My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 21

**TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 21: Surprise**

Grant let out a sharp reprimand, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. He turned to Oriana, his expression softening slightly as he explained, “They’re just causing a fuss, Oriana. Don’t worry about it. The signing’s all arranged—it’s merely a formality.”

Oriana, maintaining her composure, inquired with a hint of curiosity, “When’s the signing?”

Before Grant could respond, Alaric jumped in eagerly, “Tomorrow at 3 p.m. The celebration dinner kicks off at 5. If everything goes as planned, Grant should be finished by 8. Just six hours. Oriana, can we borrow Grant for that?”

Oriana nodded, a rare softness toward Grant emerging in her demeanor after days of tension.

“The signing is important. You should go,” she stated, her voice steady yet carrying an undercurrent of warmth.

Though she wasn’t as clingy or enthusiastic as she used to be, this subtle shift in her attitude sparked a glimmer of hope within Grant. He recognized the distance that had crept between them recently, but he believed it was a mere bump in the road, one that would soon be smoothed over.

In her heart, he and Aurora still held the top spots, and that knowledge filled him with joy. “I’ll do as you say,” he replied, determination lacing his words.

“Yes! Oriana, you’re amazing!” Alaric and the others erupted in cheers, surrounding her as if she were a hero emerging victorious from battle.

As Oriana observed the jubilant scene, a realization washed over her; the reason they had managed to collaborate so effectively for so long was evident. They were all cut from the same cloth, bound by a shared purpose.

The following morning, the house was tranquil as Oriana rose from bed. She surmised that Grant had left early for the company, likely preparing for the day ahead. With a sense of purpose, she planned to pack the remaining items herself and later retrieve the luggage she had left at school.

As she stepped outside, she heard Kirk’s voice calling out to her. “Oriana, the teaching assistant application has been stamped. You can check in at Jindiwood University Medical College with the electronic copy,” he informed her, his tone professional yet warm.

“Thank you, Mr. Locke,” Oriana replied, gratitude coloring her voice.

“When are you planning to leave?” Kirk asked, a hint of concern in his tone.

“Today,” Oriana stated, her heart racing at the thought of moving on.

“Ah, so soon? That’s fine. I’ve already notified them there. Wishing you all the best,” Kirk said, his voice filled with encouragement.

A smile graced Oriana’s lips as she expressed her thanks, feeling a wave of optimism wash over her.

Just then, she turned and unexpectedly collided with Grant, who immediately shot her a sharp look. “What are you up to today? Why are you so happy?” he questioned, his tone a mix of curiosity and scrutiny.

Oriana nearly dropped her phone, spinning around to meet Grant’s deep, intense gaze. The air around her thickened, and she felt herself tense up.

“Nothing,” she stammered, instinctively diverting her gaze.

With a cane in one hand, he pulled her along with the other, his grip firm and unrelenting.

Oriana struggled against him, but his strength was too much. He maneuvered her into the car, and as she twisted to escape, he was quicker, locking the door with a decisive click.

Grant leaned in closer, a smile gracing his lips as he buckled her seatbelt. He looked into her flustered, vibrant eyes, and in a moment of intimacy, brushed his nose affectionately against hers.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be with you the entire time. No need to be nervous,” he reassured her, but Oriana felt a wave of despair crash over her.

As the car began to move, she quickly messaged Zara. “Zara, can you do me a favor?”

Zara replied almost instantly, “What’s up? Too much luggage? I can come find you.”

Zara was aware of Oriana’s plans to leave for Jindiwood that day.

Oriana briefly explained, “I don’t have time to pack. Can you take my school luggage to the airport? We’ll meet there.”

Zara’s response was filled with frustration, “Grant hasn’t figured anything out, has he?”

Oriana’s chest tightened at the thought. She glanced at Grant, who was focused on the road ahead, his profile perfect and unreadable, revealing nothing of the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.