My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 157

Chapter 157 Lingering Jealousy

Chapter 157 Lingering Jealousy

Soren paused, the words caught in his throat.

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Fiona lifted her chin, the ivory tulip hairpin catching a shard of sunlight as though daring anyone to question its glow. “Since I’m wearing white today, Lord Soren, could you–just for once–let go of the day I turned you down?”

For a long breath, Soren said nothing. At last, a low, noncommittal murmur slipped from his throat–half assent, half surrender–before the silence closed in again.

Sensing it was the most she would get, Fiona dismissed further pleasantries. She motioned for Pearl to guide him to the gate. I need to see how well he truly knows my family’s estate. Then, she cut across the winding path toward the coming–of–age ceremony.

She had barely rounded a hedge of blooming peonies when a tall figure approached with measured strides. “Mr. Xavier,” she greeted, surprise and relief mingling behind her cordial

smile.

“I have brought a gift to mark your coming–of–age,” Xavier said, voice steady yet carrying a warmth impossible to miss.

A few behind them, Soren’s boots halted on the flagstones. He did not turn, yet

paces sudden stillness in his shoulders betrayed the attention he refused to show.

the

Guests drifted past in colorful ribbons of silk and laughter, but Fiona and Xavier made no attempt to hide their exchange. After all, the man had once taught her mounted archery; if anything, he was her mentor, incorruptible in the eyes of onlookers.

Xavier flicked a glance toward Soren–recognizing, perhaps, the man beneath the fine cloak- then let the matter drop. He placed a slender box into her hands. Inside lay a wooden hairpin, the grain running like smoke over water. “I gave you one once before,” he said softly. “This time I carved deeper, learned the wood’s moods, tried to match its patience to yours.”

The piece lacked ostentatious jewels, yet its simple elegance pulled at something inside her. She traced the unfamiliar timber, a rich hue she could not name–clearly rare, likely priceless -and felt a gentle tug of gratitude.

Noticing several fine cuts across his knuckles, she frowned. “Mr. Xavier, did you at least clean those wounds?”

“They hardly sting,” he answered, a quiet laugh lighting his eyes. “It’s bloodwood–symbol of prosperity and protection. Tradition says it turns misfortune aside. You cannot wear a man’s gift during the ceremony, of course, but keep it for another day.”

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11:31 Thu, Oct 16

Chapter 157 Lingering Jealousy

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“Bloodwood,” she echoed, awe threading the word. “They say none remains in Duflana. You must have searched endlessly to find even a sliver.” Her respect for his persistence shone through every syllable.

“While investigating Mr. Saunders in Lakebourne,” he explained, “a certain noble granted me this single piece. Within our borders, it is the only one left.”

That noble, though neither of them voiced it, was none other than Soren–a truth Xavier kept tucked behind composed features.

Once, he had considered stepping back so Soren might have his chance. Yet Soren had never cherished her, and she had never warmed to him; better, perhaps, to sever fraying threads than knot them tighter.

“Come,” she insisted, gentleness sharpening to resolve. “First, we see a physician for those hands.”

Behind them, Soren pivoted, boots scuffing stone. He walked away without a single backward glance, the breeze closing the space where he had stood.

Pearl followed a respectful two steps behind him, lips sealed, afraid even her breathing might offend.

Just before the outer arch, Soren spoke, voice cool as a river at dusk. “Look after your lady.”

Fiona located a doctor, left Xavier in capable hands, then swept into the banquet hall where lantern light shimmered across polished floors and the scent of osmanthus tea drifted through the air.

She paused beside Roxanne, who offered a cordial smile. “While you were away from Jexburgh, our lady–instructors were lost as kittens. Poor Naomi was run ragged trying to fix every little chaos.”

Fiona laughed, genuine admiration coloring her tone. “The year you left the academy, Roxanne, I was the headless fly–no idea which wall to land on.”

Roxanne’s gaze sharpened. “And your engagement to him–how far has it progressed?”

The question struck her like a sudden gust. Complex emotions rippled across her face; she had not expected Roxanne to read the unspoken so clearly.

Roxanne sighed, a bittersweet curve to her lips. “He is not a man who could be manipulated by your grandmother–unless he chose it himself. His match with me failed; his prospects remain curiously stalled. It feels as though he waits for someone. Given Helen’s involvement, that someone can only be you.”

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11:31 Thu, Oct 16

Chapter 157 Lingering Jealousy

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Fiona lowered her gaze and gave a slight, almost imperceptible shake of her head. The ribbons at her temples trembled, catching a sliver of lamplight before settling back against her dark hair.

Roxanne’s eyebrows arched in genuine surprise, a soft breath escaping her as though the disclosure had nudged something tender. “I thought he cared,” she murmured. “When he returned from Yondale, I even saw him riding toward Rosemount Abbey.”

Rosemount Abbey sat beneath a haze of cedar smoke and autumn leaves, its reputation for weaving destinies so legendary that even the most skeptical families would brave the steep steps in hopes of an auspicious fortune.

That morning, their meeting had been a pure accident, two travelers converging at the foot of the prayer hall where wind–bells chimed, forcing them into a few polite but forgettable

sentences.

Are you seeking the abbot on Duchess Zonfrillo’s behalf? she had asked, keeping her tone carefully cordial.

“I’m here to consult about a marriage,” Soren replied.

Her heart had tightened in an emotion so tangled she could not name it.

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