chapter seventy seven

After Marcus returned with a bottle of water and some aspirin, he handed them to Alina, who took them gratefully. As she sipped the water, her hands still shook slightly, but the color was beginning to return to her face.

"Are you okay now?" Lizzy asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Yes, I'm okay," Alina replied, though her voice was still shaky. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

"Alina, are you really okay now?" he asked, his brow furrowed with worry. Joe asked concerned, Marcus had called him earlier

She nodded, offering a small smile. "I'm okay now," she reassured him.

Marcus looked at her intently. "Do you want to go home? I can take you," he suggested, still clearly worried.