green eyes lit not just with surprise but also with desire, she smiled as she realized that he had finally realized what she wanted.

- You... You want... - Logan shook his head in disbelief, which only made her laugh.