My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 38

TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen 38

“Sure.”

Oriana’s curiosity was piqued, genuine and bright, as she sat before the array of dishes that had been prepared entirely by machines. She had tasted pre-made meals before, but this was a whole new experience—one that stirred her intrigue and apprehension in equal measure.

With a fork in hand, she took a cautious bite, her anticipation palpable.

In an instant, her expression morphed into something more complex, a mixture of surprise and confusion.

Though Micah couldn’t see her face, the subtle changes in her breathing caught his attention. He noticed the way her brow furrowed slightly, and a knot formed in his stomach. “Not good?” he ventured, his voice laced with concern.

Oriana swallowed hard, feeling as if she had just consumed a spoonful of pure salt. It was overwhelming, and she couldn’t bring herself to chew any longer. “It’s okay,” she managed to say, but the hesitance in her tone was unmistakable.

Micah, ever perceptive, sensed her reluctance. He pursed his lips, a sign that he wanted the truth. “Be honest,” he insisted, his voice firm yet gentle.

With a sigh, Oriana confessed, “Too salty.” It felt like a betrayal to admit it, especially since she didn’t want to discourage him. She had hoped for something better, something more palatable.

He remained silent for a moment, absorbing her words. Instead of dwelling on her critique, he picked up a fork and sampled the other two dishes, his expression neutral. “These two should be fine,” he remarked, attempting to maintain a positive atmosphere.

“Let me try,” Oriana said, her curiosity getting the better of her. She took a tentative bite of the remaining dishes, only to be met with disappointment once again. One was excessively sour, and the other was overwhelmingly sweet.

She couldn’t help but marvel at Micah’s ability to consume them all without a hint of distaste on his face. It dawned on her then why he could live alone, relying solely on these mechanical creations—he simply wasn’t picky.

After a prolonged silence, Micah’s demeanor shifted. He looked almost guilty, as if he bore the weight of her disappointment. “Stop eating,” he said finally, a hint of regret in his voice. “I’ll have Kieran order takeout and find a maid to cook soon.”

“No need,” Oriana interjected quickly. “These dishes aren’t terrible. I can whip up some pasta instead. Just toss it together, and it should be fine.” She paused, a thought striking her as she recalled her earlier conversation with Kieran about Micah.

Gazing at Micah’s strikingly handsome profile, she continued softly, “I know you’re not used to interacting with others, and your cleanliness habits are… well, extreme. Having a maid cook here might make you uncomfortable. Why don’t you just endure a few days while I learn to cook? Once I get the hang of it, it might work out.”

Micah’s fists tightened imperceptibly at her words.

After a moment of contemplation, he relaxed his grip, but his face betrayed a hint of defeat. “Sorry, that’s my fault,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Seeing him so dejected made Oriana’s heart ache. She quickly reassured him, “It’s just cooking. No big deal. I should even thank you for giving me a chance to test the food.”

“Besides,” she added, trying to lighten the mood, “I’ll need to learn these life skills eventually. In two years, I’ll have to fend for myself anyway.”

Her intention was to comfort him, but instead, his expression darkened even further, a shadow passing over his features.

In the end, Micah remained silent, retreating to his room like a wounded animal, leaving Oriana feeling a pang of guilt. He looked so lonely, like a small puppy abandoned and left to fend for itself.

“Chubby,” Oriana said softly, turning to the little boy, “did I say something that upset your dad?”

“With me? I’m just going to the supermarket. You’re coming with me?” Oriana’s surprise deepened. “How come—”

“You’re unfamiliar with the place. I’ll go with you,” he explained, his reasoning sound and practical.

Yet, as she observed the dark lenses covering his eyes, a thought nagged at her—was he really more familiar with the supermarket than she was?

As it turned out, he was not at all.

His life had been so unusual; he typically traveled in a personal car with special access. In the chaotic, bustling store, as strangers accidentally brushed against him, Oriana could feel Micah tense up instantly, his body going rigid.

Instinctively, she reached out, placing a steadying hand on his arm. “It’s okay. I’m here,” she whispered softly, trying to soothe him.

“Yes,” Micah replied, his voice raspy and strained.

In that moment, Oriana felt a wave of regret wash over her for bringing Micah along. It wasn’t that he was a burden; rather, it was the guilt that gnawed at her as she watched him struggle with discomfort. He was stiff, his body resisting the chaos around him, yet he was forced to adapt to a world that felt foreign and overwhelming.

When Kieran had mentioned that Micah wasn’t good with social interactions, Oriana had assumed it was solely due to his blindness. She thought a little exposure might help him adjust.

But witnessing him like this made her abandon that notion entirely. He must be feeling terrible.