Don’t cry, my girl, don’t. You can’t fool fate. Listen to me, please,” he whispered.

Sofia lifted her tear-streaked face. Her father spoke in a barely audible voice, as though each word was a struggle:

“Just don’t interrupt. I have no strength left… There used to be two of us — Mikhail and I, Grigory. We were inseparable friends, we even swore by blood that our friendship would last forever. And then your mother came along. We both fell in love with her. You see, when love comes between people, friendship often takes a back seat. Your mother chose me, and Mikhail couldn’t come to terms with it.

But he’s a wonderful person. If things get really hard for you, you can turn to him. He won’t abandon you. He now owns the ‘Breeze’ restaurant. Remember this, Sofia. One day, it might save you. There’s more, but if he wants, he’ll tell you himself…

Remember: I love you with all my heart, I believe in you, and I know you’ll manage.

Sofia hugged her father tightly, and suddenly his body tensed, then went limp.

“Dad! Dad!” Her scream echoed through the room. They pulled her away from the bed. The doctors were running around frantically, but Sofia watched the scene as if from a distance. One thought kept spinning in her mind: “I am alone. I am completely alone in this world.”

The next day, after the wake, when the guests had left, the stepmother gave Sofia a cold look