The crisp winter air filled the Malverne estate as Christmas approached. Snow blanketed the grounds, and inside, the warmth of flickering fireplaces and the scent of cinnamon and pine made the atmosphere cozy. Ezekiel had been caught up in endless wedding preparations, but today, he had two important things to do—spend time with Celeste and take Daphne on a proper date before their wedding.
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Ezekiel entered the sitting room, where Celeste sat by the large bay window, watching the snowfall outside. She turned when she heard his footsteps and immediately beamed.
"Ez!" she cheered, rushing to him.
He scooped her up effortlessly, spinning her around before setting her down. "You've been waiting for me, haven't you?"
She pouted. "Obviously! You've been too busy with boring wedding stuff."
He smirked. "And here I thought you were excited for the wedding."
Celeste crossed her arms. "I am. But that doesn't mean I don't want my big brother's attention too!"
Ezekiel chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Then how about I make it up to you today? Just you and me, whatever you want to do."
Her eyes sparkled. "Really?"
"Really."
Celeste grinned mischievously. "Then I want to go outside! We haven't had a snowball fight in forever!"
Ezekiel smirked. "You're on."
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The Malverne gardens were transformed into a winter wonderland. Snow covered every surface, and the sky was a pale blue, the sun casting a soft glow over the landscape.
Celeste wasted no time, scooping up snow and launching a snowball at Ezekiel before he even had a chance to react.
"Hey!" he exclaimed as the snow hit his shoulder.
She giggled and ran behind a snow-covered bush.
"Oh, you're going to regret that," he warned playfully, quickly forming his own snowballs.
The battle lasted for nearly half an hour. Celeste, despite her smaller size, was quick and ruthless, using her agility to her advantage. Ezekiel held back just enough to let her have fun, but he wasn't going to lose easily.
Just as Celeste was about to declare victory, Ezekiel tackled her into the snow, pinning her down.
"Say you surrender," he teased.
She stuck out her tongue. "Never!"
He grinned and started tickling her, making her squeal with laughter.
"Okay, okay! I surrender!" she cried between giggles.
Ezekiel finally let her go, lying back in the snow next to her. They stared up at the sky, the cold air making their breaths visible.
"This was fun," Celeste said softly.
He smiled. "It was. And I promise, no matter what happens, I'll always make time for you."
She turned to him, her expression serious for a moment. "Even when you're married?"
Ezekiel chuckled, pulling her into a hug. "Even then. You'll always be my little Celes."
She grinned. "Good. Because I won't let you forget it!"
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After spending the afternoon with Celeste, Ezekiel prepared for his date with Daphne. He had arranged for a private dinner at a charming little restaurant in the heart of the wizarding district, away from the estate's wedding chaos.
Daphne was waiting for him at the entrance, wrapped in an elegant deep blue cloak, her hair cascading over her shoulders.
"You look beautiful," he said as he took her hand.
She smirked. "You don't look too bad yourself, Lord Ravenclaw."
They stepped inside the restaurant, where a cozy, intimate table had been set for them. Candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the setting.
As they dined, the conversation flowed naturally. For once, there were no discussions about the wedding, no obligations—just them.
Daphne took a sip of her wine, watching him. "You know, after everything, it's hard to believe we're finally here."
He reached across the table, taking her hand. "I know. But there's no one else I'd rather be here with."
She smiled softly. "Same."
After dinner, they took a walk through the snowy streets. The lights from shop windows reflected on the frost-covered cobblestones, creating a magical atmosphere.
Daphne suddenly stopped and turned to him. "Do you regret it? Being tied to me by an old contract?"
Ezekiel cupped her face gently. "Not for a second."
She searched his eyes before smiling. "Good. Because I love you, Ezekiel."
His breath caught for a moment, then he smiled. "I love you too, Daphne."
She pulled him into a slow, deep kiss, the cold winter air forgotten as warmth spread between them.
As they held each other under the softly falling snow, they knew—this wasn't just a marriage of obligation. It was love, real and unshakable.
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