My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 196

**Chapter 196: Kenny’s Mockery**

Micah, with an air of nonchalance, tilted his strikingly handsome face ever so slightly towards Oriana, his gaze warm and inviting.

He maintained his grip on her hand, feeling the subtle heat radiating from her skin, an undeniable sign of her flustered state after his heartfelt confession.

A gentle smile played on Micah’s lips. “Everything I said came straight from my heart. I promise, no matter the time or place, I will always speak my truth.”

At that moment, Kenny’s demeanor shifted; he froze in his tracks, caught off guard by the sincerity of Micah’s words.

Oriana, sensing the tension, gently squeezed Micah’s knuckles and leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper, “Looks like Kenny might just faint from your heartfelt declaration.”

Micah, maintaining his cool composure, replied, “Good. Maybe this will shake him awake and help him discern right from wrong.”

Noah, eager to diffuse the situation, interjected with a lighthearted tone, “Alright, alright! The kitchen has your meal ready and waiting. It’s not every day we get a weekend off. Let’s eat first, then you two can head upstairs to rest.”

With that, Oriana took Micah’s hand and led him into the dining room, a sense of warmth enveloping them.

Kenny, feeling thoroughly flustered and agitated, stomped after them in his slippers, a storm of frustration brewing within him.

As the three of them enjoyed their meal, laughter and light-hearted banter filled the air, leaving Kenny to stew in his own isolation, simmering in his jealousy.

Once dinner concluded, Oriana suggested a game of chess with Noah, who eagerly accepted her challenge, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Micah lingered for a while, enjoying the atmosphere, but eventually excused himself, heading upstairs to the bedroom, leaving the two to their game.

Noah, casting a quick sideways glance at Oriana, feigned a yawn and stretched, “Ah, I think it’s time for a little nap. You should head upstairs and rest too, Oriana.”

Imagining the comfort of the large bed awaiting her upstairs, Oriana braced herself for the climb. “Okay,” she replied softly, her heart racing slightly.

As she ascended the stairs slowly, the anticipation of solitude wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

However, just as she rounded the corner, she spotted Kenny lurking on the steps, arms crossed tightly over his chest, his eyes burning with hostility.

The dim lighting should have created an atmosphere of tension, but Kenny’s vibrant, rainbow-colored hair made him appear almost comical, an absurd contrast to his fierce demeanor.

Oriana glanced at him, her expression unyielding, and walked past without flinching.

“Ms. Sterling.”

Kenny’s voice cut through the air, low and filled with an edge of confusion.

“You married Micah just for his money and looks. I suggest you don’t get too greedy. Once you’ve taken what you want, just leave quietly. And if I ever find out you betray or hurt Micah, I swear I won’t forgive you!”

Yet, Kenny’s words echoed in her mind, and her gaze instinctively drifted to the little door that had once only held a lock. Now, a chest blocked it completely, a physical barrier that seemed to reflect the emotional turmoil brewing within her.

Micah, sensing her distraction, spoke softly. “Kenny’s grandfather is my grandfather’s older brother. After my parents passed away, my grandfather worried I’d feel lonely, so he brought Kenny to the estate to keep me company.

“But honestly, he can be quite loud and annoying, so I tend to keep him outside. He manages to entertain himself just fine.”

Oriana couldn’t help but smile at the image Micah painted, tilting her head as she imagined the scene.

“He is pretty loud, but it’s clear he admires you and wants to protect you,” she remarked, her voice warm.

Micah paused for a moment, considering her words before responding earnestly. “Probably because he’s not as smart as I am, so he looks up to me.”

Oriana stifled a laugh, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Genius Mr. Caldwell, being that blunt—really?”

Micah’s smile widened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “After a busy morning, aren’t you tired? Would you like me to give you a massage?”

“Ah, no, it’s fine,” Oriana replied, almost biting her tongue in surprise. “I mean, you’re probably tired too. You should rest.”

“I’m not tired. And serving you is my honor,” Micah insisted, his voice firm yet tender, leaving no room for argument.