How Death Became My Rebirth

Everyone ate happily that night. 

Selena and Sylvia’s stuffing was a hit, with every scoop hiding a pecan–a little nod to good fortune and the season’s bounty. 

Selena waved her hands cheerfully, “I hope everyone stays safe and healthy next year. It’s a simple wish, but I hope you all can make it happen.” 

‘Especially these kids, they’re all in such high–risk gigs, dealing with way more pressure than most! 

I just want them to be healthy. 

‘If I can have a grandson next year, it will be even better! 

Everyone accepted the blessing happily. 

Declan and Cyrus held the pecans, a bittersweet reminder of the Christmas they’d missed since leaving Clusia. 

Now, in their first year back, they’d received a blessing. 

The feeling was simply indescribable! 

They had left Clusia filled with resentment for a place that had caused them so much pain and suffering. 

After that, they vowed revenge on those who hurt them. But just as they succeeded, their adversaries perished, leaving them grappling with their feelings. 

Cassandra looked at Declan and Cyrus and knew what they were thinking, but she didn’t say anything. 

Post–dinner, the young crew, fast friends by now, dove back into their board games. 

“Oh, I think I just won. Pay up, folks!” 

Declan said in a loud voice as if he hadn’t been so happy for a long time. 

“Haha, sorry, I’ve got a flush here!” 

Kayden’s words made Declan’s face go slack with shock. 

He thought, ‘Damn it! He’s carned it!‘ 

Cyrus smiled, “It seems that I lost the hardest.” 

Both Declan and Kayden got a flush. 

Cyrus thought the luck was not on his side. 

Eddie looked at them with a smile. 

That’s what the peace of time was! 

By 11, they all headed home, agreeing it wasn’t cool to be out past midnight. They’d catch up after Christmas. 

After everyone left, Susan and William came out to clean the living room. 

This had been the happiest day; holidays should be just like this! 

The 12 o’clock bell rang 

“Merry Christmas, Cassie!” Kenneth said. 

“Merry Christmas, Kenneth!” Cassandra responded. 

This was the most fulfilling day she had ever had! 

“Let me take you to your room. I bet they’ve been in there planning a surprise.” Kenneth said as he took 

Cassandra’s hand and headed upstairs. 

All afternoon, folks were sneaking around, each taking turns slipping into Cassandra’s room and then darting out seconds later. 

Cassandra was curious, ‘when did all this happen? Could it be that let my guard down around something strange?

When Cassandra entered her room, she noticed something odd her nightstand was plied with greeting cardis and several gift boxes. 

Cassandra looked at Kenneth in surprise and said, “They did this?” 

“Yeah.” 

Cassandra opened each card to find personal notes inside, and even Selena had prepared a Christmas card for her. 

“Cassie, Merry Christmas! You’ve really warmed Kenneth’s heart. Wishing you both the best.” 

“Boss Lady, Merry Christmas! This is our first one together, huh? No more leaving us, okay? We’d miss you.” 

“Miss, Merry Christmas! You’ve got more smiles than before. Here’s to an even happier you in the next life.” 

“Cassie, for real, when can I catch a break? I want to find a wife too! All my cash is flowing to you; feeling the pinch here. So sad.” 

“Elaine, Merry Christmas!” 

Everything seemed the same, yet it all felt different now. 

“Cassie, Merry Christmas!” Kenneth also joined in, handing over a slim card, quite the contrast to the stuffed ones from everyone else!! 

“Thank you.” 

She found a form for a service member’s marriage, just needing her autograph. When she hit 20, they’d be good to get hitched. 

Cassandra looked at the application form and glanced at Kenneth, and without hesitation, signed her name. 

“You can’t regret it if you sign your name.” Kenneth chuckled. 

“Well, I don’t regret it.” Cassandra’s tone was firm. 

“Cassie, I love you!” 

“I love you too.” 

Kenneth’s lips crashed against Cassandra’s in a feverish kiss, his hands wandering restlessly. 

Caught in the whirlwind of their emotions, Cassandra closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment. But then Kenneth stopped, leaving the next move hanging in the air. 

Cassandra suddenly opened her eyes. 

Kenneth joked, “When you get older, I won’t let you go!” 

Cassandra was silent. 

She thought, ‘I may not have been around the block, but I’ve seen it from the window. If he can hold back like 

this, maybe he’s got issues. Or is it just superhuman willpower?‘ 

Cassandra eyed Kenneth doubtfully. He squirmed under her stare and chuckled, “Quit it, or I won’t be able to hold back.” 

Cassandra moved her lips and said nothing. 

She thought, ‘I don’t ask you to hold back it. It is your fault. 

Kenneth got up from Cassandra and smiled, “I have another present for you.” 

He took Cassandra downstairs, dressed her, and went outside. 

“Let’s start.” Cassandra didn’t know who he was talking to. 

Bang! 

Gorgeous fireworks bloomed in mid–air, illuminating the night! 

Cassandra’s eyes instinctively followed the fireworks. 

Beautiful! 

About two minutes later, with a loud sound, the fireworks rushed up and bloomed. Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

It was Cassandra’s face. 

She was a little surprised. “Is… Is it me?” 

“Yes,” Cassandra replied. 

Suddenly, another sound came. It was another face. 

It was Kenneth’s. 

Their faces made from fireworks appeared in mid–air and disappeared soon. 

Next, the fireworks bursting into the sky mirrored the way she and he locked eyes! 

This is amazing! 

“Do you like it?” 

“Yes!” 

Yannick looked at Kenneth and thought, ‘Kenneth is more infatuated than Cassandra! 

‘Anyone out of the loop will think this is a gift Cassandra has prepared for him!‘ 

“I’m glad you like it,” Kenneth replied. 

‘It means it’s not in vain. 

‘And Yannick and Ethan are useful.‘ 

“Kenneth, bow your head.” Cassandra looked up at Kenneth. 

He lowered his head obediently, and Cassandra tiptoed and kissed Kenneth’s lips.