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.”

I?” Paul’s voice was calm but carried an edge. “Just because I don’t have a chance now doesn’t mean I won’t in the future. But you? Whether it’s now or later, you’ll never

chance.”

was the

smugness drained from Sam’s

broke the tension as she returned, oblivious

men fell silent immediately. There was a rare moment of mutual

the food Fiona had prepared was plentiful, more than

These dishes are all made by my grandma. Try the creamy garlic pork and the BBQ pork

too! They’re really good. It has mushrooms

suggestions, sampling each dish she recommended. His earnestness earned him the title of “perfect

pepen mushrooms are so fresh,” he commented, “Is that a hint of sourness I’m

amazing gaad My grandma adds a touch of vinegar

is delicious, I came at just the right time, it seems. It feels like a stroke of luck to enjoy such a

unspoken understanding in their exchanges–and

They moved seamlessly, each knowing what to do

too. It wasn’t their first time working in sync like this–that much was clear. His jaw tightened as

remembered I have something urgent at work I need to leave now,” he