My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 8

**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 8: Affair**

“The speech is all sorted out. Honestly, Oriana doesn’t care about these honors; it’s just students trying to show off, and that doesn’t mean a thing. You’ll do better than that,” Grant assured her, his voice steady and confident.

Luna sighed, her expression a mix of frustration and longing. “I know, I know, Grant. But my face still aches a bit. Could you give me a kiss?” she pleaded softly, her eyes shimmering with vulnerability.

“Luna, have you forgotten what I told you before?” Grant replied, his tone cautious yet firm.

“Oriana’s asleep in her room. She won’t even notice,” Luna whined, her voice quivering with a blend of desperation and desire. “I remember, I promise I won’t ruin your relationship with Oriana, but my heart… it’s beyond my control.”

“As long as Oriana doesn’t find out, just a quick kiss, please. That’s all I need,” she implored, her voice barely above a whisper.

A tense silence enveloped the room, punctuated only by the rustle of clothing.

Suddenly, Oriana’s body trembled, a wave of anxiety washing over her. Her limbs felt almost paralyzed, but she fought through it, gripping the doorknob and flinging the door open with a rush of adrenaline.

The sight that greeted her was startling. Luna and Grant, caught in a moment of intimacy, quickly separated, turning toward her with expressions that screamed innocence.

Luna’s cheeks were a vivid shade of pink, a stark contrast to Grant, who had already stepped forward, placing himself protectively between Oriana and Luna.

“Oriana, you’re awake,” Grant said cautiously, his voice laced with concern as he reached out, his eyes filled with an apology that seemed to hang in the air.

“I’m sorry for my harsh words earlier. You were hurt, and I shouldn’t have blamed you for feeling upset,” he added, his tone softening as he regarded her with sincerity.

Oriana looked at Grant, his handsome features and composed demeanor striking her with a chill that crept into her heart, cold and sharp. How could he navigate between two women with such ease? Just moments ago, he had been so close to Luna, and yet here he was, turning to Oriana with a tenderness that felt almost mocking.

How ironic. Was this still the aloof, untouchable boy she had once known, or had he transformed into something altogether different?

“I didn’t mind,” Oriana replied, lowering her gaze, a self-deprecating smile ghosting her lips.

“I knew you wouldn’t blame me, Oriana,” Grant said, visibly relieved, letting out a breath he seemed to have been holding. “I made some soup. Want to taste it?”

He gently guided her to the dining table, where Luna, having regained her composure, approached with a bright smile that seemed almost too cheerful.

“Grant personally cooked the fish and even took out all the bones! Oriana, you’re so lucky!” Luna exclaimed, her admiration evident as she watched them with wide eyes.

In that moment, Oriana sipped her soup lightly and replied, “You’ll have that soon enough.”

Both Luna and Grant froze, their expressions shifting from joy to confusion. “What?” they echoed in unison.

Oriana lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Luna, her expression filled with meaning. “You’ll soon have a boyfriend who will adore you just like he does.”

Grant’s expression flickered, a mix of surprise and something else—was it hope? He opened his mouth, as if to interject, but the words caught in his throat.

“Really?” Luna blinked, her surprise palpable, tinged with a playful flirtation. “If that comes true, I’ll have to thank you properly, Oriana.”

Oriana tugged at the corners of her lips, sipping her soup without adding anything further, letting the moment linger.

Grant lowered his head, lost in thought, the weight of the conversation settling heavily in the air.

After dinner, Luna lingered a little longer, her anticipation palpable as she waited for Owen to arrive and take her away.

When the doorbell rang, Luna greeted both Oriana and Grant with a bright smile before heading to open the door.

Owen leaned casually against the doorframe, his streetwear casual yet striking, a powder-blue motorcycle helmet embossed with the letters LS resting at his side.

He shot a glance at Grant but deliberately avoided looking at Oriana, letting out a cold scoff that echoed through the hallway.

“Luna, I told you there was no need for you to come all this way. Oriana owes you a lot already. The speech? Writing ten or even a hundred copies wouldn’t even begin to cover her debt,” Owen said, his voice dripping with disdain.

Luna tugged at his arm, her voice urgent. “Owen, don’t say that.”

Owen’s expression darkened, his sarcasm cutting. “I’m not wrong. She’s taken your place all these years, living comfortably in our family. What she owes you, she’ll never repay in her lifetime.”

Grant’s face darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes. “Owen, that’s enough. Just leave.”

Fearful of Grant’s anger, Luna interjected softly, “Oriana, don’t stoop to Owen’s level. He’s just being immature.”

With that, she pulled Owen outside to say their goodbyes.

He approached her, handing the phone back. “Someone just tried to video call you. I answered, but it seems he didn’t say anything.”

Oriana’s heart raced, a sudden flutter of anxiety gripping her. She snatched the phone from his hand, and as the facial recognition unlocked, she saw the name at the top of the screen.

It was really him.

Grant’s gaze remained fixed on her, catching every flicker of panic that crossed her features. He narrowed his eyes slightly, curiosity piqued.

“Oriana, who just called?” he asked, his tone shifting, a hint of command slipping through.

Oriana quickly composed herself, forcing a casual smile. “A friend,” she replied, keeping her voice steady.

She didn’t elaborate, and Grant, instinctively curious, pressed further. “Someone from your part-time job?”

She nodded, brushing it off with a casual air. She went from school to work every day; Grant couldn’t fathom how she had any other social contacts.

“Quit the part-time job. You’re supposed to be preparing for grad school exams. I’ll take care of you from now on,” he stated, his tone firm yet gentle.

Oriana didn’t argue, her compliance making him feel a sense of satisfaction. “Okay,” she replied softly.

His heart swelled at her obedient response. “That’s my good girl. Go get some rest. Good night,” he said, his voice warm.

But Oriana’s eyes dimmed, a shadow passing over her heart.

There was no future for her and Grant.

*****

Once alone, Oriana locked the door behind her, sliding back onto her bed, the weight of the world pressing down upon her. She reopened the chat window, staring at Micah’s missed call, hesitating as uncertainty gripped her.

Should she explain herself to him?

Before she could decide, as if sensing her indecision, the video invitation popped up again, illuminating her room with the glow of her phone.