With great admiration, Amber remarked, "It's growing bigger every year," as she looked at Twinkle Velli.

"Indeed, it is. That tree is like the jewel of Winterblossom," Clive replied, gazing at it.

Amber gave Clive a sideways glance, her eyes partially closed, accompanied by a subtle smile, she remarked, "The only one-of-a-kind jewel in the world, we can say," she added, "Excited to see it fully lit up."

Clive put forth a candid look at Amber and said, "Hey Amber," he paused, "Thanks for showing up. I could've suggested someone else, but when I thought about a 'duty comes first' kinda person—more talented and, most importantly, trustworthy—you were the first person I thought of with all those qualities."

Amber, her smile warm and honest for Clive, responded, "Clivey! I'd do anything for my best buddies." Then she added, "Besides, I'm not much of a festival person, so I've got nothing going on for Thanksgiving or Christmas," She paused, then continued, "Actually, I don't even celebrate them."

"No, this year you will," Clive, with a serious face, both insistent and caring. Then he asked, "Where are you staying?"

"Grasenvile Downtown"

"Come on, stay at our place. Arty and Bia would love to see you!"

Amber shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "No, no, no... I don't wanna bring all this detective stuff in there. But don't worry, I'll swing by," she said. Her refusal of Clive's invitation reflected her desire for their festive celebrations to be undisturbed by the unsettling news from her work.

With a year's contemplation coloring her voice, Amber inquired, "How's my little angel, my Bia-bear?"

Stolen novel; please report.

Clive responded with a beaming smile, flashing the joy that only a parent can express, and said, "She's all grown up now. Just turned four."

Overflowing with joy and heartwarming love, Amber exclaimed, "I can't wait to see my cuddly doll! It's been, like, a whole year since we last spent time together."

As they strolled along the sidewalk, they were promptly encountered by an endearing couple. Simply forgetting the entire world, they engaged in fervent osculation, wisely fencing themselves from the frigidness of this ferocious winter. Amber remarked to Clive, "Wow! Look at those love birds!"

The beauteous portrait of Clive's husband, Arty, flickered in his mind. He mused and said, "It's the holiday season, darling." With his eyes closed, meditating on Arty's smooch, he giggled mildly, as if sharing a festive secret, "You'll see plenty of those pairs."

Then he gave her a side glance and asked in a mirthful manner, "So, when you gonna get one?"

Amber said, "Nope, not my thing. I'm not really into commitments."

Clive looked at her with his faith in the significance of love and commitment, transparent in his solemn eyes. Resting his hand on her shoulder, he said, "Sooner or later, we all need commitment; it's like the ultimate purpose for everyone on this planet. And you find that by loving someone who really loves you with their whole heart." then he adds, "Now, the thing is that you haven't found that someone yet. That's it."

Clive's words pulled at her heartstrings. Her eyes were glued to him. It was a gaze, one that spoke louder than words ever could, conveying, "Despite asserting her reluctance toward commitment, Amber paradoxically finds herself committed to her detective duties, using that claim as an excuse for loneliness; Her service to her country by handling intricate murder cases and hunting criminals down, is just a commitment to solitude masked by the pursuit of justice—a way of numbing the sting that stems from the very isolation she claims not to desire."

While they were immersed in a passionate discussion about commitment and relationships, the air rustled behind their back like a coaxing breeze, foretelling an imminent interruption to those oblivious chatterers. Suddenly, a ...