<h4>Chapter 709: You’re not alone anymore</h4>


    Dominick closed his eyes at Jeniva’s soft request, a curious smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He waited not for long until she whispered for him to open them.


    He obeyed, his gazending on a small box wrapped in exquisite, shimmering paper and tied with a perfectly looped bow.


    "Your Christmas gift," Jeniva said with excitement.


    Dominick carefully untied the ribbon, mindful of her effort, and peeled back the paper to reveal a heavy box. When he lifted the lid, he found a beautifully crafted, Christmas-inspiredmp.


    It was a ss sphere, clear as crystal. At the flick of a small switch on the base, a soothing melody began to y, and a miniature world came to life. Tiny, glittering kes of snow began to swirl inside the globe, falling gently over a cottage nestled in a forest of frosted pines.


    The warm glow of themp illuminated the intricate details of the winter scene, casting a soft, amber light over Dominick’s face. For a moment, the Prince was silent, mesmerized by the simple, peaceful beauty of the gift.


    "Did you not like it? I was honestly at a loss for what to give you," Jeniva admitted, her hand moving to the back of her head in a nervous habit. "I’ve never actually given a present to a man before, so the whole process was a bit difficult for me."


    Dominick remained silent for a second longer, his gaze fixed on the miniature snow falling within the ss. Finally, he looked up, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. She quickly lowered her hand to herp, her fingers twisting together as she waited for his verdict.


    "It is a beautifully thought-out gift, Jeniva. I truly like it," Dominick finally spoke, his voice low and sincere.


    "Really?" she asked, seeking confirmation.


    "Yes. It’s perfect," Dominick said, his hand reaching out to brush the side of the glowing sphere. "Whenever I look at this, it will remind me of this ce, of this night." A warm, genuine smile spread across his lips, one that reached his eyes. "Thank you, Jeniva, for being with me tonight and don’t let me feel lonely."


    "I’m happy you liked it. You can keep it on your bedside table and turn it on every night before you sleep," Jeniva suggested.


    "I will," Dominick promised. He carefully nestled the ss sphere back into its protective box. He paused then, watching her.


    Jeniva had closed her eyes, her hands sped tightly together in a silent prayer. The soft light of the restaurant caught the line of her throat, and for a moment, the Prince simply observed the peace on her face.


    Dominick signaled the waiter, settling the bill with a discreet nod, before leading Jeniva out. As they reached the car, Jeniva instinctively reached for the handle, ready to retreat into the safety of the tinted windows. But Dominick caught the door before she could open it.


    "Let’s take a walk," he said. He leaned past her to set the gift box safely on the backseat and shut the door with a firm thud.


    "Are you sure?" Jeniva asked, her gaze darting around the street with sudden worry. "What if people recognize you?"


    Dominick looked at the snow-dusted pavement and then back at her. "No one will see us," he said, putting back the car keys into the pocket of his overcoat before holding his hand.


    ~~~~~


    Karmen watched Aisha from across the suite, her silhouette framed by the floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the vast expanse of the ocean. Aisha held her wine ss, sipping slowly before tilting her head to look at Karmen.


    "You look upset," Karmen noted. He stepped forward, extending a gift bag toward her. "By the way, your Christmas present."


    Aisha reached out and epted the gift as she set her ss down on the marble-topped round table. The rich wine she had been consuming since the cruise party had left her cheeks red.


    "Thank you," Aisha said softly. She moved away from the window and lowered herself onto the plush velvet settee. She carefully drew a navy blue box from the wrapping and eased it open. Resting against the silk lining was a delicate gold bracelet.


    Her eyes widened, the shimmer of the gold reflecting in her gaze as she looked up at Karmen. "It’s too expensive, Karmen. I can’t possibly—"


    "I felt it would be the perfect gift for you," he interrupted. Without waiting for a protest, he dropped to one knee before her. He gently lifted the sleeve of her left arm, his fingers brushing against her skin as he fastened the sp around her wrist.


    Aisha held her arm up, watching the gold glint against her skin. "It really is perfect," she admitted. Then, her brows arched in sudden realization. "Wait, when did you even measure my wrist?"


    Karmen looked up at her, a faint smirk ying on his lips. "I didn’t. I just followed my intuition and guessed. I want you to remember that you’re not alone anymore. And this bracelet will always remind you that."


    Aisha leaned down, her senses clouded by the wine and the intimacy of the moment. Her hands reached out to cup his cheeks as she pressed her lips to his.


    "Uh, I-I..." she stammered, pulling back for a fleeting second as she bit her bottom lip. But Karmen didn’t let her retreat. His hand slid firmly to the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair as he tilted her face up to meet his, initiating a much deeper, moremanding kiss this time.


    In the heat of the shift, the navy velvet box slipped unheeded from Aisha’sp, thudding softly onto the carpeted floor of the suite.


    Her heart was racing as she adjusted her position on the settee, her hands sliding up the hard muscle of his arms until they reached his shoulders. Finally, she locked her fingers behind his neck, pulling him closer.