My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart novel Chapter 5

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

**Chapter 5: Happy Birthday**

“Grant, how did our little act turn out?” Oriana asked, her voice laced with curiosity, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.

“Honestly? I nearly burst out laughing at my own performance; it was that good. Thankfully, Oriana’s so blissfully unaware, she didn’t catch on to a single thing,” Grant replied, a grin playing at the corners of his mouth.

“If I hadn’t conjured up a clever excuse, how would you have made it here in time to kick off Ms. Sterling’s birthday countdown?” she teased, her brow arched playfully.

“Grant, you’re simply incredible. Oriana’s gentle and thoughtful nature complements Ms. Sterling’s fiery and passionate spirit—you’ve truly got the best of both worlds,” she continued, her admiration evident in her tone.

“Women are like clothing,” Grant stated matter-of-factly, his voice dropping to a serious tone. “At home, they should feel comfortable. Out in public, they should be eye-catching.”

A sharpness crept into Grant’s voice, a warning that sent a chill down her spine. “Don’t ever say that again. I don’t want Oriana catching wind of any gossip.”

“Yes, understood, Grant,” she replied, a hint of apprehension creeping into her words.

Moments later, a soft, melodious voice broke through the phone—it was Luna.

Alaric and the others, quick to jump on the opportunity, joined in unison, wishing Luna a happy birthday and a lifetime of love with Grant.

Alaric’s voice boomed the loudest, “Grant, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and kiss her!”

*Grant, you can’t. Luna just took the initiative—*

“Wow, things are heating up already. Luna’s fantastic!” someone chimed in, laughter bubbling over their excitement.

Bang! Bang!

A thunderous explosion erupted from the phone, accompanied by a dazzling display of fireworks illuminating the night sky, their colors bursting forth like a celebration of life itself.

Through Oriana’s tear-blurred vision, the fireworks appeared in shades of black and white, a stark contrast to the vibrant joy surrounding her.

She numbly finished the last sip of her cooled milk, but her stomach churned, rejecting the taste—bitter, acrid, and harsh.

Just like the once-proud youth in her life—dashing, arrogant, chasing dreams—now decayed and corrupt, leaving her feeling utterly disgusted.

*****

The extravagant fireworks display stretched on for over an hour, each explosion echoing like a heartbeat in the night.

As the clock inched closer to midnight, Oriana rose, the weight of the evening settling upon her shoulders as she prepared to retreat to her room. Just then, her phone, which had been dark and silent, pinged with a video call invitation.

Her heart raced as she glanced at the unfamiliar name flashing on the screen.

Micah Caldwell—her soon-to-be husband, a man she had never laid eyes on.

In a flustered panic, she accidentally accepted the call, only to be struck by the realization of her messy, tear-streaked face. She hurriedly pressed her finger over the camera, desperate to hide her appearance.

A chaotic image flickered briefly before her, and Oriana froze, staring at the man on the other end, who had yet to turn on his camera.

Silence enveloped them, thick and heavy. If not for the faint sound of his breathing confirming his presence, Oriana might have hung up out of sheer embarrassment.

After what felt like an eternity of awkwardness, she finally mustered the courage to speak. “Hello, Mr. Caldwell?” she ventured, her voice trembling slightly.

“Hello,” he replied, his low voice cutting through the silence as if he had been waiting for her to break the ice.

Oriana’s heart skipped a beat.

Recalling the swift arrangement of their marriage—questions answered only when necessary, no room for idle chatter—she took a deep breath, summoning her courage once more.

“Mr. Caldwell, is there something urgent that prompted you to call me at this hour?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Their marriage had been hastily arranged, with an agreement to register immediately, maintain the facade of a married couple, and ultimately divorce two years down the line.

Oriana assumed Micah had called to discuss some detail regarding their arrangement.

But after a brief pause, his cold, emotionless voice delivered words that took her by surprise. “Happy birthday.”

Oriana’s heart swelled with disbelief. Her face, marred by dried tears, softened as she felt the tug of her skin where the tears had dried.

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