My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 4

**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 4: Her Wish**

“Goodness, did we just wake Oriana from her slumber?” one of the friends exclaimed, laughter bubbling in the air.

“Good evening, Oriana,” another chimed in, their voice light and teasing.

“Happy birthday, Oriana!” they all shouted in unison, their excitement echoing in the room.

“Here’s to Oriana on her twentieth birthday—may you blossom more beautifully than any flower in spring, and may your love with Grant grow deeper as the years go by,” a friend declared, raising an imaginary toast.

Suddenly, Grant emerged from the crowd, proudly holding a beautifully decorated birthday cake. His gaze was warm and filled with a deep, unwavering devotion that seemed to envelop Oriana entirely. “Oriana, happy birthday,” he said, his voice soft yet brimming with affection.

For a fleeting moment, Oriana found herself in a state of disbelief, overwhelmed by the burst of confetti that rained down around her and the jubilant chorus of cheers that filled the air.

Grant had invited his college friends, now successful partners in the tech world, to join in the celebration of her special day. Their laughter and playful banter only added to the vibrant atmosphere.

“Look at Oriana, utterly captivated by Grant once again,” one of the friends teased, nudging another.

“Who wouldn’t be? Grant’s not just handsome; he’s also charming. Back in the day, Oriana was completely smitten—there was no escaping his allure,” another added with a chuckle.

“Oriana’s been through so much over the years. Grant, you better appreciate her,” a friend cautioned, his tone serious yet affectionate.

“Don’t worry, Oriana. We’ve got your back—we won’t let Grant get distracted by other women,” Alaric Moss, Grant’s closest confidant, declared with a playful pat on his chest, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Grant shot a mock glare at his teasing friends but then turned his attention back to Oriana, his expression softening. “Oriana, make a wish and blow out the candles,” he urged gently.

She gazed at the flickering flames, her heart racing as she slowly closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of contemplation.

The room fell quiet, everyone holding their breath in anticipation, eager to witness her wish.

After what felt like an eternity, she opened her eyes and blew out the candles, the puff of air extinguishing the tiny flames with a soft hiss.

“What took you so long? Were you wishing for a lifetime with Grant or something?” Alaric teased, wrapping an arm around Grant’s shoulder with a cheeky grin.

“Alaric, enough already,” Grant warned, though a hint of pride danced in his eyes.

“Look at him, all serious and protective,” Alaric joked, eliciting laughter from the group.

Ignoring the banter, Grant cut a slice of cake and held it up to Oriana’s lips, a possessive yet indulgent smile gracing his face. “Just remember, don’t tell anyone your wish—otherwise, it won’t come true,” he whispered conspiratorially.

Oriana hesitated, her gaze lifting to meet his. “You think my birthday wish is to be with you forever, don’t you?” she asked suddenly, her voice steady yet curious.

Grant paused, sensing the weight of her words, and pretended to mull it over before teasing, “Oh? So, Oriana, did you forget to include my name in this year’s birthday wish?”

His playful tone held an underlying certainty; he was well aware that her heart was irrevocably his. The girl who had spent her youth chasing after him could belong to no one else.

A faint smile graced Oriana’s lips, but she remained silent, her thoughts swirling within her.

This year, she did have a wish, and it was indeed intertwined with Grant. Yet, it wasn’t a desire for a life spent together or a longing for his happiness that filled her heart. No, she yearned for a clean break—a complete severance of ties, leaving no remnants of their past.

“Alright, wish made. What’s next?” she asked, her tone casual as if she were discussing the weather.

“Oriana, Grant has been hounding us every single day for gift suggestions. Honestly, we’re all getting a bit fed up with it,” his friends chimed in, laughter ringing around them.

Under the playful coaxing, Grant, usually composed and reserved, felt a blush creeping up his cheeks.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. As he opened it, a stunning platinum bracelet glimmered inside, adorned with a tiny sapphire the size of a mung bean.

Even his hands, so adept at navigating complex programming languages, trembled slightly as he carefully helped her fasten the bracelet around her wrist.

The cool-toned sapphire sparkled brilliantly against her smooth skin, catching the light in a way that made her smile softly.

Had she not seen Luna’s exquisite sapphire necklace just days before, she might have felt genuinely touched by this gift. Instead, a calm amusement washed over her, for she knew this bracelet was an afterthought, a second choice meant for someone else.

Grant’s eyes sparkled with admiration as he gazed at her. “It suits you perfectly,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Alaric and the others erupted in cheers, playfully urging Grant to lean in and give her a kiss.

“Oriana?” Grant said softly, his voice low and inviting.

His eyes darkened with an intensity that made her heart race, and he leaned in slowly.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Alaric and the others finished tidying up the kitchen and came over to bid farewell.

“Oriana, the company has some matters to handle tonight. We won’t intrude on your time with Grant,” Alaric said, his tone casual yet apologetic.

Oriana blinked in surprise. “You still have to work tonight? Did I hold you up?” she asked, concern flickering in her eyes.

Grant responded calmly, “It’s just a small meeting. They can manage without me.”

Alaric blurted out, “Small meeting? That’s a collaboration invitation from the CEO of Claire Group in Meradin! Tonight’s meeting is crucial.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Grant shot him a sharp look, a silent warning passing between them.

Alaric quickly rubbed his nose and turned away, sheepish.

Oriana pressed her lips together, feeling the weight of the situation. “Company matters are important. You should go with them,” she insisted, her voice steady.

“Oriana, don’t listen to him,” Grant interjected, his tone firm yet gentle.

Oriana turned toward the closet, soon returning with a gray jacket. She draped it over him, her soft tone carrying an unmistakable authority. “It’s my birthday. You need to listen to me. Go take care of work; don’t worry about me.”

Something flickered in Grant’s deep eyes, a mix of admiration and frustration. “Oriana, I—”

“Enough, Grant. Oriana is considerate and focused on the bigger picture. Stop fussing and go with us,” Alaric interjected, his tone insistent.

“Yeah, this meeting needs you in charge, Grant,” another friend added, rallying behind Alaric.

Ultimately, Grant relented, slipping on the jacket, his gaze warm as he looked at Oriana. “I’ll come back as soon as I’m done. Happy birthday,” he promised, accepting the cane Alaric handed him, glancing back at her every few steps as he left.

Once the door closed, the lively atmosphere that had filled the room moments before fell into an eerie silence.

In the past, moments like this would have left Oriana feeling lonely, even abandoned. She had always wished to be supportive of Grant’s career, even as she longed for his presence by her side.

But now, she found solace in the quiet.

Settling into the hanging chair on the balcony, she opened the recording app on her phone and let the familiar voice play, the sound wrapping around her like a warm embrace.