**Chapter 154: Noah’s Request**
“Alright, thank you,” Xander said, his voice steady, but his mind raced with confusion.
Oriana is here?
+10 Free Coins
Noah’s heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing the urgency of the moment. Every instinct screamed for him to act. He hastily pulled a mask over his face, gripped a hoe tightly in his hand, and sprinted toward the sizable hole in the fence that divided his villa from the neighboring property.
The gap was just adequate for a man to slip through, and Noah wasted no time. He darted into the adjacent yard, only to collide with Xander, who stood there, equally startled.
For a fleeting moment, they locked eyes, both wide-eyed and breathless. Then, without hesitation, Noah shoved Xander toward the door, urgency lacing his voice. “You didn’t see me, got it?”
Before Xander could muster a response, Noah dashed into his own villa with the familiarity of someone who belonged there, his heart racing with adrenaline.
Xander’s lips curled into a slight smirk, his mind still trying to process the chaotic encounter. Just then, a slender figure emerged outside the fence, illuminated by the golden rays of the sun, casting a warm glow around her.
The brightness forced Xander to squint, momentarily obscuring his view of her features.
Oriana paused by the fence, glancing around with a hint of uncertainty before she offered him a polite nod. “Sir, excuse me—have you seen Mr. Caldwell?”
As the sunlight softened, Xander could finally see her clearly.
Her features were delicate and serene, radiating a calmness that felt both inviting and genuine. There was an understated brilliance about her that captivated him.
He found himself studying her face longer than he intended, drawn to the familiarity of her expression.
“You must be Micah’s wife?” he ventured, curiosity lacing his tone.
Oriana’s cheeks flushed a gentle pink. “Yes,” she replied, her voice soft yet confident.
“No wonder Noah can’t stop singing your praises,” Xander continued, a hint of admiration in his tone. “He says you’re a lovely girl—and he’s absolutely right.”
Yet, a question lingered in Xander’s mind, gnawing at him. Why would Noah hide from someone as sweet as her? Surely, he must have something to feel guilty about.
“I haven’t seen him,” Xander finally admitted, shaking his head slowly. “He’s probably off wandering somewhere again.”
“Oh, alright. I’ll look elsewhere then. Thank you,” Oriana said, her disappointment barely masked.
“Sure thing,” Xander replied, watching her turn and walk away, her silhouette gradually fading into the sunlight.
Once she was out of sight, Noah cautiously poked his head out from behind Xander’s villa, his expression a mix of relief and irritation.
“What the hell are you up to?” Xander teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
+10 Free Coins
The two men shared a long-standing friendship that had blossomed over the years. Back when Xander was stationed out west, Noah had been a generous benefactor, donating to various charitable projects and helping to fund essential infrastructure. Their bond had endured, and when Xander retired and settled into this peaceful community, fate had placed them as neighbors—old friends reunited.
“No way! Today’s her first day visiting—you’ll just steal my thunder. Next time!”
Noah crossed his arms defiantly. “Anyway, you promised. From now on, keep an eye out for Oriana, okay?”
As he spoke, a memory from Micah’s childhood flickered through his mind. “It’s your duty as an elder!”
Xander raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Funny, I don’t recall you ever asking me to look after Micah.”
“Micah? He doesn’t need anyone’s help. He can handle anything on his own. Oriana’s the real treasure of the Caldwell family,” Noah insisted, his conviction clear.
Xander nodded, laughter bubbling up again. “Got it. I’ll make sure to mention her and keep an eye out for her when tea time comes around.”
“You’d better,” Noah replied, puffing out his chest with smug satisfaction before grabbing his hoe and slipping back through the fence, humming a tune as he went.
Meanwhile, Oriana wandered through the garden, searching for Noah but finding no trace of him.
Albert approached her, suggesting that there was a professional masseuse available to help her unwind. Intrigued, she decided to give it a try.
In the warm, fragrant embrace of the greenhouse, Oriana lay face down as the masseuse skillfully kneaded away every trace of her fatigue. With each stroke, her body melted into the bed, and her mind drifted into a light slumber.
When she finally awoke, the sky had transformed into a canvas of soft orange hues, the sunset spilling across the horizon in a serene and breathtaking display.
Oriana strolled slowly back to the main house, the evening light deepening into a tranquil twilight, the beauty of the moment wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana)