Chapter 4 Shifting Gazes 60 +10 Free Coins Soren wore a black suit , the heavy fabric making his tall frame seem all the more imposing . His features were sharply cut , his high nose and strong jaw lending him an air of solemn nobility . He looked every inch the heir of a prestigious family - distant , cold , untouchable . Yet his gaze strayed toward the women's side again and again . Anyone who cared to look closely would notice that he looked at only one person , as though the crowded hall had vanished and she alone remained . In her past life , Fiona had not understood . Sitting just behind Roxanne , she had believed his gaze was for her . Now she knew the truth . The knowledge stung like ice water poured down her back . She was still struggling to shake the identity of his neglected wife , and yet here before her eyes , he seemed to belong to another . She thought back to their wedding night , when he had refused to consummate their marriage . Only months later had he finally entered her chambers , and even then , when she had called him tenderly " Hubby , " he had hesitated before answering . " Isn't Soren looking at you ? " Yolanda asked suddenly , mischief in her tone . Fiona's heart turned cold . Memories of shame and loneliness rushed back all at once . Still , sh ~ forced a smile and whispered , " Yolanda , too many women dream of entering the Zonfrill family . I am not one of them . Please don't tease me again ." She would not bow her head for love again . Not in this life . After all , there were countless men in the world . When the poetry contest began , Fiona stayed quiet . In her past life , she had fought fiercely for attention , determined to shine in Soren's eyes . This time , she saw no need . Instead , the victor's wreath went instead to Dorothy Linton of the Linton family . Roxanne , as always , avoided the spotlight . With her warm smile , she said , " Well done , Dorothy . Such talent deserves recognition ." " Only because you yielded , Roxanne , " Dorothy replied shyly , her cheeks flushed . " Don't flatter me . Fiona , you've been quiet today . Are you still recovering ? " Roxanne asked gently , a hint of concern in her tone . 1/3 14:35 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 4 Shifting Gazes : ( 60 ) +10 Free Coins Though they were not close , her concern was genuine . Fiona blinked , surprised , before answering , " Perhaps a little weary still . But it is nothing serious , Roxanne . " As hostess , Fiona ensured the prizes were worthy . This year , she offered a true treasure - a painting by Easton , the famed artist of a past dynasty . Dorothy accepted the piece with joy , thanking her again and again . " I've heard your own calligraphy and paintings are exquisite ," Fiona said lightly , waving away the gratitude . " This belongs in hands that can truly appreciate it . " Then she excused herself , returning to sit quietly by Hannah's side . " Our Fiona is nearly a grown young lady , " Hannah said warmly , having caught the girl's earlier glances toward Soren . The matriarch was pleased with the idea of a match to the Zonfrillo family . Not only had Soren saved Fiona's life , but the family was kin to the throne itself , honored and favored by the emperor . The only question was what plans Alexander might have for his son's marriage . Fiona laughed softly . " First , Yolanda , now you , Grandmother ? Must you both tease me ? " " I'd never tease my dear granddaughter , " Hannah replied with affection . The men's side of the hall was far less lively . Ulrich and Soren spoke gravely of recent flooding , their conversation drawing the attention of others who joined in with talk of law , governance , and examinations . Then Flynn Wagner said loudly , " Ulrich , your cousin ! Last year , she was a slip of a girl , but today she is a beauty beyond compare . " At his words , both Soren and Xavier lifted their heads . " She's not for you , " Ulrich cut in firmly . The Niven family had only two branches . Ulrich , Rita , and Lilith Niven belonged to the main branch , while Vincent and Fiona were children of Zachary's second branch . With Rita married and Lilith absent that day , it was clear enough which Niven girl Flynn meant . " Then tell me ," Flynn pressed , " what kind of husband do you think would suit her ? " Ulrich hesitated , then let his gaze fall upon Xavier . The young man's even features and quiet demeanor set him apart . Though the Luthor family was not powerful , even Meryl , so selective and critical when it came to her daughter , had begun to inquire about him . 2/3 14:35 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 4 Shifting Gazes : 60 +10 Free Coins Ulrich had assumed his aunt would aim for someone of Soren's exalted stature . That she considered Xavier at all spoke volumes about the quiet promise the reserved young man carried beneath his modest name . " Certainly not the likes of you ," Ulrich said flatly . Flynn laughed awkwardly and dropped the subject . Soren , watching , thought silently that the Niven family must already be considering a match for Fiona . So long as it was not himself , he had no reason to interfere . It was their family matter , not his . Yet memory returned to him , unbidden . He remembered the day of the river , how Fiona had struggled at first , wild with fear . Then , when she lifted her eyes to him , she had gone utterly still . She had clung to him , weak and trembling , and whispered the word " Hubby ," the name a wife used for her husband . He had not wished to risk his life for her . But in that desperate moment , he could not turn away . Once she was safe on the shore , he had called to Xavier , who was passing nearby , and asked him to watch over her while he went to fetch help .