Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 286

Chapter 286

AUTHOR’S POV.

A sudden wave of warmth and familiarity crashed over Alina, catching her completely off guard. Before she could even gather her thoughts, Talia’s arms enveloped her in a tight, protective embrace—one that was both comforting and teasing, as if the outside world had no place in this moment.

Talia’s voice, soft yet laced with amusement, broke the silence as she chuckled, “Looks like someone missed me.”

Alina clung to her friend even more firmly, her cheek pressed against Talia’s shoulder. “Of course I missed you! But how… how are you here? What are you doing here? I don’t get it—how did you even get here?” Her words spilled out in a jumble, a mix of disbelief and joy swirling together.

With a gentle tilt of her head, Talia laughed at the rapid-fire questions. “Alright, one at a time,” she said, her hands resting lightly on Alina’s shoulders, steadying her.

But Alina refused to loosen her grip, hugging her friend tighter. “I can’t believe you’re really here! Am I dreaming? Someone pinch me!”

From the doorway, Damien leaned casually against the frame, that familiar smirk playing on his lips. Without warning, he reached out and pinched Alina’s cheek lightly.

“Ow! Hey, not so hard!” Alina protested, though her laughter betrayed her delight.

Talia shook her head, still chuckling softly. “It’s nice to see you two actually getting along,” she remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she glanced between them.

Finally, Alina pulled back, though she still held Talia’s arms firmly. “We have so much to catch up on,” she said, her voice a mix of urgency and excitement. Taking Talia’s hand, she led her towards her room.

From the door, Damien’s teasing voice rang out, “Oh, so now I’m not needed? Just because your best friend showed up?”

Alina shot him a glare that could freeze fire, but Damien only laughed, unfazed. “Come on, get in here. We’ve got plenty to talk about,” she said, ushering him inside. He complied, closing the door behind him with a mock sigh.

Talia sank into a chair, her eyes roaming the room before settling on the two siblings with a curious expression. “When did this happen?” she finally asked, her gaze flicking between Alina and Damien, surprised by the ease and warmth they now shared. “Because the last time I checked, Alina was mad at you, and now… this?”

Alina grinned, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she exchanged a mischievous look with Damien. “Well, we’ve been working on it,” she teased, nodding toward him.

Talia shook her head in surprise. “I never would’ve guessed. You two actually get along? Last time I saw you both, it was all tension and awkward silence.”

“Wait—when did you talk to him?” Alina asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously at the pair.

Talia smirked. “He called me, asking how to get on your good side.” She pointed at Damien, who shrugged sheepishly.

He then smirked. “I’m a work in progress. She keeps me in line,” he said, giving Alina a light nudge.

Alina laughed, rolling her eyes but smiling warmly. “It’s definitely a strange change, but a good one. He’s my partner in crime now,” she admitted.

Suddenly, Alina grabbed Talia’s hand again, her earlier excitement rekindling as curiosity lit up her eyes. “Enough teasing. Tell me—how exactly are you here?”

Talia’s smile grew wider. “It was your mom,” she revealed, glancing briefly at Damien before returning her gaze to Alina. “She flew me in this morning. She wanted you to have someone familiar by your side for the ceremony this weekend.”

Alina’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “My mom did this? She flew you in?”

Talia nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! And oh my God, Lina, you should’ve seen the private jet we took. I mean, I know your family’s wealthy, but wow—just wow.” She gushed, eyes sparkling.

Alina ignored Talia’s excitement for a moment and turned to Damien. “Did you know about this?”

Damien shrugged, leaning back with an expression of genuine surprise. “Nope. Didn’t have a clue. This is news to me too.”

Alina’s excitement bubbled over. “I have to see her!” Without hesitation, she dashed out of the room, heading toward the tea room where Luna often spent her mornings.

The moment she spotted her mother, Alina threw herself into Luna’s arms. “Mom!” she cried, her voice muffled against Luna’s shoulder.

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