Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 315

**TITLE: Collapsed 315**
**Chapter 315**

**AUTHOR’S POV.**

Alina found herself waking up much earlier than she had intended. The stillness of her room felt almost oppressive, a silence that wrapped around her like a heavy blanket. The events of the previous night loomed in her mind, pressing down on her chest like a weight she couldn’t shake off. She tried to stretch, attempting to dispel the unsettling feelings that clung to her, but it was a futile effort.

Thoughts swirled in her head, relentless and chaotic.

The announcement that had sent shockwaves through her life, the sudden influx of attention she had never asked for, Jessica’s unexpected appearance, the veiled threats that had hung in the air like a storm cloud, and the way Talia’s face had contorted with worry—all of it replayed in her mind like a haunting melody. It wasn’t a nightmare, yet it felt as real and disorienting as one.

Just as she began to spiral deeper into her thoughts, a gentle knock on her door pulled her back to reality.

Without waiting for an invitation, Talia pushed the door open, her entrance as bold and lively as always.

“Good morning, Dahlia Evergreen!” she chirped, a teasing smile dancing across her lips. “How are you feeling today?”

Alina exhaled slowly, rubbing her face as if trying to wipe away the remnants of her troubled thoughts. “Well, I’m okay… I mean, aside from the horror that almost unfolded last night, everything else is fine.”

Talia nodded knowingly, as if she had anticipated that response. She made her way to the foot of Alina’s bed, her expression shifting from playful to serious in an instant.

“So…” she began, her tone suddenly more somber, “I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

Alina’s heart sank at the words. “What? Why? I thought you were here for a while.” Her voice wavered, revealing the vulnerability she felt deep inside. “I really don’t want you to go. I need you here now more than ever.”

Talia let out a soft sigh, her fingers intertwining nervously. “I wish I could stay, babe, but I have commitments back at work. I promise I’ll come back to check on you, and I’ll keep in touch. Plus, I’m the one making sure you’re keeping an eye on Alinova and that Mia is doing her job well. I really need to be at Elaris.”

Alina’s shoulders drooped in defeat. “But I don’t want you to leave.”

“I know, baby,” Talia replied gently, her voice soothing. “But let’s not dwell on my departure right now.”

She lifted her spirits again, her tone brightening. “Instead, I’m here to tell you that we’re going to spend the entire day together!”

Alina’s brows furrowed in confusion. “We are?”

“Absolutely!” Talia beamed. “I spoke to your parents, and they’re totally on board with it. Although…” She raised a finger, her expression turning mock-serious. “We need to have a couple of bodyguards with us.”

Alina groaned dramatically. “Of course we do.”

“Don’t roll your eyes at me,” Talia teased, a playful glint in her eyes. “You know they mean well.”

“I know,” Alina muttered, exasperated. “But you know how I feel about bodyguards.”

“Believe me, I understand,” Talia laughed, her amusement infectious. “But given everything that’s happening, we can’t afford to be careless.”

“Yeah, yeah, sure,” Alina grumbled, though she couldn’t help but smile at Talia’s enthusiasm.

“Alright then,” Talia declared, clapping her hands together with a flourish. “Go get ready, and I’ll do the same. We have a fun day ahead of us!”

Alina remained still, crossing her arms defiantly, her pout deepening.

Talia shot her a pointed look, one that said she wouldn’t tolerate any more sulking.

“Stop sulking,” she urged, a smirk playing on her lips. “I promise you… after we have an amazing day, you won’t feel sad about my leaving anymore. And remember—” she winked, “your mother has given me full access to your family’s private jet. So, any time you miss me, I can be here in a flash.”

Alina blinked in surprise. “My mom really said that?”

Talia nodded with pride. “Yep, she did! She thinks I’m a good influence and great company, so…”

Alina rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a smile. “I’m sure she didn’t phrase it like that.”

Talia chuckled. “Well, those weren’t her exact words, but you get the gist.”

“Yeah, sure,” Alina replied, letting out a reluctant laugh.

Finally, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and made her way to the bathroom.

As she passed by, Talia playfully smacked her backside, bursting into laughter.

“Talia!” Alina exclaimed, spinning around in shock.

“That’s for being dramatic,” Talia shot back, unabashed.

“You’re impossible,” Alina muttered, her cheeks flushing as she retreated into the bathroom.

“Love you too!” Talia called after her, still giggling.

Once the door clicked shut, Alina stood there for a moment, taking a deep breath. She wasn’t magically okay—she still felt shaken, worried, and exhausted—but Talia’s presence made the air feel a little lighter.

And today…

Today, she wouldn’t be alone.

Alina and Talia strolled through the bustling mall, bags swinging in their hands, the tantalizing aroma from the food court still lingering after their quick bite.

The hours had already stretched long, filled with laughter, shopping, and a sense of urgency to make the most of the time they had before Talia had to leave the next day.

Alina tried her best to push aside the looming thought of Talia’s departure, but it lingered in the back of her mind like an unwelcome shadow, refusing to dissipate.

Alina sensed the shift immediately. “What?” she asked, frowning in confusion.

Talia didn’t reply. Instead, she quickly grabbed Alina’s shoulders, her grip firm but urgent. “Don’t look.”

Alina blinked, her curiosity piqued. “Talia, when you say something like that, it makes me want to look even more.”

“I’m serious,” Talia insisted, her voice low and tense. “Trust me. Do not turn around.”

“Okay, now I really want to look,” Alina muttered, her defiance rising.

Talia tried again, her tone more urgent. “Alina, please. Don’t—”

“No, I’m looking.”

Before Talia could stop her, Alina turned around.

The moment her eyes landed on the far end of the mall, every muscle in her body froze.

Lucian.

Her Lucian.

Walking.

With a girl clinging tightly to his arm… a girl leaning into him as if she belonged there… a girl whispering something that made him smile.

Ace followed closely behind, his usual sharp, watchful expression in place, but it was Lucian and the look on his face that struck Alina like a physical blow.

That smile.

He was smiling.

With someone else.

Alina’s breath caught in her throat, her fingers growing cold around the handles of her shopping bags. The vibrant sounds of the mall faded into a dull roar, leaving only the pounding of her heart echoing in her ears.

Talia whispered her name—“Alina…” —but the world around her had already come to a standstill.

And that…

was the moment everything inside her shattered.