When fate plays its hand

Chapter 1011

This wasn’t quite like Paul’s usual “make every second count” personality. But he said, “Getting to spend more time with my girlfriend is my idea of making every second count, and… I’m fine with that.” With that, he left with a cheerful stride.

At the lab, Miranda was the first to arrive. Sebastian and Madison showed up shortly after.

“Morning, Miranda,” Madison greeted.

“Good morning.”

“I brought breakfast. Want to try some?” Madison offered.

Miranda replied, “I’ve already eaten, but I wouldn’t mind sampling Mr. Landon’s cooking.”

Madison looked surprised. “How did you know he made it?“.

Miranda’s lips curved into a subtle smile as she glanced at Sebastian, who was putting on his lab coat. Just a guess.‘

“But how?”

“Well, you love to eat. If he didn’t have some cooking skills, how could he keep you around?” Miranda reasoned.

Madison’s face flushed crimson.

Miranda had already started offering her critique unprompted. “The toast is perfectly golden and crisp, and it looks amazing. He must’ve practiced a lot.”

Madison nodded and smiled. She smacked her lips and said, “I think it’s delicious too…”

That afternoon, Miranda left early and drove to Christine’s house.

“You’re here, Miranda.”

“Hi, Olivia,” Miranda greeted with a smile.

Olivia quickly took the grocery bags from her hands. “I told you not to bring anything. If Dr. Young sees this, she’ll start nagging again.”

“It’s fine,” Miranda said. “Let her nag. Just keep serving her fresh fruit platters on time daily.”

“True.” Olivia chuckled. “If she knew you bought it, she’d eat a few more pieces, even if she has no appetite.”

Miranda changed her shoes and headed inside. “Where’s Dr. Young?”

“She’s in the study.”

“I’ll noveldrama

go

look for her,” Miranda said.

“Hold on! Why don’t you stay for dinner tonight?”

Miranda hesitated. “I don’t think I can…”

“Dr. Young mentioned the other day that it’s been ages since you came over for dinner. Why don’t you keep her company tonight?”

Olivia sighed and continued, “This house may look spacious, but it feels oddly empty. When Dr. Young is always on the move, it doesn’t seem to bother her since she’s hardly ever home. But when she was home for more than half a day, the silence really got to her.

“I’ve cared for her all these years. She never admits it, but deep down, she’s lonely and just wants someone to be there with her.”

Miranda relented. “Okay. I’ll stay for dinner tonight. Sorry to trouble you, Olivia.”

“It’s fine. I’ll go out to buy some groceries now.” Olivia left with a big grin.

Miranda walked toward the study but stopped as she passed a row of display shelves. She stepped back to one of the shelves, where a blue picture frame sat. It was an old college graduation photò

As her eyes skimmed the photo, she recognized a familiar face–Paul. He must have been around 20 back then. His tall frame stood out among the other male students, making him hard to miss.

It wasn’t surprising that Miranda recognized him instantly. She picked up the frame for a closer look. Just then, the study door opened, and Christine stepped out. “You’re here, Miranda?”

She wore a deep blue cotton–linen dress and a shawl that gave her an understated elegance. When she was younger, she favored silk dresses for their softness and luxurious texture.

But as she aged, her body grew less tolerant of the cold, and her preference shifted to warmer fabrics like cotton and linen. The one she was wearing now had been a gift from Miranda.

“Seems like I’ve got an eye for fashion. This outfit really suits you,” Miranda remarked.

“Really?” Christine smiled warmly. “You’re not just saying that to flatter me, are you?”

“If anyone’s getting flattered, it’s me. Didn’t I just mention that I have an eye for fashion?” Miranda responded.

Christine burst into laughter.

Miranda, still holding the frame, pointed to a figure in the photo. “Dr. Young, who is she?”

“Which one? Let me see…

Miranda continued, “The one standing next to Paul.”