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.

compliment left

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

make a good impression after Fiona’s 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 seven dishes. The real highlight was reserved

room for a few rounds of chess after her nap, enjoying the relaxed holiday atmosphere. Afterward, she

bearing cheerful Easter greetings. Some were filled

of basket was carefully arranged and counted–30 of each size. It was

Chapter 0821

+25 BONUS

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

“Not before, but this year’s different. We’re

spent most of their time abroad, often celebrating holidays quietly and without much fanfare. Visiting family

the family reunited, Aren and Fiona had rekindled their

with many relatives and friends. Some we still exchange an occasional phone call with, but others… It’s been radio

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 it’s also practical as rebuilding our social

10

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