The next morning, as soon as Isabella woke up, she started her work. She was preparing breakfast in the kitchen when Sebastian woke up and came in.

"What are you doing here?" he asked in surprise.

"My job," Isabella replied while making pancake batter.

"But today is Christmas. You could have started tomorrow," Sebastian said.

"No, it's fine. It doesn't matter." She replied.

"By the way, Merry Christmas." He wished her with his charming smile.

"I don't celebrate Christmas, Mr. Cruz..."

"Seb," Sebastian corrected her. "I thought we were friends now." But hearing her response, he felt sad that she didn't celebrate Christmas because Christmas is a festival of joy, and everyone should celebrate it.

However, quickly trying to change her mood, he said, "Well, it doesn't matter. You didn't celebrate it before, but from now on, you will. Jimmy and Nancy are both coming here for Christmas, so you should join us this year too."

"No, that's not necessary, sir... I mean, Seb..."

Interrupting her, Sebastian said, "Why not? We're friends now, and friends can do this much for each other, right?"

"I'm not used to these things, nor do I want to get used to them," Isabella replied sadly and got back to her work.

"Alright, fine, don't celebrate Christmas, but you can at least join me for the charity event, can't you? Nancy was telling me that at yesterday's event, the kids were happier with your cookies than with the toys. Come along today; you'll enjoy it," Sebastian said before leaving the kitchen.

She couldn't deny that and resumed her work. After some time, Sebastian came back with a shopping bag and gave it to her.

"Your Christmas present." Sebastian said while clearing her confusion. "And I know you will say that you don't celebrate Christmas and all. Then, okay, I won't compel you, but I celebrate, and you can't deny this gift..."

"Because I brought this for you." Nancy's voice interrupted him. She came from behind and ran to hug Isabella. "I am so sorry. I wanted to say so many things that night, but I was helpless, and I knew you hadn't done anything. I was confident about it, and look now this idiot realized his mistake as well. I am so sorry."

"It's ok. You were just doing your job." Isabella replied softly.

"Still." Nancy sighed deeply. "But now you don't have to worry about anything. Now you will be my new roommate." Nancy declared happily. "Seb told me to find a place for you, and what could be the best place to live than with me?"

"No, ma'am, I don't want to bother you." Isabella denied instantly.

"No, you won't. My divorce was finalized last month, and I was thinking about finding a roommate. So it will be a win-win situation, and plus your witch stepsister won't come there to bother you." Seeing the surprised look in Isabella's eyes, Nancy explained, "We got to know about this by your landlady. No pressure to share anything with us. One step at a time is enough."

"Thank you." Isabella mumbled a soft thanks, and they all had breakfast together. Then Isabella went to the guest room to get changed into the clothes that Nancy bought for her.

Well, technically it's from Sebastian.

And it's been years since she wore something new on Christmas. That brings more tears to her eyes.

Isabella stood in front of the mirror, staring at the soft green dress Nancy had brought for her. The fabric felt smooth under her fingertips, and she couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly it fit, almost as if it were made for her. It had been years since she felt this way, special, cared for, and maybe even... loved.

After her stepfather's death and their downfall, her friends left her. They were all selfish, and now here are these people who know nothing about her, yet they know everything about her condition, and still they are here for her.

Wiping away the tears threatening to spill, she took a deep breath and walked back to the living room. Nancy was busy chatting with Jimmy, who had arrived while Isabella was getting ready. Sebastian stood near the window, gazing out at the snow-covered garden, his expression thoughtful.

When Isabella stepped into the room, all conversations stopped. Sebastian turned around, his eyes widening ever so slightly. For a moment, he looked as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. Looking at her, his heart almost skipped a beat, but Nancy's words pulled him back to earth.

"You look beautiful," Nancy exclaimed, breaking the silence and rushing to her side. "Doesn't she, Seb?"

Sebastian cleared his throat, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes. Stunning."

Isabella felt her cheeks flush. "Thank you," she murmured, looking down to avoid their gazes.

"Alright, enough of this awkwardness," Nancy announced cheerfully, clapping her hands together. "We're late for the event. Let's go!"

As they reached the charity venue, Isabella was overwhelmed by the festive atmosphere. Children laughed and played, volunteers bustled around, and the scent of cinnamon and baked goods filled the air. Nancy immediately took charge, dragging Isabella to a table where they began setting up for the cookie decorating activity for the kids.

While Isabella helped a little girl pipe icing onto a gingerbread man, she felt someone watching her. Looking up, she found those mesmerizing gray-blue eyes admiring her.

Sebastian standing nearby, hands in his pockets, a soft smile playing on his lips. He doesn't know, but something about her is pulling him like a magnetic force towards her. Especially in that green dress, she is looking like the angel who came into his life 20 years ago.

But he kept reminding himself that she is not her, and he has to stop thinking about it.

"What?" she asked, self-conscious under his gaze.

"You," he said simply. "You're amazing with kids," he replied, amused.

Isabella blushed, unsure how to respond. Before she could say anything, a group of children swarmed around them, asking for Sebastian's help in decorating cookies. He laughed and joined in, rolling up his sleeves and diving into the chaos.

As the day went on, Isabella found herself laughing more than she had in years. Sebastian and Nancy made sure she was involved in everything, from distributing gifts to dancing with the kids.

For the first time, she allowed herself to enjoy the magic of Christmas, and it all happened because of Sebastian.

'He calls me his angel, but no, he is the real angel.' She thought looking around at the happy faces of these kids who are celebrating this festival just because of him.

'No, not you. He calls Bella his angel and that Bella died with her parents. You are just Isabella.' Her subconscious reminded her.

Later that evening, as they returned home, Sebastian handed her a small envelope. "Open it when you're alone," he said with a soft smile.

Curious, Isabella waited until she was in the guest room to open it. Inside was a handwritten note:

"Christmas is a time for new beginnings. I hope this year marks the start of yours. No matter what, you have a family now, with us."

There was some cash and another note in that envelope:

"Your Christmas bonus and your payment for making cookies."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she clutched the note to her chest. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged somewhere.

Isabella carefully folded the note and placed it in her purse, her fingers lingering on the soft paper. For years, she had guarded her heart, convincing herself that she didn't need anyone. But now, she wasn't so sure.

These new friends that she made melted those walls. Especially Sebastian.

She stepped out of the guest room to find the living room glowing with the soft light of the Christmas tree. Nancy was sprawled on the couch, flipping through a magazine, while Sebastian was busy stoking the fire in the fireplace.

"Is everything okay?" Nancy asked, looking up. "You've been quiet."

Isabella nodded. "Yes, just... tired. It's been a long day."

Sebastian glanced up from the fireplace. "Long, but good, I hope?"

"Yes," Isabella admitted, a small smile forming on her lips. "It was."

"Well, it's not over yet," Sebastian said, standing up and brushing his hands on his jeans. "I have one last surprise."

"Seb, what now?" Nancy groaned. "We've already done so much today."

Ignoring Nancy's playful complaint, Sebastian motioned Jimmy to bring it up. Jimmy brings a small basket covered with a red small blanket.

"Nancy, Merry Christmas." Sebastian said while giving her the basket.

"For me!" Nancy exclaimed happily, and everyone chuckled at her excitement.

"No, for me." Jimmy rolled his eyes.

Nancy gave him a deadly glare and opened the basket only to aww in cuteness. A cute beagle pup came out, and Nancy embraced him in her arms.

"How do you know?" She asked Sebastian with moist eyes, and he just shrugged his shoulders with a sweet smile.

"After that shitty shit hole of a marriage. You deserve unconditional love." Jimmy said.

"And no one loves humans more than them." Sebastian completed Jimmy's sentence, and Nancy ran to hug him.

"You are the best friend and boss that anyone can ever have." Nancy said emotionally. "Thank you so much, Seb."

"No, thank you for handling my every shit and never complaining about it." Sebastian replied.

"We should name him." Jimmy exclaimed.

"Yeah. Seb, name him." Nancy looked at him.

"Ummm...what about Dasher?" Sebastian suggested.

"Perfect!" Nancy exclaimed. "Do you like it, Dasher?" She asked, and Dasher started licking her face.

Isabella is watching them with a smile dancing on her lips. It's been years since she had a Christmas like this. She held Dasher in her arms and played with him.

After dinner she left with Nancy. This new place felt cold and distant, but Nancy never let her feel unwelcome or unwanted as a guest.

Her work is also going well, and Sebastian is always very chatty around her. At first she felt awkward, but now she started opening up in front of him. More importantly, Dasher is the main bridge that made her feel friendly around Seb.

The days after Christmas blurred into one another, but for Isabella, each moment was laced with a quiet awe. She had never imagined a life like this, peaceful, yet brimming with the warmth she never allowed herself to experience. It was strange, feeling like she was on the edge of something new, like the beginning of something she never knew she needed.

Stella doesn't bother her anymore because she has no idea where Isabella is or if she is even alive or not.

Nancy's apartment became a sanctuary, not just a place to stay, but a home that embraced her in ways she had never expected. The walls, once cold and unfamiliar, now felt like they were holding her together. There was comfort in the small things, like the soft sound of Nancy's laughter in the mornings or the way she'd insist on helping Isabella with even the simplest of tasks, as though no favor was too small to show care. Dasher's jumping around her 24/7, and of course, Sebastian's smile.

The world outside was still unpredictable, but inside these walls, Isabella began to feel something she had almost forgotten: safety.

One morning, after a particularly quiet night where thoughts of her past had haunted her dreams, Isabella stood in front of the window in the guest room. The soft morning sun filtered through the blinds, casting a warm glow on the room. It was a strange feeling, this sense of being anchored in a place she never intended to stay. Her fingers brushed lightly over the fabric of the curtains, and her gaze wandered to the city skyline in the distance.

She still wasn't sure how to handle everything. The vulnerability she had shown by accepting Nancy's offer to stay here, by allowing herself to lean on them for support, felt like a bridge she hadn't been ready to cross. Yet, here she was, crossing it one hesitant step at a time.

And then there was Sebastian.

His presence was like a magnet pulling at her heart in ways she didn't understand. He didn't push her, didn't try to fix her. But there was something in the way he looked at her, soft, almost knowing, that made her question everything she thought she knew about herself. He had a way of making her feel seen, in a way that wasn't about pity or obligation, but something deeper. Something that felt like acceptance.

She tried to push it all aside. He was kind. That was all. But deep inside, her heart was quietly rebelling against her own restraint.

That morning, when Nancy arrived with a fresh burst of energy, excited about something she had planned, she said, "I am going to my parents for a week."

"Wow, that's great." She smiled happily.

"I know. It's been months since the holidays, and I promised them that I would come after Christmas, and look, now I am getting time." Nancy sighed dramatically, and Isabella chuckled. "Ok, jokes apart. Take care of yourself, and if you need anything, then don't hesitate to call Seb or Jimmy."

"Ok...."

"And I am taking Dasher with me. I want Mom and Dad to meet him." Nancy interrupted happily.

"Sure." Isabella giggled at her enthusiasm.

Nancy left, and Isabella walked to her work. Nancy's apartment is not far from Sebastian's, so Isabella takes a walk to reach there.

While living with Nancy, she realized that not everyone is happy in his life. If some are struggling for money to have some essential needs, then some who have enough money are also struggling for happiness in their life.

Nancy got divorced just before Isabella joined her work as a cook, and the reason for the divorce was ridiculous. Even after 10 years of marriage, when they didn't have any children, her husband blamed her for being barren and abandoned her, even though he himself was impotent. But Nancy now feels free after getting out of this shitty marriage.

The weather wasn't clear today. The sky was covered with clouds, and it seemed like it could rain at any moment.

Walking through the streets on her way to work, Isabella glanced up at the sky. That's when she felt as though someone was following her.

She turned around in panic, but no one was there. Her heart, however, was racing with fear. She was close to Sebastian's house, so she quickly hurried toward it.

As she stepped inside the main door, still glancing nervously over her shoulder, she suddenly collided with something hard and was about to fall when two strong arms caught her.

Isabella closed her eyes tightly in anticipation of touching the floor, but she didn't. An amused chuckle made her open her eyes while Sebastian was looking at her, mesmerized by how cute she is looking with closed eyes like a sweet, innocent baby, and Isabella's heartbeat quickened at their close proximity.

"Watch out, girl." He mumbled while helping her stand straight on her feet, and Isabella brushed her auburn hair off her face while keeping an arm's distance between them. "Why are you always in a hurry?" He asked.

"I thought I was late." She lied.

Sebastian chuckled at her cuteness and said, "You are five minutes early, by the way."

"I'll get to work." She mumbled and ran to the kitchen because that man now starts making her nervous around him.

After reaching the kitchen, she put a hand over her racing heart and scolded herself.

On the other hand, Sebastian is also the same. In all these months he can't keep his eyes off her. She is doing something to him that he never felt before. Her beautiful smile always makes his heart flutter.

He shook his head while scratching the back of her neck and left for his jogging.

After coming back home, he had a shower, and Isabella set his breakfast table.

She was about to go to resume her work, but Sebastian stopped her, "Have breakfast with me. I know you must not have had anything today because Nancy isn't home."

"No, Seb, I will have it later...."

He interrupted her, "That's not the first time we will have breakfast together. Sit."

Hesitatingly she joined him, and they had breakfast together. After breakfast he left for the factory, and Isabella did her work for the whole day.

It was already dark when Isabella finished her work and began walking back to Nancy's apartment. The weather was gloomy. It will rain soon, and the streets were quieter than usual, with only the soft glow of streetlights guiding her path. Isabella tightened her scarf, shivering slightly as the cold wind brushed against her face.

Suddenly, she heard the faint sound of footsteps behind her. Turning her head slightly, she noticed two men walking a few paces behind. Her heart raced as she recognized one of them; her blood ran cold. She remembered him, Stella's boyfriend.

The second man smirked and said, "Hey, sweetheart," his voice mocking. "Fancy meeting you here. Alone, are we?"

Isabella quickened her pace, clutching her bag tightly. Panic rushed in her body. Stella's boyfriend is a junkie, and so is his friend. She is scared to her core.

"Don't be like that," the other man said. "We just want to talk. Stella told us you've been acting all high and mighty lately. Thought we'd teach you some manners."

Her pulse quickened. She turned a corner, hoping to lose them, but they picked up their pace, closing the distance, and Stella's boyfriend came in front of her, and he was smiling creepily.

"Leave me alone!" she shouted, her voice trembling with fear. But before she could take another step, one of them grabbed her arm.

"You're not going anywhere until we're done," Stella's boyfriend sneered.

Isabella struggled, but their grip was too strong. Panic surged through her veins as she tried to twist free. Tears formed in her eyes, and at the same time, the sky started weeping as well. It started pouring.

Just then, a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension. "Let her go. Now."

Both men froze, and she turned to see Sebastian standing a few feet away, his broad frame illuminated by the streetlight. His gray-blue eyes burned with fury, and his jaw was set like stone, and a hope lit in her heart.

"Who the hell are you?" One of the men spat, but his bravado faltered when Sebastian took a step closer.

"Let. Her. Go," Sebastian repeated, his voice calm but laced with a deadly edge.

The man holding Isabella didn't even move. Sebastian took a long stride towards them and punched straight in the face the man who was holding Isabella's arm. He released her reluctantly, but Sebastian didn't stop and beat the shit out of that man.

There is blood in his eyes, and all he is seeing is rage. The other man tried to stop Sebastien, but how could that raging bull be tamed?

"HOW DARE YOU TOUCH HER?" Sebastian kept screaming while beating him. How dare that man touch his Isabella? How dare they?

Isabella is trembling in fear, and in panic, she ran to Sebastian and hugged him.

"Sebastian, please stop." She sobbed, and just his name by her lips for the first time was enough for him to stop.

"You're going to regret this," the other man hissed, but Sebastian didn't flinch.

"Try me," Sebastian said coldly while turning his old tightened around her, his voice daring them to make a move.

The man helped his beaten friend to his feet before muttering curses under their breath and running away.

Sebastian watched them disappear into the shadows before caressing Isabella's head. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softening.

Isabella nodded; her hands were still trembling, but when she realized their position, she backed away abruptly while mumbling an apology. "I am sorry. I don't know." She said while fidgeting with her fingers, and both are drenched in rain.

"It's ok." He replied softly. "Let's get you home," he said gently, wrapping his coat around her shoulders. "You're staying with me tonight. I'm not letting you out of my sight."

She tried to deny it. "But..."

"No buts," Sebastian interrupted firmly. "Nancy isn't here, and it's not safe for you to be alone right now."

Too shaken to argue, Isabella let him guide her to his car. As the car is moving, and raindrops falling on the windows are making the only sound in this oddly silent car.

Sebastian keeps looking at her trembling, petite form, and his heart is sinking looking at her like this.

The thing he is trying to figure out for months has got crystal clear after today's encounter that this woman has become his everything now. He can't see her in pain.

When they arrived, Sebastian led her inside. Gave her some fresh clothes of his. Isabella came to get the guest room and got changed, but her mind is still repeating today's incident.

As she made her way to the guest room, Sebastian leaned back on the nearby wall, his mind racing. He couldn't shake the image of her frightened face. Protecting her had become more than just an obligation; it was a promise he intended to keep.

On the other hand, she keeps thanking God for sending Sebastian, or she might not have been able to show her face to anyone.

But what she did in fear turned her cheeks crimson in embarrassment. She came out, and at the same time, Sebastian came out from the kitchen and handed her a warm cup of tea. Isabella sat on the couch, her hands still trembling slightly as she held the cup.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come."

Sebastian sat across from her, his gaze unwavering. "You don't have to thank me. I should've walked you home earlier. This wouldn't have happened if I had."

"It's not your fault," Isabella said, her voice firmer this time. "They've been following me since this morning."

Sebastian frowned and asked worriedly, "Then why haven't you told me earlier about this? Is that why you were running this morning?"

"I should've been more careful." She mumbled while clenching the cup tightly in her fists.

Sebastian instantly sat beside her. "This isn't your responsibility, Isabella. It's theirs. And they won't get away with it. I'll make sure of that." He said softly while brushing a loose strand behind her ear, and Isabella stiffened. "From now on you won't leave till I come home and drop you at your place." The determination in his voice sent a wave of relief through her. For the first time in years, she felt safe.

"Sebastian," she whispered, her eyes meeting his ocean eyes that had a different glint in them. Their closeness is doing something to her.

She gulped nervously and tried to stand up from her seat, but before she could run away, Sebastian held her wrist to stop her.

"Isabella!" He called her softly, and the plea in his tone made her stomach flutter. "Please, sit here. I want to tell you something."

She turned slowly to meet his gaze, but then her gaze fell on her wrist that he was holding. Sebastian instantly left her wrist while mumbling an apology, "I am so sorry, Isabella. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, but I can't keep this to myself anymore."

"Sebastian, don't." She shook her head vigorously. Knowing what might be coming next.

"Let me please..."

"No." She interrupted him. "Whatever it is, forget it. I am not...I...can't... I'm not worthy of you, Sebastian."

"You think I care about these things?" Sebastian asked. "The only thing that matters is this heart, which likes you. Likes you so much that I can't bear to see you in pain."

"No, Sebastian, please stop. Stop thinking about all this," Isabella begged.

"Why not? What's wrong with me?" Sebastian questioned.

"There's nothing wrong with you; it's me. I'm not good enough for you. Look at yourself; you're successful and handsome. Every girl in the city is dying to be with you. You can have anyone who matches your standard. And who am I? No one. Just a maid working in your house," Isabella said, her voice trembling as the last words escaped her lips.

Before Isabella could leave, Sebastian grabbed her hand, pulling her toward him. "Do you think I care about all this? I wasn't born with luxury and comfort. None of this matters to me..."

"It matters to me!" Isabella interrupted, her voice filled with emotion. Freeing herself from his grasp, she ran away in tears.

Isabella's heart clenched at his words as she locked the door behind her and sank on the floor. She had spent so much of her life building walls, and now, here is someone gently trying to tear them down.