Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 317

**TITLE: Collapsed 317**

**Chapter 317**

**AUTHOR’S POV.**

As Alina stepped out of the mall and away from Lucian’s piercing gaze, her feet didn’t simply walk—

—

They raced.

The sharp click of her heels against the tiled floor echoed in the air, a frantic rhythm that mirrored her racing heart.

She ran.

Each step felt like a battle, her chest constricting painfully, making every breath feel like a struggle against a swarm of needles. She couldn’t afford to look back. She wouldn’t.

Behind her, Talia’s voice broke through the chaos, rising in alarm. “Alina! Alina, wait!” The urgency in Talia’s tone was unmistakable, laced with a thin thread of fear.

But Alina pressed on, her pace quickening. The world around her blurred as tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill over faster than she could blink them away.

She weaved through the throngs of shoppers, their curious glances brushing against her like unwelcome hands. The bodyguards, who were supposed to protect her, were now merely shadows trailing behind, their hurried footsteps a reminder of the chaos she was trying to escape.

Desperation clawed at her insides as she turned sharply into a narrow corridor, then another, seeking refuge—anywhere that Lucian wouldn’t find her. Somewhere she could unravel without his scrutinizing gaze.

Finally, she rounded a corner that felt like a sanctuary, hidden from the bustling main walkway. It was there that her body betrayed her, giving up mid-stride. She crumpled, her knees buckling beneath her as her chest heaved, and the tears she had fought so hard to contain cascaded down her cheeks in an unstoppable torrent.

Talia was right behind her, breathless as she caught up. “Alina, hey… hey, talk to me.” Her voice was filled with concern, her expression twisted in worry as she reached out to her friend.

“It hurts,” Alina sobbed, doubling over, her palms pressed against her chest as if trying to physically hold her heart together. “Talia… it hurts so much.”

The bodyguards slowed their pace, instinctively forming a respectful distance upon witnessing Alina’s distress. They exchanged quiet words, their presence a silent promise to be there should she need them. They didn’t hover like anxious moths, but their watchful eyes provided a sense of security.

Talia moved closer, her hands gently cupping Alina’s shoulders. “Okay, okay, breathe. Just breathe, honey. You’re safe. Slow down.”

But safety was the least of her concerns. What gnawed at her was how deeply Lucian’s words had pierced her heart, seemingly without him even realizing the damage he had caused.

“There might be a perfect explanation for what just happened,” Talia offered, trying to soothe her friend.

Alina shook her head violently, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. “What explanation—” she choked out, hastily wiping her tear-streaked face with trembling fingers, “what explanation could possibly justify what just happened in there, Talia?”

Talia’s eyes softened, her expression still striving for rationality. “Alina, we don’t know what’s going on yet. Lucian must have a reason—”

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