35.

“ Hi Ma,” Aly answered her phone when she realised her mom was calling. She had been engrossed in work for the past three days. There was a partnership deal she was working on, which was taking much of her time.

“ Do you care for some home cooked meals?” Xara asked her daughter, standing in front of her office.

“ Yes, yes, I do. I’d really—-

She was cut off by her mom opening the door and walking into the office, earning a chuckle from Aly.

“Really, mom?” she asked, leaning in for a hug.

“ I didn’t want to bother you with calls when Zeke told me you were busy buried in work,” she said, taking a seat in front of her daughter and placing the basket beside her. She had prepared simple meals as well as soups for her.

“Thanks, Ma; you’re the best mother one could ever ask for. I love you.”

“ I love you too.”

“ How are you doing, Alyona? You look stressed out, sad, and tired,” her mother pointed out.

“ I’m not going to lie, mom. I am. Considering all that’s happening, my mind’s messe