Chapter 1

"What's that? Is that Mr. Sutton's daughter? What's she doing here? If she's not working or studying?"

"What else could she be doing but working for some rich man? She'd just spread her legs for money. Why would she need a job if she has easy money?"

"Shhh, Mrs. Waterson, you can't say things like that! You can't tarnish a young lady's reputation!"

"Hah! If his daughter had a stable job, why hasn't she been home for years? They're probably ashamed of her and kicked her out. This is a small city; news travels fast. Mr. Sutton wants to keep it quiet, of course! Otherwise, how could he present himself as a respectable teacher here?"

"Oh my god…"

Lionel, naturally, heard none of this. Even if he had, he likely would have pretended not to. He believed Miranda was merely a plaything for wealthy men.

Miranda stepped off the bullet train, pulling her winter coat tighter. Lumberville was south of Elgerson City, supposedly warmer, but it was still a cold month.

She took a cab, watching the scenery blur past, slowly reconnecting with memories. Lumberville's population was low. Heavy industry had moved out as the government focused on tourism in recent years. Trees and greenery lined the roads; many old buildings had been renovated. Parks and gardens were also improved. However, the older part of town retained its original character. Lumberville was thus divided into newer and older sections.

In summer, people rowed on the river. In winter, a thin layer of ice, easily broken, floated on the surface, reflecting the winter sun. An old bridge connected the two sides of the river. Miranda's old home was on the other side.

After turning down a small lane, she saw a sign in the distance: "Earnest High Staff Quarters."

Lionel, a top physics graduate from Queenstone College, had been specially invited to teach at Earnest High. He became head of the physics department within a year, formed a Physics Olympiad team, and sent them to international competitions. His students gained entry to top colleges and became successful. He played a significant role in their lives, and was one of the first teachers to receive and enjoy housing benefits—the youngest, in fact.

Miranda began to cry, thinking of her father.

Chapter 2

"I taught you everything, and this is how you repay me? Throwing away your studies for a man? How can I be a teacher if my own daughter turns out like this? If you go with him, don't ever come back. Don't call us your parents! Mimi, have you really thought this through? Are you choosing him over us?"

"Fine! From today, I'm no longer your father, and you're no longer my daughter!"

"Miss, we're here," the cab driver said.

Miranda snapped back to the present, paid, and said, "Thank you."

Her home was on the first floor, with a small yard. Lionel had planted a wisteria garden for Mindy, who loved purple. During flowering season, the branches draped with purple blooms. Miranda loved sitting there. Lionel even put up a swing for her, though she hadn't used it in years.

She hadn't seen her parents since leaving for college six years ago. She wondered if the wisteria and swing were still there. She blinked away tears, stood at the door, took a deep breath, and knocked.