My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 32

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

**Chapter 32: The Reason**

“Not merely to appease him,” Micah stated firmly, his voice steady and resolute.

Finished.

Micah maintained his focus, eyes locked ahead as he deftly cracked the eggs into the sizzling frying pan. The sharp sound of shells breaking mingled with the lively crackle of the oil, creating a symphony of morning sounds. Oriana leaned in slightly, her curiosity piqued, trying to decipher the words that danced on his lips but eluded her ears.

“What did you say? I didn’t quite catch that,” she inquired, stepping a fraction closer, her heart racing slightly at the proximity.

With a deliberate motion, Micah turned down the heat, the flames licking the pan less aggressively now. This time, his words were clear, cutting through the sizzling noise like a knife. “I married you, not to appease my grandfather.”

As the eggs bubbled gently in the pan, releasing a warm, savory aroma that filled the kitchen, Oriana found herself momentarily lost in thought. She stared at Micah, her mind racing with questions. Not to appease his grandfather? Then what was the true reason behind their union?

Micah offered no further explanation, leaving a heavy silence in the air. Oriana sensed that it might not be the right moment to pry deeper into his thoughts. Perhaps he had plans of his own, thoughts he wasn’t ready to share.

After a brief pause, she decided to speak candidly, her voice steady despite the fluttering of her heart. “Mr. Caldwell, I think I might actually benefit more from this marriage than you do. If there’s anything you need from me, please just let me know. I’m willing to do whatever I can.”

Micah’s expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Calling me Mr. Caldwell—aren’t you being a bit too formal?” His tone was teasing, lightening the atmosphere between them.

Oriana hesitated for a moment, the weight of his gaze making her feel vulnerable. “So, should I call you Micah then?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with a hint of playfulness.

“Absolutely,” he replied, nodding as he plated the eggs with care. “Breakfast is ready, Oriana.”

Oriana felt a slight choke in her throat at the sudden ease of intimacy in his voice, the casualness of it sending a warm flush through her cheeks.

He continued, “Chubby calls you that. Why shouldn’t I?” His words were simple, yet they carried a warmth that wrapped around her like a soft blanket.

Even without a clear view of his eyes, Oriana felt an undeniable softness radiating from him, a connection that was both comforting and thrilling.

“Alright then, that works perfectly,” she replied, a smile breaking across her face, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

—

Two years together—it was hard to fathom that it would truly be that long.

“After breakfast, Oriana,” Micah said, breaking the comfortable silence, “could you take a photo of our marriage license for me? I need to show it to my grandfather so he stops nagging me about it.”

Oriana nodded vigorously, the thought of helping him bringing her a strange sense of satisfaction. “Okay, I can do that.”

—

Meanwhile, at Seabar, Grant and Luna set off around noon, their destination the Sterling residence looming ahead. They had intended to have dinner together the previous night, but Luna had received an unexpected email from the Cormac team regarding a new project—a development that had taken her by surprise.

“You’re starting that quickly? I thought it was only scheduled for next semester?” Grant questioned, his brow furrowing in concern.

Evelyn’s expression shifted to one of reluctance upon hearing the news. She had only just brought Luna back home a few years ago, and now, the thought of her daughter leaving again filled her with unease. She couldn’t help but wonder when Luna would return this time.

“No matter what happens, with Grant accompanying Luna, we don’t need to worry,” Evelyn said, her mind focused on Luna’s well-being rather than the talent mentioned. Her only concern was whether Luna would eat well and be taken care of.

Grant nodded politely, offering a reassuring smile. “Mrs. Sterling, please don’t worry. I’ll take excellent care of Luna.”

“That’s good to hear,” Evelyn responded, her tone softening.

Suddenly, Owen chimed in, “You’re going to Jindiwood. She’s not going to follow you and cause trouble, is she?”

The lighthearted atmosphere around the table froze instantly, the tension palpable.

Though Owen didn’t mention a name, everyone was acutely aware of who he was referring to.

Bramwell frowned, his expression darkening. “She hasn’t even been accepted to graduate school. There’s no reason for her to go to Jindiwood.”

Grant pursed his lips, his demeanor serious as he replied, “School still has classes. She won’t be going for now.”

“She’s already a senior. She just needs to graduate quietly, find a job, and live her life. It’s best if she doesn’t cause any trouble,” Bramwell added, his voice firm.

His expression hardened further. “I heard you had her attend a signing ceremony yesterday, but she walked out halfway—ungrateful? Does she still think she’s a Sterling heiress and can throw tantrums whenever she wants? You better not let her into Aurora, or she’ll stir up trouble and drag you down.”

—

**Send Gifts**