Emmerdale enters Christmas week without a hint of peace, because even before the Christmas lights are fully lit, Mill Cottage is thrown with a terrifying warning: the tree in front of Aaron’s house has caught fire, a deliberate act of intimidation rather than an accident.

Aaron is both panicked and angry, his first reaction is to immediately find an easily identifiable culprit, and Ross becomes the most suspected person, especially since the tension surrounding Seb is causing a firestorm between them.

But the painful part is that all the signs lead to a psychological trap: someone wants Aaron to believe Ross did it, so the villagers will fight amongst themselves, while the real mastermind calmly watches from the sidelines.

The following days were even more intense, as the attacks didn’t stop at a single fire: damaged property, a feeling of being watched, and the persistent “don’t think you’re safe” attitude clung to Robron.

Robert wasn’t one to give up easily, but as Christmas approached, it became clear he was hiding a greater worry than Aaron’s anger, as if Robert had found a clue but didn’t dare speak out, for speaking out would only provoke a stronger reaction. Then, on the morning of December 25th, as the whole village gathered for mulled wine outside Woolpack, things suddenly changed: Robert said he was going to do a small errand.

But minute after minute, Robert didn’t return. Aaron’s initial annoyance at missing the holiday turned into a chill down his spine, then into genuine panic as his feeling solidified: Robert hadn’t just disappeared for no reason. Victoria is also drawn into the vortex, as the more she calls, the less contact she gets.