When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0817

Miranda kept herself busy. She finally stopped going to the lab just three days before Good Friday, as Lionel and Mindy had arrived from Limberville,

The couple had decided earlier in the year to spend Good Friday in Elgerson with Aren and Fiona. Whatever Lionel had said to his parents and two older brothers, it had worked. In the end, he accompanied Mindy to Elgerson.

The original plan had been for them to arrive two weeks earlier, but Mindy had a sudden burst of inspiration before their departure and spent a week in seclusion working on her project. Afterward, she attended a book signing event in Graneda, delaying their trip until

now.

The next morning, Miranda drove to the train station. It was peak travel season, and the station was packed with people. She waited for about ten minutes before spotting Lionel and Mindy among the crowd exiting the platform.

“Dad! Mom!” She jumped up, waving enthusiastically,

Mindy stood out in a striking red coat, her tall figure and elegant demeanor making her easy to spot in the crowd. Beside her was Lionel, towering half a head taller. He was pushing a suitcase while carrying several bags.

In contrast, Mindy carried only a small handbag, looking as though she were off on a luxurious vacation. At first glance, they could have been mistaken for a young heiress and her faithful butler. But in reality…

“Let me carry a few of those bags!” Mindy reached for the luggage for the umpteenth time.

As expected, Lionel sidestepped her effortlessly. “No need! It’s just a few items. There’s barely anything for you to carry. You just walk ahead, and I’ll handle it.”

He even swung the bags in his hand to show how easy it was for him.

Mindy frowned. “No, I want to carry something.” novelbin

Lionel retorted, “No, I won’t let you.”

“No, just…”

“No…”

Miranda approached just in time to hear her parents bickering over who would carry the bags. Tentatively, she offered, “How about… I carry some for Dad?”

That seemed to satisfy both of them. In the end, Miranda carried everything.

Once they exited the station and reached the parking lot, the family finally had a moment to talk. It had been a while since Mindy last saw her daughter, and she missed her dearly.

+25BONUS

She cupped Miranda’s face and, like every mother in the world, immediately said, “Why do you look thinner?”

“What? No way! Grandma’s been feeding me so well. I’ve definitely gained weight,” Miranda replied with a laugh as she held Mindy’s hand and gave it a playful shake.

At the mention of Fiona, Mindy’s gaze softened. “How are your grandparents doing?”

While they were still in Lumberville, Mindy had noticed Fiona’s sensitive eyes. Even a slight breeze or a change in temperature seemed to bother her.

That was why, when Mindy went on her book tour and Fiona and Aren expressed their .desire to return to Elgerson, she didn’t insist they stay.

She knew Fiona felt more comfortable in familiar surroundings, and it was time for her follow–up appointments. Although the medical facilities in Lumberville were decent, they couldn’t compare to Elgerson’s options.

Mindy’s decision not to ask them to stay had been practical, but she still worried about them.

“Grandma is taking her herbal medicine regularly and going for acupuncture treatment. Her eyesight has improved a lot. She says things are getting clearer every day,” Miranda said, reassuring her.

“That’s good to hear.” Mindy sighed in relief.

Lionel, who had been rubbing his hands to fend off the cold, interjected, “It’s freezing out here. Let’s get in the car. Your grandparents are waiting for us at home.”

“Okay.”

During the drive, Miranda couldn’t help but wonder how Lionel had convinced George and Anna to let him and Mindy spend the holiday elsewhere.

For him to get two traditionalists to agree to such a thing? It was nothing short of a miracle.

Lionel mumbled a vague response, clearly not intending to elaborate. So, Miranda chose not to press further.