---- Chapter 20 Christmas in Portland was magical. The city sparkled with lights, the air crisp and smelling of pine. Olivia and Ben decorated their bungalow, a real tree filling the living room with its scent. They hosted a small Christmas Eve dinner for Maya, who flew in from New York, and Mrs. Albright, who brought her infamous fruitcake and her parrot, Captain Flint, who screeched "Merry Christmas, ya scallywags!" at appropriate intervals. Laughter filled the house. Olivia looked around at her friends, her chosen family. Her heart was full. She remembered Christmases past. The loneliness after her parents' divorce. The forced cheerfulness of holidays with Ethan''s pretentious family. This was so different. This was joy. Pure, uncomplicated joy. On Christmas morning, Ben handed Olivia a small, beautifully wrapped gift. Inside was a delicate silver necklace with a tiny, intricately carved hummingbird charm. "Hummingbirds symbolize joy, resilience, and new beginnings," ---- Ben said softly. "That's you, Olivia." Tears welled in Olivia's eyes. She threw her arms around him. "It's beautiful. Thank you." He held her close. "! love you, Olivia Carter." "| love you too, Ben," she whispered. And in that moment, any lingering ghost of Ava Miller, any shadow of Ethan Reed, vanished completely. She was Olivia. Loved, cherished, and free. Her new beginning had blossomed into a beautiful, vibrant life. A life she had designed herself.