My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226 Arrows And Old Memories

Chapter 226 Arrows And Old Memories

+5 Free Coins

Henrietta’s answering smile was gentle, the sort one offers a child who has just been praised.

Hillary’s brows pulled together as she searched her spotty recollections of nursery days. “Did Lord Soren really play only with me back then?”

Penelope nodded. “Exactly so. Besides you and Naomi, no one else dared romp through his study.”

Soren lifted a shoulder, voice flat yet courteous. “I remember little from those early years now.”

Eager to change the subject, Hillary insisted on demonstrating her archery for Penelope, determination flashing in her eyes.

Fiona watched the slim wrist tighten around the bow’s grip, noting the calm, almost icy focus in Hillary’s gaze. The arrow left the string with a hiss, slicing the air-yet it landed shy of the center, quivering near the outer ring.

Hillary’s mouth drooped, disappointment settling over her bright features.

“It’s only one shot,” Henrietta soothed, patting the girl’s shoulder. “Practice a little each day. No one masters the bow overnight.”

Fiona, versed in form, felt a jolt of surprise. The aim was off, but Hillary’s raw power was undeniable-something most women lacked without years of training.

Instinctively, she glanced at Soren and caught the same spark of impressed curiosity lighting his eyes.

After a breath, he turned and met her stare, as though weighing an unspoken thought.

Fiona’s lashes dipped, and she returned her attention to the grass beneath her boots.

For Hillary’s small banquet the guest list was short-just Fiona, Naomi, and Mindy.

With so few ladies present, the atmosphere felt awkward. Naomi stayed close to Hillary, forcing Mindy to trail behind them for company.

Hillary finished eating, spirits still high, and marched straight off to resume sword drills.

“Hillary is truly entertaining,” Mindy confessed, shuddering at the notion of such exertion.

Fiona massaged her aching wrist. “She earns genuine respect, nonetheless.”

1/3

11:12 Wed, Oct 22

Chapter 226 Arrows And Old Memories

ମୁଳ୍କ

82

“She’s been begging Lord Soren for lessons lately,” Mindy added, laughing. “A tiny lady pleading so sweetly-what man could refuse?”

+5 Free Coins

Back in the rear courtyard, Hillary’s arrow practice brought her face-to-face with Soren just as he prepared to depart.

Clutching an arrow, she dipped into an almost kneeling bow. “Lord Soren, please grant me a few pointers.”

Recognizing real talent—and mindful of Havenford Estate’s gracious hospitality-Soren relented, offering quiet, precise guidance before the fading afternoon light.

Hillary was quick on the uptake. The moment Soren’s explanation brushed her ears, half the mystery fell into place. Two experimental shots later, her arrows already flew truer, the fletching humming with a confidence that had not been there before.

Soren’s eyes lingered on her, lit with a quiet admiration. Fiona’s lessons had already impressed him, yet Hillary’s natural flair eclipsed even that, a spark too rare to squander, so he bent to the task with unexpected patience.

Soren said, “Keep at it. Learn well.”

Few ladies ever compelled Soren to revise his judgments; admiration was a currency he spent sparingly. Hillary had just earned a rare coin.

Hillary’s voice turned melodic, almost coaxing, as she edged closer, bow still in hand, eyes shining with playful ambition.

“Lord Soren, that trick you showed me is incredible. When you have time, will you walk me through the rest?”

He adjusted the bowstring for her, fingers brief yet deft. “If I find a spare moment, I’ll offer a tip or two,” Soren said.

A smile unfurled across Hillary’s face, clear and fresh as springwater. Her eyes held a shimmering pool of promise, as though a hidden brook had been captured behind those lashes.

She pressed a fist to her chest, solemn in her youthful way. “Lord Soren, if I take first place in archery, whatever favor you ask of me, I’ll do it. I swear I’ll repay you.”

Soren nodded, the gesture slight, almost absent. Her promise struck him as the breezy gratitude of a child-pleasant to hear, impossible to spend.

Without lingering, he moved on, the hem of his cloak whispering against the grass.

2/3

11:12 Wed, Oct 22

Chapter 226 Arrows And Old Memories

82

+5 Free Coins

A short distance away, Mindy leaned toward Fiona, laughter playing at the corners of her mouth. “Looks like Lord Soren has taken Hillary under his wing. Next year her archery scores might outshine yours.”

Fiona smiled. “If she becomes that skilled, I’ll be happy for her.”

She meant it with all her heart. A little rivalry between ladies could sharpen, not spoil, their talents-as long as envy never bled into malice.

Neither woman disturbed Hillary, who was now intoxicated by the thrum of bowstring and target. Together, they left Havenford Estate, the afternoon light turning the courtyard dust into gold behind them.

Next morning at Sweetbriar Academy, Hillary bounded up to Fiona, her steps as light as birds across a pond. “Fiona, after relentless effort, I finally convinced Soren to coach me!”

Fiona marveled again at Soren’s boundless energy. He guided her through swordplay, yet somehow found time to sprinkle guidance over Hillary as well.

Naomi, overhearing, arched a curious brow. “What trick did you use to make my brother agree?”

Hillary tossed her braid with theatrical pride. “He saw my talent, of course. If I surpass Fiona in archery, I’ll repay him properly.”

Naomi laughed, shaking her head. “Little imp, and how exactly do you plan to reward him? Just stay out of trouble.”

Hillary’s grin widened, unabashed. “One day I’ll grow up, become as beautiful and graceful as Fiona. You’ll see.”

Time, after all, would keep its promise; she would not stay small forever,

Fiona felt a sudden sting behind her ribs.

She adores him now-but once she’s grown, who knows what shape that feeling will take?

Yet her face held only a quiet, encouraging smile.

3/3

11:12 Wed, Oct 22