When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0284

Chapter 0284

Winter’s so–called “cousin who rarely kept in touch and wasn’t that close with now that they’re grown up turned out to care about her so much.

Then again, it made sense. Though Paul often seemed distant and aloof, Miranda knew he was just too busy to wear his concerns and affections on his sleeve. Deep down, he was more tender–hearted than

anyone.

“If something like today happens again, you can contact me anytime,” he said, pausing as he glanced at her, seemingly by chance.

He continued, “Alcohol stimulates the nervous system, at best, it causes nausea and vomiting. At worst, it can lead to fainting or even shock. So, it’s better to drink less, wouldn’t you agree?”

Miranda’s face flushed, and her ears turned a shade of pink. She knew he was indirectly speaking to her.

She cleared her throat and defended herself, “Even ugh alcohol has many side effects, it also helps people temporarily forget their troubles. Occasion, zoning out and venting properly is a way to manage emotions, wouldn’t you say?”

Paul hadn’t expected her not only to rebut but to mimic his phrasing in return, and he couldn’t help but laugh. “There are many ways to vent, does it have to be through drinking?”

“Well… it depends on the person. What if some people prefer it?” she replied.

Paul stopped walking and suddenly turned to face her. “Do you like it?”

Miranda hesitated briefly, meeting his intense gaze before quickly looking away. She shook her head, saying, “I don’t like it.”

Even when Hansel hurt her deeply in the past, she never turned to alcohol for comfort. She knew that escaping wasn’t a solution.

She was terrified of losing control, drifting into a foggy, Intoxicated state where she couldn’t think clearly. Paul’s smile widened slightly. “No wonder Natalie’s worried that Winter will be a bad influence on you.”

Miranda looked puzzled. “What?”

*If there’s ever a day you feel like drinking, you can call me,” he said.

“Call you so you can help clean up the mess?” she asked, unable to stop herself from laughing.

Paul nodded but then shook his head. “Aside from that, I might even join you for a drink.”

Miranda blinked, “You? Drink with me?”

She couldn’t quite picture Paul drinking.

“What? You don’t believe me?” He raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t,” Miranda said, shaking her head.

you can test that

Chapter 0284

+25 BONUS

“Sure.”

calm water. It was as if it could easily pull someone in without

pierced the air as a Mercedes sped past them, interrupting the budding moment

up at the sky. “Looks like it’s about to

started walking. Paul stayed in place for a moment while watching her

watching the two figures walking together. His grip tightened on the steering wheel as his knuckles turned pale, but

She smiled more ten, but those smiles were directed

that while he remained stuck in the past, she had moved on; she had found new goals in life and new

admit it, Miranda was doing far better without him than he had imagined. But the more he saw her

Why?

on so

being so heartless, for not giving him just one more

Chapter 0285

when heavy rain started to fall. Hansel drove back

didn’t want

the place was no longer a “home” without Miranda He now felt nothing

a cigarette

crimson glow of the cigarette burned at his fingertips, releasing wisps of smoke that quickly blurred his

sank into the darkness, almost merging with the

was neither too long nor too short. As

lost her didn’t mean he

because he once had her

he could win her back, everything could return

car, flicked the

face beaming with a smile. Hansel glanced at his watch and saw that

“Heh_”

before she could finish her sentence, Hansel walked past her without a second glance. It was as if she was nothing more than

her composure and said, “Hans, I cooked a few dishes myself tonight. I tried calling

to look at her.

I just wanted to say, can you unblock me? I get worried when

remained silent, too indifferent

walked over to the dining table and continued, “I didn’t know when you’d be back, so I just kept waiting…. I’ve reheated

anymore.

laughed. There were shrimp scampi, pork tenderloin, sautéed celery, and chicken tortilla

“What’s wrong, Hans?”

Just don’t