My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 158

**TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen 158**
**Chapter 158 A Chance Encounter**

The two women standing beside Oriana remained utterly still, as if frozen in place. When Oriana cast a fleeting glance their way, she caught sight of Nyla’s brow knitted in a clear expression of distaste, a look that suggested she was not pleased with the situation at hand.

With a sense of purpose, Oriana stepped into the elevator first. The man seated in a wheelchair, his leg encased in a cast, made a courteous effort to shift his chair, creating enough space for her to enter comfortably.

“Thank you,” she murmured, offering a light nod of appreciation. However, her gaze drifted back to Nyla and her companion, who still hadn’t budged an inch. With a sigh, she pressed the close button, the doors sliding shut with a soft hiss.

After the morning classes had concluded, Oriana and her friend Lily made their way toward Aurora House, the new restaurant that had become the talk of the campus.

As they walked, Oriana pulled out her phone and sent Micah a quick message, informing him of her lunch plans and teasing him about the enigmatic new dining spot everyone seemed to be buzzing about.

She typed with a playful spirit: “Take a guess—do you think we’ll actually get to eat there today?”

The reply came almost instantaneously. “Yes.”

Oriana couldn’t suppress the smile that crept across her face as she read his response.

Even though she harbored her own doubts about whether they would indeed get a table, Micah’s unwavering confidence had a way of warming her heart, igniting a flicker of hope within her.

*****

Meanwhile, Micah was responding to Oriana through Chubby’s phone, a device he found both amusing and convenient. Kieran, standing nearby, watched with keen interest as his usually stoic boss engaged in such tender exchanges, a stark contrast to his typical demeanor.

“Mr. Caldwell,” Kieran finally ventured, unable to contain his curiosity, “why don’t you just come clean with Mrs. Caldwell? She deserves to know that you’re the one who funded that restaurant for her.”

Micah, cradling a tiny turtle in his hands, absentmindedly traced his thumb over the intricate patterns etched into its shell. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow that softened the sharp angles of his face.

When the turtle playfully nipped at his finger, he chuckled softly, gently rocking the little creature in his palm.

“She’s too straightforward,” Micah replied, his voice calm and steady. “If she ever found out that place was built just for her, she’d refuse to go. It would ruin the charm of it all.”

Kieran fell silent, contemplating the irony. The restaurant had been advertised with the slogan ‘For a chosen one,’ yet here was Micah, patiently waiting for Oriana to discover it by sheer luck. What a waste of resources, he thought.

Sensing the unvoiced frustration emanating from Kieran, Micah softened his tone, his words laced with sincerity. “As long as she’s happy, it’s worth it. At least if I’m ever gone, she’ll still have something that brings her joy.”

Kieran froze for a moment, a tightness gripping his chest at Micah’s words. “Mr. Caldwell?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

*****

Lily had given Oriana a rough idea of where Aurora House was located, but nothing could have prepared her for the surprise of just how close it was to Refe House. In fact, Aurora House was situated directly beneath it.

If it weren’t for its peculiar rule of serving only one table per meal, the restaurant might have seemed to be making a bold statement against Refe House.

Today marked its grand opening, and although the establishment claimed to cater exclusively to a chosen one, a throng of curious patrons had gathered outside, eager to witness the mysterious selection process unfold.

As Oriana and Lily navigated through the crowd, they approached the entrance just as two elegantly dressed women descended from the upper floors, their arms linked like long-time friends.

Yet, Nyla’s demeanor remained calm and composed, devoid of any awkwardness or defensiveness. It was common knowledge that she was ambitious, and she never made a secret of it.

Nyla gave Oriana a slow, deliberate once-over—white T-shirt, worn denim jeans, and simple sneakers.

Ordinary, from head to toe. The only thing notable about her was that strikingly pretty face.

Luna, pretending not to notice the palpable tension, smiled sweetly. “Oh, you two have met?”

“Yeah,” Nyla replied nonchalantly. “Ran into her at the hospital this morning.”

“Got it,” Luna said, as if suddenly realizing something crucial. She then turned to introduce everyone.

“Oriana and Lily are both teaching assistants under Mr. Harris. And this is Dr. Dixon, who is currently interning at the Oncology Center. She’s been collaborating with Mrs. Dixon on a Multi-Disciplinary Team case lately.”

Luna’s lips curved gracefully as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“Well, since you’re all here, why don’t we go in together?”

Her invitation was polite, but Nyla’s brows furrowed immediately. Her voice turned icy.

“That’s not a good idea. What we’re discussing later isn’t something they should be privy to.”

Luna blinked, suddenly recalling the true purpose of their lunch gathering. “Oh, right—my mistake,” she said with a soft laugh. “I almost forgot that—”