The christmas dinner intself

As the clock struck 7 p.m., the Krassivy family began to fill the vast dining room, its walls adorned with the family's signature yellow and white colors, interspersed with beautiful paintings depicting scenes of Russian landscapes. At the center of the room stood a grand table crafted from dark, luxurious wood, its polished surface gleaming under the soft glow of the chandeliers above.

The layout of the table was impeccable, with one chair placed at the head for Ivan, the patriarch of the family, and four chairs arranged on each side, flanking the length of the table. At the opposite end sat an empty chair, reserved for any unexpected guests who might join the festivities.

Upon the table lay a lavish spread of traditional Russian dishes, each one a testament to the culinary prowess of the palace kitchen. There were platters of succulent roasted meats, tender and juicy from hours of slow cooking, accompanied by bowls of steaming hot borscht, its rich broth infused with the flavors of beetroot and cabbage.

Next to the borscht stood towers of fluffy, golden-brown blini, topped with dollops of sour cream and caviar, while plates of pelmeni, small dumplings filled with savory meat, beckoned to be devoured. A variety of pickled vegetables adorned the table, their vibrant colors adding a burst of freshness to the feast.

As the family took their seats, their attire a testament to their wealth and status, Ivan sat at the head of the table, his posture strong and commanding, his face betraying no hint of emotion as he surveyed the room. Beside him, Sofia was conspicuous by her absence, her seat left empty as she ran fashionably late.

To her right sat Daria, her natural positivity shining through as she greeted her family with a warm smile, her figure adorned in a simple yet elegant gown that accentuated her curves. Beside Daria, Nadia exuded an air of quiet confidence, her demeanor poised and composed, her attire a reflection of her status as the eldest daughter of the family.

Next to Nadia sat Diana, the youngest of the Krassivy sisters, her presence a vibrant splash of color amidst the subdued elegance of the room. Her attire, though more revealing than her sisters', spoke to her boldness and individuality, a stark contrast to the more conservative garments worn by her relatives.

On the left side of Ivan sat Tatiana, her silver hair a striking contrast to the rich hues of her gown, her expression serene as she surveyed the scene before her. Beside her, Natalia sat demurely, her beauty understated yet undeniable, her attire chosen with care to accentuate her graceful figure.

On the opposite side of the table, Artem's gaze flickered anxiously toward the empty chair beside him, his attire immaculate yet tinged with a hint of nervousness as he awaited Sofia's arrival. And beside Artem, Mrs. Marina sat quietly, her attire more modest than that of her masters yet no less elegant, her eyes flickering with curiosity as she observed the scene unfolding before her.

As the guests settled into their seats, the room filled with the gentle hum of conversation, the air thick with anticipation for the arrival of the elusive Sofia. But as the minutes stretched on and she failed to make an appearance, Nadia's patience began to wear thin, her irritation evident as she voiced her frustration to the gathered company.

"It's simply unacceptable for her to keep us waiting like this," Nadia declared, her voice carrying a note of exasperation. "Especially on such an important occasion as this."

Her words hung in the air, a palpable tension settling over the room as the family exchanged uneasy glances, their anticipation mingling with a growing sense of unease. And as the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor outside, signaling Sofia's imminent arrival, the tension reached its peak, the family holding their breath in anticipation of what was to come.