Chapter 18

In wealthy marriages of convenience, it was common for husbands to have mistresses. As long as it didn't affect the wife's social standing, such affairs were tolerated.

As a mother, Evelyn wouldn't interfere. Her words to Miranda were intended as a promise. She expected gratitude, but Miranda scoffed.

"Mrs. Johnson," Miranda said, "perhaps you should offer that to someone else. I've broken up with Hansel. We should treat each other as strangers."

Previously, she had tolerated Evelyn's behavior for Hansel's sake. Evelyn, however, lamented Miranda's lack of education, her time abroad, and her post-graduation unemployment. In short, she deemed Miranda unworthy of her son.

Before, Miranda would have tried to please Evelyn. But having rejected Hansel, she saw no reason to tolerate Evelyn's insults.

"Oh, right, Mrs. Johnson, a suggestion," Miranda said.

Evelyn looked at her questioningly. Miranda smiled. "Don't be so mean; you might get a black eye. And the saying is 'Fine feathers do not make fine birds.' Make a note of that."

She turned and walked into the library.

Evelyn stood stunned. "What did she say? How dare she? Who does she think she is? Does she even want to be Hansel's wife?"

She shook Tina's arm, startling her. "Mom," Tina mumbled, "did Miranda say she broke up with Hansel?"

Evelyn snorted. "Do you believe her?"

"They've broken up many times before," Tina said. "They always get back together."

Miranda was notoriously infatuated with Hansel; she was fiercely loyal.

Tina checked her watch. "Mom, don't forget the college meeting. We're going to be late."

Evelyn took a deep breath to control her anger. "Let's go. Miranda is insignificant. We can't let her interfere!"

Bedford College Library, a venerable institution, housed an extensive collection, known as "the treasury of knowledge."

Miranda searched for a seat, finally finding one in front of the bioinformatics section. Conveniently positioned, she could easily access additional resources.

Scanning the top shelf, she saw Paul's name. Intrigued, she pulled out the book. Its cover depicted the universe, mirroring the impression Paul had made on her: vast knowledge and tranquility.

It was a research note on protein molecule structure and dynamics, a study bridging biology and physics. The handwritten introduction read: "All that exists is interconnected, and nothing bounds separate fields of knowledge."

Only a genius, excelling in multiple disciplines, could make such a cross-disciplinary statement.

Before she knew it, the morning passed. She was nearly finished reading the book. Although her major was bioinformatics, she had also excelled in physics.

At 1:00 p.m., she returned the book and, feeling hungry, left for lunch. Mid-meal, Winter called.

"What's up, Winter?"

"Are you home?"

"No, I'm at the library. Anything wrong?"

"That jerk Hansel stopped by yesterday! He demanded to know where you were. Did you see him?"