When fate plays its hand

Miranda nodded obediently, “Yes, Dr. Jefferson and I were plaxing to make it public tought, but who knew..

She sneaked a glance at Lionel. It was just her luck to get caght red–handed!

Mindy straightened up and asked, “Then why didn’t you say anything yesterday?”

Miranda answered honestly, “You two showed up so suddenly that we didn’t have the time to discuss it… Later, we talked about it and thought that we’d surprise Dad….”

“A surprise?” Lionel retorted. “That wasn’t a surprise… It was a terrible shood”

Miranda fell silent.

Mindy, on the other hand, remained calm throughout. “When did you two get together?”

“Almost three months ago.”

“Who confessed first?”

“Of course, it was him.”

Mindy nodded in satisfaction.

Lionel was puzzled. “Honey, why are you nodding? She and Paul… They’re together!” noveldrama

Mindy turned to him and replied nonchalantly, “So? They are two consenting adults. Is there a problem?”

Lionel said without hesitation,” Of course there is! I treated him like a brother-”

“Did you ever ask. Paul’s opinion on that?” Mindy cut him off. “Did he want to be your brother? If I’m not mistaken, hasn’t he always called you ‘Mr. Sutton?“”

While Lionel was at a loss for words, Mindy pulled Miranda to the side and sat her down. She said gently, “Come, Mimi. Let’s have a heart–to–heart talk.”

She turned back to Lionel. “Wasn’t there stew simmering on the stove? Aren’t you going to check on it?”

“Oh no, I almost forgot!” With that, he spun around and dashed into the kitchen

Halfway there, he suddenly remembered who he had made the stew for. His frustration and annoyance boiled over. All that effort he did all day for nothing!

What a waste…

In the living room, Mindy consoled Miranda in a gentle tone, “Don’t blame your dad for how he reacted. He never expected this to happen, and the way he found out was… a little too harsh. Naturally, he got upset.”

Miranda said, “It’s my fault. I messed things up.” She knew that if she had told them about her relationship with Paul sincerely, Lionel might have been surprised, but he wouldn’t have been this furious.

Mindy cleared her throat. “You’re no longer the impulsive young lady who wanted to give up on your master’s program for love. I’ve seen how much you’ve grown and matured over the years, so…”

She paused for a moment before continuing, “I’m not as worried as your dad. I trust your judgment to tell right from wrong, You already know what you truly want. I won’t oppose you being with Paul, Putting everything else aside, he’s indeed an excellent man.

“My dear Mimi must be incredibly charming to make such an outstanding man fall for her. I’m proud of you, and you have my blessing. However, there’s one thing I want you to remember. If the day ever comes when things don’t work out between you two…

“Of course, saying this now might seem like a damper on your happiness, but you need to see the bigger picture. Don’t just focus on positive words or outcomes.

“If things don’t work out, you need to remember to follow your heart. Don’t compromise and don’t settle for less. Your dad and I didn’t bring you into this world to watch you suffer in silence or swallow your pride.

Mindy held Miranda’s hand and said seriously, “Remember what I’m telling you today. You need to always prepare for the worst. Only then can you face any unexpected changes in the future with ease and avoid putting yourself in a humiliating position.”

Miranda nodded. “I understand.”

She took Mindy’s words lightly at the moment, unaware that they would one day shine like a guiding light for her path in the future. Those words would save her from hardship and lead her through adversity.

That evening, dinner was eaten in awkward silence.

The table was laden with delicious dishes, their aromas rich and inviting with every flavor bursting in the mouth. However, the atmosphere at the table lacked lightheartedness and joy. Instead, it was heavy and somber.

Mindy put down her utensils and said, “Mimi, go ask Paul to join us for dinner.”

Lionel, who initially looked listless, perked up immediately. “Absolutely not! Who said he could eat the food I cooked?”