— Daniel, could you pass me my toilet bag, please?

He smiled and shook his head, then handed it to me.

— What's so funny?
— I'll never get over you sitting on the floor putting on make-up. I'll never understand the concept of carrying two towels, though.
— Two of them?
— Around your hair.
— Ah yes, indeed.

I was so preoccupied with the evening ahead that I didn't realise it. The meeting of our two families was particularly important. On top of that, it was Christmas Eve. I felt strange that it was taking place without Dad. It was a first for everyone, in fact. I finished getting ready while Daniel closed a case. After making sure I was ready, I headed into the living room to show him my complete outfit.

— So what do you think?

Sitting on the sofa with his back to me, he put his computer down on the coffee table and turned towards me. His eyes darted back and forth between my face and my dress. He stood up and hugged me before kissing me.

— Stunning.

As I looked into his eyes, I felt a flurry of butterflies in my stomach. All those feelings that writers try so desperately to describe were no match for what I was feeling at that moment. One look was enough to move me to the very depths of my soul. I was happy and felt safe with him.

— Are you ready to leave? he asked after a long moment.
— Give me two minutes to pack my bag and collect all the presents.

Once we were in the car, I made sure I hadn't forgotten anything. As he was about to drive off, I realised that the Christmas cards had been left on the kitchen counter. I was getting out of the car when he asked me to wait for him.

— I can go get the cards on my own.
— You never know, he says, locking the car doors.

When I entered the flat, although Daniel was behind me, I remained on my guard.

— He can't hurt you anymore, but I just want to be vigilant. You never know what can happen, he said.

I grabbed the cards and hurried back out to the flat without missing a beat. We picked up my family on the way, who were very excited at the prospect of this dinner. As I rang the bell, the door opened to reveal Nathalie and Charles. They hugged us all and introduced themselves to my family. Lily came in behind and ran into Daniel's arms, before throwing herself into mine. The winter chill made us hurry inside. I admired the magnificent Christmas decorations on the stairs, then in the living room. As Lily and I placed the presents under the huge tree by the fireplace, I noticed that my family seemed to be getting on with Daniel's parents. Only my father was missing, but I was sure he was watching all this from where he was, and that warmed my heart.

The meal went off without a problem. Everyone was laughing even though our bellies were far too full. I had eaten so much that my dress was now too tight. I was about to take a sip of wine when I received a message.

Happy New Year, dear Elizabeth. I hope you have a lovely evening — unfortunately without me.
T

My blood ran cold. I couldn't understand how Trevor could send a message while he was in custody. I glanced quickly at Daniel and saw that he hadn't noticed my reaction. It was better that way; I didn't want to spoil Christmas Eve. I preferred to wait until later in the evening or the next day to let him know. As I reread the text message, Harry, sitting on my right, asked me what was going on.

— Nothing at all.
— Are you sure?

I tried to look calm and pretended it was a text message from Eve. He seemed suspicious but turned to Charlie to continue the discussion. I did my best to try and forget Trevor, but with no success.

Half an hour later, I decided to take refuge in the bathroom. I was just about to write a reply when someone knocked on the door. I put my mobile away and opened the door. Daniel entered quickly and closed the door behind him, looking serious.

— Liz, don't lie to me, what's going on?
— Why nothing?
— You're very agitated, and I don't understand why.
— I... I don't want to worry you. Can we just talk about this tomorrow?
— Not if it's that important.
— Trevor sent me a message.

His face broke and his features were suddenly marked by anger and confusion.

— But how is this possible? He is in detention and has no access to computers or telephones.
— I don't know, maybe he asked someone to send me this message?
— Maybe, but it's still unauthorised. I can't believe he's still ruining our lives. He really is obsessed. I understand that you don't want this to come out tonight, but I still need to be sure that he hasn't been released for some reason.
— All right. You do what you have to do, I'm going back downstairs so as not to worry the others.

I was about to leave when he grabbed my wrist. As he took me in his arms, Daniel calmed me down and made me feel safe. He placed a quick kiss on my forehead and then opened the bathroom door.

The conversations stopped as soon as I came down the stairs. I did my best to look normal, but it was hard when everyone was staring at me.

— Is everything alright? my mother asked.
— Yes, let's move on to dessert?
— Excellent idea, replied Nathalie, probably seeing that I wanted to go to another room.

Everyone resumed their conversation, except Harry, who was watching me with a worried expression. I gave him a slight smile to reassure him, but he seemed to want to have a private chat with me. I fled into the kitchen, followed by my mother and Nathalie.

When I returned to the living room, Daniel was chatting to Harry. Once dessert was over, everyone moved to the sofas, one hand on their stomachs after having eaten too much. Lily suggested we put on a Christmas film to end the evening in a calmer atmosphere.

While we waited for my brothers, Daniel and Lily chose the film. I checked my mobile and saw that Raphael had sent me a message wishing me Merry Christmas. I was extremely touched. Glancing at Daniel, I smiled at the extraordinary friendship he shared with Raphael. He turned his head and asked me if I liked the film.

— Sorry, which one did you end up choosing?
— Home alone, is that okay with you?
— What a classic, of course that works with me.
— Do you want to sit next to Harry?
— After all, why not, I said.

Once next to him, Harry smiled and kept nudging me.

— On the other hand, if you carry on like that, I'll change places, I laugh.
— You wouldn't dare...
— I guess we'll see.