Chapter 126

“Who’s there?”

Lionel heard the knocking and hurriedly wiped his hands on his apron. He glanced at the grilled sea bass he’d just plated, carefully carried it to the dining table, and then answered the door.

Mindy, who was watering the plants, also heard the knocks. Looking toward the yard, she called out, “Who is it? Justin?”

(Internal monologue, Mindy): Justin texted this morning saying he wouldn’t be back until tomorrow. It must be Mrs. Yates from next door. I haven't been feeling well, so I asked her to pick up some organic eggs—

Miranda stood at the door, looking up at her father. She hadn’t seen him in six years. Lionel’s hair was mostly gray, and his face was deeply lined.

When Miranda was little, she loved riding on Lionel’s shoulders. Now, Lionel wasn’t as young as he used to be; his back was slightly stooped. However, his eyes were still bright and sharp, just as they were six years ago.

“Dad…” Miranda greeted softly.

Lionel was stunned. A dumbfounded expression crossed his face before settling into a solemn one. “Why are you back?”

Silence fell. Mindy, sensing something was amiss, left the living room and went into the yard. As she walked, she called out, “Lionel, who is it? Why aren’t you saying anything?”

When Mindy saw the person at the door, she dropped her watering can with a loud thud.

Miranda’s eyes were red and swollen. Mindy, however, remained as pretty and elegant as ever; the years seemed to have touched her little.

(Bonus 28)

Meeting Mindy’s gaze, Miranda exclaimed, “Mom…”

Mindy’s hand trembled. Her lips parted, but she couldn’t speak. After a full minute, she finally managed a hoarse, “Lionel, let’s go inside and talk.”

The tension in the living room was thick, heavy like a humid summer day. Lionel sat on the couch, his expression impassive.

“What are you doing here? Have you forgotten everything you said?”

Miranda had forgone a combined Master’s and Doctorate program for a man. Lionel, the last to know, had been so enraged that he’d been hospitalized for hypertension.

Since she was young, Lionel had guided and encouraged Miranda’s studies. He never imagined she would abandon them for a man. He remembered traveling to confront her, only to have her confidently declare her decision final and irrevocable.

Lionel felt his chest tighten as he recalled the past.

“Haven’t I told you that you’re free to pursue your love life, while your mother and I go about our lives as if you never existed?”

“Dad…” Miranda’s tears flowed freely.

“Don’t call me that,” Lionel said, turning away. “I’m not your father. I don’t have what it takes to be your father.”

Miranda’s sudden appearance had clearly shocked Lionel, sending his emotions into turmoil. His blood pressure was rising alarmingly, and Mindy sensed it.

(Bonus 29)

Chapter 124-

She quickly patted Lionel’s back. “Alright, that’s enough. You have hypertension; you shouldn't shout like that!”

Turning to Miranda, Mindy said, Miranda had always been stubborn. They’d tried everything to change her mind, but she’d been adamant. Mindy wrote novels; all her female protagonists shared the same stubborn but straightforward nature. However, she hadn't anticipated her own daughter's stubbornness regarding love. Mindy had even feared Miranda had been blinded by love, unable to think rationally.

Hardening her heart, Mindy said coldly, “Your father’s health has deteriorated. If you still consider us family, stop upsetting him and leave.”

A lump formed in Miranda’s throat. Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision.

“Mom, Dad, I’m sorry. I was wrong. I know I was wrong… Dad, I know you had high hopes for me, for my studies, but I let you down. And Mom, you taught me about independence and dignity, but I failed.”

Chapter 127