Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 318

**TITLE: Collapsed 318**
**Chapter 318**

**AUTHOR’S POV.**

Talia’s affirmation was a simple nod, yet it carried the weight of unwavering support. There was no room for doubt or further inquiries; her resolve was solid. “Okay. Then we’ll go home,” she stated with a calm assurance that wrapped around Alina like a warm blanket.

Alina sniffled, her cheeks still glistening with the remnants of tears, and Talia instinctively took one of her hands, giving it a gentle squeeze. It was a grounding gesture, a silent promise that she wouldn’t have to face this alone.

“Come on,” Talia murmured softly, her voice a soothing balm against the chaos swirling in Alina’s mind. “Let’s get you out of here.”

As they began to navigate their way toward the exit, the bodyguards fell into a protective formation behind them, their presence a reminder of the world outside that was still bustling with life. The mall lights, once a comforting glow, now felt harsh and unyielding, as if they were spotlighting Alina’s turmoil.

Each step she took felt like a weighty burden, as if she was trudging through the aftermath of a heartbreak she hadn’t yet found the time to process. The cacophony of the mall—footsteps, distant conversations, the mechanical hum of escalators—was muted to her ears, as if the world had decided to press a pillow over her consciousness, muffling everything but her own spiraling thoughts.

Talia walked closely behind her, half a step away, her watchful gaze ensuring that Alina remained steady on her feet. Alina’s eyes remained glued to the polished marble floor, her vision blurred by unshed tears, watching her own unsteady footsteps become a distorted reflection of her inner turmoil.

“Talia,” Alina’s voice was barely a whisper, fragile and trembling.

“Yes, honey?” Talia responded, her tone inviting and warm.

“What if I misunderstood everything? What if I’m imagining things that aren’t even there?” Alina’s voice cracked, revealing the vulnerability beneath her bravado. “But it felt so… intentional.”

Reaching out, Talia placed a steadying hand on the small of Alina’s back, her touch a silent reassurance. “You just got hurt. When you’re in pain, everything can seem like the truth, even the things that might not be.”

“But he said my name so easily,” Alina whispered, her heart aching at the memory. “He didn’t even hesitate.”

“Sometimes people slip up,” Talia offered gently. “Especially under stress.”

Alina shook her head vehemently, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “No. This wasn’t a slip. The way he said it… it felt like it belonged to me.”

Talia fell silent for a moment, her expression softening with concern—not for Lucian, but for the depth of Alina’s hurt. She sensed that this wound ran deeper than Alina was willing to admit, and it pained her to see her friend in such distress.

As they stepped into the parking area, a cool breeze greeted them, refreshing and welcome after the stifling atmosphere of the mall. The sleek black car was parked nearby, and the driver stepped forward, ready to open the door for them.

Alina hesitated, her body tense as she turned her face slightly away, as if she needed just a moment longer to gather her thoughts before stepping back into the confines of her swirling emotions.

Talia moved closer, her voice a gentle caress. “You can talk if you want, or you can stay quiet. Whatever you need right now.”

Alina took a shaky breath, her heart heavy. “I don’t know what I need. Everything just… hurts.”

“I know,” Talia murmured, her voice filled with understanding. “But you’re not alone.”

Finally, Alina met Talia’s gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, searching for solace in her friend’s unwavering support. “Thank you,” she whispered, the words laced with gratitude.

“You don’t need to thank me,” Talia replied, her tone firm yet tender. “I’m here because I care. And because Lucian cares too, even if he’s being foolish right now.”

A small, broken laugh escaped Alina, more from exhaustion than humor, but it was a flicker of light in the darkness.

With a slow, resigned nod, she finally said, “Let’s go.”

Talia guided her into the car, sliding in beside her as the bodyguards gently closed the door behind them. As the vehicle pulled away, Alina pressed her back against the cool glass of the window, her fingers curling tightly around her own wrist, as if she were trying to hold herself together. Talia sat close, not hovering or prying, simply existing as a comforting presence.

Minutes ticked by in silence before Alina broke it, her voice barely above a whisper. “Talia… do you think he still loves me?”

Talia inhaled softly, carefully choosing her words. “Alina, I think Lucian is many things—complicated, cold, detached, stubborn, and impossible at times… but one thing he has never been is indifferent to you.”

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