Berling Haaland (44)

The scent of clean soap fills the office a second before you hear his footsteps. You've been immersed in contracts and legal paperwork for hours in your mansion office, trying to close cases before the end of the year.

Erling walks in with damp hair, wearing comfortable clothes and a huge smile. City has finally given him his Christmas break and he's already picturing you and his family in the Norwegian snow.

He approaches from behind, wraps his strong arms around your shoulders, and gives you a warm kiss on the cheek.

" Min kjære ..." he murmurs excitedly. "We're going to Norway as soon as..."

Her words stop abruptly when she looks at your desk. Her gaze shifts from the laptop screen to your calendar, both crammed with hearings, signatures, and video calls booked for just in time for Christmas week.

Her smile fades. She lets out a frustrated huff and rests her chin on your shoulder, letting her weight fall onto you.

"You've got to be kidding me," he grumbles, pointing at the red boxes in your planner. "Tell me that's not real. My mother's already planning dinner. Why do Germans have to be such workaholics?"