When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0122

Miranda grinned, standing her ground. “No way. You two look just alike with that face now.”

She held up the small figurine and gave it a playful wiggle, which made Paul laugh.

“Well, maybe not quite so much anymore.

In the end, Paul took the gift and thanked her.

“Don’t mention it. The light’s green,” Miranda said.

A BOLEIN

When Miranda got home, it was well past midnight. She’d made sure the house was spotless before she left. She’d even arranged for a cleaning service to come through before she got back.

It looked so immaculate that no one would have guessed she’d been gone for

days.

She took a shower and then collapsed onto her plush bed, sa

ing the lingering fragrance of her body wash. She closed her eyes, feeling content.

She thought home was always the coziest place no matter where she went.

Meanwhile, Paul was still awake.

His experiment was wrapping up its first phase, leaving him buried in work. Even finding time to head to the airport had been a struggle. He planned to shower, change his clothes, and head back to the lab.

As he was putting on his shoes in the foyer, he glanced up and saw the small figurine Miranda had given him. After coming home, he’d set it on a shelf above the shoe rack, in a spot cleared just for it, while the other shelves were packed with books.

He couldn’t help but smile. It really did look quite a bit like him.

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mid–January, Jandersville was hit with a heavy snowfall. Miranda pushed open her window and

and the neighborhood kids were already out in groups, building snowmen on the street below. Their laughter blended with the calls of street vendors, creating a lively, down–to–earth

largest one caught her eye with its seed eyes and a

then turned back, deciding to press a small carrot from her basket onto its face

farmers‘ market was fresh and reasonably priced. Miranda picked up some lean minced beef to make spicy beef tacos. The rest would go

knock at the door and quickly took

floor. Bonnie greeted her

We made some cupcakes to celebrate and shared them

had always

for her.

and then turned to get

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have to do that. I didn’t bring the

really a gift or anything. I just wanted you to try them and see

decided to accept

out all day. I’ve knocked a few times, but he’s never home. Could you do me a favor and pass these

she had to drop off some chicken soup at

so

stared blankly at the cupcakes in her hands. If her memory served her right, Paul wasn’t really

giving * e quick shots

hit a few snags, leading to a cascade of complications. Even

spirit grew stronger as the year wound down,

data had finally been adjusted to safe levels. With Christmas just

to turn the door handle, he heard

casting a cozy glow over him. The once–dim corridor was suddenly filled with light, and Miranda’s voice, as comfting as

you’re home early today. Bonnie from the third floor just became a grandmother. She brought over some cupcakes this afternoon. I have your share with me. Give me a moment, and I’ll get them

took a moment to catch up. It wasn’t until she handed him a small wicker basket, filled with dainty cupcakes and a thermos of homemade beef and lentil soup, that he fully came back to the

took him a moment before he finally managed to say, in a quiet,

slightly. “I warmed up the soup. Make sure you eat it while it’s hot. I’ll