Chapter 9 Lingering Glance Chapter 9 Lingering Glance : A 60 +10 Free Coins " I just picked some wild berries a moment ago . They're quite sweet , so I thought I'd bring some over for you both to try . " Callum spoke with a touch of awkwardness , his eyes darting away almost as soon as they'd landed on Fiona . " Thank you , Callum . " Naomi accepted them happily . She had grown used to the finest delicacies the estate could provide , yet a taste of something fresh and simple from the wild always carried a charm of its own . After a brief pause , Callum asked , " The young lady sharing your carriage - who is she ? " Naomi answered at once , " That's Fiona , the daughter of the Niven family . She's traveling with me . " Callum's brow knitted together . It's her , Fiona . He knew of her , of course , but most of his impressions came from distant glimpses across crowded gatherings . Even at the Zonfrillo Estate the other day , he hadn't seen her face clearly . He'd always assumed she was an ordinary girl of little note . No wonder , he thought now , the Niven Estate had the audacity to put forward another daughter after Rita . It was because Fiona's beauty gave them courage . " If anything happens , call me , " he told Naomi with a careful , protective tone . After offerir warning , he let the carriage curtain fall back into place . Naomi divided the berries between them , smiling . " Callum may look a bit fierce , but in truth , he's the kindest person ." Fiona nodded in agreement . In her previous life , Callum had shown her genuine care and had always treated his wife and children with fairness and warmth . Honest , loyal , and upright , he had left her with a deep and lasting respect . Halfway along the road , Naomi began to grow drowsy , her head drooping as she slipped into a light nap . Fiona , however , could not rest . She had only eaten two of the berries , which had done little more than stir her appetite . The craving for more lingered . Outside the carriage , she could still hear the steady hoofbeats of Callum's horse pacing alongside . Fiona leaned closer to the curtain , lifting one corner slightly , and asked in a soft voice , " Mr. Callum , do they have these berries at the hunting grounds too ? " 1/3 14:36 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 9 Lingering Glance 60 +10 Free Coins But the man riding beside her carriage was not Callum . It was her former husband , Soren . To ears already inclined to suspicion , her question could easily sound like something more - a contrived excuse to start a conversation . Soren turned his head , his gaze falling on the shifting curtain . The wind tugged lightly at the fabric , lifting it just enough for him to catch glimpses of the hand that had pulled it aside . Sometimes visible , sometimes hidden , the pale , graceful fingers looked almost boneless , teasing in their fleeting appearance . Fiona added quickly , her voice light and flattering , " If there aren't any , may I trouble you for some more ? I've always heard you're generous and kindhearted , Mr. Callum , and that gave me the courage to ask . I'll be sure to repay you in the future . " Repayment - such a word was laden with implication . Between men and women , it could mean many things , flirtation not least among them . Coming from a woman who had once dared to annotate a book on intimacy , it could hardly be taken as innocent . Soren narrowed his eyes . For Fiona to play coy tricks like this within the Zonfrillo family's walls , she either lacked sense or believed herself untouchable . When she heard no answer , Fiona thought perhaps her words had gone unheard . She lifted the curtain a little higher , and only then did she realize it was not Callum but Soren who kept pace with her carriage . He sat astride a tall horse , his fitted riding coat tracing the long lines of his frame . His posture was proud , his bearing austere and noble , and his gaze fixed directly on her . It wasn't surprising , though . He had always cherished Naomi . With dangers possible along the road , it was natural for him to remain close . She had imagined they might cross paths during this autumn hunt , but only from afar . Never had she expected to find herself a mere breath away , close enough to read the sharp scrutiny written on his face . Sitting within the carriage , Fiona lowered her eyes and offered a formal bow . " Greetings , Lord Soren . " Even hindered by the carriage's narrow space and the jostle of wheels , the grace in her movements was undeniable . Beauty often carried through every small gesture . But beauty alone was no guarantee of favor . Especially not the beauty of a woman thought fickle . " Ms. Fiona , " Soren said at last , his tone cool , " were you truly only asking about berries ? " Fiona hesitated , uncertain of his meaning . 2/3 14:36 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 9 Lingering Glance 60 +10 Free Coins " If I pluck berries for you , " he continued , voice edged with an undercurrent , " how exactly do you intend to repay me ? " This time , the intent behind his words was unmistakable . An inexperienced girl might not have understood . But Fiona had once been a wife , sharing the intimacy of marriage with him many times over . She knew perfectly well what his insinuation was . To his eyes , she must have seemed as though she were trying to ensnare Callum under the pretense of gratitude . Fiona , though a mature woman at heart , was indeed seeking a worthy husband . But she would never , under any circumstance , direct her hopes toward the Zonfrillo family again . She forced a light laugh and answered with feigned innocence , " If someone gathers berries for me , I would of course return the kindness with my own work , like a gift of calligraphy or painting . Since Mr. Callum is not here , could I trouble you , Lord Soren , instead ? " Had she known it was him outside , she would never have spoken at all . But the words were out now , and it was best to let them stand . " In a while , someone will bring them to you all , " he replied , his tone courteous yet distant . If she had any sense , she would hear the warning woven through his words . His emphasis was telling . For you all , not for you alone . Fiona inclined her head . " Then I thank you , Lord Soren ." With that , she let the curtain fall . Moments later , a servant arrived carrying a basket brimming with washed berries . Yet Fiona found herself with no appetite left for them at all .