My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 47

hapter 47 Quiet Winter Promises

57

+20 Free Coins

Pearl Winters let her gaze shuttle between the two; nothing improper passed between Fiona and Xavier, yet they fit together with almost startling harmony.

“Look after your mistress,” Xavier called over his shoulder before merging with the column of guards.

Pearl Winters gave a silent huff. He orders me around like household staff; anyone listening would think he’s already our future master.

She had to admit, though, Xavier cut a striking figure–every bit the equal of those refined heirs parading through the Zonfrillo Estate.

“No wonder half of Jexburgh keeps prying into the Luthor Estate. They’ve clearly set their sights on Mr. Xavier.”

“Where did you hear that bit of news?” Fiona asked, her voice steady but her lashes trembling ever so slightly.

Pearl Winters curtsied, her winter–blue cloak brushing the floor, hastily wetting her lips before speaking. “Madam Joanna’s maid Jenna told me. It seems a young lady from the Ronson Estate has set her sights on Mr. Xavier, and Madam Gloria has begun asking around about him.”

Fiona felt the pieces click into place. So that was why Mindy had glared daggers at her during Naomi’s birthday feast–Mindy, too, coveted Xavier.

A knot of emotions twisted inside her–jealousy, uncertainty, a prickling pride. He is not yet engaged. Even if he favors me a little, that cannot keep others from offering him their smiles. And who knows whether I will be allowed to choose him at all? If he truly studies and strives only to win promotion for me…

The thought ached and thrilled her in equal measure. Yet she was, at her core, a daughter of the Niven family, and duty would forever outrank desire,

In the blink of an eye, New Year’s Eve arrived, that night when, as the proverb promised, spring is welcomed and the old year laid to rest. The Niven estate draped itself in red–fresh couplets pressed against every doorframe, lanterns swaying like small suns, servants laughing as they hurried through corridors scented with pine and sweet wine.

Ulrich had come home the day before, documents still unresolved in his travel trunk. But tonight he shoved every worry aside, rolled up his sleeves, and joined the bustle, fetching coals, hanging garlands, laughing louder than anyone.

1/4

14:47 Fri, Oct 10

Chapter 47 Quiet Winter Promises

B

57

+20 Free Coins

As tradition dictated, the reunion dinner unfolded in the Ambrosial Garden, the pavilion warmed by braziers and grandmother Hannah’s smile. Everyone appeared–save Rita, away with her husband, and Vincent, who couldn’t make it back.

Even the two concubines from the main branch had been summoned: Isabel, all languid allure, and young Monica, fresh as dew.

Isabel’s honeyed tongue and supple temper had long secured her favor; not even six months of house arrest ordered by Joanna could dull her shine before Stanley.

Isabel glided forward the moment Fiona entered, her smile as bright as the lacquered peony pinned at her temple. “You are to attend the palace later tonight; this festive ensemble could not be more perfect,” she cooed, leaving her own daughter Lilith standing forgotten by the doorway.

Fiona drew Lilith into the light with a gentle tug. “Lilith looks splendid today as well,” she said, admiring the lotus–pink gown and the youthful knot of hair that made the girl resemble a budding blossom.

Lilith’s cheeks warmed. She flashed Fiona a shy, grateful smile, the sort that spoke volumes without spilling a single word.

Isabel’s lashes fluttered in false modesty. “Oh, Lili is ill–read and, after all, only a concubine’s child. She could never compare with you, Ms. Fiona,” she laughed, masking disdain as humility.

Hannah frowned. “Nonsense about legitimate or otherwise. Every girl here is my granddaughter. Look at Lili. She dresses with care and is a beauty in her own right. Pay attention to her more often. Had I not ordered measurements taken, she would have no new clothing at all.”

Earlier, spurred by Fiona’s quiet counsel, Lilith had sought Hannah out, admitting she lacked proper gowns. The confession had pricked the old lady’s heart, and she immediately ordered a seamstress to begin.

Hearing Hannah defend her again, Lilith’s eyes shimmered. She wiped at them quickly with the back of her hand, unwilling to smudge the rouge at their corners.

Joanna let out a silent snort. Isabel truly is a fool–she will not even shield her own child. Let her remain stupid; the spectacle amuses me. She merely curved her lips and offered no comment.

Chastened, Isabel offered a string of acquiescent yeses, though not before shooting Lilith a venomous sideways glance.

Wanting no discord on New Year’s Eve, Hannah shifted the conversation to blessings. “We have

2/4

14:47 Fri, Oct 10

Chapter 47 Quiet Winter Promises

:

much to celebrate–Rita’s pregnancy and Fiona’s triumph in the archery trials.”

A57

57

+20 Free Coins

Indeed, the Niven household had weathered the year with rare harmony, and all prayed the coming seasons would be just as kind.

Because Fiona still had to present herself at the Imperial Palace that night, the feast broke up earlier than usual, the guests dispersing.

Isabel sidled toward Stanley, her voice pitched in a sugary whine. “Would you walk with me a while? I ate far too much and need to stretch my legs.”

Stanley’s gaze flicked to Joanna, aware that propriety demanded he remain at his principal wife’s side on so formal a night.

Candlelight spilled across the lacquered corridor, catching the sheen of Isabel Zimmer’s lavender silk as she dipped into a practiced half–curtsy in front of Stanley. “It has been far too long since you last visited me, and I have but one, tiny request,” she said, her voice a breathy plea meant to flatter as much as it begged. She understood all too well that without softening the master’s heart, the hope of bearing a son would remain a dream no prayer could touch.

Stanley’s stern expression loosened the moment he saw her lowered gaze. A sigh left his chest, resignation wrapped in weariness as he decided to accompany Joanna later that night. “Very well. Let’s go.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify