When fate plays its hand

“What’s worse about it?” Paul asked.

“It weighs on your mind, claws at you, and won’t let you rest,” Alex replied.

Paul frowned. “Just you wait. Mom’s going to deal with you.”

“That’s why I came outside. So, who were you on the phone with? You were grinning so hard, your face nearly cracked.”

Paul’s tone remained cold. “None of your business.”

“Paul, that’s no way to talk. I’m your big brother. Can’t you cut me some slack?”

“No.” Paul shook his head.

“Tsk, being so secretive?” Alex’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t tell me it’s a girlfriend?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

“Ah, so it is a girlfriend!”

“Stop making stuff up!”

“Mom! Paul’s got a girlfr-

Paul interrupted simultaneously, “Mom! Alex is smok-”

Both stopped speaking at once.

“Hey, what are you two staring at each other for?” Yale joined in, strolling over with a grin. He looked back and forth between the two. “So what were you yelling about? Halfway through, you just stopped. What’s the secret? Can’t you tell me?”

Paul and Alex replied in unison, “None of your business.”

Yale was baffled.

“Hey, don’t walk away! You haven’t explained yet! What’s this big secret that I can’t know? “Yale called after them as they trailed back inside, one after the other.

They ran straight into Susan. The three of them froze simultaneously.

Susan’s gaze swept over her three sons. “What were you up to?”

All three replied in unison, “Getting some fresh air.”

Susan frowned. Was the house suffocating or something?

“Alex, you’re coming with me to Mr. Quade’s house the day after tomorrow,” she said.

“What for?”

“For Easter, of course.”

Yale smirked knowingly. “And to meet Ms. Riley Quade for a little matchmaking, see if there’s a spark.”

Alex scowled. “Oh, right. I just remembered I have a business trip the day after tomorrow. I’m too busy. Mom, why not take Yale? He seems interested.” novelbin

“Don’t drag me into this,” Yale interjected, holding up his palms defensively. “I’ve got to be at church tomorrow. The family’s blessing depends on me, so there’s no time for blind dates. Besides, maybe the Quade family wants to beat us to the church and is using their daughter as a decoy.”

“Idiot! What nonsense are you spouting?” Susan raised her hand to swat at him.

“I think–Paul’s the best option. Look at him–polite, refined. Ms. Quade would definitely like his type,” Yale added while taking a step back.

Alex nodded in agreement. “He’s got potential.”

Susan immediately turned her eager gaze toward her youngest son. Paul said nothing, simply turned and walked upstairs. His silence seemed to speak volumes as the rejection was loud and clear.

“Look at him! He’s going to be the death of me!” Susan stomped her foot, glaring. “And you two aren’t much better!”

Alex and Yale made a hasty retreat. They were well–practiced in dodging their mother’s annual matchmaking efforts.

Under the city’s dazzling fireworks, some people celebrated together, while others felt the weight of solitude. At the Johnson estate, the festive gathering had long since dispersed. Relatives and friends had all gone home.

Evelyn sat alone on the couch, staring at the fireworks outside the window. Her eyes held no trace of joy, only lingering melancholy.

Richard had retreated to his study immediately after dinner and had yet to emerge, engrossed in work.

On the other hand, after getting expelled from Bedford College, Tina had withdrawn completely. She locked herself in her room every day, refusing to leave. She avoided family gatherings at all costs, terrified of being asked about her expulsion.

Tonight, Evelyn had gone upstairs to call her twice. The first time, Tina said, “I’m not hungry. You all go

ahead.”

The second time, she didn’t answer at all. Evelyn looked at the tightly closed door, sighed in disappointment, and turned away.

And as for Hansel… He was a lost cause.

The night before Easter, he hadn’t even bothered to come home.