Chapter Seventy - Six

Phoebe struggled to snap out of her daze and Sophie enveloped Karina in a warm hug, excitedly welcoming her mother home.

As Sophie warmly embraced Karina, Phoebe's heart rate gradually returned to normal. She managed a strained smile as Karina explained her early return and expressed her desire to spend time with Sophie.

After regaining her composure, Phoebe chimed in, echoing Karina's sentiment. "Yes, it's wonderful to have you home early, Karina. Sophie and I had a lovely time out."

Karina's gaze shifted to Phoebe, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Oh, did you now? Where did you two go?"

Phoebe's heart skipped a beat as Sophie opened her mouth to speak, but her relief was palpable when Sophie simply replied, "I made Aunt Phoebe take me along with her to the supermarket."

Phoebe let out a silent sigh of relief as Sophie excused herself to get ready for dinner. Karina praised Sophie's thoughtfulness before turning her attention back to Phoebe.

Once Sophie was out of earshot, Kari