Chapter 116

Sovek, a small snake marked with stony speckles of white and black and a thin, tapering tail, slithered into the boxed area in the park. Before Miranda could react, the snake lunged.

The person beside her turned pale, groping for the microphone, their hand trembling. A collective gasp arose. Everyone quickly backed away. Miranda, however, was frozen. She could only watch in terror as the snake hissed and lunged at her wrist.

In that instant, two figures sprang into action. Hansel, being closer and quicker than Sam, yanked Miranda out of harm's way. However, this left the back of his neck vulnerable.

“Watch out!” “Be careful!”

Miranda and Ingrid shouted simultaneously.

Miranda was cradled in Hansel's arms as Ingrid rushed forward, placing herself between Hansel and the snake. The snake struck, its fangs digging into Ingrid's calf. Ingrid screamed in agony and collapsed.

Hansel was shocked. He pushed Miranda aside and checked Ingrid's wound. It was definitely a venomous snakebite.

“Dear…” Ingrid’s eyes filled with tears. “It hurts so badly…”

Hansel gritted his teeth and pulled her into his arms. “Why did you do something so reckless?”

Ingrid, drenched in sweat, forced a faint smile. “I’m just glad you’re okay…”

Hansel pursed his lips, tightening his grip on her hand. His voice, thick with emotion, said, “Don’t worry, the doctor will be here any minute. I’m not letting anything happen to you.”

Ingrid’s eyes were losing focus; her voice was barely audible. “I know. I’ve always trusted you. Don’t worry about me too much. I’ll be alright for your sa—”

She passed out.

Panic gripped Hansel. He yelled, “Doctor! Where’s the doctor? Someone call an ambulance! Help!”

The medical staff arrived after a long wait. They loaded Ingrid into a helicopter bound for Malenor's hospital, the only place with the antivenom. Hansel immediately boarded the helicopter with them.

Winter rolled her eyes. “Does she really think she’s in some sort of tragic soap opera? Only a fool like Hansel would buy into it.”

She glanced at Miranda, who stared blankly at the departing helicopter. Her lashes quivered before she lowered her eyes, hiding her disappointment and heartache.

Despite claiming indifference, Miranda's old feelings for Hansel made it difficult to remain so. She noticed his anxiety, panic, sympathy, and concern.

“Mimi?” Winter put an arm around her. “Are you alright? Did that scare you?”

Miranda shook her head. “I’m fine.”

Winter seemed worried. Miranda attempted a smile, but it was forced. After a long silence, she said, “Winter, let’s head back.”

“Alright.”

“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Miranda reassured her, regaining her composure. “I was just thinking that what he did was great. He’s better now than he was before.”

Miranda hoped Hansel had found someone to love.

Meanwhile, Sam watched from the sidelines, grinning widely. From that moment, Hansel was officially out of the running.