Page 189 of Losing Faith

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Lisette

WhenIwalkintothestudio, I immediately regret agreeing to this bullshit.

Christmas music plays from somewhere, and for some reason, it smells like horrendous gingerbread cookies. The chatter of my siblings grow louder with every step I take. Whipping around the corner, my eyes land on all of their Christmas sweaters.

Jesus Christ.

“Lis.” Sage throws her hands up as she smiles over at me. Her red dress looks stunning on her and practically makes her glow as she glides over to me. She quickly pulls me into a hug and no amount of my hatred for Christmas could make me a bit annoyed by this girl.

“This was supposed to be casual.” I pull away to study her designer heels.

“This is casual.” She looks down at her dress before a smile touches her lips. “You all didn’t want to wear a dress, but that wasn’t stopping me. Plus, Hazel is in a skirt.” She shrugs before her eyes practically light up. “I brought your Christmas sweater.”

“Great.” I force a smile. “Burn it,” I add cheerfully before kissing her cheek. Her jaw drops and I rush off before she can object.

Her twin meets me next and flashes me a bright smile. I shake my head at the Christmas tree on his bright red shirt. “Who coordinated these outfits?”

August’s brows furrow as he looks down at himself. “They’re cute.”

So this was his idea.

He breaks into a laugh at whatever face I’m making and I bite back a smile at his contagious laughter.

Sage comes up next to us and the minute she opens her mouth, I interrupt her. “I’m not wearing reindeer ears.”

Her brows furrow as she touches the ears on her head. “I like them.”

I stifle a laugh at her cute pinched brows. “They’re cute on you, but I’m not doing it.”

She agrees and behind her, Liam wraps an arm around her waist before kissing her cheek. “Come finish eating, Dory.”

A smile touches my lips at how in love with my sister he is. “How do you do, soon-to-be Mr. Hale?”

He drags his eyes to me slowly and I bite back my smile at his unamused look. He doesn’t say anything as he takes Sage’s hand and guides her away.

“Great talk as always!”

Beside me, August stifles a laugh when Liam shakes his head at me.

Walking further into the studio, I find Hazel and Vidia who are also in Christmas sweaters. “At least you two aren’t wearing atree.”

A smile grows on Vidia’s face as she pulls out a sweater from the bag beside her. “This one is yours.” I study the white sweater with nearly twenty trees going around the chest and back.

As I’m about to voice a protest, Sire walks over. He keeps a straight face as he studies me and I truly try not to roll my eyes at him, but before I can stop myself, I’m already looking away in annoyance.

“So we’re still fighting, nice to know.” He nods once as he sits next to his girlfriend.

“Thanks.” I take the sweater from Vidia before turning, but I take one step before Sire speaks up.

“Can we maybe act like a family for this photoshoot?”

I keep walking as I respond. “I’m here for the twins. We don’t need to speak to stand beside each other in a picture.”

“Are you sober?”

I go still at his question and the rest of the room falls quiet. A scoff escapes me as I whip around to him and all I see in his eyes is that patronizing look.

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