When fate plays its hand
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Chapter 0550

Hansel had seen Willow several times but didn’t think they were close enough to initiate a conversation.

But she had a different view, as she asked casually, “Are you okay? You were sitting outside the campus for so long yesterday. I hope you didn’t catch a cold.”

He said nothing and had no intention of responding.

Willow was unfazed by his silence and continued, “Are you here for coffee, too? This place makes better coffee than the nearby cafés.

“I’ve tried a bunch of different flavors. That iced Americano you’re holding must be their signature drink, right? It has a rich flavor but is a bit bitter. It’d pair perfectly with a cupcake.”

As Hansel listened to her soft, melodic voice, he noticed the teasing glint in her eyes and the ambiguous smile on her lips.

A shiver ran down her spine under his intense gaze, yet she fought to maintain her smile.“W–Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?” She instinctively ran her hands over her face.

Suddenly, Hansel broke the silence. “Do you have a crush on me?”

He was no stranger to women, and the spark in her eyes looked familiar. Despite her attempts to mask her feelings and act indifferent, he saw right through her.

Willow hadn’t expected his bluntness. His direct approach shattered her facade. Her heart raced, and her cheeks flushed as her voice grew softer. “I–Is it that obvious? How did you notice?” She had just admitted it.

He had encountered women like her before–beautiful, captivating, and charming. Yet, the thrill of the moment began to fade.

Hansel absentmindedly traced the rim of his coffee cup. “You know I already have someone I like, right?” His tone was calm and detached.

Willow didn’t seem surprised. She nodded and said, “Yes. I’ve known for a while now. Miranda is my classmate, and we’re in the same graduate program.”

He paused, then let out a chuckle. “Classmates, huh?”

Willow noticed the slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His eyes gleamed with a playful mischief that was both charming and dangerous. There was something undeniably captivating about him.

Then, he continued, “Would you do me a favor?”

She blinked in surprise. “Sure, what is it?”

“Be my girlfriend.” He spoke slowly and deliberately.

Hansel understood the walls Miranda had built after their breakup and how deep the rifts ran between them. The only way to break through that wall was to show her he had moved on.

If she saw him with someone else, perhaps she would allow him back into her life, even if it was just as a friend. When he learned Willow was Miranda’s classmate, it seemed the perfect excuse to stay closer to

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Chapter 0550

her.

Willow’s heart raced. His proposition was like a devil’s whisper that had awakened the desires she had buried deep. A flicker of hope ignited within her, but it quickly faded when she met Hansel’s cool, detached gaze.

She was smart enough to understand his intention. She knew she was just a pawn in his game and a stepping stone to reach Miranda. The realization left her momentarily speechless.

Hansel stirred his coffee and added casually, “If you help me play this part, I can provide some financial support in return. But if you’re not interested, just pretend I didn’t say anything.”