My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 51

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

**Chapter 51: The Fall**

“Don’t move.”

At Oriana’s decisive command, Micah halted abruptly, his body freezing mid-step, a statue of obedience and stillness.

A deeper, more playful smile danced across Oriana’s lips as she took a step closer, the fabric of the apron she held fluttering slightly in the air.

Finished.

“We completely forgot to pick this up at the supermarket earlier,” she explained, her voice light and teasing. “You’ve been juggling cooking and changing clothes these last few days. An apron will definitely make things easier for you.”

Micah was known to be a bit of a neat freak; the thought of splatters and stains on his clothes made him cringe. Oriana had already spotted a few grease spots marring several of his pristine white shirts. If he noticed them, he would likely wrinkle his nose in disgust and banish them to the back of his closet, never to see the light of day again.

Rising slightly onto her toes, Oriana reached up, her fingers brushing against Micah’s shoulder as she attempted to slip the apron over his head.

Just as she lifted herself, Micah instinctively leaned forward, his face coming dangerously close to hers.

In that fleeting moment, Oriana felt the tip of her nose graze against his brow, a spark of electricity igniting between them.

Time seemed to stand still as she froze, caught in the unexpected intimacy of their proximity.

Micah, realizing the closeness a moment too late, jerked back with an apologetic look. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

Before he could finish his sentence, the apron had already slipped over his neck, and as he leaned back, Oriana hadn’t had the chance to release her grip. The sudden movement pulled her forward, and before she knew it, she was tumbling into his arms.

“Careful!”

The world around them tilted as they both lost their balance, landing together in a heap.

A jolt of pain shot through Oriana before the shock could fully register. She collided against his chest, momentarily stunned, oblivious to the way his arms instinctively tightened around her waist—both possessive and gentle.

Then, a mechanical voice shattered the moment.

“Beep. Level one danger detected. Dad has fallen.”

“Beep. Level two danger detected. Oriana is pressing on Dad.”

Oriana’s eyes widened in disbelief as she froze, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Flustered, she scrambled to roll off him, her heart racing, cheeks aflame.

“Micah, are you okay?” she blurted out, her voice tinged with concern.

Micah clenched his fists, his expression serious, his voice low yet steady. “I’m fine.”

But deep down, he wasn’t.

This was the first time he had ever been able to be so close to Oriana, so openly, and it felt surreal. He held his breath, the warmth of her body against his reminding him that this was no dream.

Yet, the dull pain in his back and the intoxicating scent of her hair enveloping him grounded him in reality.

He longed for time to stand still at that moment, to savor the closeness.

But just seconds later, it was over.

Even during dinner, her thoughts drifted, making it hard to concentrate on the meal before her.

“What’s wrong? Not enjoying today’s food?” Micah asked, his brow furrowing slightly as he caught her distracted gaze.

Oriana coughed, startled. She had just been caught staring at him again and found herself meeting his concerned eyes. Her cheeks flushed crimson, knowing he couldn’t see her expression but feeling exposed nonetheless.

“No, it’s all my favorites! Delicious!” she exclaimed, shoving a generous bite into her mouth as she praised the food repeatedly, hoping to divert his attention.

Yet, Micah frowned, setting down his utensils, his expression darkening.

“I heard from Kieran that someone came to your school to bother you,” he said, his tone low and serious.

Oriana knew Kieran wouldn’t keep this from Micah. After all, Micah was the one who paid his salary and cared about her well-being.

“Yes, it was my ex-boyfriend,” she admitted, her voice steady as she emphasized each word. “I told him I’m married and to stop bothering me.”

Micah fell silent for a moment, his thoughts churning. “If it makes you sad, you don’t have to bottle it up at home,” he murmured softly.

Oriana froze, taken aback by his concern.

Hesitant, she asked, “You think I lost my appetite today because of Grant?”

Micah countered, his gaze steady. “Isn’t that so?”

Oriana shook her head, a light chuckle escaping her lips. “A misunderstanding, really. Just a misunderstanding.”

She set down her utensils, looking at him earnestly. “I admit I felt a little down on the way back, but when I got home and saw you and Chubby waiting for me, my mood lifted instantly.”