The Mistress Who Took Everything

ch 7

Alina sat in the living room, a file resting neatly on her lap. She wasn’t reading it; she didn't need to. Every detail was already etched in her mind.

Serena's light footsteps approached. Alina didn’t look up right away, she let the silence stretch.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” Alina said calmly.

Serena stopped a few steps away. “I didn’t think you wanted to talk.”

Now Alina finally looked up. “I don’t,” she replied, with a hesitation. “But we’re going to.”

Serena’s fingers tightened slightly at her sides. “What do you want?” Serena asked directly trying to hold control.

Alina gently closed the file. “I want clarity... about your position in this house.”.”

Serena blinked once then recovered “I think that’s already clear.”

Alina tilted her head slightly. “I want to hear it coming from your mouth.”

Serena hesitated for a second. “I’m here because Damian wants me here.”

Alina’s gaze sharpened slightly. “And what do you want?”

Serena didn’t answer immediately, she hesitated. Alina stood and walked closer, stopping just a foot away. “You’re not as secure as you think,” Alina said quietly.

Serena held her ground. “I care about Lily,” Serena said.

Alina leaned in just slightly. “So do I.” A pause, then. “I’m her mother, and I will fight for her,” Alina added.”

Serena swallowed, barely noticeable.

From the hallway came a small voice.

“Mom?”

Both women turned to see Lily standing there, watching them. Alina straightened immediately, her expression softening for her. “Yes?”

Lily stepped closer. “I finished my reading.”

Alina nodded. “That's good.”

Then Lily glanced at Serena. “I was looking for you.”

Alina didn’t react. Instead, She stepped back creating space. “Go ahead,” she said to Lily.

Lily moved to Serena’s side almost instantly. Serena hesitated before placing a hand gently on Lily's shoulder.

That exact moment, Damian walked in. He stopped when he saw them: Serena and Lily together, Alina apar. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

No one answered right away. Then Alina spoke, “No.”

Her eyes met his. Lily glanced between them confused “Why is everyone acting weird?” she asked quietly.

No one responded because no one could simply explain it

Alina turned to her. “Nothing is wrong,” she reassured

Lily frowned. “It doesn’t feel like nothing.”

“I’ll take her upstairs,” Serena said gently, trying to ease the tension.

Alina didn’t stop her, she simply watched as Lily went with her without hesitation.

When they vanished, Damian let out a slow breath. He stepped closer, Alina looked at him. “Do you really think threatening her will fix anything?”

Alina’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I didn’t threaten her. I told her what she wanted to hear.”

Upstairs, Lily’s laughter echoed. Faint and distant.