Indeed, this is the moment she’ll exact vengeance on her spouse. A week ago, she overheard his conversation with his mistress, and that’s when her plan took shape…

Vivian shouted upon seeing the guest. I’ve been waiting for you. I knew that, Santa Claus laughed.

Will you tell me a poem? Of course. And Vivian eagerly began to recite while Miranda stood and watched. This bearded companion in a red robe reminded her of someone.

And when Vivian ran into the room with a huge doll in her hands, Miranda finally mustered the courage to ask. Santa Claus, by any chance, are you my boss? Oh, busted, chuckled Mr. Miller and adjusted his beard slightly. What? Did you recognize me right away? Yes, I couldn’t figure it out at all.

I just guessed from your eyes. Happy New Year, Miranda. Happy New Year, Mr. Miller.

They stood and looked at each other. A young woman in a kitchen apron and a magical character with a huge white beard. Silence stretched out.

Well, I should probably go, Mr. Miller said shyly. And immediately he remembered and reached into his bag. Miranda, this is for you.

He pulled out a small red box. Miranda opened it and blinked in astonishment. A diamond ring.

Oh, it’s so expensive. Why, she stammered. Miranda, you’re worth more than all the diamonds in the world, Mr. Miller said quietly.

Mr. Miller, I can’t accept it. No. It’s a New Year’s gift from Santa Claus himself, the guest smiled.

And suddenly, without expecting it himself, he pulled Miranda closer and kissed her. She responded. Unexpected, Miranda whispered.

My first kiss with Santa Claus. Didn’t it freeze you? No, I felt like I melted, Miranda admitted. Mr. Miller, I’ve realized for a long time that you mean a lot to me.

You’ve done so much for us. I constantly think about you. Stay with us.

Let’s celebrate New Year together. And I had already lost hope, Miranda. I swear to you, you will never regret it.

And they stood there, embracing each other, while Vivian watched them from the room with surprise. Mom is kissing Santa Claus. Is that even possible? Then Santa Claus magically disappeared, and Uncle Miller appeared in the apartment, whom the girls soon started to timidly call, Dad.

Meanwhile, in a distant city, another family celebrated New Year, a son and an elderly mother. She had recently suffered a stroke and could barely move. Everything annoyed her, the uncomfortable apartment, her alcoholic son, and the unfamiliar city they had to move to.

Yes, they were Ms. Caroline and Kevin. Now they lived far away. They had to move here after Kevin’s conversation with Mr. Miller.

Their former boss didn’t advise them to stay any closer, as neither the son nor the mother wanted to end up in prison, so they agreed. Kevin worked for a small newspaper. Ms. Caroline was sick.

They often quarreled, reminiscing about their past life. Did they regret the past? No. They only pitted themselves and blamed Miranda, as well as Andrea, who also got lost somewhere in the vastness of the country.

But they didn’t even think about their granddaughter and daughter. She was a stranger to them and remained so. However, little Vivian didn’t even know about their existence, she now had a loving family of her own.