Not a merry little christmas By Chiara F. Citterio

Everly and Jayden, both 25, grew up in the small town of Schenectady, near New York. From childhood, they were academic rivals and their relationship was always marked by animosity. Everly detested Jayden for how he treated her, unaware that he acted this way because he was secretly in love with her, although he couldn't confess it since she was his best friend's girlfriend.
The story takes place in the present, interspersed with flashbacks to the last ten Christmases, and focuses on Everly and Jayden's reunion ten days before Christmas at a bar in town. Both face personal crises: Everly must inform her parents that she has lost her job, while Jayden has to tell them that he will not marry his ex-girlfriend Geneva, the daughter of his parents' business partner.
Everly, who has always been strong and resistant to any attempt at control, finds herself vulnerable. On the other hand, Jayden struggles with his inability to cope with the pain and emptiness he feels inside. As they reconnect, they discover that their feelings haven't changed that much and that maybe this Christmas won't be perfect, but it could be the beginning of something new and meaningful for both of them.
The past and present intertwine to reveal a story of love and redemption, showing that sometimes, second chances can be the best Christmas gift.