chapter seventy four

Marcus burst into his room, his eyes immediately falling on Alina lying unconscious on the floor. The sight of her motionless form sent a jolt of fear through him. He rushed over, kneeling beside her and gently lifting her into his arms. "Alina, Alina," he called out desperately, shaking her shoulders slightly in a bid to rouse her.

Alina's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused as she looked around the room in confusion. "What happened?" she mumbled, her voice weak and disoriented.

Marcus's was relieved, but his concern still lingered. "I don't know," he replied, his voice laced with worry. "I just came in and saw you on the floor."

As Alina's eyes began to focus, she noticed the scrapbook lying open beside her. Her expression shifted from confusion to something more intense, and she pushed Marcus away, startling him. "You lied to me," she accused, "I thought you said there was something between us."