When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0820

+25 BONUS

Mindy was surprised. “You knew I was awake even with your back turned?”

Lionel chuckled and gestured toward the wall. Your shadow gave you away.“,

She glanced at the wall and realized the truth, feeling sheepish. With a small cough, she changed the subject. “What’s so interesting about that photo album?”

“Plenty. It’s fascinating to see the old you,” Lionel said softly, flipping to another page.

“The first time I met you, you were so pale and frail, barely clinging to life. Even after that, your health wasn’t great–you’d get out of breath just walking a few steps. It took a long time for you to recover.

“I thought you were naturally weak, but looking at these pictures… It seems you were so active back then…”

His voice trailed off, blending memories of the girl in the album with the woman before him, merging them into one whole person.

Mindy smiled, and her heart unexpectedly softened. “The old me had no memory of my past. I was like a boat adrift at sea–no idea where I came from or where I was headed. But then fate led me to you, and suddenly, I had a place in the world. I wasn’t lost anymore.”

Lionel gazed at her with tender affection, his eyes brimming with love.

Their eyes met, and Mindy leaned closer to look. She was suddenly intrigued by the album

in his hands.

were you here? Why do you look like

think,” she replied. “Back then, we had a

he turned another page, his expression one of surprise. “Wait… Isn’t this

then 18, standing under a magnolia tree. Her radiant smile was framed by falling petals. Beside her, Timothy had one arm around her shoulder, looking directly at the camera.

flickered, and she answered vaguely, “Yes,

then? Even before your sister did?” Lionel asked,

three of us

friends?” Lionel raised an

way… I guess you could

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Chapter 0820

curiosity piqued. The pair’s expressions and body language radiated a closeness that was

to

and

both had families of their own, and there was nothing shameful about it. Keeping it a secret would only make

He was rather surprised

about it?” Lionel started

want

did you date? Were you engaged? Did Mom and

truthfully. “We never dated, but we liked each other. Our families had

in silence, processing