As Everly and Sergei entered the hospital, Everly felt a wave of emotions wash over her. She walked through the halls with Sergei by her side until they reached the ward where her mother was staying. Everly's eyes filled with tears as she saw her mother looking out the window.
Without hesitation, Everly rushed to her mother's side and pulled her in a tight hug. Her mother smiled warmly and gently wiped the tears from Everly's eyes.
"My sweet baby, why are you crying?" her mother asked softly. "You know, seeing you sad breaks my heart. You don't want to see your mother sad, do you?"
Everly shook her head, a small smile gracing her lips. "No, of course not, Mom."
Her mother's expression softened as she held Everly's hand. "The hospital told me you paid for my hospital bill for this month. I hope you're not overworking yourself, dear."
Everly squeezed her mother's hand reassuringly. "It was nothing, Mom. Don't worry about me. I'm just glad you're getting better."
Everly smiled through her tears and shook her head, feeling comforted by her mother's presence. Sergei stood nearby, observing.
Everly's mother looked up at Sergei. "Oh my, Everly, you didn't tell me you had such a charming young man by your side! He's dashing, isn't he? Look at those broad shoulders and that confident stance. You've done well, dear."
Sergei, caught off guard by the unexpected praise, shifted uncomfortably and adjusted his glasses, feeling a bit awkward.
Everly waved her hand dismissively, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks. "Oh, mother, he's not my boyfriend," she insisted, hoping to downplay the situation. "He's just a coworker, helping me out today."
Her mother raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Sergei's presence. "Well, he certainly seems like a fine young man. You should keep him around," she said with a playful wink, causing Everly to blush even more at her mother's teasing.
Sergei, feeling a bit flustered by all the attention, cleared his throat and gave them a small, awkward smile. "Thank you, ma'am. I'm just here to assist Everly," he said politely, trying to deflect the compliments.
Everly's mother chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, I see. Well, it's always nice to have a helpful friend around, isn't it?"
Everly nodded, letting out a small laugh. "Yes, it certainly is, Mom."
As the conversation continued, Everly's mother turned her attention back to Everly, her expression softening with affection. "So, my dear, how have you been? I hope you're taking care of yourself."
Everly smiled warmly, feeling a rush of love for her mother. "I've been doing well, mother. And don't worry, I'm taking good care of myself."
Her mother nodded, her gaze filled with maternal concern. "That's good to hear, dear. And what about work? Is everything going smoothly?"
Everly nodded, eager to change the subject. "Yes, work is fine. It's been busy, but nothing I can't handle."
Everly stayed and kept her mother company until sunset. It was getting late, so Everly bid her mother goodbye before leaving with Sergei.
As Everly and Sergei walked through the hospital corridors, Sergei immediately spotted Ivan's mother, Svetlana Smirnov, entering the building.
His blood ran cold as he recognized her dangerous aura, and a sense of urgency gripped him. He quickly pulled Everly into a nearby ward, his heart pounding with fear and anxiety.
Svetlana Smirnov, Ivan's mother, had a commanding presence as she entered the hospital.
She was dressed in a sleek black pantsuit, the jacket casually draped over her shoulders, giving her a badass appearance.
Svetlana Smirnov let out an air of power as she strode through the hospital, her sharp eyes scanning her surroundings.
Her presence alone sent shivers down Sergei's spine, and he knew that encountering her could spell trouble.
As she passed by the ward where Everly and Sergei were hiding, Everly couldn't help but feel confused by Sergei's sudden actions. "What's going on, Sergei?" she whispered, her brow furrowed with concern.
Sergei glanced nervously at the closed door. He knew he had to act quickly to prevent Everly from being seen.
"It's nothing, Everly," Sergei replied, his voice strained with tension. "I just... didn't want to run into someone I know. My apologies."
Everly studied Sergei's face, sensing his unease, but she nodded understandingly, trusting him to keep her safe. "It's fine, let's go," she said softly.
Relieved that Everly hadn't pressed further, Sergei breathed a sigh of relief.
The last thing he wanted was to face Ivan's wrath if something were to happen to Everly.
As Svetlana continued on her way, Sergei couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that lingered in the air.
As Everly and Sergei pulled up to the mansion's gates, the massive iron doors swung open, allowing them entry into the sprawling compound.
Everly stepped out of the car and made her way towards the entrance, she was met by Ivan, dressed in a sleek black suit.
"Well, look at you looking all fancy," Everly greeted him with a soft tease.
Ivan's expression softened as he approached her. "How was your visit, and how is your mother doing?" he inquired.
"It was fine, and she's getting better," Everly replied. "Thanks for asking."
He nodded. "Well, that's good to hear."
Everly walked into the building, and Ivan's gaze shifted to Sergei, who had just turned off the car engine and stepped out. "I assume everything went smoothly." He looked down at him with a glare.
"Sir, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his voice tense with apprehension.
Ivan's demeanor shifted instantly, his features contorting with concern and anticipation. He fixed Sergei with a piercing stare, silently urging him to continue.
Sergei took a deep breath, steeling himself for Ivan's reaction. "I saw your mother at the hospital," he said, his words hanging heavy in the air.
Ivan's face paled. "You what?!"