When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0813

Paul stated plainly, “My feelings are straightforward and honorable. There’s nothing shameful about them, so why wouldn’t I admit it?”

Sam locked eyes with him, clenching his fists tightly. For the first time, he felt an unfamiliar sense of defeat.

“Does Miranda know?” he asked.

Paul didn’t hide anything, responding calmly, “I’ve tried to express my feelings, but after‘ some probing, her response was that she isn’t considering relationships at the moment .and wants to focus entirely on her studies.”

Sam chuckled. “So, she rejected you?”

“Not exactly,” Paul replied evenly, unbothered by the mockery in Sam’s tóne. “I haven’t formally confessed yet.”

Sam’s laughter grew bolder, his grin almost taunting.

Paul frowned slightly. “What’s so funny?”

“You,” Sam replied with a smirk. “You’re ridiculous.”

but carried an edge. “Just because I don’t have a chance now doesn’t mean I won’t in the future. But

chance.”

who was the ridiculous

smugness drained from Sam’s face

cutlery!” Miranda’s voice broke the tension as she returned, oblivious to the earlier

fell silent immediately. There was a rare moment of mutual

the food Fiona had prepared was plentiful, more than enough for an additional person like Paul

These dishes are all made by

peppers too! They’re really good. It has mushrooms

each dish she recommended. His earnestness earned him the

pepen mushrooms are so

widened in surprise. “Dr. Jefferson, you have an amazing gaad My grandma adds a touch of vinegar when marinating. It’s her

smiled. “Everything is delicious, I came at just the right time, it seems. It feels like

case between them–their easy benter, the unspoken understanding in their exchanges–and felt an

table while Paul volunteered to wash the containers, They moved seamlessly, each knowing what to do without

first time working in sync like this–that

have something urgent at work I