Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Dinner with Lana

As they entered the kitchen, Aoife's eyes widened slightly, taking in the sight of Damon walking alongside the beautiful Svetlana.

She beamed with excitement, but quickly contained it, not wanting to make a scene. "Oh, and who's this young lady?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity, looking at Damon expectantly.

Damon felt a surge of nervousness, his mind racing with thoughts of how to introduce Svetlana.

'Why am I freaking out about this? She just a friend, yeah, just a friend'

And his nerves settled. "Mom, this is Svetlana. She's... uhh... my friend," he said, finally sounding certain.

Aoife titled her head, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Oh, are you sure?" she teased, her voice light.

Damon chuckled nervously, feeling a bit defensive. "Of course, Mom, I know who my friends are."

Svetlana smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cross," she said, her voice husky.