When fate plays its hand

Paul’s tone was resolute. “It’s worth it.”

Miranda fell silent. Paul had given so much and loved her so deeply. Every sacrifice he made weighed heavily on her shoulders.

“This isn’t an impossible situation,” she said. “You don’t have to-‘

“I know,” Paul cut her off. “From the perspective of the college’s regulations, we don’t have a direct teacher- student relationship. And from a moral standpoint, we haven’t violated public decency or societal norms.

He continued, “Even if our relationship were exposed, the consequences wouldn’t be as severe as I think… I’ve considered all of this.”

“Then why still…”

“I’m unwilling to take that gamble, and I don’t dare to,” Paul said, emphasizing each word. If he won the gamble, he lost nothing. But if he lost, he might lose her forever. “Mimi, this is not a difficult choice for me.”

The scale in his heart was tipped toward the most obvious choice.

Miranda pursed her lips. “But your research project is still under the college’s name. And your annual research funding comes from their grants, not to mention awards, evaluation, and promotions that are all tied to the college.”

What he was giving up was far more than just a few classes or a paycheck. It was resources… An abundance of academic resources that were readily available to him!

However, Paul gave her a smile with absolute confidence. His calm demeanor suggested that everything was under his control.

“Even if I stop teaching, the college will still keep my research project under their name,” he explained. ” Research funding will continue to arrive on schedule. As for awards and evaluations, the college may have the power to recommend individuals, but they don’t have the final say.”

He sighed and added gently, like a patient teacher guiding her, “Mimi, fame and fortune in this world can be boiled down to mutual benefit.

“You’re only focusing on what I might lose, but you’re overlooking the fact that the college is also affected simultaneously while I bear these losses. These impacts are far more significant than the loss of one professor to take classes. What would you choose if it were you?” noveldrama

Miranda mulled over his words. Paul didn’t interrupt her, but he watched her with a calm and understanding glance.

After a long moment, she nodded slightly. “I think I understand a little. Although I’m not sure if you’re just saying this to comfort me by making it all sound so simple, but Paul…”

Miranda met his steady gaze and said, “I want us to be better and stronger together, not through one–sided sacrifice and compromise. If a relationship depends on a party constantly yielding and making concessions to maintain it, it is bound to face collapse eventually. If that day ever comes, we-

Paul leaned down and silenced her with a kiss.“It will never happen,” he murmured, their lips à breath apart.

Miranda couldn’t help but laugh. She punched his chest lightly for him to let go of her, but Paul didn’t stop. Until

“What… what are you two doing?” Lionel demanded.

He intended to go downstairs to take out the trash. Since Mindy was napping on the couch, he had carefully changed his shoes in order not to wake her. Then, he opened the door slowly and cautiously.

But who would’ve thought…

Who could’ve imagined?

The moment he opened the door, he saw two people embracing and kissing passionately in the hallway.

Good heavens, young people these days were truly daring! They were kissing in broad daylight and right in the hallway too. Upon closer inspection, something seemed off He took another good look.

Wasn’t that Paul and his own daughter?

For a split second, a bomb went off in Lionel’s brain. His mind went blank. It took him a full fifteen seconds to regain his composure. The next moment, he roared at the top of his lungs.