---
🌙 Chapter 7 – Alina Arrives Smiling
Alina arrived on a Sunday morning.
The kind of morning that looked harmless—soft sunlight, quiet streets, the illusion of peace.
The doorbell rang once.
Noah Watson was the one who opened the door.
For a second, the world tilted.
"Hi," the girl at the door said warmly. "I'm Alina."
She was beautiful in an effortless way—neatly dressed, sweet smile, eyes sharp enough to miss nothing. She held a small gift bag like she belonged there.
"I'm a friend of the Fernandes family."
From behind Noah, Luca Fernandes froze.
The smile on Alina's face widened the moment she saw him.
"Luca," she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "It's been too long."
Sofia Watson appeared beside Noah instantly, her instincts flaring.
"You know her?" Sofia asked Luca.
"Yes," he replied shortly. "Unfortunately."
Alina laughed lightly. "Still dramatic, I see."
Her eyes slid to Noah—assessing, measuring, calculating.
"And you must be Noah Watson," Alina said sweetly. "I've heard so much about you."
Noah felt a strange unease.
"I don't think we've met."
"No," Alina replied gently. "But I've known you for a while."
That wasn't comforting.
---
The living room slowly filled—Adrien Fernandes, Sabrina Fernandes, Eva, Emily, Mike, Alic. Conversations resumed, but something was off. Like the air itself had tightened.
Alina settled comfortably beside Luca.
Too comfortably.
"So," Alina said casually, "I didn't expect to find you here." She glanced at Noah again. "Life works in funny ways, doesn't it?"
Adrien watched the interaction closely.
"Alina, right?" he asked. "How do you know Luca?"
She smiled at him. "History."
Luca's jaw tightened. "Don't."
Alina chuckled.
---
Later, in the kitchen, Alina cornered Noah gently.
"You seem quiet," Alina said. "I hope my arrival didn't make you uncomfortable."
"No," Noah replied honestly. "Just surprised."
Alina nodded. "Luca has that effect on people. He pulls them in."
Noah didn't respond.
Alina leaned closer, voice soft.
"Be careful with him."
Noah frowned. "Why?"
"Because he doesn't love halfway," Alina whispered. "And when he leaves… he takes parts of you with him."
Before Noah could reply, Alina stepped back, smiling again like she hadn't just planted a thought meant to grow.
---
Outside, Sofia stood beside Eva, watching through the window.
"I don't trust her," Sofia said flatly.
Eva nodded. "She's smiling too much."
Across the room, Adrien caught Luca's eye.
"This is bad," Adrien said quietly.
Luca replied just as softly, "I know."
Alina laughed at something Mike said, perfectly blending in—friendly, charming, harmless.
But in her mind, the game was already unfolding.
She's softer than I expected, Alina thought, watching Noah.
Which means she'll break easier.
Upstairs, Noah sat on her bed later that night, staring at nothing.
Alina's words echoed louder than they should have.
And somewhere down the hall, Alina typed a message on her phone:
Phase one complete.
Because villains never arrive loud.
They arrive smiling.
---