When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0725

Sam barely registered the music of the intricate variations being played The dim lighting of the concert hall provided the perfect cover for him to let his gaze linger on Miranda, unguarded and filled with tenderness and longing

His eyes kept drifting to her pale, delicate hands Several times, he fought the urge to reach out, take her hand in his, and hold it tightly forever. But each time, reason prevailed.

“Just a little longer,” he reminded himself “Soon after tonight”

He couldn’t rush things He couldn’t risk scaring her away

For Sam, the two–hour performance felt like an agonizing test of patience For Miranda, however, it was an enchanting sensory experience As they exited the hall, she was still brimming with excitement.

“Did you catch that twist in ‘Crovian Rhapsody? He added a rock element to it! It was unexpectedly romantic and so vibrant, especially the middle variation. It was absolutely delightful Don’t you think?”

Sam, who was distracted, responded a beat too late. “Hmm? Yeah, it did sound pretty good.”

Engrossed in her post–concert reverie, Miranda didn’t notice his distraction.

By the time they stepped outside, streetlights were already casting their glow, and the neon reflections. spilled across the pavement like liquid color.

the night had crept in. She remembered her unfinished the lunch she had to prepare for the lab tomorrow. So

paper

and

excuse herself, Sam interrupted. “Will you come

She looked at him,

dark eyes glimmered under

but I need to

with a faint

Sam’s car, driving through the outskirts until they reached a winding mountain road. The drive ended atop

there “Sam broke the silence

wind but paused to

carpet, twinkling with life. The city shimmered like

she murmured, momentarily

like it?” Sam’s voice blended softly

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0725

never

into his car and brought out a bouquet.