When fate plays its hand
Chapter 728

Chapter 0728

Lumberville?

Sam froze for a moment, but he didn’t dwell on it. After glancing at Miranda from the corner of his eye, he quickly said into the phone, ‘Grandpa, I have something very important to handle right now. Once I’m done, I’ll come home.

“In the meantime, please help Grandma stay calm. The doctors have warned us about both extreme emotions

“Take your time,” Aren replied. “There’s no rush. After all, we’ve already found her. Oh, and you know her.”

Sam blinked “I know her?”

“Yes. Your aunt’s Ame now is Mindy Harrison, the author of “Seven Days! Do you remember the book signing at Book Haven? She was upstairs hosting the event while we were downstairs.

“It’s my fault. Your grandma wanted to go up and see her, but I didn’t agree, and we missed her just like that Just imagine, we were so close

“And Miranda… It’s no wonder I felt such a connection with that young lady It must have been the bond of blood. It feels like fate–heaven itself guided us to replace them after all these years

“Sam? Are you still there?” Aren’s voice continued, but Sam heard none of it. His ears had started ringing as his mind froze, replaying one phrase over and over “Your aunt is the author of ‘Seven Days.”

Miranda’s mother was his long–lost aunt? Sam’s gaze drifted upward, empty and unfocused, as if searching the sky for answers

“Mr. Cooper, are you okay?” Miranda’s voice snapped him back to reality.

The call had already ended, but Sam was still frozen in place as he held the phone to his ear. He looked as lost as a child separated from their parents

easy. “What

“Mr. Cooper?” she asked again, her concern growing. His pale, troubled expression made her uneasy. happened?”

Sam slowly raised his head. His eyes were a chaotic mix of confusion, disbelief, and bitter self–mockery. Miranda had never seen him like this before

“Are you alright?” she pressed, her worry now evident.

Sam raised a trembling hand and waved it slightly, as if the strength had left his body. His face was ghostly pale, betraying his inner turmoil. “It’s nothing

“Muanda There’s something I have to do, so I have to go I’m sorry, I can’t take you home. I’m sorry.”

Without waiting for her response, he turned and climbed into his car. His movements were disjointed, distracted he even shifted into reverse instead of drive Realizing his mistake, he fumbled to correct it

Then, without turning on his headlights, he drove off into the dark.

Miranda stood there in bewilderment, wondering what on earth had just happened.

+25 BONUS

Her confusion lingered, but she also felt a strange sense of relief. She had always known what Sam wanted. from her–he had never hidden it. He had even jokingly suggested being her boyfriend before, though she had always dismissed it with equal lightheartedness

But tonight was different

The lights across the city, the blue roses, the fireworks–all pointed to something carefully and sincerely planned. This time, there was nothing lighthearted about this.

If Sam confessed, she would have to give him a direct answer. And while the answer was clear in her heart, rejecting someone who had helped her so much was bound to hurt him. That thought weighed heavily on her Thankfully, he hadn’t said the words out loud. Miranda didn’t want to lose their friendship over this.

Then, she cleared up the remains of the fireworks, tossed the trash, and prepared to leave. But the bouquet of blue roses caught her eye. Rare as they were, it felt wasteful to leave them behind.

“At the very least, I can put them in a vase at home,” she thought.

After placing the flowers in the back seat, she drove away. At 8:30 pm, Miranda reached the parking lot and parked her car. She grabbed the roses and headed toward her apartment building.

It wasn’t too late yet, the street vendors lining the alley were still open. She then stopped to buy two roasted potatoes

The potatoes were hot, and juggling them with the bouquet was a challenge. She carefully peeled the skin with a fork and took small bites, savoring the warmth against the chilly evening air.