When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0541

At that time, they had just started dating. It was clear Miranda hadn’t yet adjusted to having a boyfriend.

Initially, Hansel had been furious, his anger burning within him. He had never waited for anyone in his life. Other people had always been the ones waiting for him.

However, his anger had vanished inexplicably when he saw Miranda’s apologetic face and her repeated apologies. With a whoosh, the burning fire within him had been completely extinguished.

Hansel said, “You were too busy. After that, I was always the one to arrive first every time we went out on a date. I would order the food first and wait for you.

“The longest wait… I think it was when Dr. Young brought you to that academic conference. The organizers changed the schedule last minute, so the event was delayed by two hours. By the time you arrived, the restaurant was already about to close.”

Although Miranda kept a straight face, her eyes flickered slightly. That had been their first real argument, which ended with Hansel giving in and apologizing to her.

He continued, “And another time, you went to Northwest Side with Dr. Young to collect samples. You left without telling me, so I foolishly waited at the campus gate all morning. However, no one turned up…”

Hansel talked a lot, but Miranda remained silent throughout.

“Mimi, do you remember any of this?”

“I don’t remember much from the past anymore.”

Hansel wasn’t deterred by her cold attitude. Instead, he smiled. “That’s okay, you’ll remember.”

How could one forget events they had personally experienced? Miranda was merely pretending to forget and refused to admit it.

Half an hour later, the car stopped at a vineyard estate in the countryside.

Hansel reached out toward her. “Let’s get out, Mimi.”

Miranda ignored his outstretched hand and got out of the car on her own. Hansel wasn’t upset about it. He smiled as he looked at the estate in front of them. “Do you remember this place?”

She really wished she didn’t, but her memory was too good. This vineyard estate actually had a wine cellar. Hansel had won the estate from Zach in a poker game.

However, he loved excitement and had no interest in going on vacation. If he had free time, he would rather organize a drinking session or poker game with Calvin and the others than come to such a remote place.

On the other hand, Miranda fell in love with this place at first sight. It was far from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the country breeze carried the scent of freedom.

There was a view of the mountains just outside the door, with a creek bubbling right in front. The water in the creek was crystal clear, and fish could be seen swimming in it. The place was serene, as if it was a hidden utopia away from the world.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0541

The only downside was that the estate had fallen into disrepair since the owner wasn’t around. The place hadn’t been maintained for a long time, leaving large flower beds overgrown and neglected.

During the summer, in her final year of college, Hansel had gone on a business trip to Franelia. He was supposed to be there for a month. Miranda had taken the keys to the estate and decided to live there by herself. She had stayed for over half a month.

During that time, she had accidentally dropped her phone in the creek while foraging for wild vegetables. The phone was completely ruined.

Not wanting to go all the way to the city just to buy a new phone, Miranda had ordered one online. The package was supposed to arrive the next day, but the delivery had been delayed due to heavy rains and a landslide blocking the roads. She had to wait two extra days to get the package.

Hansel had almost gone insane in the four days when he couldn’t contact Miranda as she had no phone. In his own words, he had nearly turned the entire city upside down in search of her.

When Miranda had finally received her phone and inserted the SIM card, the first thing she had done was to call him back. She had also sent messages trying to explain her predicament and soothe his anxiety.

However, it had seemed like Hansel was taking his revenge. He hadn’t answered her calls nor replied to her messages. Miranda had found his response baffling. She hadn’t done it on purpose, and she had explained everything clearly.

Furthermore, Hansel had told her that he would be extending his stay in Franelia for another two weeks during one of their phone calls a few days earlier.

Naturally, Miranda had no objection. She had been having a great time on the estate, living a free and easy life. Little did she expect…