I had arranged everything before we even left for the mansion - tons of fake snow delivered and spread across the private garden behind the house. It looked surprisingly real under the Christmas lights: thick, fluffy piles perfect for building snowmen. I wanted this Christmas to feel magical, especially for Lucian and Isabella.

We stepped outside after dinner, bundled up in coats and scarves. The cold air nipped at our faces, but the excitement in the air made it worth it.

"Ready to build some snowmen?" I asked, grinning as I tossed a handful of fake snow at Lucian.

He caught it and immediately lobbed it back at me with...