Instead, I am lovingly ordered to stay off my feet, then smothered in equally loving hugs and kisses to my face.“I like you already,” remarks a man with a thick handlebar mustache whom Asya introduces as her cousin. To Asya, he says, “Clearly, she is a clever woman! Smart and witty! Who else could get that son of yours to settle down?”“It’s true,” chimes in another cousin, an older woman busy untying her silk scarf from around her head. “We were all convinced our Pasha would never meet someone who could handle his, how you say…”“Stubborn ass?” Sofi offers.The family descends into a cacophony of conversation as they settle into their seats, handing Asya beautifully wrapped gifts and thick cards. I feel somewhat embarrassed at how small mine is compared to everyone else’s. Maybe no one will notice.After a few more minutes of listening to the family shift between English and Russian with ease, I feel a familiar presence slip in behind me and take the adjacent seat.“You look beautif
Last Updated : 2025-08-06 Read more