My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 144

Chapter 144 Dangerous Kindness

Chapter 144 Dangerous Kindness.

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“I am, of course, grateful, Zephyr.” Her answer was swift, polite, and deliberately shallow.

Zephyr pressed a gilded cage into her hands. Inside, a snow–white parrot blinked and shuffled, perfectly at ease. “The bird is settled, and Vincent has returned. Let him care for it now.”

“If anything puzzles you about its temper, come to me at any hour,” he added, voice velvet–soft yet carrying a weight she did not dare underestimate.

In truth, the fact that Zephyr was willing to see her at any time was already a rare honor. Not just anyone could simply decide to meet a prince and be granted an audience. Even the concubines in his household did not enjoy such a privilege.

Naturally, it would not do to wound his pride. Fiona thanked him once more, her manner measured, and said, “You’ve always treated your younger sisters with such kindness. Now that I’ve met you in person, I see it’s true, Zephyr.”

Yet in Zephyr’s heart, he knew he was not so considerate toward every woman. A beauty like her–if he did not claim her, it would be a waste. Still, his expression betrayed none of that. He only smiled and said, “Since you’ve only just returned home today, I won’t intrude on your family’s reunion.”

When Zephyr finally left, Vincent turned to her and said, “In the future, when you encounter men who try to cozy up to you, keep your distance.”

Vincent knew a predator’s scent the moment it drifted near. His sister’s beauty would invite motives far less noble than words suggested, and every such motive made his chest tighten with displeasure.

Fiona nodded at once; for the moment, nothing mattered more than easing her brother’s worries.

She had reached Jexburgh a half–day earlier than her letters predicted. Meryl, still arranging the welcome banquet, turned and froze–caught utterly off guard.

A tall, willowy young woman stood in the doorway. Brows fine as a crescent moon, eyes fluid and luminous–Meryl needed only a heartbeat to recognize her own daughter.

“Mother.” Fiona had already thrown her arms around her.

Meryl’s eyes grew misty with joy as she pulled her daughter close, looking her up and down with unconcealed satisfaction. Yet there was also regret in her heart for all the years of her daughter’s growth she had missed. What concerned her most, however, was the girl’s health.

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Chapter 144 Dangerous Kindness

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With tender worry, she asked, “You were ill for such a long time at your grandmother’s. Are you feeling better now?”

“I waited until I was completely recovered before setting out,” Fiona assured her.

Meryl measured her against her own shoulder and laughed softly. “You are taller than I am

now.”

Watching a child grow brought a thrill of joy, yet also the faint sting of something finishing before one was ready.

“But I think growing up is a good thing,” she said gently, trying to comfort her mother. “That way, I’ll be able to protect you and my elder brother in the future.”

The promise coaxed a genuine smile from Meryl.

That evening, the Niven Estate hummed with celebration–servants hurrying down corridors, voices braided with laughter, doors opening and closing in unbroken rhythm.

Hannah and Yolanda greeted Fiona with unguarded delight. Compliments circled the parlor- every cousin agreed she had become even lovelier during her months away.

Joanna, habitually comparing her children with Meryl’s, savored one private consolation: though her son Ulrich lagged behind Vincent, her daughter’s recent triumph kept family pride intact.

“Rita was planning to come and see you today,” Joanna said with a smile, her expression tinged with pride. “But her child is still so young that she couldn’t leave.” A daughter’s honor, after all, was also a mother’s honor.

Hannah explained with a warm smile, “Rita has given the Wagner family a baby boy.” It was their first legitimate grandson and heir–the weight of such a position hardly needed to be spelled out.

“I’m overjoyed Rita is safe. I will call on her soon,” Fiona replied.

“If you’d like to visit, you may go whenever you wish,” Joanna added. “The Wagner family is very fond of you.” Yet in truth, their fondness for Fiona was only an extension of their regard for Rita. It was because Rita held influence in her husband’s household that they extended their affection to her younger cousin.

Yolanda’s gaze dimmed, a brief shadow that slipped through her composure.

Fiona noticed at once. Poor Yolanda–still childless. In a marriage, that pressure can feel suffocating. A silent resolve formed: she would lend comfort where she could.

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Chapter 144 Dangerous Kindness

After dinner, Fiona stopped her and called, “Yolanda.”

Yolanda managed a small, careful smile. “Fiona.”

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The meal behind them, Fiona and Yolanda drifted onto the moonlit promenade.

Petals from an overhanging pear tree brushed their sleeves, releasing a cool late–spring scent. They said nothing at first, simply letting the stroll case the weight of wine and conversation.

Fiona kept her gaze ahead, yet her question slipped out, quiet as wind. “Did you and Ulrich quarrel again?”

Yolanda’s shoulders dipped. A loose strand of hair swung over her cheek, hiding emotions she could not command.

“Only a small disagreement,” she whispered. “Give us a few days, and it will pass.”

Fiona considered, then spoke, gentle yet firm: “Yolanda, Ulrich cares for you. Don’t shut him out. How can the bond between husband and wife be weaker than the pull of one child? Trust him.”

Gratitude glimmered in Yolanda’s eyes, but concern returned almost immediately.

your uncle was reassigned to Junbert, those young men in Jexburgh… “And you, Fiona? Since While you were away, Grandmother spoke of you almost every day. You can imagine how anxious she has become.”

Only half a year ago Hannah had hoped for an equal marriage for her granddaughter. Now, with Fiona past her coming–of–age, every passing month seemed to chip away at the old woman’s standards.

Fiona understood the words Yolanda left unspoken: the gentlemen of Jexburgh now treated the Niven name like a contagious rumor.

“Whatever storm arrives, I’ll meet it,” Fiona said, smiling lightly. “We’ll figure it out when the water reaches the door.”

A mischievous spark lit Yolanda’s face. “Speaking of marriage, even Lord Soren’s match remains unsettled. Duchess Zonfrillo set her sights six months ago on Isabella Muirhaven, yet your grandmother’s affair delayed everything. Now Duchess Zonfrillo practically curses Princess Helen with every breath.”

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