My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 255

Chapter 255 Confessions At Dusk

+20 Free Coins

Even so, an unnamed shame pressed upon Hillary’s chest, locking every reckless word behind her teeth.

“I should be heading home,” Fiona murmured.

“Fiona, since you and Soren were so close, will he speak of taking responsibility for you?” Hillary ventured, the question trembling between hope and dread.

Fiona studied the younger woman, her dark lashes trembling as though they measured every silent beat between them. “Hillary, there’s no need to test me. Whom you choose to love, what paths you take–those are yours alone. Confessing it to me will not scrub the guilt from your heart.”

For a young lord to call on several households, weighing the virtues of one lady after another, was perfectly ordinary. Even if he first visited a friend and only afterward arrived at your gate, etiquette guarded everyone from rumor.

Take Soren, for instance. He had once been invited to meet Roxanne, and later, he was presented to other ladies as well. No one spoke ill of Roxanne because of it.

Yet whenever Hillary stood before Fiona, she spoke of liking the man as though pleading a silent case. Deep down, she prayed Fiona would absolve her by saying something along the lines of, “Go ahead, cherish Soren; it troubles me not at all.”

Only then could she follow her own heart without trembling, convinced that permission had been granted.

Fiona sighed inwardly, weighing blame against fairness. Well, I can’t say Hillary has done anything terribly wrong… Besides, Soren and I share no vows. Should she marry him, an unmarried man to an unmarried woman–custom will approve.

Still, Fiona knew she could never stand before a lady who had already shared whispered closeness with the man she adored and declare her own feelings; that felt like coercion, like sliding a dagger between friendly ribs.

Hillary’s complexion drained to parchment, yet she clung to Fiona’s hand. “Fiona, I don’t want to lose you as a friend, nor become the villain who betrays you. I’ll stay away from Soren.”

Even as she spoke, a trace of sour hurt curled inside her chest.

Fiona drew her fingers free, firmness burning in her eyes. “Hillary, you must not choose on my behalf.”

1/3

20:11 Fri, Nov 7

Chapter 255 Confessions At Dusk

Naomi, sensing discord, stepped closer. “Hillary, why are you crying?”

A few paces away, Soren watched them, his expression unreadable.

Hillary dabbed at her checks, forcing a smile that quivered. “It’s nothing.”

+20 Free Col

Fiona, noticing the raw redness of Hillary’s eyes, turned to Naomi. “Naomi, please see Hillary home.”

Naomi’s concern shifted instantly. “Fiona, are you all right?”

A small warmth bloomed in Fiona’s chest. “Haha. I’m fine. It’s time I returned home.”

With Daniel bedridden, chaos reigned throughout Havenford Estate, so the task of escorting Fiona naturally fell to the Zonfrillo family.

D

Naomi guided Hillary toward Soren. Only then did he tear his gaze from Fiona and notice the young lady standing before him, trembling with confusion and hurt.

Hillary glimpsed his face, then instantly lowered her own.

Because Daniel had once saved his honor, Soren’s goodwill extended to the daughter as well. He pressed a wrapped sweet into her palm as one might soothe a child. “If your father saw tears like these, he’d berate the Zonfrillo family for mistreating you.”

His tone was light, almost careless, more playful than tender.

Naomi cast her brother a glance. To her, Soren looked distracted, his banter with Hillary no more than polite filler.

She followed his line of sight toward Fiona. Fiona’s stride faltered for a heartbeat, then she forced herself onward.

Hillary’s heart rattled against her ribs. Soren’s voice lacked the icy distance he showed others, and that gentleness left her utterly at a loss.

From the gate, Fiona glanced over her shoulder. Soren bowed slightly toward Hillary, and after a hesitant beat, she accepted the sweet. “Thank you, Soren.”

The Prince’s Estate buzzed with visitors that day.

Fiona lingered near the stables, the mingled scents of hay thick in the air. Xavier happened to be there as well with several others, awaiting their carriages.

He tipped his head, studying her profile. “Rough day?”

2/3

Chapter 255 Confessions At Dusk

In front of Xavier, Fiona made no pretense. When I think about it, there is really nothing worth fretting over. I need not let it bind me.

Fiona drew a slow breath, her shoulders stiff beneath a pale–blue cloak as the last strains of celebratory music drifted across the marble terrace. “I must keep myself in check,” she whispered, each word measured. “I shouldn’t let anyone–or anything–that lacks worth unsettle my heart.”

Beside her, Xavier angled his head, dark hair catching a sheen of late–afternoon light. “Think of happier things,” he suggested, his tone a calm ripple. “For instance, your father will be home soon.”

Fiona’s eyes softened at the reminder. She recalled Meryl’s quiet counsel that morning and lifted her gaze to Xavier. “Mother asked that you visit the Niven Estate when the time comes,” she said, letting the invitation linger like the scent of fresh tea.

Xavier’s lashes dipped. A faint smile touched his mouth, warming the cool angles of his face. “Gladly,” he answered, the single word carrying more weight than its brevity implied.

Relief loosened the knot in Fiona’s chest. She loved seeing him smile, especially because he seldom did. When those restrained features opened, even slightly, the world felt gentler.

Footsteps approached across the flagstones. Zephyr–regal in indigo silk, confidence rolling off

for him like heat from sun–baked stone–stopped before them and bowed just enough to pass courtesy. “Fiona,” he greeted, a smile curling at the edge of his mouth.

Xavier pressed his lips together, the easy warmth of a moment ago dimming behind a composed mask.

They had spoken of Zephyr only minutes earlier. Now, as if summoned by idle conversation, the prince stood less than an arm’s length away.

Fiona inclined her head, voice kept polite and low. “Hello, Zephyr.”

Zephyr’s gaze dropped to the small emerald earring that brushed her neck. Something like hunger–not entirely innocent–flashed across his eyes. “I failed to see you at the banquet,” he said, the words velvet–smooth. “I searched the hall for you, but you were nowhere to be seen.”

“I went to see Roxanne,” Fiona replied, holding his stare with tranquil poise.

Zephyr folded his hands behind his back, voice dipping to a thoughtful register. “Now that Roxanne is married to the Fourth Prince, tell me–how does that strike you?”