When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0813

Paul stated plainly, “My feelings are straightforward and honorable. There’s nothing shameful about them, so why wouldn’t I admit it?”

Sam locked eyes with him, clenching his fists tightly. For the first time, he felt an unfamiliar sense of defeat.

“Does Miranda know?” he asked.

Paul didn’t hide anything, responding calmly, “I’ve tried to express my feelings, but after‘ some probing, her response was that she isn’t considering relationships at the moment .and wants to focus entirely on her studies.”

Sam chuckled. “So, she rejected you?”

“Not exactly,” Paul replied evenly, unbothered by the mockery in Sam’s tóne. “I haven’t formally confessed yet.”

Sam’s laughter grew bolder, his grin almost taunting.

Paul frowned slightly. “What’s so funny?”

“You,” Sam replied with a smirk. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Am I?” Paul’s voice was calm but carried an edge. “Just because I don’t have a chance now doesn’t mean I won’t in the future. But you? Whether it’s now or later, you’ll never have a

chance.”

So, who was the ridiculous one here?

The smugness drained from Sam’s face in an instant.

“Here’s the cutlery!” Miranda’s voice broke the tension as she returned, oblivious to the earlier exchange.

Both men fell silent immediately. There was a rare moment of mutual understanding.

Meanwhile, the food Fiona had prepared was plentiful, more than enough for an additional person like Paul to join.

Throughout the meal, Miranda enthusiastically encouraged Paul to eat more. “Dr. Jefferson, don’t be shy. These dishes are all made by my grandma. Try the creamy garlic pork and the BBQ pork ribs…

“Try the meat–stuffed bell peppers too! They’re really good. It has mushrooms and minced meat inside!” novelbin

Paul attentively followed her suggestions, sampling each dish she recommended. His earnestness earned him the title of “perfect guest“.

“The sauce is rich but not overwhelming, It’s really impressive! And the bell pepen mushrooms are so fresh,” he commented, “Is that a hint of sourness I’m tasting?”

Miranda’s eyes widened in surprise. “Dr. Jefferson, you have an amazing gaad My grandma adds a touch of vinegar when marinating. It’s her trick to enhance the for

Paul smiled. “Everything is delicious, I came at just the right time, it seems. It feels like a stroke of luck to enjoy such a meal”

Meanwhile, Sam observed the natural case between them–their easy benter, the unspoken understanding in their exchanges–and felt an inexplicable weight in his chest

.After the meal, Miranda cleared the table while Paul volunteered to wash the containers, They moved seamlessly, each knowing what to do without needing to discuss it it was a coordination that spoke of familiarity.

Sam noticed this too. It wasn’t their first time working in sync like this–that much was clear. His jaw tightened as frustration simmered beneath his composed exterior

“Miranda, I just remembered I have something urgent at work I need to leave now,” he said abruptly.

“Alright,” Miranda replied without a second thought, nodding at him. “Drive safely.”

Sam then left. After tidying up, Miranda prepared two cups of lemonade. When she returned to the living area to give one to Paul, he was already gone.

She placed the drinks down and made her way to the lab area. As expected, she found him standing at her workbench, reviewing the two sets of data she’d organized that morning

“Dr. Jefferson?” Miranda called out to him.

Paul turned while holding the sheets of data, and he smiled. “The accuracy is excellent.”

Miranda grinned. “So, does that mean I can skip the review step?”

“In theory, no. But practically speaking, considering time efficiency, it wouldn’t be a problem,” he replied. He’d already checked the data himself and found no issues in them.

“Better not,” Miranda said while shaking her head with a smile. “Even with your seal of approval, which practically guarantees there’s nothing wrong, it’s important to follow the proper steps. After all, I have to set a good example for someone.”