My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 93

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

“That has nothing to do with me,” Oriana retorted, her voice icy as she cut him off, deliberately turning her back on the hurt that flickered across Grant’s face. The air between them was thick with tension, and she could feel the weight of his gaze, but she refused to let it affect her.

Around them, the campus was alive with the hustle of students moving between classes, many pausing to gawk at the unfolding drama. It felt as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of them, while Alaric stood, momentarily stunned by the intensity of the confrontation. This was a scene he had witnessed before, echoing memories of a time when Oriana had been the one chasing after Grant.

He recalled that fateful White Valentine’s Day when Oriana had walked into class, radiant and hopeful, clutching delicate paper cranes meant for Grant. But misfortune had struck when a notorious bully, with a penchant for causing trouble, had snatched the cranes right from her hands, mocking Grant in the process.

Later, Oriana, filled with remorse and anxiety, had rushed to find Grant, desperate to explain and apologize. In that moment, under the scrutiny of their classmates, Grant had mirrored Oriana’s current demeanor—detached and seemingly unaffected.

Back then, Alaric had admired Grant, charmed by the way a girl could care so deeply for him. Now, however, his heart ached at the sight of Grant’s humility, a stark contrast to the bravado he once exuded.

Oriana remained resolute, her expression unyielding as she casually glanced towards the campus security guards stationed not far away. “Unless you want to make headlines for harassing female students, you’d better step aside,” she warned, her voice steady and unwavering.

Alaric opened his mouth, clearly eager to defend Grant, to explain the complexities of his situation. But before he could utter a word, Grant interjected, his voice low and heavy with resignation. “Let them go. You’re right. The fault is mine. There’s nothing left to explain.” His tone dripped with bitterness, a self-deprecating mockery of his own predicament.

With a firm grip on Lily’s hand, Oriana turned to leave, her heart racing.

But just as they were about to walk away, Grant’s voice followed them, a haunting echo that sent chills down Oriana’s spine. “But I won’t give up. You’ve waited for me for so long, Oriana. Now it’s my turn to wait for you. I’ll wait for you to change your mind. I’ll wait for your divorce!”

Psycho! The thought raced through Oriana’s mind, and she quickened her pace, her heart pounding in her chest.

Lily’s residence was conveniently close to the university, nestled within the upscale Cloudrise Residences, the only luxurious living complex in this aging part of the city.

As they entered, Oriana couldn’t help but admire the apartment on the 15th floor. The living room boasted a magnificent floor-to-ceiling window that offered a breathtaking view of the entire Jindiwood University Medical College campus, adorned with its picturesque gardens.

This was not a place one could simply afford with “a little money,” she mused to herself, taking in the elegance surrounding her.

“Wow,” Oriana thought, recalling William’s warning to James: provoke someone you can’t afford to offend, and it’ll be too late for regrets. The weight of those words hung in her mind as she settled into the comfortable atmosphere of Lily’s home.

Lily poured Oriana a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, her cheeks flushed with a sheepish smile as she scratched her head, a gesture that made Oriana smile back. “My brother and I only have each other,” she explained, her voice softening. “He thought it would be inconvenient for me to commute from school, so he bought this place for us. Honestly, I’m so grateful I became a teaching assistant after graduation; otherwise, finding work elsewhere would have been a nightmare.”

Oriana nodded, warmth spreading through her at Lily’s words. “It’s a kind of fate,” she replied, appreciating the bond they shared.

“Oriana, that person just now was…” Lily started, her curiosity piqued.

Oriana sighed, her expression turning serious as she succinctly explained, “A supposedly dead-and-buried ex-boyfriend who’s still hopping around.”

Before she could get a clear look at the face in the photo, a dissatisfied voice called from outside, “Lily, how many times have I told you? You forgot to take off your shoes again?”

Lily stuck out her tongue playfully. “Oh no, my brother’s back!”

Oriana followed Lily out, her heart racing with anticipation.

The man standing there looked just as he did in the photographs—buzz cut, dressed in expensive attire adorned with a necklace and rings, exuding an air of maturity while remaining undeniably trendy.

“Don’t scold me in front of my friend,” Lily said, playfully hugging his arm. She turned to Oriana, her smile brightening the room. “This is the new teaching assistant I always talk about, Oriana Sterling.”

“Ethan Martinez,” he introduced himself, his gaze settling on Oriana’s face. He extended his hand, a welcoming gesture. “I’ve heard Lily talk about how you saved her from a tough spot. Nice to finally meet you.”

Oriana shook his hand, a sense of warmth enveloping her. “Lily has helped me a lot,” she replied, her appreciation evident.

“Ethan, why are you back so early today?” Lily asked, her tone shifting slightly, hinting at a touch of guilt.

As she spoke, Ethan’s attention shifted from Oriana back to Lily. He directly lifted her arm, pushing up her sleeve, a gesture that suggested a deeper concern.