Chapter 39 The Shopping siriphe Oriana grabbed a shopping cart and looped Micah's hand over the handle . She steadied the other side herself . " You follow my lead , okay ? " " Okay , I'm fine . Don't worry about me - buy whatever you want ." " Alright ." Oriana was about to mention some everyday items she needed . Micah had everything at home , but she had preferred brands and materials she was used to . Since she'd be staying for two years , it would be more comfortable to switch back to what she liked . Besides , she always felt that Micah's home was missing something . Suddenly , an idea lit up in her eyes . She led Micah to the lifestyle section , filled with various plants , flowers , and small animals . Oriana wandered around and stopped in front of a small water pool. She turned back to see Micah obediently looking straight ahead , quiet and mechanical . A spark of mischief appeared in her gaze . " Micah , how about we get two little turtles ? " " Turtles ? " " Yes . The house is so big , and it's just the two of us . Even though Chubby is here , it's still too empty . Adding two little family members would make it feel livelier . " Oriana looked at him . " Turtles are easy to care for . They don't make noise , and it's fun to let them crawl around occasionally . Will it bother you ? " Micah had been used to being alone . Even at Caldwell Manor , he had his own floor to himself and rarely allowed anyone to intrude . He couldn't quite imagine the scene Oriana described . But he wanted to try . As long as she liked it . " It won't bother me . Your call . You pick ." " Really ? Then I'll buy them ! " With his nod of approval , Oriana bent down to examine the turtles carefully . 1/3 Chapter 39 The Shopping Finished " Both are little grass turtles , about the size of your palm . One male , one female . Feel them- think of it as choosing their owner " As she spoke , she took Mical's hand and placed the turtles gently in his palm . Sticky , cool , unfamiliar - the sensation made him flinch . " Careful ! " Seeing him almost drop one , Oriana immediately supported his hand , cupping it gently with hers . Their fingers touched , and in that instant , the chaotic , noisy world around Micah seemed to pause . Oriana stared at him intently . From surprise to daze , Micah lingered in a stunned daze , unable to regain his composure for a long moment . Oriana thought he was scared . " Micah ? Are you okay ? " Finally , he regained his rationality . His already low , hoarse voice now carried a surprising warmth and intensity . " Yes . " His thin lips curved slightly into a faint smile . " Warm and very interesting . " Oriana froze . Turtles were cold - blooded - how could they feel warm ? Watching Micah's serious expression , she didn't understand , but she respected it . Just as she was pondering , her phone rang . Oriana withdrew her hands from Micah , and his smile immediately faded . Seeing an unfamiliar caller ID , she naturally didn't notice his change . Assuming it was from school , she answered , " Hello ? " But the voice on the other end was familiar , one she had decided to forget . " Oriana , finally , you're picking up ! " Oriana's expression darkened . She was about to hang up when Micah moved slightly , accidentally bumping her phone . It tumbled a few times before landing in the shopping cart . 2/3 8:31 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 39 The Shopping Micah looked a bit guilty , holding the two little turtles . " Sorry , they were moving " Oriana picked up the phone . The call had already ended . " It's fine , just a spam call . My phone didn't break . " Micah appreciated her words . # Priched " Good . So we're only getting two turtles ? Don't we also need a tank , turtle food , and some decorations ? " she asked . " Oh , right . Let's finish shopping quickly and head back ." It was Oriana's first time keeping turtles . Following the staff's advice , she bought all the essentials , then checked out and chose home delivery . The two turtles were carried back by Micah in a small glass tank . Oriana followed beside him , sneaking glances and occasionally stifling giggles . Hearing her laughter , Micah looked curious . " What are you laughing at? " " Nothing , it's nothing ," she said , though it was clearly a suppressed giggle . Micah , helpless yet indulgent , said , " Oriana ? " He pronounced her name with his low , steady voice , yet it sounded like honey drizzled over velvet . Oriana's ears turned red instantly , and she raised her hand to cover her face . Micah's face and voice - perfectly proportioned , an almost hypnotic symmetry . It was too tempting . Oriana had no choice but to plead , " You're holding two turtles . It's just so cute ." " Cute ? " Micah murmured lowly . It seemed he had heard somewhere that when a woman called a man cute , it was the highest form of praise and affirmation . Send Gifts 20 W