EVERMORE , Max Verstappen

Epilogue

Christmas morning dawned, and Ahri stirred in bed, finding herself alone. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed not to wake up beside Max, but curiosity got the best of her. She climbed out of bed and ventured into the living room.

As soon as she walked in, she was greeted by a playful commotion. Jimmy Sassy and Kuma were frolicking around the Christmas tree while Max was carefully fixing some ornaments. Ahri couldn't help but smile.

"I thought we had finished everything last night," she said, her voice laced with curiosity.

Max looked up from the tree, a bright smile lighting up his face. "Oh yeah, I woke up to make breakfast and saw a few ornaments in the kitchen. I must have left them there when we went to grab food, so I thought, why not put them on the tree?"

Ahri approached him and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him from behind. "It looks perfect," she said, resting her chin on his shoulder.

Max leaned back into her embrace. "It does."

Ahri then asked, "What time is everyone coming?"

Max continued to focus on the tree, gently adjusting an ornament. "Your brother will be here in an hour, but the rest of them are coming in the evening, right in time for dinner."

Ahri nodded, her thoughts shifting to Max's family. "What about your mum?" she asked, curious about the arrival of Max's mother, Victoria.

Max turned to face her, and there was a softness in his eyes. "Oh, she and Victoria are coming together," he replied, his voice full of affection.

Minho had arrived, ready to lend a hand in preparing for Max and Ahri's Christmas party. He immediately rolled up his sleeves and started helping around the house, joining Ahri in the kitchen as she prepared for the evening.

While they worked together, Minho couldn't help but inquire about Ahri's recent dealings with her family. "Restraining orders, seriously?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Ahri glanced over at Minho, offering a half-smile as she continued cutting vegetables. "Well, I just sent a legal notice to them-nothing too major. But I did mention the possibility of a restraining order. I don't want to get stuck in some stupid 'sue the daughter' contest or conservatorship."

Minho nodded thoughtfully, his expression understanding. "That's great. I mean, as long as they don't bother you, it's fine by me."

Ahri appreciated Minho's support, knowing he was always there for her, especially during the more challenging times with her family.

As the evening rolled in, their guests began to arrive one by one. Ahri's team members were among the first to arrive, followed shortly by her best friend, Sara, who greeted Ahri with a warm hug.

"It took you long to cut off your mum," Sara remarked with a knowing smile, referring to the earlier conversation about Ahri's legal notice.

Then, Charles and Genevieve made their entrance. Charles playfully teased Max, saying, "Mate, look at how much I love you. I'm here to celebrate Christmas with you instead of my family."

Max, amused, responded, "You had dinner with your family yesterday, and I didn't even invite you, she did."

Ahri stepped in, expressing her gratitude, "I'm so grateful you guys could make it."

The next arrivals were Max's family-his mum, Victoria, his sister, and his brother-in-law, along with Max's nephews. Ahri couldn't contain her excitement as she hugged the adorable little ones.

"Oh my gosh, these babies are so cute!" she exclaimed, earning a chuckle from the group. Playfully, she turned to Max and asked, "Can we have one too, Max?"

Her comment sent Minho and Charles into a sudden fit of choking, while Genevieve tried to pat both of their backs to ease their discomfort.

The question took Max by surprise, and he glanced at her with a grin. "I thought you wanted more championships?"

Ahri laughed. "Yeah, I do. But these munchkins always give me baby fever."

As they all sat down for dinner, the table was filled with lively conversation and laughter. However, the joyful atmosphere suddenly turned into one of anticipation when Minho spoke up.

"I got a job," he announced, and everyone at the table turned their attention to him.

"I got a job in New York, in banking. So, as soon as I'm done with my last term, I'll be shifting there. I want to save the money I got from Grandpa as inheritance for the future," Minho explained.

Immediately, the table erupted in applause and congratulations.

"That's incredible, Min Min! I'm so proud of you," Ahri exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration and happiness for her brother's achievement.

As the lively conversation continued around her, Ahri sat in silence, observing everyone with a contemplative expression. Max, always attuned to her emotions, wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

"The future is going to be okay," Max reassured her, his voice filled with conviction.

Ahri looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "I know it will be."

A warm smile spread across Max's face, and he pressed a loving kiss to her forehead. "I love you," he said softly.

"I love you too," Ahri replied, her heart warmed by Max's presence and the love that surrounded them on this special Christmas evening.

A/N

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE ARE DONE WITH MY SECOND BOOK IN THE SERIES. FINALLY. I WILL CONTINUE WITH WISTERIA, BUT I'LL START THE FOURTH SOON.

THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR SHOWING INCREDIBLE LOVE TOWARDS MY BOOKS. I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO ENJOY MY BOOK SERIES.

SIGNING OFF,

ARA,

TEAM LECHAIR.