My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 226

**Chapter 226: Between Anger and Affection**

His gaze was piercing, filled with an intensity that demanded attention. “I understand how much Stormwind means to you, but what you did was far too reckless,” he stated, his voice steady yet laced with concern.

Oriana, sensing the weight of his words, softened her tone, trying to diffuse the tension that hung in the air like a thick fog. “Micah, you need to relax. I knew exactly what I was doing. Stormwind isn’t foolish—she just needed a way to blow off some steam,” she replied, her voice almost a whisper, as if trying to soothe a wounded animal.

Micah remained silent, his expression an inscrutable mask that revealed nothing. He continued to watch her, his eyes searching for something deeper, something that might ease his frustration.

Oriana, feeling the distance between them, moved closer, her nose brushing against his in a playful gesture, a silent plea for understanding. “Please, don’t be mad at me, okay? I promise it won’t happen again. I won’t put you through that kind of worry anymore,” she said, her voice sweet and sincere.

With that, she leaned in and pressed her lips softly against the corner of his mouth, kissing him twice, tenderly, as if asking for forgiveness. It was a bold move, and she felt the weight of her actions resting heavily on her shoulders.

Micah had intended to have a serious conversation with her, to lay out his concerns and fears like a map of their relationship. But now, with her sweet demeanor and earnest eyes gazing up at him, how could he possibly maintain his anger?

When he finally found his voice, it emerged hoarse, tinged with a reluctant affection. “You know I can’t resist you. You have this way of getting under my skin,” he admitted, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite himself.

“So… are you still upset with me?” Oriana asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

“Yeah, but honestly? I can’t stay mad at you for long,” he replied, lifting his hand to gently caress her cheek, brushing away the wild strands of hair that had fallen across her forehead.

“I know that next time you’ll probably act on impulse again, but I need you to understand something—if anything ever happens to you, I would drop everything in a heartbeat. I would go with you, without a moment’s hesitation,” he declared, his tone calm yet charged with emotion.

His words sent a shiver through Oriana’s chest, resonating deep within her. It was as if he were saying that if she were to fall, he would not linger behind; he would follow her into whatever darkness awaited.

And that sentiment struck her like a bolt of lightning, igniting a fierce warmth in her heart.

With a sigh, she surrendered to the moment, tugging at her earlobes, sitting before him like a remorseful student. “I mean it this time—I truly understand. Next time, I’ll think twice… I’ll put you first,” she promised, her voice earnest.

Micah’s expression softened further, a faint smile illuminating his handsome features. “Good.”

The morning sun poured into the room, casting a golden glow over his sculpted face, as if he had stepped straight out of a painting. Oriana found herself unable to look away, captivated by the beauty before her.

Her heart raced as she swallowed hard, feeling a rush of boldness. She tilted his chin gently and leaned in, stealing another kiss. This time, it was different—she wasn’t just giving; she craved more.

His eyes darkened, filled with an intensity that ignited a fire between them. He met her kiss with fervor, deepening it with a slow, smoldering heat that sent waves of electricity through her.

One kiss turned into another, slow and intoxicating, drawing them deeper into a world where nothing else mattered.

Kieran, who had been discreetly observing Micah, chimed in, “Ahem… Mrs. Caldwell returned to Jindiwood early this morning. She stayed here overnight.”

As soon as those words left Kieran’s lips, the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom, and Kenny’s complexion shifted from pale to a sickly green.

It took him a moment to process the revelation before he finally exclaimed, “Damn! I got played! I knew it—she’s not dumb at all. She got exactly what she wanted and flew back like a little angel!”

Defeat washed over Kenny as he slumped against the wall. “Micah, you have no idea how much she pissed me off yesterday…”

He launched into a chaotic recounting of everything that had transpired at the Seabar gathering, his frustration spilling out in a torrent of words.

But then, abruptly, his expression darkened, and he clapped his hands dramatically, his eyes wide with realization. “Micah, I swear—she’s smarter than she looks. What if she knew I was tailing her and put on that whole helpless act just to mess with me?”

Micah’s frown deepened, his voice turning cold. “Kenny, she’s never been weak.”

“You weren’t there, bro! You didn’t see how infuriating she was! I mean it!” Kenny insisted, his voice rising in frustration.

“So what? Those people came at her on their own. That doesn’t mean she owes them anything,” Micah countered, his tone firm. “If she truly had to rely on my name to fight back, using my identity like a shield, then what’s the difference between her and those who mock and look down on her?”