My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart novel Chapter 3

**He Returned to Break and Own Me and for His Queen**
**Chapter 3: Show-Off**

Luna’s laughter rang out like a melody, carefree and vibrant, her voice tinged with an unmistakable possessiveness that echoed in the small café.

Grant’s gaze flickered to Oriana’s face for a brief moment—three seconds, to be exact—before he turned away, his demeanor calm and unaffected, as if she were merely a whisper of the past.

Oriana felt her heart sink as she slowly lowered her eyes. He hadn’t recognized her at all.

For months, she had kept her part-time job at Season Coffee Shop a secret from him. In the precious hours she had carved out between studying for her graduate recommendations, she had been saving every penny to surprise Grant with a new laptop bag for their third anniversary.

The old bag he carried, worn and faded, had seen better days and no longer matched the ambitious man he had become. Lately, she had noticed him lugging his laptop around in his hands, a stark contrast to the polished image he usually presented.

But now, her heart sank further as she spotted the unmistakable corner of his laptop peeking out from the depths of Luna’s luxurious Dior tote. Oriana’s fingers tightened around the menu, her knuckles turning white as a wave of anxiety washed over her.

“Happy birthday, Luna!” a cheerful voice chimed, breaking her spiraling thoughts.

Nina Reed, the owner of the café, approached with a warm, inviting smile, enveloping Luna in a tight hug that radiated warmth and camaraderie.

As they pulled apart, Nina’s eyes landed on Grant, the cold, striking figure standing beside Luna. A teasing glint appeared in her gaze as she lifted her chin slightly, asking, “So, is this the guy who left your neck covered in hickeys?”

Luna’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she cast a quick glance at Grant, who remained unfazed. Yet, she managed to respond with a coy smile, “Grant already has a girlfriend.”

Nina’s sharp gaze darted between the two of them, clearly piecing together the unspoken tension but choosing to keep it under wraps. With a playful tug, she linked her arm through Luna’s and led her toward a table.

As they walked, Nina pointed at Oriana. “Come serve them.”

Oriana felt her throat constrict, parched and dry. She swallowed hard, but it did little to ease her discomfort as she trailed behind them, numb and detached.

When she approached their table with the menu, she opened her mouth to speak, but Luna’s cheerful enthusiasm cut her off.

“Nina’s cakes are all incredible! Remember the one at our company celebration? It disappeared in seconds,” Luna exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Grant nodded, recalling the event. “How far in advance do we need to order?”

Nina, sensing his urgency, smiled knowingly. “Luna’s birthday cake is already waiting in the back. Mr. Holloway, you’re too late to order anything now.”

A slight frown creased Grant’s brow, but he said nothing further. He selected their drinks and handed the menu back to Oriana with a detached air.

“Matcha milk, no ice,” he instructed, his voice steady.

Oriana’s heart sank. Grant never drank milk. That drink was meant for Luna.

She remembered a time when they had gone to the movies. He had arrived half an hour late, breathless and sweaty, with two iced colas in hand. “Picked them up on the way. We can drink while we watch,” he had said, a grin on his face.

Seeing him so worn out had filled her with sympathy. She had never blamed him, even when he handed her a cold drink despite knowing she had a stomachache.

She had always told herself that with his busy life—building a company, managing endless responsibilities—finding time for her was already a feat. Forgetting small details was just part of life.

But now, the truth pierced through her thoughts like a knife. He had always been sharp enough to remember; he just never cared to remember when it came to her.

A bitter smile curled her lips as she placed their order, her emotions carefully concealed beneath a mask of indifference.

Later, when she delivered the drinks to their table, Nina was busy digging for gossip. “So, birthday girl, what did your boyfriend get you?”

Luna’s face lit up with joy. “A necklace!”

Nina teased, “Don’t tell me you’re talking about that string of hickeys?”

“Stop it, Nina!” Luna giggled, her cheeks flushing as she playfully slapped Nina’s arm. Reluctantly, she tugged down her turtleneck at Nina’s insistence, revealing a stunning sapphire wave necklace that sparkled brilliantly.

“Whoa, that’s huge! And it sparkles like crazy!” Nina exclaimed, awe evident in her voice.

She shot Grant a thumbs-up. “Looks like he’s got deep pockets. Big spender!”

Luna quickly adjusted her collar, her delicate features now tinted pink. With a shy smile, she added, “He always says giving me the best in the world still isn’t enough. And tonight, he promised to stay up with me until midnight to watch the fireworks.”

Nina beamed at her. “You’ve got a strong family background, impressive skills, and you’re about to start grad school at Jindiwood University. Who wouldn’t want a girlfriend like you? No wonder he spoils you,” she praised loudly.

All around them, customers and staff shot envious glances at Luna, whispering among themselves.

“They’re such a perfect couple—handsome guy, gorgeous girl. Talk about lucky,” someone remarked.

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