Black Friday arrived, and everyone was frantic in La Boutique de Prague. They put on sale all of their off-season collection to make way to their winter and kids collection. Early morning, patrons had lined up the store to grab some great finds. Even social media influencers flocked the store, with their camera ready for the grand opening. The moment the store opened at 9 am, the boutique burst with the crowd, and the line to the counter continued outside the sidewalk. They hired part-timers, including Vince, to help out during the Black Friday sale.

Despite being short-handed, Lindsey sent some of their staff to the store to help out. The two teams were done with the prototype and were now busy with the product launch. Christine and Jamie were in charge of the product launch. While Michael and Angie left to manage the marketing side, including analog and digital advertising. Everyone in the House of Prague was literally on their toes without a rest. The launch was scheduled for the 6th of December, and everything should be ready by then.

Angie's hands were tied until the launch. From then on, things will be more comfortable until the next collection in March. She received a message from Vince, reminding him of their Nevada trip on the 13th of December. It will be a 2-days 2-nights trip. She was not sure how she can help Vince then but felt at peace at the notion of helping him. Since then, the ghosts have not disturbed her. "That must be it." she mumbled to herself.

Vince made all the reservations. He booked an overnight flight from Quebec, which he expected to last for 8 to 9 hours. When everything was finalized, Angie spoke with Lindsey about the plan. She did not agree with her, at first, but conceded when she explained that she had dreamless nights. And the ghosts had not been bothering her; lately, They both agreed that perhaps this is the mission the spirit was asking from her. She connived with Lindsey to keep the trip as a secret from her parents. As much as they like Vince, they do not totally agree with his ways.

On the night of the 13th of December, Vince picked up both Angie and Lindsey. Lindsey was scheduled to go to Paris for a business trip. They made it appear that Angie was tagging along. Coincidentally, their plan was set to depart at the same time in different directions. They were scheduled to go back Sunday night.

Despite the distance, Angie was feeling grateful, considering that Nevada was warmer compared to Quebec. She had always wanted to go to Las Vegas but was not feasible because of her schedule.

Vince drove another 3 hours to get to Nevada. The lake-side scenic drive melted all the stress and irritation that Angie felt earlier that week. Angie stepped out of the car and gawked at the scenery of Lake Tahoe. She knew then Vicky has an exquisite taste to have found a place like that. The view was picturesque and postcard-perfect. She couldn't resist taking pictures of the sparkling blue water of Lake Tahoe against the snow-capped mountains. She understood why Vince's fiancee chose this place.

"Wow, Vince! This is beautiful," her eyes filled with tears marveling at nature's beauty before her.

"It is beautiful," Vince replied, staring at her. She turned her head towards him, flustered at how he has been looking at her. She averted her gaze, "Uhm, so where's your house?"

Vince led her down a winding cemented pavement until they reached a cabin perched on the side of the hill. Contrary to her house made of bricks, theirs was made of huge chunks of wood. The house blended well with its environment, a secluded place, yet anyone can feel the warmth from home.

Angie stopped midway, her heart constricted, sending butterflies to her stomach. She choked back the tears that were about to fall. At the instant, she felt the longingness and comfort from this place. She felt at home.

"Angie, come on down here," Vince shouted from the entrance fumbling through his keys. "I called our caretaker yesterday and asked him to buy us the things we need for the next 2 days." He was checking all the color-coded keys, "Here it is," he announced and open the door to their cabin house.

As she walked in, the house enveloped her with warm air coming from the fireplace in the living room. The door opened up to the living room with huge windows. Vince pulled the curtains around the living room, which revealed the picturesque view of Lake Tahoe glimmering under the sun. Quite a contrast to the snow-capped mountain on its background. Everywhere, the furniture and fixtures were made of wood, offering a warm and cozy feel embracing her inner core and making her at ease.

Next to the living room is their kitchen, all made of wood and a marble countertop. The appliances were tucked in between wooden cabinet blending into the original design. The stove seemed to have been fired up in the morning. A kettle rest on the stove with smoke coming out of its spout. The kitchen whiffed with roasted protein from the oven.

When Vince opened the oven, he saw roasted pork and vegetables that he suspected to have been prepared by the caretaker's wife. It was 10 in the morning when they arrived, and Angie felt her stomach rumbled.

"Wow! I miss this dish," Vince exclaimed as he pulled the pork and vegetables out of the oven."

"Can I help you with something?" she asked, looking around.

"Please set the table. You can see plates, eating utensils, and napkins in the drawer," he replied, laying the protein on the counter looking for serving plate and knife. Vince also put some chocolate in the kettle and turned it on again.

Angie looked at him, amused at how at ease he was in the kitchen. She caught him smiling, his face lit up as he carved the pork with a knife. She knew this house and its surrounding suits him well. If she is honest with herself, she would love to retire in the same place. It's a shame that he was selling it to someone else.

The kettle whoosh waking them both from their reverie. "Where should I transfer the hot water?" she asked.

"Oh! That's hot chocolate. Can you put that in the wooden pitcher and use this," pointing to a chocolate stirrer, "to mix it up. That's the house specialty," he beamed.

Angie transferred the piping chocolate dring to the wooden pitcher and started whisking the drink. "I have never done this before. I only saw how they do it when I traveled to Spain. Am I doing it right?" He nodded in response.

Angie grabbed two mugs from the counter and poured the hot chocolate she mixed. Vince brought the roasted pork and vegetables with him to the table. They sat down, savoring the dish while marveling at the postcard-worthy lake. He recounted how they discovered the house and what they usually do on a regular day in the lakehouse whenever both of them were around.

"I will show you around once we are done eating. If you don't mind, can you pack her stuff instead?" Vince suddenly shifted his tone and expression, which made Angie realized the hurt he must be feeling at that moment.

"Yes. Of course," both stood up to clean up the table and dishes.

"There's a dishwasher next to the sink. You can just leave it there," Vince muttered. "Come, I will show you around."

He led the way to the guest's room, the study that opened up to a foyer, the master's bedroom, and a walk-in closet. In general, the cabin house has a masculine appeal to it. Still, feminine touches were everywhere from the curtain, decorations, furniture, and pictures that were placed carefully and strategically.

Vicky's pictures were everywhere, a real beauty with her straight brown hair that falls right to her shoulder, smiling in almost all the pictures. Most of the time, she would have her hair tied in a bun tucked in a baseball cap while she maneuvered around. Angie can tell that whoever took her picture was either a professional or someone who loves her dearly. Being able to capture ones those candid moments highlighting their strengths and beauty is a rare skill. She felt suddenly jealous of her.

Jealousy flowed in her heart. Clearly, she was loved not for what she was accomplished but because of who she was.

"Here are some boxes. You can put her clothes here and other items in this box," handing her three huge boxes.

"What are you going to do with her clothes and shoes? They are still in good shape," she asked, browsing at her closet.

"We are donating them," he shrugged. "I am sure that is what she would have wanted."

"Okay. Would you mind if I keep some?" Pulling clothes from the hanger, checking them one by one.

Vince shrugged his shoulder "suit yourself."

"Thanks," she replied. "She had some classic pieces here I can work on. And giving to charity would also be a good inspiration for my first comeback collection." Her face lit up, browsing through her wardrobe.

Not long after, all three boxes were filled. Vince brought in more boxes from the storage, taping them one by one. Underneath the pile of clothes, they cleared off was an old box. She opened it, revealing old photos and outfits. "Do you know about these?" Picking up the box, laying them on a nearby table.

"No. What's inside?" Vince sat down with Angie going through Vicky's treasure box.