My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 280

Chapter 280 The Question She Shouldn’t Have Asked

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Zara had been ranting nonstop when Oriana suddenly murmured, almost to herself, “Zara, how do you think Micah knew Pebble would get injured during that race?”

Zara froze mid–sentence; her worries for her bestie’s relationship was suddenly cut off.

“You were quiet all this time just to think about that?” she asked in disbelief.

“Yeah,” replied Oriana.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake! That’s what you’re focused on right now?”

Oriana blinked slowly, her clear eyes thoughtful. “It’s the only thing that doesn’t make sense.”

He had gathered the best veterinarians in the world ahead of time, arranged every piece of equipment, and bought Pebble the instant she was hurt.

Could all of that really have been coincidence?

Was it possible that it was just luck? That felt far too convenient.

“Oriana, wake up!” Zara groaned, gripping her friend’s arm and shaking it hard.

“You should be thinking about how he kept this from you!”

Oriana swayed with the movement. “It’s… it’s not that bad.”

Zara stared at her, speechless.

“Are you serious? You trust Micah that much? Aren’t you afraid of repeating history?” she blurted out.

Oriana lowered her hand gently, her eyes warm yet steady. “Micah isn’t Grant.”

“But-”

She knew exactly what Zara wanted to say and what she feared.

Oriana shook her head softly and spoke in a calm, even voice, “Zara, I can’t let one betrayal turn me into someone who doubts everything. And I can’t erase all the good Micah has done for me just because of one mistake.”

She took Zara’s hand and held it between her own. Both their palms were soft and warm,

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Chapter 280 The Question She Shouldn’t Have Asked

connected by years of trust.

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“I’m not naive,” Oriana continued. “When Grant betrayed me, I walked away. If Micah ever truly wronged me, I would walk away, too.

“But I can feel that he’s carrying things he hasn’t shared yet. Everyone has fears and hesitations. I can wait for him to tell me in his own time, or until the day I uncover it myself.

“I chose to be with him, and that means I shouldn’t destroy our relationship over suspicions without proof. That wouldn’t be fair to either of us. And he’s never hurt me. We can’t live in fear of what might happen, can we?”

Zara’s protest caught in her throat. She couldn’t say another word.

After being friends with Oriana for so many years, she knew exactly what kind of person she

was.

Oriana was gentle and easygoing on the surface, but once she made up her mind, nothing in the world could change it.

In the end, Zara sighed helplessly, a mix of exasperation and affection. “I swear, you’re impossible.”

Oriana smiled and pulled her into a hug. “Thank you for understanding me, Zara. But don’t worry; I’ll handle Micah carefully. I won’t let things get out of hand.”

Zara rolled her eyes, too tired to argue anymore, letting herself be hugged.

All she could hope was that Micah would truly make Oriana happy. She wished that this time, her friend hadn’t trusted the wrong man again.

*****

After parting ways with Zara, Oriana went home to sort through the gifts she had bought over the past two days.

But as soon as the elevator doors opened, she froze. Standing right outside her apartment were two figures: one tall and tense, the other small and round. The man looked anxious; the little creature beside him mimicked his worry, pacing in small circles.

“Oriana’s home!” Chubby squawked, wings fluttering.

Micah flinched visibly at the sound, his shoulders jerking.

He turned toward her, his expression caught between guilt and hope.

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Chapter 280 The Question She Shouldn’t Have Asked

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When he finally spoke, his voice was tentative, almost pleading. “Honey… are you mad at me?*

Oriana arched a brow. “Why would I be angry?” she asked, feigning innocence.

Micah’s lips pressed together. His whole body stiffened, and he went silent.

He seemed torn, unsure if speaking would make things worse, but equally afraid that saying nothing might too.

For a man usually so composed, his unease was almost endearing.

Oriana’s gaze flickered. She pretended not to notice, walking past him into the apartment. She began unpacking and organizing the shopping bags and luggage.

She opened a suitcase, carefully folding her clothes inside, then added her skincare and toiletries.

Suddenly, she remembered something and reached for her bag, searching for the two platinum bracelets.

She found the longer one first; it was her own. A faint smile curved her lips as she looped it twice around her wrist. The thin chain gleamed softly, the ruby catching the light with every movement, delicate against her skin.

Then she reached for the other one.

But no matter how many times she searched, it was gone.

Where was it?

Her brows drew together as she dug through the bag again, slower this time. Still nothing.

Across the room, Micah hadn’t moved. From where he stood, he could see her: her coat off, wearing a fitted knit dress, hair tied in a loose bun. She then frowned and packed her stuff in urgency, seemingly ready to leave at any moment.

To Micah, the sight was unbearable. It felt like ice water running through his veins. And when he saw her slip on the bracelet and smile, something inside him cracked. Micah couldn’t hold himself back any longer. He crossed the room in long strides and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into his chest.