When fate plays its hand

Chapter 1042

The heat from Paul’s solid body pressed through the thin material of Miranda’s shirt. Even his breath felt warm- damp and clinging to her skin.

He said, “And that’s it.”

She clicked her tongue. “You really don’t hold back, do you?”

“I’m hugging my girlfriend. Why should I?”

“You’d only make a move when no one’s around. Try that in front of my parents and see what happens,” Miranda teased.

Paul cleared his throat. “…I’d rather not.”

She was pressed tightly against him, and the hot weather made her sweat. Still, he didn’t loosen his grip.

“Uh… can you loosen up a bit?” she asked.

“Hm?”

“It’s uncomfortable.”

Without a word, Paul quickly withdrew his arms as if being electrocuted. Then, he turned and grabbed his robe. He instinctively tied the sash while facing away from her. After a few deep breaths, he turned back around. “Sorry, I-

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“My dad made savory pancakes and asked me to bring some over,” Miranda cut him off as she walked toward the living room.

“Savory pancakes?” Paul followed her.

“Here.” She stopped by the table and tilted her chin slightly “It’s kind of like a pancake, but not exactly. We call them savory pancakes down south. My dad made it this morning. Want to try it?”

“Sure.” He grabbed a fork from the kitchen and then sat down to eat.

Miranda sat across from him, resting her chin on her hand as she watched him. “How is it?”

“It’s really fresh. Even with the chili flakes, it’s not too spicy and tastes great.” Paul ate every bite and even finished all the sauce.

“Well, I should go back now.”

“Mimi…”

“Huh?” She turned to look at him.

With a quick motion, Paul hugged her. His chin gently rested on her shoulder, and he whispered, “I was tempted to kiss you, but I just had savory pancakes with garlic… Didn’t want to bomb you with the smell…”

Miranda couldn’t help but laugh.

He continued, “Since I can’t kiss you, how about just a hug for now?”

ཎྜ ཚ ཞ

She smiled. “Go ahead. I’m all yours.”

“You have the key to my place, and you’re welcome to drop by anytime.‘

She gave a soft hum in response.

“By the way, how long will your parents be staying here?”

“Probably about a month,” she replied. noveldrama

The advanced program at Luridge College was a 30–day course.

“Got it. What do they like? Any hints so I can prepare?” Paul asked.

“Well… my dad loves gardening and growing vegetables, and my mom…” She paused, then added, “She’s more sophisticated.”

Paul processed that and let go of her. “I’ll see you later this evening.”

“Okay.”

Back at her place, Miranda handed the plate to Lionel. “Dr. Jefferson finished it and said it was really good. He told me to pass his thanks.”

“Really?” Lionel beamed and waved his hand. “Tell him to come over for dinner after work tonight.”

Miranda nodded. “I already told him.”

He shot her a knowing look as if to say, “You’re so thoughtful.”

She stared at him and didn’t dare to respond.

Mindy quietly ate her savory pancake while listening to the father–daughter exchange in the kitchen but didn’t say a thing.

Paul arrived at the lab just after 9:15 am, but after less than 20 minutes, he was about to leave again. “Silas, keep an eye on things,” he said.

“Wait… What? You just got here, and now you’re leaving?” Silas grabbed his arm.

“I’ve got something to do. Just came to grab something.”

“When will you be back?” Silas asked.

Paul paused for a moment. “Not today.”

“What?” Silas stared at him, wide–eyed, then, after a beat, muttered, “Paul, you’ve changed.”