A Christmas of Secrets: Love, Lies and Redemption in the Storm.

Lacey Roy stood in front of the hotel's grand Christmas tree, her eyes shining with excitement. She had spent months planning the perfect Christmas for her twins, Benjamin and Benita, and it was finally here.

The hotel lobby was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with sparkling lights, garlands of greenery, and a towering tree that seemed to touch the ceiling. Lacey felt like a kid again, her heart full of joy and anticipation.

"Mommy, Mommy, look!" Benjamin exclaimed, tugging on Lacey's hand. "A tree!"

Lacey smiled and lifted Benjamin up so he could see the tree better. "Isn't it beautiful, sweetie?" she asked.

Benita, who was standing on the other side of Lacey, nodded enthusiastically. "I love it, Mommy!" she exclaimed.

Lacey stared at her twins wondering how they grew this fast without her noticing.

Lacey felt a surge of happiness at the sight of her twins' smiling faces. This Christmas was going to be one to remember, she just knew it.

As they stood there admiring the tree, Lacey couldn't help but think about how far they had come. It hadn't been easy, raising twins on her own, but she had worked hard to provide for them and give them a happy home.

No one could say she was lazy or the kids lacked anything because she works her butt off for them.

And now, thanks to her careful planning and saving, they were spending Christmas in style. The hotel was luxurious, with all the amenities they could possibly want. Lacey had even splurged on a special Christmas dinner, complete with all their favorite foods.

As they made their way to the reception desk to check in, Lacey felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had done it – she had given her twins the Christmas they deserved.

But as they were checking in, Lacey's eyes scanned the lobby, taking in the other guests. And that's when she saw him – Ryan, the father of her twins.

Lacey's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. She felt like she had been punched in the gut, all the air sucked out of her. She hadn't seen Ryan in years, not since that one night of passion that had resulted in the twins.

And now, here he was, standing in the lobby of the hotel where she was spending Christmas with their children. Lacey felt like her world was spinning out of control.

What was he doing here of all places?

Should she just run like she's crazy, leaving everything behind?

This was insane and she knew it. She needed no fortune teller to narrate or see the future for her.

If running away was an option she would have picked up the kids and run like she saw a zombie or a ghost but the kids would hate her if they spend this Christmas in their cozy apartment.

She tried to play it cool, to pretend she didn't recognize him. But Ryan's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and she knew she couldn't fool him. He knew exactly who she was, and what she was doing here.

Lacey's mind was racing as she finished checking in and took the twins to their room. She couldn't believe Ryan was here, and she had no idea what he wanted. Was he here to disrupt her Christmas, or was he just a coincidence?

As she got the twins settled into their room, Lacey couldn't shake the feeling that this Christmas was about to get a lot more complicated.

She took a deep breath and tried to focus on the twins, who were bubbling with excitement. They were having the time of their lives, and Lacey didn't want to ruin it for them.

But as she looked around the room, she couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the holiday had in store. Would Ryan try to contact her, or would he just leave her alone? And what would happen if the twins found out who he was?. Why did he even resurface now when she was okay with her kids?. Was he trying to show off? Perhaps he came with his wife or girlfriend?

The thought of Ryan having a possible girlfriend or wife made her inside fold - her stomach made loud noises because she was disgusted.

Lacey's mind was spinning with questions and worries, but she pushed them aside and focused on the present moment. She was here with her twins, and that's all that mattered.

As they spent the rest of the day exploring the hotel and enjoying the festive atmosphere, Lacey tried to put Ryan out of her mind. She didn't want to let him ruin their Christmas. Not after running away the next morning years ago. He means nothing to me she assured herself.

But as the day drew to a close, Lacey couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see Ryan standing there, but he wasn't. Sometimes she felt relieved while most time she was disappointed as time grew it turned to anger.

And when she finally saw him, standing across the lobby, she felt like her heart had stopped. What did he want, and why was he here? Why was he more handsome than the last time she saw him? Why was he making her breathless? Why was he wearing those shirts that gave away his abs?

Lacey's eyes locked onto Ryan's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other like they were reading each other. The spark of that night coming back to them. Lacey could see everything like it was happening again although she hates it but at that moment it was what she was doing without regrets "staring at the father of her kids and remember the night that produced her lovely kids,"

The twins were oblivious to the tension, too busy playing with the hotel's Christmas decorations.

But Lacey knew that this was just the beginning of a very complicated Christmas.