Kalina quickly rose from the plush couch, nervously smoothing out her dress as she positioned herself next to Dominique. Her fingers fidgeted with the fabric of her dress, and she cast her eyes downward, mustering the courage to address the formidable family before her.
"Hi," she murmured, her voice tinged with shyness, a stark departure from the fiery spirit Dominique was accustomed to. He shot her a puzzled look, eyebrows furrowing in bewilderment. He had never known Kalina to be reticent; she was always quick with words, especially when locking horns with him. This newfound gentleness was disconcerting, to say the least.
