My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 5

"Lord Soren, that day you stopped me, was it because you were afraid that a man and woman alone together would spark rumors?" Xavier asked suddenly, after the banquet had ended and the two of them walked side by side down the corridor.
Soren said nothing. His silence was as sharp as his gaze.
"In your eyes, an alliance with Duke Niven's household would be a favorable match for me," Xavier went on evenly, his tone calm but pointed. "Even if matters accidentally went awry, and someone needed to take responsibility for Ms. Fiona, I could shield you. That way, you could walk away unscathed."
If not for Fiona's strange and unexpected cry of "Hubby" that day, Soren would never have been troubled like this. He had acted only to save her life, and the Niven family was reasonable enough that they would not pursue the matter of his carrying Fiona out of danger. But once she called out those words, he could not help but fear that she—or her family—might press for him to take responsibility.
After all, for an unmarried young lady, not yet of age, to call a man "Hubby" in public was alarming enough to raise suspicion.
Soren admitted quietly, "My apologies."
"You don't need to take it so seriously," Xavier replied. "I only voiced what troubled my mind. I don't regret saving Ms. Fiona, and I can accept any consequences that come. I only hope that you won't regret it one day, Lord Soren."
<i>Regret?</i>
Soren lifted his lashes and glanced at him. Out of the corner of his eye, he also caught sight of the young girl standing not far away with Ulrich—her face still tender, her brows drawn together in unease.
Fiona had been summoned by her mother, Meryl, to offer thanks in person. With Ulrich accompanying her, propriety was preserved, and no one could take offense. They were expected to personally thank both the Zonfrillo family and the Luthor family for their kindness, and since their benefactors had honored them with a visit, Fiona had to appear.
"Since I saw you both here, I brought Fiona to express our gratitude," Ulrich said by way of introduction.
"Thank you, Lord Soren, and you as well, Mr. Xavier, for stepping in that day. Without you, I would not have lived to see another sunrise," Fiona said softly. She did not look at Soren at all, but fixed her eyes instead on Xavier.
She was startled by how handsome the second son of the Luthor family truly was. In her past life, she had paid him no mind and carried no impression of him. Though Soren's beauty was more striking, almost dangerously so, it carried a sharp edge that unsettled her now. Perhaps young girls liked men whose looks could shake the soul, but as a woman who had already been married once, Fiona now found herself drawn more to Xavier's gentler, steadier appearance.
Her momentary distraction did not go unnoticed. All three men caught the flicker in her gaze.
Ulrich glanced oddly at Soren. Not long ago, Yolanda had whispered to him that Fiona admired Soren. And yet here she was, her eyes lingering on Xavier.
<i>Fiona truly is... one who judged by appearances.</i>
Xavier remained calm, allowing her gaze without the slightest discomfort. His voice was considerate as he asked, "Has your health improved, Ms. Fiona?"
"It's much better now," Fiona answered with heartfelt gratitude. She held out two parcels and said, "These are tokens of my thanks. Please, accept them."
For Xavier, she had prepared a rare set of sandalwood parchment, worth a small fortune. For Soren, she had chosen something far more personal, a collection of poems known as Bertram's Poems. In her previous life, Soren had often asked her for this book, which he adored, but she had gifted it to the Fourth Prince instead. This time, she gave it directly to him as a true sign of gratitude.
She had thought carefully about this. During her convalescence, she had searched tirelessly for the book, overturning trunks and boxes, even rifling through the dowry items her mother had once set aside for her. Though she blushed fiercely at the discovery of those marital goods, she had pressed on until she found the volume.
Soren had not been a good husband, but there were moments in their past life together that had left a lingering mark, moments she remembered with a shameful flicker of warmth.
Looking at the book now, she felt a strange sense of both embarrassment and longing.
While searching, she had read a few of the poems herself, and the familiarity had calmed her.
Fiona always had a talent for choosing gifts that struck the right chord. These two offerings, thoughtful and carefully chosen, were impossible for either man to refuse.
After a few more words, Soren excused himself and departed quickly. Xavier, however, remained behind, speaking with Ulrich and Fiona a while longer.
Later, back at the Zonfrillo Estate, Soren bathed and then idly reached for Fiona's gift. He opened the volume, intending only to skim.
But he froze.
This was no collection of poems. It was an illustrated manual—explicit, daring, and filled with images of intimacy between husband and wife.
The contents were unrestrained, scandalous enough to make even a seasoned man blush. Though Soren's face remained outwardly calm, his ears turned red as he flipped through the pages without pause.
On one page, delicate handwriting in a woman's script leapt out at him: "Soren's waist and stomach lack strength. This position is likely impossible."
It was written half with regret, half with disdain.
Soren stared at the note for a long moment. Then, at last, he gave a short, cold laugh and tossed the book aside.
In the days that followed, Fiona seldom left her chambers, spending her hours in the study catching up on lessons she had fallen behind on.
Only when the time came to return to the academy did she leave the house, accompanying Meryl to Ambrosial Garden to pay respects to her grandmother.
Ambrosial Garden was Hannah's residence, lined on both sides with ambrosia trees. Though the blossoms had already fallen, the air still carried a lingering fragrance that lived up to the garden's name—sweet, subtle, and refreshing.
"Grandmother!" Fiona called before even stepping through the doorway.
"Ah, Fiona. Come, sit by me," the old lady said with a smile.
As soon as she sat, a servant placed a small hand-warmer in Fiona's lap.
Hannah studied her closely. "Your face has regained some color at last."
Meryl added cheerfully, "She'll be returning to the academy soon. I thought it best to bring her to greet you beforehand, Mother."