Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 264

Chapter 264

AUTHOR’S POV.

The moonlight had long vanished by the time Alina finally stopped tossing and sat up in bed. The room was dim, the faint glow of the antique lamp beside her bed casting soft shadows across the pale blue walls. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders, her eyes red from a sleepless night that had been filled with thoughts she wished she could silence.

Her father’s words echoed endlessly in her head,

“Soon you’ll be getting married to Lucius Stormvale.” The cold certainty in his tone, the dismissive way he said it, as if her feelings didn’t matter at all…it had sliced through her.

At dinner, she’d been humiliated, blindsided, and she’d barely managed to keep her composure before retreating to the safety of her room. She had tried to reach Lucian, desperate for something familiar, for the one person who could ground her….but he hadn’t picked up. That small silence from him had hurt more than she wanted to admit.

Then Mia had called. Her voice, calm and grounded as always, had pulled Alina back from the edge. They’d spoken about the store,about new shipments, ongoing production, the designs that were still being finalized. Mia had been reassuring, promising that things were fine and that the business would continue to run smoothly.

By the time Alina had hung up, she’d felt a flicker of peace. The one thing she had built with her own hands was still standing. At least that’s something, she had thought before finally giving in to exhaustion.

And yet, lying there now, the silence around her felt too heavy. Too distant. The entire house seemed to hum with a quiet she didn’t belong in.

She turned her head toward the window. Dawn was still far off, but the faintest trace of grey hinted at morning’s slow approach. She sighed softly, her hand brushing the edge of the blanket.

Maybe she was being foolish, clinging so hard to a past that was gone. Lucian hadn’t fought for her. Maybe he had his reasons. Maybe he didn’t. Either way, she was here now, and this, whether she liked it or not, was her reality.

She exhaled deeply and sank back into the pillows, her eyes drifting to the ornate ceiling.

‘I can’t keep sulking like this.‘ She thought firmly.

“This is my life now. And if I’m going to be here, I might as well make the best of it.”

She thought of Luna, so warm, so eager to make her feel at home. She thought of Damien…awkward, but trying. He’d lied to her, yes, but she’d seen the guilt in his eyes, the sincerity in his attempts to reach her. And Darius… well, there was no point hoping for warmth there.

But Luna and Damien, they had done nothing but show her kindness. Maybe she owed them at least an effort.

Her thoughts softened as she lay there, and the scent of the old room…floral and faintly nostalgic, lulled her. For the first time in days, she let her body relax completely. Sleep came gradually, wrapping around her like a

tender memory, and before she knew it, she drifted off.

The morning light crept slowly into the room, spilling over the silken sheets and gilded furniture. Alina stirred, her lashes fluttering as the soft knock came at her door.

She blinked sleepily. “Come in,” she murmured, her voice still husky from rest.

The door opened, and to her surprise, Damien stepped inside. He was dressed neatly, his hair slightly tousled as if he had rushed. In his hands was a silver tray covered with a folded napkin and a faint trail of steam rising from it. Behind him stood a maid, quietly holding a smaller tray.

“Good morning.” Damien greeted with a gentle smile, his voice warm.

Alina sat up, blinking. “Damien?” She said, confused.

The maid offered her a polite smile before her eyes flicked toward the untouched dinner tray that still sat exactly where Damien had left it last night. Without a word, she walked over, picked it up carefully, and turned toward the door.

“Good morning, Miss Dahlia.” The maid said softly.

“Alina,” Alina corrected immediately. “Please….just Alina.”

The maid hesitated for a second, then nodded with a smile. “Of course, Miss….Alina.” She turned gracefully and slipped out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

Now, only Alina and Damien remained.

Damien’s smile widened slightly as he walked closer. “Did you sleep well?” He asked, setting the tray gently on her bedside table.

Alina blinked again, studying him. He didn’t look angry. He didn’t even look hurt. If anything, he seemed… relieved to see her awake. “I… did.” She replied softly, surprising even herself with how gentle her voice sounded.

His eyebrows rose slightly. “Really?”

She nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Surprisingly, yes.”

“Well,” he said, his tone light, “I wasn’t sure you’d want to have breakfast with everyone after last night, so I thought I’d bring it to you.”

She looked at him, her heart twisting just a little at the quiet consideration in his voice.

“Thank you,” she said sincerely. “I appreciate that. More than you know.”

Damien smiled faintly and gestured to the tray. “You should eat while it’s still warm.”

He turned slightly as if to leave, but Alina’s voice stopped him.

“Damien…wait.”

He paused and turned back to her.

Alina drew in a deep breath. “About last night…”

He shook his head almost immediately. “Don’t,” he said softly. “You don’t need to apologize. I understand.”

“No,” she said firmly. “You’ve been nothing but kind to me since I got here. And I was rude. That’s not fair to you.”

His expression softened further. “Alina, you’ve been through a lot. Anyone would be overwhelmed in your place.”

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