Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 303

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**Collapsed 303**

**Chapter 303**

**AUTHOR’S POV**

Alina remained in her room long after Lama and Talia had succumbed to slumber. The stillness of the night wrapped around her like a heavy blanket, yet her mind was anything but tranquil. It raced restlessly, each creak of the floorboards beneath her felt like a reminder of the tension coiling in her chest.

Since her return from the shopping trip, she had hardly touched her food. Despite the gnawing emptiness in her stomach, hunger was the least of her concerns. Her thoughts were entirely ensnared by the image of Damien, her father’s stern face, and the relentless tick of time that seemed to mock her.

At last, she heard the faintest shuffle of footsteps echoing in the corridor outside her door. Her heart raced, tightening in her chest as she released a shaky breath, relief flooding through her.

Finally, she whispered to herself, straightening her posture as she steeled her resolve. Without a moment’s hesitation, she slipped out of bed, her bare feet gliding silently across the polished wooden floor, and followed the sound that had drawn her from her solitude.

Just as he opened the door to his room, she caught a glimpse of Damien, blissfully unaware of her presence.

Before he could register her arrival, she stepped forward boldly, pushing him inside and slamming the door shut behind her, locking it with a decisive click.

“What the hell, Alina?!” Damien exclaimed, stumbling slightly as he turned to face her, his eyes wide with surprise and confusion.

“We need to talk,” Alina stated firmly, stepping closer to him, her heart pounding in her chest. Her hands trembled slightly, betraying her inner turmoil, but her voice remained steady. “You have to stop avoiding me. You can’t keep running away from me. Please, Damien.” She paused, inhaling deeply, fighting to maintain her composure. “I understand that I got you into trouble last time, but you can’t punish me like this. Even if you don’t want to help me with my quest anymore, that’s okay. But you can’t keep ignoring me.”

Damien ran a hand through his hair, letting out a long, weary sigh that seemed to echo the weight of his burdens. “Alina… I didn’t mean to ignore you. It’s just that… Father has been keeping me so busy. I barely have time to breathe, let alone think. I’m really sorry.” His voice softened, almost cracking under the strain of his emotions. “And of course, I want to help you. Always. But right now… we have to tread carefully. You need to wait until your party tomorrow is over, and then maybe Father will ease up a bit. But for now… there’s nothing more I can do.”