**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen 29**
“Yes,” Micah replied, a small, confident nod accompanying his words as he shifted slightly to the side.
The overhead light cast a soft glow on his features, enhancing the allure of his face. His brown eyes locked onto Oriana’s with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine, making her heart race.
“Congratulations on your wedding, Mrs. Caldwell,” he said, his voice low and husky, lingering in the air like a sweet melody.
The combination of his captivating presence and the warmth of his words ignited a flush of crimson across Oriana’s cheeks, bright and vivid.
It was utterly intoxicating.
“I—y-you too,” she managed to stammer, her voice barely above a whisper.
In a flurry of nerves, she quickly pulled her suitcase into the room, her head dipping as if to hide from the weight of the moment.
It wasn’t until the door clicked shut behind her that she allowed herself to exhale, a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding.
In the corner of the room, Chubby—a charming little robotic pet—had its eyes, nose, and mouth arranged in a rounded display, demonstrating how to navigate the smart devices scattered throughout the space. It was both amusing and surprisingly intuitive.
Oriana couldn’t help but marvel at how modern technology had transformed everyday life into something so effortlessly manageable. With just a few taps on her phone or a simple voice command, she could control a multitude of devices from the comfort of her own space.
Bending down, she gently stroked Chubby’s soft, fluffy head, feeling the warmth radiate from its small frame.
“Thank you, Chubby. I think I’ve got it now. You can go play with your Daddy,” Oriana said, a smile creeping onto her lips at the thought of Chubby flapping its wings and calling out for Micah.
The image was delightfully amusing.
Chubby blinked its large, adorable eyes, mimicking Micah’s voice with startling accuracy. “Mommy, it’s your first day home. You might be scared. I’ll stay with you, Mommy.”
A laugh bubbled up from Oriana’s chest. “Who said I’m scared?” she teased, a playful challenge in her tone.
“Daddy did.” Chubby flapped its wings, and the screen lit up with a command that Micah had sent just five minutes prior.
He had ordered, “Stay by her side tonight.”
Oriana paused, her thoughts swirling.
“How do you take just the word ‘Daddy’ and infuse it with so many emotions?” she asked, genuinely curious.
Chubby tilted its head, its chest puffed up with pride. “Because that’s what Daddy’s heart is saying. I understand Daddy.”
The little creature was alive and vibrant, a far cry from the rigid, lifeless robots Oriana had always imagined.
Even as she tried to resist, Oriana couldn’t suppress her laughter. “You really are a clever little thing,” she said, her smile widening.
Chubby, perhaps unfamiliar with the phrase, twinkled its big eyes and spun around joyfully. “Oh. Mommy said I’m a clever little thing. I’m a clever little thing!”
“Alright, forgive me for thinking the wrong way. But from what you described, Micah has been attentive and considerate, rushing to get the marriage license right after landing. And now, it’s not even ten yet, but he’s already giving you time to adjust to being a newlywed. He sounds like a wealthy, caring guy,” Zara pointed out, her tone shifting to one of admiration.
Zara added with a hint of disdain, “He did more in one day than Grant did in years, honestly.”
Then, as if realizing she had wandered into dangerous territory, she clapped a hand over her mouth. “No need to talk about that jerk. I should stop.”
“Oriana, are you scared of being alone in a new place? How about I video-call you while you sleep tonight?” Zara asked, her concern evident.
Reflecting on their friendship, Oriana realized how many years they had spent together, nearly every day filled with laughter and camaraderie. Even though they attended different universities, their bond had never weakened.
Knowing that Oriana was heading to Jindiwood alone, Zara’s anxiety was completely understandable.
As Zara continued to chatter away, Oriana’s gaze fell upon a pink gift box resting on the bed.
A small note was attached, simply reading, “Happy Birthday.”
Curiosity piqued, Oriana opened the box. Inside lay a set of long black-and-pink pajamas, silky and smooth to the touch, a luxurious gift that made her smile.
“Aww, Zara, I’m fine. Chubby’s keeping me company,” she said, her voice genuine.
It was the truth. Since she had landed, her life had been a whirlwind of new experiences. With Chubby’s delightful presence, she felt no anxiety or worry—only a profound sense of happiness.
“Honestly, this little thing is pretty fun! Easier than a cat or dog, and you can actually interact with it. I’ve seen similar models online, but never one that’s fully functional like this. Your husband’s impressive,” Zara remarked, her voice filled with admiration.

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