When fate plays its hand

Paul paused, then chuckled. “Why do you ask?”

Miranda responded thoughtfully, “Because I think it’s you. Am I right?”

After a brief pause, he nodded. “Yeah.”

11

She smiled. “I knew it… No wonder you said we should let things calm down before making any moves. You’d already planned this beforehand, hadn’t you?”

“I thought about it, but I wasn’t sure it would work,” Paul admitted. That was why he hadn’t brought it up. He knew promising uncertain outcomes only led to disappointment. I also have a question for you.”

Miranda blinked. “What is it?”

“Why do you think it’s me and not Sam? Or did you ask him too?”

“No, I didn’t,” she answered.

“Then, how can you be so sure it’s me?” Paul pressed.

Miranda paused for a moment. By then, they had reached the top of the stairs and stopped in front of their respective doors.

“Because…” She looked at him and spoke each word deliberately. “I believe you understand the struggles of the Clifford family. You see how backward and stifling life in the village can be. You just can’t bring yourself to look the other way.”

Sam had noticed it, too. He had told Joli what needed to be done, but that was as far as he went. To him, the challenges faced by the Cliffords were part of their destiny–something he had no right to interfere with. Offering advice was the extent of his involvement, and he considered his role complete.

However, Paul was different. He saw the same problems, understood what needed to be done, and recognized that Joli couldn’t achieve the best outcome alone.

Hence, Miranda stepped in to help Joli resolve the “money” issue. Still, she understood that transforming Swampert Village’s situation was beyond her reach. novelbin

She went on, “I saw in the news that the government plans to build new roads to improve transportation in the village. They’re also working to develop agricultural and related industries. Was that your idea, too?”

Paul nodded. “Sort of. Not bad, right?”

Miranda broke into a smile. “Not bad? It’s fantastic!”

He rubbed his nose sheepishly.

IT

“Dr. Jefferson, have you had dinner?” she asked.

Paul nodded. “I did.”

“Would you mind having a late–night snack?” Miranda asked again.

His eyes lit up. “Is this… an invitation?”

“If that’s what you think, then yes.” She took the shopping bag from his hands, unlocked the door, and walked inside.

Paul followed her and slipped off his shoes by the door like it was second nature. “How could I turn down your invitation?”

Once again, they cooked, ate, and cleaned up together.

Before leaving, he asked, “Are you heading to the lab tomorrow?”

Miranda nodded. “Yes.”

“Want to go there together?” Paul offered.

“Sure.”

Miranda woke up early the following day to make orange juice and toast. When they were about to leave, she handed him a portion. “Breakfast for you.”

“Thanks,” he replied.

They walked to the garage together to get their cars.

“There’s a meeting at the auditorium today. It’s not far from Easternia. Want to grab lunch together?” Paul asked.

“Sure,” Miranda agreed.

It was Sunday, so Madison and Sebastian weren’t at the lab. After Miranda arrived, she slipped into her lab coat and dived straight into work. By the time she looked up, it was already 11:00 am. She rolled her stiff neck and prepared to grab a cup of warm water.

Just then, her phone rang, and she answered, “Hello? Grandma?”

“Mimi, today is Sunday. Don’t forget, lunch at our place. The dishes are almost ready.” Fiona’s warm voice came through.

Miranda froze as realization hit her.

“Mimi? Are you there? Is the signal bad?”

“I’m here, Grandma,” Miranda said. “Lunch… uh…”

“Yes, lunch. Are you on your way? Do you want Sam to pick you up?” Fiona asked.

“No. No need for that,” Miranda hurriedly replied.

Oh no! How could she have forgotten?

Last week, Fiona had called to invite her over for lunch. At that time, Miranda had been busy testing a model’s functionality and focused entirely on the data. She had brushed it off with a quick, “I’m too busy this week and can’t make it.

Fiona had gently replied, “Next week, then.”

Miranda had agreed without hesitation and thought her schedule would clear up. Plus, it had been far too long since she had visited her grandparents. But now? She had completely forgotten about it.