The snow fell gently in feathery waves, blanketing the narrow street in glistening white. It was Christmas Eve, and the marketplace buzzed with people. Stalls were strung with lanterns, glowing like tiny suns against the gray sky, as shoppers scurried around for last-minute gifts. Laughter and the smell of roasted nuts filled the air, but a boy sitting on the frozen ground barely noticed.

The boy was around 10 years old, thin and painfully so, as though life itself had carved away every ounce of softness. His face was pale beneath a smudge of dirt, the sharp angles of his cheekbones more visible than they should've been for a child. His brown hair fell in uneven clumps, tangled and matted, as though it hadn't seen a comb in weeks. His eyes, a dull gray-blue, held a sadness far too old for his years, but somewhere beneath the weariness, a flicker of life still lingered.

He wore a coat so worn it was little more than patches and holes stitched together, the sleeves hanging far past his bony wrists. His trousers were threadbare, frayed at the edges, barely clinging to his legs, and his boots were two sizes too big, scratched, cracked, and barely held together by twine. The cold bit mercilessly at his exposed skin, leaving his cheeks raw and his fingertips trembling with frost.

"Must be nice..." he murmured, voice soft, his lips trembling. "A warm house...with a tree...and a fire." He blinked against the sharp wind, his cheeks raw with cold. "Mama would have liked that. Papa too."

The memory of his parents flickered in his mind: his mother's soft hum as she stirred soup, his father's laughter rolling like thunder on stormy nights. He didn't remember much about their last Christmas, just that it had been warm. Nothing like now.

His stomach growled. He glanced at the bread stall across the cobblestone road. The baker had his back turned, too busy to notice a boy who had become invisible to the world. A chance.

The boy darted across the street, thin hands snatching a loaf of bread faster than the eye could follow. He turned to flee, but the shopkeeper's roar froze him in place.

"Thief!"

Rough hands gripped his collar, yanking him back. The bread tumbled from his grasp into the snow, speckled with mud. "Stealing, eh? You little rat!" The shopkeeper's face was red with fury as he shook the boy hard. "You think you can get away with that?"

"I-I'm sorry," the boy stammered, his voice breaking. "Please! I was just so hungry-"

The baker didn't listen. He struck the boy, sending him sprawling to the ground. Passersby glanced over but quickly looked away, pretending not to see the dirty, shivering child who had dared steal on Christmas Eve.

"Get out of here before I call the constable!" the shopkeeper barked.

The boy scrambled up, his cheek stinging, his heart aching more than his body. He staggered back to his corner, curling into himself, ashamed and hungrier than before.

That's when he saw her.

A girl, no older than eight, watched him from across the street. She was dressed in a soft green coat trimmed with fur, her hands tucked into a velvet muff to keep them warm. Behind her stood an older woman-her nanny, no doubt-and another girl, slightly older, whose sneer matched her pointed words. Her stepsister.

"Don't stare, Bella," the stepsister said with disdain. "It's just a beggar boy."

But Bella didn't listen. She broke away from the nanny and hurried across the street, her boots crunching in the snow. The boy stared at her, wary and confused, as she knelt in front of him.

"Here," she said softly. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a few coins and a few dollars that her mother gave her to get her Christmas present or anything she wanted, pressing them into his shaking hand.

"I....I can't take this," the boy whispered, his voice cracking.

"You must," she said firmly. Then, to his shock, she unclasped the necklace around her neck, a delicate chain with a small, golden pendant, and placed it in his palm.

The boy's eyes widened. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because it's Christmas," Bella said simply. Her voice was gentle, her eyes bright and kind. "And you shouldn't be cold or hungry on Christmas Eve. I don't have much now, but I guess this chain will help."

The nanny called for her, her voice sharp with disapproval. Bella glanced over her shoulder, then looked back at him, her face softening. "Buy yourself something to eat...and a warmer coat."

Before he could protest, she was gone, rushing back to her family, her stepsister's mocking laughter ringing in the air. "Bella, what will you do for Christmas now? You gave all your money to that beggar boy."

The boy stared at the necklace in his hand, tears welling up in his eyes. It was the first kindness he had known in longer than he could remember.

He looked up to where Bella had disappeared, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you."

As snowflakes drifted down, the boy clutched the necklace to his chest, its warmth seeping through his frozen fingers. For the first time that night, he let himself believe in something good.

•~•~•~•~•

20 Years Later

A frenzy of activity filled the toy factory, as Christmas was just two months away. Every employee was working tirelessly because their boss was returning from abroad today. He had been in France to lay the foundation for a new factory. Now that he was coming back, everyone was on edge.

Though their boss wasn't the typical grumpy type. But he never tolerated carelessness when it came to work.

"Jimmy! Jimmy, is the new stock of plush toys ready or not?" Nancy asked breathlessly as she ran up to Jimmy.

Jimmy, the production head, turned to face her. Nancy wasn't just the manager of the factory but also the boss's personal assistant. A sweet woman in her late thirties with a beautiful smile and grey eyes that compliment her beautiful red hair, while Jimmy is a hard-working boy in his early twenties. He is short and nerdy with short, trimmed black hair and brown eyes that are always covered with reading glasses.

"Yes, only a few thousand toys are left. Don't worry; it'll all be done before Christmas..."

A deep, authoritative voice interrupted Jimmy mid-sentence, "Before this Christmas or the next?"

"Ah!" Jimmy let out a startled yelp, almost a squeak. "Boss! You're back? But you were supposed to arrive tomorrow..."

Nancy smacked Jimmy on the arm to silence him before turning to their boss with a warm smile.

"Welcome, Seb. How was your trip?"

"It was good, Nancy," the boss replied, shrugging off his overcoat and handing it to Jimmy. He walked toward his cabin, with Jimmy and Nancy following closely behind. "And now, we have another branch in France. We'll be spreading joy to children internationally, not just in America."

"Congratulations, Seb. It's your hard work that has brought us here," Nancy said warmly.

"Congratulations, boss," Jimmy added.

Seb settled into his chair in his office, looking around at the familiar space. Jimmy and Nancy stood in front of him, waiting for instructions.

"Alright, updates," Seb said, leaning back in his chair.

Nancy took out her tablet. "The plush toys are almost done, as Jimmy mentioned. The wooden toy line is on schedule, and our new holiday-themed train sets are already in distribution for pre-orders."

"Good," Seb said, nodding. "What about the employee event for Christmas? Is everything planned?"

Nancy hesitated for a moment. "Actually, we're still finalizing some details. The budget might need adjustments...."

Seb raised an eyebrow, intrigued while interrupting her. "Why?"

Jimmy piped up hesitantly, "Yes, boss! We like your idea of doubling the charity event, but it's disturbing our set budget goals. Though it'd be great to donate toys to underprivileged kids this Christmas. You know, spread the joy even further. But..umm."

Seb's face softened. "Don't worry, Jimmy. We will make it bigger. Double the budget for the charity event and include a visit to the local children's hospital. I want every child to feel the magic of Christmas this year."

Nancy scribbled down the notes but hesitated again. "But Seb, that might affect the bonus distribution for employees..."

Seb stood up, walking to the large glass window overlooking the factory floor. Workers moved swiftly, assembling toys with focus and dedication.

"Let's not cut their bonuses," Seb said firmly. "Our people work hard. I'll cover the additional costs personally."

Nancy smiled, admiration clear in her eyes. Jimmy gave a low whistle. "You're something else, boss."

Seb smirked. "It's Christmas, Jimmy. If we can't give a little extra now, then what's the point of what we do here?"

Nancy's tablet beeped with an incoming message. She read it and looked up with a wide grin. "Seb, the first shipment from the France branch just arrived at our main distribution center. We're officially global."

Seb turned back to them, a rare, genuine smile on his face. "Then let's make this the biggest Christmas yet."

Seb glanced at his watch. "Alright, I've got a bit of time before the next meeting. Let's take a walk through the factory floor. I want to see how everything's coming along."

Nancy and Jimmy exchanged a quick glance and followed him. As they descended the stairs to the bustling production area, the workers noticed Seb's presence and straightened up, their nervous energy evident.

Seb clapped his hands together and spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Alright, team, listen up!" The room fell silent as everyone turned toward him. "I just got back from France, and I couldn't be prouder of what we're building here. You're all doing an incredible job, and because of your hard work, this is going to be a Christmas to remember for kids here and across the world."

The workers exchanged smiles, some even clapping softly. Seb continued, "But remember, the holiday season is our busiest time. If there's anything you need; extra support, tools, or even a day off for family, let Nancy know. We're a team, and I'm here to make sure we succeed together."

A small cheer erupted from the crowd, and Seb smiled before moving toward one of the workstations. He crouched down beside a young woman who was carefully stitching the eyes onto a plush toy. "That's excellent work," he said, nodding at her precision.

"Thank you, Mr. Cruz," she said shyly.

Seb leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice. "It's Seb, not Mr. Cruz. Keep that between us."

The woman chuckled nervously, and Seb moved on, stopping to check on the wooden toy assembly line.

As he observed the workers, Jimmy leaned over to Nancy and whispered, "How does he manage to stay so approachable and so strict at the same time?"

Nancy smirked. "That's Seb for you. He knows how to get things done while keeping everyone motivated. You should take notes, Jimmy."

Seb, overhearing, turned back and raised an eyebrow. "Jimmy, are you taking notes on me now?"

Jimmy stammered, "Uh, no, boss! Just... just praising you, that's all!"

Seb chuckled. "Keep it up, Jimmy. Flattery might just get you that Christmas bonus."

Everyone laughed, and the tension in the room lifted. Seb walked back toward the staircase, addressing the workers once more. "Alright, team, let's make some magic happen. Nancy, I'll be in my office if anyone needs me."

As Seb climbed the stairs, Nancy and Jimmy exchanged a smile. "He really does know how to handle everything, doesn't he?" Jimmy said.

Nancy nodded. "That's why he's the boss."

Seb reached his office and sat at his desk, pulling out a small, well-worn notebook. Flipping through its pages, he paused at a faded sketch of a toy: an old wooden train with intricate details.

He ran a hand over the drawing and whispered to himself, "This is for you, Dad. I hope you're proud."

The camera pans out, revealing the bustling factory floor as the hum of machinery and cheerful chatter fills the air. The holiday spirit was alive, and Seb was determined to make it a Christmas to remember.

Seb's office phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts. Nancy's voice came through the intercom. "Seb, there's someone here to see you. He says it's urgent."

Seb frowned, glancing at his watch. "Who is it?"

Nancy hesitated. "He didn't give his name, but he said you'd know him. Should I send him in?"

Seb paused for a moment, then leaned forward. "Alright, send him up."

Moments later, the door creaked open, and a man in his late 40s walked in. He was dressed in a worn coat, his face rugged but familiar. Seb's eyes narrowed as he leaned back in his chair.

"Tom?" Seb asked, his tone guarded.

Tom gave a sheepish smile, removing his hat. "It's been a while, hasn't it, Seb?"

Seb's expression hardened. "Twenty years, to be exact. What brings you here now?"

Tom shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his graying hair. "I heard about your success. This factory, the expansion... It's impressive. I just wanted to see it for myself."

Seb folded his arms. "Cut to the chase. What do you want, Tom?" He asked brusquely.

Tom hesitated, then sighed. "I need help, Seb. I'm in trouble."

Seb's jaw tightened. Memories of their past flashed through his mind. The broken promises, the betrayal that had left Seb to fend for himself.

"You've got a lot of nerve showing up here," Seb said coldly.

"I know, I know," Tom said quickly, holding up his hands. "I made mistakes. Big ones. But I'm not here to ask for money or a handout. I just... I need a job, Seb. Something to get back on my feet."

Seb stared at him, his mind racing. "Why should I trust you? After what you did. After you left me....."

"I know I don't deserve your trust," Tom interrupted, his voice breaking. "But I've changed. Please, Seb. Just one chance."

Seb looked away, conflicted. He has already suffered too much because of this man, but he can't ignore him like Tom did 20 years ago. After a long silence, he finally spoke.

"Fine," Seb said, his voice steely. "I'll give you a job. But don't think for a second that I've forgiven you."

Tom nodded, his eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you, Seb. I won't let you down."

Seb stood, motioning toward the door. "Nancy will handle your paperwork. You start tomorrow."

As Tom left, Seb sat back down, staring at the sketch of the wooden train on his desk. The memories of his difficult past weighed heavily on him, but he shook them off.

"Focus on the future," he murmured to himself.

Tom is Seb's estranged uncle, his dead mother's only brother, who had once been a significant part of Seb's childhood. After the tragic death of Seb's parents, Tom was entrusted with Seb's care, but instead of providing the stability Seb needed, Tom abandoned him.

Tom's departure left Seb to fend for himself at a young age, forcing him to grow up quickly and face the harsh realities of life. Seb's success in building his toy empire came not from support but from sheer determination and resilience, qualities he developed as a result of Tom's betrayal.

Now, with Tom returning after two decades, claiming to have changed and seeking redemption, Seb is torn between his unresolved anger and the spirit of Christmas, a time for forgiveness and second chances. Remembering someone's words.

He sighed helplessly and stood by the large window in his office, watching the snowfall softly outside. His hand unconsciously went to his chest, where the snowflake pendant still hung beneath his shirt. Though it had been years since that fateful night, the memory of Bella's kindness never faded.

Bella, the little girl who changed his life and gave him hope that brings him to where he is standing today.

He still remembers that night very vividly and the angel who made his hopeless Christmas Eve a little better.

He remembers everything till now as clearly as it was that day, even after 20 years, how Bella looked as though she had stepped out of a storybook.

An Angel.

Her face was round and rosy-cheeked from the cold, the kind of healthy glow that spoke of warm fires and hearty meals. Golden curls framed her face, tumbling down to her shoulders in perfect ringlets that peeked out from beneath a soft green bonnet lined with white fur. Her eyes were a striking shade of hazel, warm and curious, full of compassion despite her youth.

She wore a dark green velvet coat, cinched at the waist with delicate buttons of pearl. White fur trim lined the sleeves and collar, soft and pristine, and her hands were tucked into an elegant velvet muff embroidered with tiny gold flowers. Her boots were polished and laced tight, leaving crisp footprints in the snow. Around her neck had been the golden necklace-a small pendant shaped like a star that she rested in the boy's hand, a symbol of her quiet, unshakable kindness.

Now, hanging around Seb's neck, as he always keeps that act of kindness near to his heart.

Nancy walked in with a stack of files, her usual cheerful energy subdued by the weight of the day. "Seb, here are the reports from the France branch." She paused, noticing the distant look in his eyes. "Seb? Are you okay?" She asked concernedly.

He turned, offering her a small smile. "Yeah, just...thinking about something."

Nancy tilted her head, curious. "Must be important. You've been staring out the window for a while."

Seb hesitated, then reached under his shirt, pulling out the delicate chain with the snowflake pendant. It glinted faintly in the dim light of the office.

That's the first time he is showing this to someone. Why? He doesn't know.

"This," he began, holding it up, "isn't just a piece of jewelry. It's a reminder of the night my life changed."

Nancy set the files down, her attention fully on him. "A story behind it?"

Seb nodded, his voice soft but steady. "I was ten. Alone, cold, and starving on Christmas Eve. I had nothing: no family, no home, and barely any hope left. I tried to steal bread from a market stall and got caught. The shopkeeper hit me and threw me back into the snow. That's when she found me. Bella."

Nancy's eyes widened slightly because in the 10 years since she has been working with him, she has never seen him with any women or rather talk about one. "Bella?" she asked curiously.

"She was just a little girl. Probably no older than eight. She didn't have much herself, but she gave me everything she had: her Christmas money, a few coins, and this pendant." Seb's voice wavered slightly, but he steadied himself. "She told me I deserved to be warm and happy, even if it was just for one night. She didn't treat me like a beggar. She treated me like...someone who mattered."

Nancy's expression softened, and she placed a hand on her heart, feeling the pain that a little boy had felt because she had never known much about him or his childhood, but she just knew one thing: he reached here with lots of struggle and hard work.

"That's beautiful. Have you ever seen her again?" She asked.

Seb shook his head, a faint sadness in his smile. "No. Life moved on. But this pendant... it's the reason I kept going. It reminded me that even in the darkest times, kindness can change everything. It's why I started this toy factory. To spread that same warmth and hope she gave me."

This is what that little gesture of kindness does to him.

Nancy smiled, her voice warm. "You're doing a lot more than that, Seb. You're creating magic for so many kids who need it," she said proudly.

Seb nodded, his gaze shifting back to the snow. "Maybe. But every year, I wonder where Bella is. If she's happy. If she even remembers that night." That's what he desperately wants to know and keeps searching for her but never finds anything about her.

Nancy hesitated before speaking. "Maybe this Christmas, you'll find out. Magic has a way of bringing people together."

Seb chuckled lightly. "Maybe. After all, Christmas is full of surprises."

As he slipped the pendant back under his shirt, Seb's heart stirred with a quiet hope. For years, he had carried Bella's gift not just as a token but as a promise to himself and to the world. And perhaps, this Christmas, that promise would lead him back to her.

Nancy was about to leave, but he stopped her. "Nancy, I asked you for a favor. Did you find any chefs?"

"I have talked with many chefs, but they are too fancy for your taste. I am still searching. Let's see what we find, but don't worry; I'll find a suitable cook for you." Nancy answered and left.