Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism



After a while, a message popped up. 'You are the prettiest girl in the world.'

It was so simple, yet it made Violeta smile. It sounded pleasant to her ears.

After lunch, they started playing poker.

Violeta went to the snowy backyard, drew a heart in the snow, and took a picture. She posted it on Facebook, wishing everyone a wonderful holiday. Fans soon flooded her post with well-wishes.

Violeta chuckled to herself as she scrolled through the comments, finding her fans incredibly adorable.

"What's making you smile like that? Aren't you cold-squatting here?"

Violeta was engrossed in reading the comments from her fans. A clear male voice came from behind, followed by a warm coat draping over her shoulders.

The phone screen went dark.

Violeta froze and saw Hayden's reflection on her screen.

She stood up quickly and said, "You're back already? So early."

Hayden smiled softly, his eyes twinkling with a gentle light. He said, "It's not early; I left very early this morning.

"Come on, let's go inside," he said.

They walked side by side towards the house.

"Did you watch the New Year's Eve show?" she asked.

"I did," he replied.

"I mean the part where I performed."

"I watched your performance," he said.

"Smart choice," she teased.

After greeting his parents briefly, Hayden rushed to the backyard to find Violeta.

As they walked into the living room, someone teased, "I wondered why Hayden was in such a hurry. It turns out he was looking for Violeta. Irene, it looks like you are coming to have a double celebration."

The speaker was Liam's mother, Amber Black.

Amber was playing poker with Irene. Irene glanced at Violeta and laughed. "I'd like my daughter to stay with me for a few more years. Hayden, you'll have to wait."

Hayden was rendered speechless.

"Mum, what are you talking about?" Violeta protested.

"Oh, we can't even talk about it, huh? I'm getting old now," Irene joked.

Violeta quickly pulled Hayden away.

Outside, they saw Zoren and Liam discussing where to set off

fireworks that evening. When they saw Hayden and Violeta

approaching, Zoren turned and

"Come on, Hade, we're deciding on a spot with a wonderful view for tonight's fireworks.

"We should decide soon and transport the fireworks there, so we're not rushing later."

Quinston banned fireworks in most areas, but allowed them in a few spots. They eventually chose Tugral Hill.

Since it was quite far, they planned to drive there early and had even booked a nearby Airbnb to stay overnight. Violeta was eager to join. She covered herself from head to toe to avoid being recognised.

They set off in the afternoon, skipping lunch to leave early.

Before leaving, Irene wrapped a scarf

Cound Violeta. She urged,All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

"Hayden, you better take excellent

care of Vio. Otherwise, I won't let her go out with you again."

"Don't worry, Irene," Hayden reassured her.

Irene smiled and said, "Off you go then."

"Mum, I'll send you videos," Violeta promised.

The four of them piled into the car, heading to Tugral Hill.

The drive took about an hour.

They arrived before nightfall and rested at the airbnb.

Zoren had invited a few others from the Pet Haven team. By nightfall, their small group had grown to nearly a dozen, both men and women.

When darkness fell, they gathered at the foot of Tugral Hill to set off the fireworks.

"Wow!"

"Beautiful!"

As the fireworks exploded in the sky, everyone shouted in amazement.

Each voicing their New Year's wishes.

"This year, I hope to get rich!"

"Count me in on that wish! I want to get rich too!"

"Here's to finding true love!"

"I hope our Pet Haven app reaches a million active users!"

Violeta had one hand in her pocket, and the other was holding her phone to record the fireworks.

She heard everybody's wishes. She

glanced at Zoren and smiled. "I don't

true."

know about everyone else's wishes, but I'm sure Zoren's will come

Swn