#Chapter 341: Like Mother, Like Daughter

Nina The morning sunlight had barely started creeping through the curtains when the soft knock on my door pulled me from my slumber. Enzo still laid fast asleep beside me. Groggily, I sat up and blinked at the clock on my bedside table. 6:30 a.m. “Nina, darling, are you awake?” My mother’s voice filtered through the door, tinged with an excitement I hadn’t heard in years. “Yes, Mom, I’m up,” I called out, rubbing my eyes. The door opened, and my mother stepped in. She looked different, happier somehow, as if the promise of the day ahead had already worked its magic on her. ‘We’ve got a big day ahead of us,” she whispered, her eyes sparkling. “The ball is tonight, and we have to find you the perfect dress and get our hair done.” I swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling a surprising rush of enthusiasm wash over me. My mother and I hadn’t done anything like this together—ever. Our relationship had always been cordial, but somewhat distant. Toda