My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart novel Chapter 18

**TITLE: He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 18: Charm**

“Let’s put him out of our minds for now,” Oriana said, lifting her chin with determination. “After dinner, how about we hit the shops? Zara, what do you think would make a good gift for a kid on a first meeting?”

“What kid are you talking about? Who are you planning to give a gift to?” Zara queried, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

“Micah’s son,” Oriana clarified, her voice steady. “He’s probably in elementary school by now.”

The mention of the child brought a youthful, almost spoiled tone to Oriana’s voice, revealing a hint of nostalgia.

“Pfft!” Zara burst out, unable to contain her surprise. “Wait, what? Micah has a kid?! No way! I can’t get on board with this marriage; how on earth can you become a stepmom?”

Oriana handed her a wet wipe, a gesture of calm amidst Zara’s rising panic. “Zara, it’s really not as dire as you’re making it out to be. Micah and I are both getting what we need from this arrangement. It’s not like he asked for the child to be in the picture.”

“But—” Zara started to protest, her voice tinged with disbelief.

“Oriana gently cut her off, “Zara, listen. Micah is the first person who’s accepted me without a barrage of questions or demands. For me, this marriage feels like a timely blessing. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it.”

Zara studied Oriana’s calm, earnest expression, and the conviction radiating from her made her swallow the objections that had been forming on her tongue.

“Alright, fine then. A kid’s a kid. Better that than wasting time on some jerk,” Zara conceded, her tone softening.

If only Oriana hadn’t been cast out by the Sterling family, left feeling isolated, and forced to lean on Grant as her guardian, maybe things wouldn’t have spiraled into such chaos.

Now, all she could do was hope that Micah was reliable—someone who would grant Oriana her freedom every two years, allowing her to live unburdened and carefree.

After meandering through the mall, they finally settled on a sleek toy car model for the little boy and returned to the hotel, the weight of their choices lingering in the air.

The following morning, Oriana and Zara embarked on a hike up Fortine Mount together.

Oriana had visited Fortine Mount twice before, three years ago, each trip etched into her memory.

The locals spoke of the Grace Church there as a place of miracles. On her first ascent, she had climbed the daunting thousand-step stairway, pausing every ten steps to pray fervently for Grant’s recovery.

The second time, after Grant had learned to navigate the world with a cane, she had spent three heartfelt hours in front of Grace Church, offering gratitude and fulfilling a vow that had weighed heavily on her heart.

This time, as she stood at the entrance of the church, Oriana closed her eyes tightly, her devotion evident in her posture. She prayed for her future to be safe, joyful, and free of obstacles.

As she finished her prayer and stepped outside, she noticed Zara staring intently at something off to the side of the church.

“Zara?” Oriana called, her brow furrowing with curiosity. “What are you looking at?”

Zara quickly turned, her expression evasive as she attempted to block Oriana’s view. “Oh, just some rats. Nothing to concern ourselves with.”

Oriana’s calm gaze bore into her, sensing the tension beneath Zara’s casual words.

Zara knew she couldn’t hide her feelings any longer. Frustration bubbled to the surface, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Those bastards actually came here too. Grant said he was busy with work, and yet—”

Oriana pressed her lips together, feeling the weight of unspoken thoughts.

“Let’s go up,” she said quietly, her voice steady but filled with resolve.

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