When fate plays its hand
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Chapter

0410

Silas glanced at Paul. “You haven’t been yourself lately. What’s going on?”

“You’ve got it wrong.” Paul replied, turning toward the drawing room. He carried a bag of clean clothes. and intended to store them in the cabinet inside that room.

As he pushed the door open, his gaze landed on the folding bed Miranda had slept on before. It hadn’t been moved since the last time she used it.

Paul’s thoughts drifted back to when he had walked in on her sleeping. His heart raced, and his breath caught in his throat. The memory still held him captive, as if he was trapped in a dream.

Snapping back to reality, he was overwhelmed by frustration and shame. He struggled to accept that version of himself–the one losing control.

“Paul,” Silas called from outside. “I ordered some late–night snacks. Do you want any?”

“I’ll pass. Enjoy it yourself.”

“I’ve got buffalo chicken bites and pan–fried pork. Are you sure you don’t want to try some?” Silas pressed.

“No, thanks.”

“Speaking of buffalo chicken bites, I still think Miranda makes the best ones. By the way, has she started classes? I haven’t seen her in the lab for ages. Next time you see her, tell her to drop by. We all miss her.” Silas added.

Paul stepped out of the drawing room, and his expression returned to normal. “If you want to say something to her, say it yourself.” He tried to shake her from his mind, but it felt like she lingered in every

corner.

Silas paused mid–bite, surprised. “Come on… You two live right across the hall. Is it really that hard to pass along a message?”

“It is for me.”

Silas was momentarily speechless before saying, “Paul I really think something’s wrong with you.”

Paul had already walked over to the lab table and tuned him out.

“I can’t help but wonder if you’re going through a breakup… You’ve had that serious look every day. It’s like you’re about to snap,” Silas added.

However, Paul ignored him, focusing on his work.

Silas clicked his tongue twice. “See? There you go again..

The next evening, the sky was awash in fiery hues, with blue streaked by shades of orange. A gentle breeze swept through as the city lights began to flicker on.

At Gustoso Restaurant, Miranda walked in to replace Sam already seated. She had barely settled in when the dishes were served, and each was perfectly timed.

Chapter 0410

+25 BONUS

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said.

He glanced at his watch. “You’re not late. Why are you apologizing?”

They had agreed to meet at 6:30 pm, but she had arrived at 6:20 pm–ten minutes early.

“When did you get here?” Miranda asked.

“6:00 pm.”

“That early?” she said.

“This restaurant focuses on seasonal vegetables. Diners get to choose how they want their dishes prepared, and there’s no set menu. It’s best to arrive early to go over the options,” Sam explained.

With each dish made from scratch, it required time to prepare. The wait would have been much longer if he hadn’t arranged things in advance.

Miranda looked at the stir–fried dishes and stew before her. Everything–from the fresh ingredients to the beautiful presentation–looked incredibly appetizing.

She said, “I’m sorry. It was supposed to be my treat, and I should have made the arrangements.”

Sam had chosen the restaurant, and Miranda hadn’t done any research beforehand. She thought it would be just a regular place where she could order and be served.

“No need to feel bad. I enjoy taking care of things for you.”

Miranda found herself momentarily speechless.

Sam seemed used to her shyness. With a warm smile, he added, “The food’s here. Let’s dig in.”

“Actually…” she began.

“Hmm? What is it?” He looked at her intently.

“I brought two friends from my research team. Is that okay?”

His eyebrows raised slightly. “Of course. Where are they?”

“They should be here soon.”

“Great,” Sam replied.

Just as he finished speaking, Madison and Sebastian Walked in.

As Madison came through the door, she was met with the sight of a stunning guy right in front of her. A quiet “Wow!” echoed in her mind.

Sebastian followed closely behind. When his eyes met Sam’s, he froze for a moment. Still, he couldn’t help but steal another glance.