Back at the Vanderbilt Mansion, the halls were adorned with twinkling Christmas lights and festive decorations, creating an atmosphere of holiday joy. Aunt Carol warmly greeted Charlie and Serena, but her observant eyes caught the subdued mood of the two young women.

"Merry Christmas, Miss Charlie, Miss Serena!" Aunt Carol exclaimed with cheer.

"Merry Christmas, Aunt Carol," Serena replied, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Merry Christmas," Charlie echoed, her tone tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"Miss, I'll have the Christmas Dinner ready. Miss Celia and Sir Cornelius wouldn't be able to join tonight's dinner," Aunt Carol informed them.

"Okay, Aunt Carol... Thank you. We'll just freshen up," Serena replied politely.

"Okay, Miss," Aunt Carol smiled before leaving the two.

Once they were alone, Serena turned to Charlie with a concerned expression.

"Charlie... Let's go upstairs now?" Serena gently suggested.

"Okay," Charlie agreed quietly.

As they made their way upstairs, Serena couldn't shake the worry gnawing at her. Determined to bring some cheer to Charlie's spirits, she dialed Dr. Anne's number.

"Hello, Whisper?" Aunt Anne answered.

"Aunt Anne, how's Leora doing?" Serena inquired anxiously.

"Well, Leora seems stable now. She woke up after you guys left and seems to be in good spirits. It's a shame that it's Christmas today, and she'll be spending her time in the hospital," Aunt Anne replied sympathetically.

"Uhmm.. About that Aunt Anne, can't Leora be discharged for tonight?" Serena suggested hopefully.

"What do you mean?" Aunt Anne asked, intrigued.

"Can't she spend Christmas with us?" Serena proposed.

"Hmmm... It's important that Leora is being monitored, especially now because we don't know what could happen, so I don't think it's possible, Whisper," Aunt Anne explained.

"Aunt Anne, do you have any plans for tonight?" Serena inquired further.

"Not really... I'll just go home, eat, and rest. Why do you suddenly ask?" Aunt Anne responded.

"Then Aunt Anne, can you and Leora spend Christmas with us? You can monitor her if you come with her," Serena suggested, her voice hopeful.

Aunt Anne chuckled softly at Serena's proposal. "Hmm.. I think that's possible... I actually feel bad for Leora spending her time alone in her room. Her mom has some business to attend to," she mused.

"Okay, Aunt Anne... Thank you!" Serena exclaimed gratefully.

"Okay, no problem, Whisper. We'll go now," Aunt Anne confirmed before ending the call.

Serena smiled with relief, feeling optimistic about brightening up Charlie's Christmas. As they prepared to welcome Leora into their celebration, dressed in matching white dresses adorned with festive red accents, Serena couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the holiday cheer.

Charlie noticed Serena gazing at the Christmas tree in the living room and approached her.

"Hey," she said softly.

"Hey... are you feeling better?" Serena asked, her smile offering comfort to Charlie.

"Um," Charlie replied, though a hint of sadness lingered in her eyes.

"Look... let's put these on the tree," Serena suggested, showing Charlie two turtle dove ornaments.

"Hmmm, okay," Charlie agreed, taking one of the ornaments.

"Do you know what two turtle doves signify?" Serena asked as she delicately placed the other ornament on the tree.

"What?" Charlie inquired curiously.

"They say it's a symbol of lasting love," Serena explained, her smile warm and reassuring.

Charlie smiled at the sentiment. "I like the meaning of it!" she exclaimed, then leaned in to kiss Serena's forehead.

Their tender moment was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway.

'Is Cornelius and Celia suddenly came back?' Charlie wondered.

However, Serena knew that Leora and Aunt Anne had arrived at the Mansion.

"CHARLIE! SERENA! MERRY CHRISTMAS!" Leora's voice rang out, filling the room with joy.

Charlie's eyes widened in disbelief as she heard Leora's voice. She rushed to where the sound came from and enveloped Leora in a tight hug.

"LEORA! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE? SHOULDN'T YOU BE AT THE HOSPITAL?!" Charlie bombarded Leora with questions, her concern evident in her voice.

"Well, a certain someone convinced Dr. Anne to let me at least enjoy Christmas!" Leora replied with a mischievous grin.

Then, Leora turned to Serena and expressed her gratitude with a smile. "Thank you, Serena!" she said sincerely.

"No problem," Serena responded, returning Leora's smile.

Charlie, overwhelmed with emotion, immediately went to Serena and embraced her tightly.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Charlie exclaimed, gratitude shining in her eyes.

Serena hugged Charlie back, gently her head. In that moment, seeing Charlie's spirit brighten, Serena felt a sense of contentment wash over her.

"Anything for you," Serena whispered softly, her heart full of love for Charlie.

'I always want to see you happy. I'll always make sure you're happy...' Serena thought, her resolve to bring joy to Charlie unwavering.

"Miss Charlie, the dinner is ready!" Aunt Carol announced from behind.

"We brought some cake on the way! It's not good to come empty-handed," Dr. Anne added with a smile.

Aunt Carol took the cake from Dr. Anne and placed it on the dining table.

The dinner was filled with laughter and joy. The earlier sadness seemed to have vanished, replaced by the warmth of the Christmas spirit. Dr. Anne couldn't believe she was spending Christmas with high school kids, but she found herself enjoying their company. She marveled at the close bond they shared, a friendship so pure and genuine.

"You guys really convinced me to spend Christmas with you," Dr. Anne remarked, touched by their kindness.

"Doctor Anne, I've been meaning to ask this, don't you have a boyfriend?" Charlie inquired.

Serena's eyebrows furrowed, curious about Charlie's question.

"Do you like Aunt Anne?" Serena asked firmly.

"W-what? Of course not! I just think Dr. Holly and Dr. Anne would make a cute couple!! Dr. Holly is an Omega and Dr. Anne is an Alpha after all!" Charlie replied.

"Now that you say that, Dr. Holly indeed is really pretty and Dr. Anne too! They'll make a pretty good couple!" Leora chimed in.

"So, Dr. Anne, do you want to meet Dr. Holly?!" Charlie suggested mischievously.

Dr. Anne couldn't help but chuckle, feeling