When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 0821

In the blink of an eye, it was the day before Easter. The sounds of the parade with hymns and prayers echoed through the streets, while the warm spring breeze brought the festive spirit indoors.

“Morning, Mimi. Why didn’t you sleep in a little longer?”

“Morning, Grandpa!” Miranda had just come downstairs when she spotted Aren in the living room, brewing tea. There was a pair of walnut–colored hand warmers resting by his side.

“What do you feel like having for breakfast?”

“Whatever’s in the kitchen is fine–I’m not picky,” Miranda replied with a smile.

After breakfast, it was only 8:30 am. Assuming Lionel and Mindy were still asleep, Miranda prepared to head upstairs to call them. To her surprise, Mindy had already retreated to the study with her laptop, while Lionel had gone out shopping with Fiona.

By 7:00 am, before the sun even rose, Lionel and Fiona had set off for the morning market with the driver. They returned by 9:30 am, and they seemed to have grown closer.

“Lionel, you really know so much! You even know how to haggle!” Fiona exclaimed in awe.

“Oh, not at all! I just buy groceries often, so maybe I have a tiny bit more experience than others…” Lionel chuckled.

simple compliment left

two chefs and a driver. As soon as Fiona got home and finished sorting the groceries, she dove straight into the kitchen, clearly intent

praise, Lionel followed her into the kitchen to lend a hand. Around noon, the family gathered for a simple meal, though “simple” still meant six or

her nap, enjoying the relaxed holiday atmosphere. Afterward, she helped prepare Easter

on the coffee table, each adorned with ribbons and tags bearing cheerful Easter

arranged and counted–30 of each size. It was

Chapter 0821

+25 BONUS

goodies, she couldn’t help but ask, “Do we really have this many family members

chuckled. “Not before, but this year’s

often celebrating holidays quietly and without much fanfare. Visiting family or hosting large gatherings hadn’t been part of

Mindy back and the family reunited, Aren and

over the years, we lost touch with many relatives and friends. Some we still exchange an occasional phone call with, but others…

that we’re settling back here, your grandmother feels it’s time to rebuild those bonds. Part of it is for the joy of having family and friends around. A lively house feels more like home. But

10

the day, humans are social beings. We’re wired to support one another. If anything happens to us down the line, or if you