𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬

Chapter 6: Family First

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Sofia ran up the grand staircase, her heart pounding with worry for her mother. As she approached her mother's bedroom, she saw Dmitris standing anxiously by the door.

"Is she okay?" Sofia asked, her voice breathless.

Dmitris nodded, though his expression remained tense. "She said it's just some chest pain. She's resting now, but I think you should be with her."

Sofia nodded, pushing the door open gently and stepping into the dimly lit room. Her mother, Lidia, lay in bed, her face pale but calm. She opened her eyes as Sofia approached.

"Mama," Sofia said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed. "What happened? Are you alright?"

Lidia gave her a weak smile. "I'm fine now, darling. Just a little pain in my chest. It comes and goes."

Sofia's eyes filled with concern. "Are you sure? Do you need to see a doctor?"

Lidia shook her head. "No, no. It's happened before. I just need to rest."

Sofia nodded, though her worry didn't entirely dissipate. "Okay, but promise me you'll let me know if it gets worse."

"I promise," Lidia said, reaching out to pat Sofia's hand. "Now, tell me, where were you tonight? You look so beautiful."

Sofia hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "I was out with a friend. A nice guy. I think you'd be very happy to meet him."

Lidia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh? Tell me more."

Sofia felt her cheeks heat up again. "His name is Alexei. He's kind, thoughtful, and... well, I like him."

Lidia's smile grew. "He sounds wonderful. I'm glad you had a good time, my dear. You deserve happiness."

Sofia squeezed her mother's hand. "Thank you, Mama. But for now, let's focus on you. Do you need anything? Water, tea?"

Lidia shook her head. "Just your company, Sofia. That's all I need."

Sofia nodded, staying by her mother's side, feeling the weight of the night's events settle in her heart. She knew she had to balance her growing feelings for Alexei with her responsibilities to her family. It wouldn't be easy, but for now, all that mattered was being there for her mother.

Sofia stayed with her mother until Lidia fell asleep. Exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster of the night, Sofia eventually drifted off in the chair beside her mother's bed.

Sofia stirred awake as the first rays of sunlight peeked through her curtains. She was still in her dress from the previous night, makeup slightly smudged, the memories of the evening vivid in her mind. The phone on her bedside table buzzed incessantly, dragging her out of her drowsy state.

Groggily, she picked up the phone, seeing Elena's name flashing on the screen. She answered, bringing the phone to her ear.

"Hello?" Sofia's voice was hoarse from sleep.

"Sofia! Where have you been? I've called you a gazillion times! I was so worried!" Elena's voice was a mix of relief and frustration.

Sofia sat up, running a hand through her tousled hair. "Elena, calm down. I'm fine. I'm sorry I didn't answer. It's been... a hectic night."

"Hectic? What happened? Are you okay?" Elena's concern was palpable.

"Let's meet at our usual café. I'll tell you everything," Sofia said, swinging her legs off the bed and standing up.

"Okay, I'll be there in thirty minutes," Elena said before hanging up.

Sofia quickly freshened up, removing the remnants of her makeup and changing into more comfortable clothes. She tiptoed past her mother's room, ensuring she was still resting peacefully, and made her way downstairs.