HEIRESS REBORN: MARRYING HER EX-FIANCÉ-Chapter 46: Their First Conversation

’’Thank you so much, Principal Kai.’’

Ayana said, stepping out of the Principal’s office with the Principal following behind her.

’’I am more grateful to you, President Kingston.’’ He replied, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. ’’Your outstanding results have boosted the school’s reputation, and this can help in refuting some negative rumors.’’’

Ayana chuckled at his words. ’’I can’t take all the credits for that, Principal Kai. The teachers have done guided and supported me along the way."

"You shouldn’t be too humble, President Kingston." Principal Kai smiled, looking pleased. "It’s your dedication and brilliance that truly shone through. You’ve set a remarkable example for others to follow."

He then extended his hand for a handshake. "I hope to hear more of your achievements in the near future, President Kingston.’’

Ayana accepted it with a small smile. "Thank you, Principal Kai. I’ll do my best not to disappoint you as an alumnus of this school.’’ With that, she took her leave from the Principal’s office.

’’I hope Jason and Noah haven’t waited too long.’’ She mumbled, taking off the graduation cap from her head and tousled her hair.

’’I’m not even at fault.’’ She let out an annoyed sigh when recalling what had taken place before she could have a proper conversation with Principal Kai.

Just as Ayana wanted to take a turn down to another hallway, her eyes widened and her steps instinctively slowed down as her startled eyes spotted a familiar figure at a distance leaning against the wall.

The person, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that highlighted his tall frame. His dark, neatly gelled hair gleamed under the hallway lights, and his poised yet relaxed stance carried an air of elegance and authority. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Even if it was a side profile, the view was exactly how she remembered him from her past life.

’’Axel.’’ The name slipped out of her tongue before she could stop herself.

Perhaps her voice was louder than expected, that Axel turned his head towards her and pushed himself off the wall. His gaze locked on hers as he closed the distance between them in unhurried and confident strides.

Ayana’s breath hitched as he came to a stop directly before her, towering slightly over her smaller frame. They stood before the intersection of the hallway, not minding the few glances on them, and only gazed at each other as a moment of silence passed between them.

"Congratulations on graduating, Young miss Kingston." Axel broke the silence between them. His voice was low and smooth, almost exactly the same as the Axel in her memory.

This Axel was younger than that Axel after all.

Ayana’s gaze flickered briefly before she lowered her eyes, avoiding his.

"Thank you," she replied softly, her tone betraying no hint of the discomfort she felt. Her action could have been mistaken for shyness, but Ayana knew it wasn’t that at all.

As always, being in the same space as him was quite uncomfortable for her. Every time Axel was in her sight, the memory of the past Axel would always flash before her eyes.

And that would always intensify the guilt and regret she felt towards him.

Ayana cleared her throat, pushing the unease aside, and forced herself to look up. "I didn’t expect you to come, Young Master Kratos."

This time, her words came out formally.

"It is my duty as your fiancé to attend a special day in your life." Axel replied matter-of-factly, his expression unchanged. "Matt and grandfather also wouldn’t be happy if I skipped your graduation under the excuse of work."

’’Well....’’ Ayana couldn’t help but let a small smile tug at her lips as she imagined the ever-stoic Axel caught between the persistent meddling of his grandfather and his friend.

’’I can imagine." Her voice was soft, but with a hint of amusement.

"Still, thank you for coming," she added, her smile widening a little. "Matt mentioned that I should invite you, but I wasn’t sure if your schedule would permit it."

She understood the demands of his position well. Being the president of a major corporation was no small task.

’Matt also started giving some love lessons.’ Ayana remembered how Matt had been so persistent in offering love advice from his experience as a playboy during her last meeting with him. She had even threatened to call security if he didn’t stop distracting her from her work.

"Don’t hold back next time.’’

"What?" Axel’s sudden words confused her.

"Don’t hold back any of your invitations, next time.’’ He repeated more firmly, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart raced a bit faster.

’’...Oh.’’ Ayana murmured, feeling at a loss for words.

’This is the first time you’ve said something like that to me.’ She realized inwardly, her gaze dropping once more, as if the weight of the thought was pulling her down.

’No...this might be our first actual conversation.’

Even in her past life, she was the one who talked most among both of them at the hospital. Axel only listened and spoke when needed.

He had always been a man of little words; both quiet and distant.

’’We should go.’’ Axel’s voice broke through Ayana’s thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

’’Ah...Yes.’’ Ayana blinked and cleared her throat. ’’My family has been waiting for me.’’ She said, meeting his gaze.

Axel didn’t respond right away. His gaze only dropped to her delicate fair neck, and his eyes lingered there for a moment as though lost in thought.

’’You wore the necklace.’’ His voice seemed to have softened, almost as if he were trying to confirm something.

’’.....’’ Ayana instinctively brushed over the necklace, pulling the peony pendant out slightly for her eyes.

’’Yes, I did.’’ She answered softly, her fingers lingering on the necklace before letting it fall back against her chest.

’’I’ve been wearing this ever since you passed it over to me through Matt.’’ She met his gaze once more as the memories of that night resurfaced.

’’I see then.’’ Axel’s blank expression remained unchanged, his eyes neutral as always.

’’I didn’t simply pass it over to you. The necklace has only found its rightful owner, Young miss Kingston.’’