Gideon was in a lousy mood, but when Verity called to him, his pride wouldn't allow him to ignore her. He walked over, plastered on a smile, and joined the group.

Verity, Calliope, and Gideon sat down. Verity glanced at Silas, lingering near Calliope. "Silas, aren't you joining the game?"

Silas shook his head, grinning. "Nah, I'll just hang out with my wife tonight." He slid into the seat beside Calliope, looking smitten.

Verity playfully rolled her eyes. "Alright, then. Dahlia, you in?"

"Absolutely!" Dahlia exclaimed, joining them.

The four began their game of Texas Hold'em, an unofficial family holiday tradition. Silas never took his eyes off Calliope, showering her with compliments. "Look at her, could she be any more gorgeous?" he'd say. "And smart as a whip, too. I got lucky, folks."

Verity laughed, nudging Dahlia. "Silas, if you keep bragging, you'll make us all jealous. Is Calliope really that amazing?"

Silas grinned, utterly sincere. "She's the best. The best there ever was. Marrying her was the best thing that ever happened to me," he added, squeezing Calliope's hand.

Verity nodded. "Can't argue with that. Callie's brilliant and beautiful; what's not to love?"

The exchange stung Gideon more than he showed. He maintained a neutral expression, but inwardly, the words felt like a slap. He glanced at Calliope. She'd removed her coat, revealing a stunning red cocktail dress—chic, striking, and utterly her. Her skin glowed, her hair was elegantly pinned up, and she wore her easy smile. Her eyes sparkled, bright and full of life.

It was a stark contrast to Yvette, his wife, who was expecting a baby. He'd ensured she had everything she needed, but she still looked pale and worn out, perpetually displaying a tired, pinched expression. He'd once thought her caring and thoughtful, but now, seeing Calliope, he realized what genuine warmth looked like. Yvette's kindness had always felt forced, a performance; Calliope was authentic, considerate, and kind without expectation.

Verity clapped her hands, snapping Gideon from his thoughts. "Alright, let's up the stakes. No point in playing small, right?"

Calliope smiled. "I'm game."

"Me too!" Dahlia chimed in. "I got some sweet Christmas bonuses this year, plus a scholarship payout!"

All eyes turned to Gideon. He hesitated. He hadn't been working lately—doctor's orders—and the family finances were stretched thin. His father wasn't wealthy, and his mother had never been financially savvy. He couldn't afford to lose. But with everyone staring, especially Calliope, he couldn't back down. Admitting he was broke wasn't an option. His pride wouldn't allow it.

He forced a smile. "Sure, I'm in."

"Perfect! High stakes it is," Verity said, beaming as she dealt the cards.

The game began. Calliope played naturally, even better with Silas's encouragement. Dahlia was sharp, and Verity held her own. Only Gideon struggled. His luck was terrible, and his poker skills weren't much better. With each round, he lost more. By the end of several hands, everyone had won except Gideon. He was down three thousand dollars, his expression souring with each lost chip. Across the room, Yvette watched, her face growing paler with each of Gideon's losses. She knew better than anyone how tight things had become at home, and tonight, things looked even worse.