When fate plays its hand

As Paul changed into his slippers, he looked up and saw Lionel and Mindy at the table, getting ready to eat. The couple also looked up at him at the same time.

Paul’s mind went blank. The sudden, focused attention from both of them caught him off guard like time had just stopped.

Finally, Miranda broke the silence. “Dr. Jefferson, you’re back? Oh, these flowers…”

He was holding a bouquet of purple tulips, which he instinctively handed over. She smiled and accepted them.

Before he could say anything, Lionel and Mindy got up and walked over.

“Paul, are you done with work? Lionel’s eyes lit up in surprise.

Then, he pointed to Miranda. “I was planning to surprise her, but she turned the tables on me. Not only did she make dinner, but she invited you over. Guess we’re the ones who got surprised!” He laughed loudly.

Paul was left confused, and Miranda just looked at him in disbelief.

Could her father really think she invited Paul on purpose to accompany him?

Come on, Paul Sit down with us. We were just about to eat Miranda didn’t say anything, but luckily we hadn’t started yet.” Lionel casually put an arm around Paul’s shoulders and led him to the table.

He continued, “You didn’t have to bring flowers just to stop by. I’m sure Miranda told you her mom likes purple, huh? They’re beautiful, but you don’t have to spend money like that.”

Paul was still in a daze. He tried to explain, “Mr. Sutton, I didn’t actually…”

“You didn’t buy it on purpose, right? Yeah, I get it.” Lionel nodded repeatedly, with a look that seemed to say, “No need to be modest–1 get it.”

Paul just stared at him. He was unsure what to say as Lionel enthusiastically guided him to the table and made sure he sat next to him.

Lionel said, “Let’s have a drink later, my friend. I brought some peach wine I made last year. I tasted it a few days ago, and it’s great. You’ve got to try it.”

Paul didn’t quite catch the rest of the words because his mind went blank the moment Lionel said, “My friend”

Wait, when did they become “friends“? Had Paul ever agreed to that? Hadn’t he always addressed Lionel as Mr. Sutton?

At that moment, Mindy returned with the peach wine and placed it beside Lionel while Miranda brought over two wine glasses.

Mindy said, “Grab two more glasses.”

Miranda raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“This wine has a light alcohol content and a bold fruity taste. It’s really good. We should have a small glass, too.”

Miranda instinctively glanced at Paul, but he was already lost in the conversation.

“Come on, Paul,” Lionel urged. “Eat something before we drink. Mimi’s pork ribs are the best, You should try them.” noveldrama

Clapter 1037

“How’s work? Is everything gond at home? By the way, the papers you sent last time were really interesting

Lionel looked at Paul, his “dream friend“, with the kind of wide–eyed enthusiasm one would expect from a lovestruck teenager. It was like he was about to grab Paul’s hand and confess his feelings with teary eyes.

Paul could only respond awlowardly. “Thanks, Mr. Sutton. No need to be so formal. Yeah, it’s going well. Everything’s good.”

“Good”

“Yup.”

“Right.”

“Sure.”

Each time, Paul responded with just one simple word.

Miranda went into the kitchen to grab two more glasses.