My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 99

**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 99: The First Test**

“Besides, divorce is a distant thought. And even after two years… well, I can’t imagine going back to nibble on the same rotten grass that’s already been tainted!” Oriana’s voice was resolute, her fists clenched tightly as she made her final point. Her determination radiated from her, stronger than it had ever been before.

Micah, who had been weighed down by his own worries, felt a wave of calm wash over him. The subtle furrow between his brows began to smooth out, replaced by a look of contentment that Oriana had always hoped to see.

She flashed him a warm smile and gently inquired, “Feeling better now?”

“Yes, much better,” he replied, the tension in his voice easing.

“Good. It’s getting late. How about we keep dinner simple tonight with some fondue? We can use the leftover broth base from last time, toss in some meat and veggies, and have a cozy one-pot meal?” Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm at the thought of sharing a meal together.

Micah nodded, his usual dutiful demeanor shining through. “Whatever you decide.”

“I’ll take care of it. You’ve been under so much stress for far too long; you deserve to rest for a bit.” With that, Oriana reassured him, her voice soothing as she tied on an apron and made her way into the kitchen.

Once the sliding door was closed behind her, she leaned against the wall, allowing herself a moment of solitude. A long, relieved sigh escaped her lips, the tension of the day slowly dissipating.

Pressing a hand over her heart, she felt the rapid thumping beneath her palm. Heaven knew that while she had managed to appear calm and composed while comforting Micah, inside she was a whirlwind of emotions.

He had this uncanny ability to fluster her, and it seemed to be happening more often these days. The way he had just looked at her made her thoughts spiral uncontrollably…

Was he genuinely upset about Grant’s unwanted advances, or was there a part of him that hesitated to let go of their marriage? The uncertainty sent her heart racing, refusing to settle into a steady rhythm.

As Oriana caught a glimpse of her flushed face in the reflective titanium alloy surface of the range hood, she quickly shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts that clouded her mind. “Right, fondue…” she muttered to herself, focusing on the task at hand.

With Micah as her steadfast ‘cheat,’ Oriana’s learning journey had progressed by leaps and bounds. Her life had settled into a comforting routine, oscillating between school and home. Each moment she was awake was dedicated to voraciously absorbing knowledge about traditional medicine.

When it came to practical application, Micah had become her primary subject, and with each passing day, she grew more adept at her craft.

Just a day before her intensive training was set to commence, William summoned Oriana with an air of casual ease that left her feeling slightly apprehensive.

He led her to a small roadside clinic, almost pushing her through the door as if she were a puppet on strings.

Oriana’s confusion was palpable as she looked around, taking in the modest surroundings.

“Don’t give me that look,” William said, leaning lazily against the doorframe, his posture relaxed. He gestured with his chin towards the clinic. “This place belongs to a distant relative of mine. He’s off attending a wedding feast in his hometown and asked me to cover for him. The timing couldn’t be better. Consider this your test. You’re up.”

Oriana felt a rush of disbelief wash over her. She had every reason to suspect that William’s so-called ‘test’ was nothing more than a cleverly orchestrated plan to make her cover his shift.

Oriana’s heart sank further at his words.

The old woman’s pulse confirmed what she feared; her body was reaching its limits. The natural process of aging, compounded by the ravages of cancer, left no room for hope. There was no cure.

The elderly woman seemed resigned, her voice steady despite the news. “I know I’m in the late stages. I just wanted to see if there’s anything that can be done?”

William waved his hand dismissively, his tone cold. “If you really want treatment, you should go to the hospital’s oncology department. Coming here is pointless.”

Anxiety flickered in the old woman’s eyes. “No! The hospital wants me to get injections and medicine every day. It’s so painful and miserable, and it costs so much money! I have no money, and I don’t want to suffer!

“My children are all abroad. I’m all alone here in Jindiwood. I’ve lived a full life, tasted all the joys and sorrows. I don’t wish for a long life. I just want… to spend my final days comfortably, without being trapped in a white room covered in needle marks. Is that too much to ask?”

William’s lips moved, but ultimately, he only said, “We can’t treat you here.”

“Yes, we can. I’ll treat you.” Suddenly, a voice cut through the air, firm and unwavering.

The elderly woman, who had begun to tear up, looked up with renewed hope. “Really? Young lady, you can help me?”

William’s expression darkened immediately, and he slammed his cup down on the table with a heavy thud. “Nonsense! Do you have any idea what you’re saying?”