When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0650

Then there was a photo from when Sebastian was ten.

“He’s so chubby!” Miranda blurted out.

In the picture, Sebastian had lost the cute baby look and now resembled a small, plump bear. He was not only chubby but also tanned. His eyes were barely visible, squished by his cheeks

It was summertime, so he was wearing a tank top and shorts, showing off his thick, rounded limbs.

After clearing her throat, Miranda tried to keep a straight face. “You shouldn’t look. It’s not nice to peek at someone’s private photos.”

“Aren’t you looking too?” Sam countered.

“I wasn’t doing it on purpose, and I’m not looking anymore,‘ she replied, trying to sound dignified.

Sam chuckled. “They’re displayed here for viewing, aren’t they? Whoa! Is this little puffball actually Sebastian? He looks like an inflated balloon!”

“You’re so mean,” Miranda muttered while holding back a smile.

“Then don’t laugh if you’re so kind,” Sam teased.

She tried to purse her lips but couldn’t hold it back. Seeing how strict Sebastian was now–he wouldn’t even touch soda–this image of his “chubby days” was too much. Her smirk stretched so wide she found it nearly impossible to contain.

It was no wonder he was so disciplined now.

Seeing her struggle to hold it in, Sam couldn’t help but grin along with her.

“What’s so funny?” Paul’s calm voice suddenly sounded behind them.

Miranda’s smile vanished. “Dr. Jefferson, what are you doing here?”

Sam turned toward him as Paul’s gaze passed over the two of them and lingered briefly on Miranda’s lingering smile. His tone softened. “If it’s such good news, mind sharing it with me?”

Before Miranda could respond, Sam jumped in. “Apologies, Dr. Jefferson, but it’s our little… secret.”

Paul ignored him entirely, focusing only on Miranda. “Is that so?”

Miranda shot Sam a disapproving look. “Secret? Don’t exaggerate… Come take a look, Dr. Jefferson.”

Paul took a step forward, positioning himself between them and effectively separating Sam.

Sam rolled his eyes in silence.

Miranda pointed to one of the photos. “Dr. Jefferson, can you guess who this is?”

Paul barely glanced at it. “Does Sebastian know you’re doing this?”

As they were speaking of the devil, he appeared.

“Miranda!” Madison called, bounding up to them. “Seb and I have been looking all over for you–What’s

BONUS

Chapter

everyone crowded around here for? Let me see…”

Madison burst out laughing. She laughed so hard that she doubled over. “Seb, how come you never mentioned you were a little chubby back then? You’re even bigger than I was!”

She gestured with her hands, trying to illustrate just how large he’d been. Sebastian, who had arrived just in time but missed pulling her back, became tongue–tied.

Great, just great.

With Sebastian leading the way, they all made it back to the main courtyard without a hitch. Scott and Heidi were already there, bidding farewell to guests. Samuel and Bridget had left right after the cake- cutting.

“Hey, Seb’s back!” Scott called, waving at his son.

But… why did his son look so glum?

He didn’t dwell on it and simply said, “Arrange a car for your friends…”

Sam interjected, “No need. I’ll drive Miranda.”

Scott looked surprised. “You?”

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

“Isn’t Bedford College in the opposite direction from your place? Or am I mistaken?”

Sam remained silent.

Paul chimed in, holding up his car keys. “I’m heading that way.” Then, he said to Miranda. “Shall we?”