When fate plays its hand
hand 580

Chapter 0580

Miranda froze for a moment before realizing Hansel was speaking to her.

“There are only two or three decent restaurants around Bedford College, so it’s not surprising to run into each other here. What’s there to be surprised about?”

Since Willow kept exclaiming it was a coincidence, Miranda had wanted to respond with a retort.

Coincidence? Running into a classmate at a nearby restaurant wasn’t exactly rare. But why did they both feel the need to use it as an opener? To Miranda, it all felt fake, like they were putting on a show.

Hansel asked, “Are you angry

Miranda was utterly puzzled.

La

Hansel’s gaze softened. “I listened to everything you said that day–you were right, once broken, a mirror can’t be fully repaired. Since you’ve moved on, I realized I should stop lingering in the past too.”

Miranda looked up. This was the first time since their breakup that she’d actually studied him closely.

Hansel offered her a small smile. “Surprised? It’s been over a year, and some things finally make sense. was clinging to unrealistic hopes, acting thoughtlessly and causing you trouble. I apologize; I won’t do that anymore.”

Miranda’s eyes narrowed as she scrutinized his words Hansel remained composed as he continued,” Time heals all wounds. I used to doubt that, but now I understand. You were right; people need to look forward, to keep moving.”

“You…” Miranda frowned. This change seemed abrupt.

While he sounded sincere, she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was saying it for her benefit, as if he had.

a hidden motive. Whatever his purpose, it didn’t matter anymore. It wasn’t her concern,

Miranda nodded. “It’s good that you’re moving on. I wish you a clear path ahead.”

Hansel’s mouth curved slightly. “Thank you, Mimi.”

“Since you’re starting fresh, maybe it’s time to update what you call me. Miranda‘ would be better; wouldn’t want your girlfriend to get the wrong idea.” She smiled pleasantly.

Hansel’s expression remained unchanged, but his hands clenched into fists. “Sure.”

“Let’s go, Hansel,” Willow called as she emerged from the convenience store with her purchases, smiling and holding her hand out to him.

Hansel walked over, took her hand, and placed his arm around her waist. He turned and gave Miranda a slight nod. “We’ll be off, then.”

“Alright.” Miranda looked away, letting out a weary sigh. This was exhausting. Couldn’t they just pretend not to know each other?

Since when did running into an ex call for small talk? And with the current partner no less. How utterly ridiculous!

Hopefully, that would be the last of it. Fingers crossed

G

Charter (1500

+25 BONUS

Jack pulled up to take Miranda home, but Sam lingered a bit longer. He stood by his car, lighting a cigarette, watching like a hunter lying in wait. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Hansel showed up to get his own car.

Their gazes met, Sam’s carrying a slight smirk while Hansel’s remained impassive. After a moment of tense silence, Sam finally spoke with a relaxed tone. “Where’s your girlfriend? Finished dinner, and you didn’t bother dropping her home? Or bringing her to yours?”

Hansel narrowed his eyes, then chuckled softly. “She lives on campus, she can walk back. No need to

drive her.”

“At least see her to the dorm entrance, wouldn’t you?”

Hansel countered, “How do you know I didn’t?”

Sam checked his watch. “For a new couple, you sure rushed things. In love, the parting moments are usually the hardest, aren’t they?

“Back in the day, you and Ingrid couldn’t keep your hands off each other at the campus gates. What happened? A change of heart?”