My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 296

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Chapter 296: Quiet Homecoming

The room was heavy with tension as Meryl’s voice cut sharply through the silence. Her expression was as unyielding as chiseled stone. “This time, I won’t let it slide,” she declared firmly. “How could you risk your life for someone you don’t even know? Since when did your father or I teach you to be so reckless? Go—kneel in the study.”

Before Fiona could respond, Xavier stepped forward calmly. “Madam Meryl, Ms. Fiona’s actions weren’t purely out of kindness,” he explained quietly. “She was forced into it. When you’re under a low roof, you learn to bow your head. To survive, she cared for that man. I found her later and made sure she was safe.”

Meryl’s eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across her face. “Then why didn’t Pearl mention any of this?” she asked sharply.

Xavier’s voice remained steady. “Ms. Fiona didn’t want to worry you, so she kept the worst details from Pearl.”

Fiona was taken aback by how effortlessly Xavier lied to protect her. His smooth deception left her momentarily speechless. Throughout the exchange, he positioned himself subtly between Meryl and Fiona, his broad frame a silent shield.

Meryl, who had always thought well of Xavier, softened slightly and let her guard down. “I can hardly believe Southmere has become so dangerous. And who knows when we’ll be able to return to Jexburgh…” Her voice trailed off, worry etched into her features.

Outside, Zephyr prowled ahead like a lone wolf, making every path—forward or backward—feel equally fraught with danger.

“Do not worry, Madam Meryl,” Xavier assured her, straightening his posture. “His Majesty has assigned me to oversee the roadworks in Dasshire. While I am here, neither you nor Ms. Fiona will come to harm.”

Meryl let out a relieved sigh, some of the tension ebbing from her shoulders. Her gaze lingered on Fiona, fully aware of the real reason Xavier had rushed to Dasshire. Though she had only threatened a brief punishment, even that had visibly unsettled him. Had she pressed further, he might have willingly knelt in Fiona’s place.

A quiet joy blossomed within Meryl’s chest. Xavier’s protective stance toward her daughter quelled every fear she had swallowed. A son-in-law who held her daughter at the center of his heart—that was all a mother could ever wish for.

Thanks to Xavier’s intervention, the punishment Fiona had feared—hours of solitary penance before the stern walls of the study—never came to pass.

Later, Xavier chose to stay at Niven Manor, sharing an evening meal with the family as if he had always belonged there.

Meryl set down her utensils, worry creasing her brow. “Tell me, how are things back in Jexburgh?” she asked softly. Zephyr’s shadow still haunted her thoughts, and Fiona’s feigned illness was no lasting shield.

Xavier lifted his cup, the tea inside shimmering like moonlight. “Do not fret, Madam Meryl. As long as I breathe, Ms. Fiona will never be handed over to Prince Zephyr.”

Meryl exhaled slowly, her voice barely a whisper in the lamplight. “I’m sorry for burdening you with this. He is a prince—and may yet become emperor. Without Fiona’s supposed frailty as a shield, I would have had no honorable way to refuse him.”

Everyone at the table understood all too well that crossing a prince was a dangerous path.

Xavier set his cup down with a soft click against the polished wood. “His Majesty remains in good health, but the future is uncertain. Keep Ms. Fiona close for now—no more excursions beyond the manor.”

***

Fiona sat quietly, biting back the protests lodged at the edge of her tongue. Any attempt to argue would only deepen her mother’s anger.

Meryl emitted a short, frosty hum. “Rest assured, I will not let her stray from my sight again. A young lady of her age should know better than to chase amusement like a child.”