Chapter 1

When Sam saw Miranda and Hansel parting on a bad note, he raised an eyebrow and smiled. Hansel's tricks seemed ineffective anymore. Although Sam and Hansel had been best friends, they were now in a dispute. He knew all about Hansel's methods of coaxing someone—it came down to giving gifts or adopting a conciliatory tone. Too bad Miranda wasn't falling for it anymore.

"Mr. Cooper, you seem happy," Ingrid said abruptly. Her tone was innocent, and she looked guileless.

Sam replied, "Of course I am."

"Is it because Miranda rejected Hans?"

Sam arched an eyebrow and looked at her properly for the first time. "Isn't that what you hoped would happen too?"

Ingrid admitted graciously, "That's right. I want to be with Hansel forever."

"Well, should I wish you two a lasting relationship?" With that, he released her and stepped back.

Smiling, Ingrid nodded. "Thanks, Mr. Cooper. I hope you'll get to be with the person you like, too."

Sam clicked his tongue and turned, casting Hansel a pitiful look. Hansel thought he was dealing with an innocent rabbit; little did he know Ingrid was a wasp—poisonous and threatening.

As Sam and Hansel passed each other, the latter suddenly said, "Again, I'm telling you, stay away from her."

Sam stopped and narrowed his eyes. "And again, you don't have the right to tell me that."

"At least I was once her boyfriend. Who are you to her?" Hansel stared at him. Glee flickered in his gloomy eyes. "If it weren't for me, you would never have met Miranda. She would never have looked your way."

Sam replied, "Before saying that, don't forget you're in the same situation as I am. You're her ex, and I'm her admirer. To her, we're both nobodies."

Hansel stared at him coldly, but Sam didn't want to continue the conversation. He left through a different exit.

Upon entering her room, Miranda took off her mask and showered. With her hair loose over her shoulders, she went to the second-floor balcony. The night sea breeze was damp and salty. As the waves rose and fell, their dull sound was magically soothing.

Miranda leaned against the railing, looking out at the horizon, where sprinkles of lights spread out. From a distance, it looked as though there were stars on the ground. The night view was splendid and lifted her mood.

At that moment, Sam, who was staying in the overwater villa beside hers, also came to the second-floor balcony. He saw Miranda standing under the light, silently staring into the distance. Under the gentle light, her smooth skin seemed enshrouded in a faint glow. He was stunned for a few moments before regaining his senses.

Miranda seemed to sense his presence and turned to look at him. Sam reacted before she could. "Here, your earring," he said, opening his hand to reveal a delicate earring.

Subconsciously, Miranda touched her ear. She remembered discovering she was missing an earring when she removed her makeup; she must have lost it at the ball. After thanking Sam, she took the earring. However, Sam remained.

Staring out at the ocean, he was inspired and expressed his feelings. "I've been to many places, and only Marvedis brings me a sense of relaxation and gentleness. It's just like this ocean—broad and accepting."

Miranda agreed. Before coming here, she had felt restless. The pressure of completing her thesis and Hansel's frequent outbursts had tired her out. After coming to Marvedis, she had miraculously calmed down and started to enjoy her break.

Feeling her gaze on him, Sam asked calmly, "Do you have something to say?"

Miranda cast him a look filled with mixed feelings. "Here's the thing. Can you stop trying to gain my favor? You're doing it despite knowing you shouldn't. It's just a waste of time."

The final line "бар ин" appears to be gibberish and has been removed.