When fate plays its hand

Fiona believed that her kindness had been rewarded with the child growing inside her. She truly thought Florence was her lucky star.

After discussing it with Aren, they decided to adopt the three–year–old Florence and rename her Nelly Garrison. The name symbolized their wish for her to honor the kindness that gave her a second chance and never forget her roots. novelbin

But the reality was the complete opposite.

Looking at her adopted daughter, now a stranger to her, Fiona felt a pang of sorrow in her cold heart.

Aren rose to support his wife. His voice was icy as he said, “Do you really think we care about the Coopers? If it weren’t for Sam, I’d be saying a lot worse right now.”

He continued, “If you want to make demands, then bring something of equal value to the table. The Coopers, including Timothy, don’t mean anything to us.”

Nelly jumped to her feet and was furious. “You”

Sam quickly stepped forward and grabbed his mother’s arm. “Mom, that’s enough!”

“You’re my son,

and you won’t take my side?”

Sam’s gaze hardened, and he said in a measured tone, “I just want to know. Did you have anything to do with Aunt Minnie’s disappearance?”

“Sam!” Nelly gasped.

“Just answer me?”

“Sam!” she repeated.

“So, it’s true.”

“You…” Nelly didn’t expect her son to turn against her.

Sam stepped back, and his shoulders slumped. His eyes dropped as the truth settled in.

Now he understood why Fiona had always disliked Nelly. No wonder his parents fought so much, and no wonder his mother was so filled with resentment. It all made sense now.

Later that night, the wind howled and cut through the air like a knife.

After forcibly sending Nelly away, Aren kept Sam behind and said, “You’re a good kid. Over the years, you’ve been the one we’ve relied on most. You’re the only one we care about in Elgerson.”

He continued, “I didn’t tell you what I was going to say at the banquet for two reasons. First, I wasn’t sure how to bring it up. Second, wanted to see how you’d react.

“Sam, you didn’t disappoint us. So, tell me… Are you still willing to be our grandson?”

They couldn’t accept Nelly, but they couldn’t let go of Sam.

In the garden downstairs, Sam lit a cigarette and held it loosely between his fingers. The smoke spiraled lazily in the air, but he was too absorbed in his thoughts to take a puff. He let the cigarette burn down, and the smoke drifted aimlessly.

His half–lidded eyes made it hard to discern any clear emotion.

“Well… What a coincidence.”

A light chuckle broke the silence.

Hansel stepped out from the shadows into the dim light with a cigarette already halfway burned in his hand. A mocking smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

“You really played the part well and almost fooled me. But, as always, the truth eventually comes to light. I didn’t expect you to resort to such childish tricks.”

Sam turned his cold gaze toward him. “Hansel. What a coincidence.”

“Not really. I’ve been waiting here just for you.”

…What do you want?” Sam wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation tonight.

Hansel raised an eyebrow, and his expression was unusually calm.

After all these years of being close friends, Hansel knew Sam well. However, the news of Sam and Miranda being cousins made Hansel understand his frustration a little more clearly.

Hansel thought back to the time when Sam had deliberately provoked him outside Miranda’s apartment building. At the time, Sam never would’ve guessed that the tables would turn so decisively.

“Congratulations on the family reunion. It’s a cause for celebration.” Hansel’s tone dripped with sarcasm. His words were a sharp and ruthless jab. It was delivered without a shred of mercy.