Chapter 0202

What was that about? The familiar ease between them suggested countless shared journeys, even hinting at cohabitation.

Sandy watched the car disappear, then slowly turned, pinching Bryant's hand. "Bry, did I see that right?"

Bryan winced. "Sandy, could you pinch yourself next time?" Why was he always the one getting hurt?

Sandy replied confidently, "You're young; you heal quickly. A pinch won't hurt you."

Bryan sighed inwardly, feeling exasperated. He really might start losing his hair.

Silas chuckled, said nothing, and strolled home, hands clasped behind his back.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth's expression was far from pleasant. Without waiting for Bryan, she entered her car and left.

Bryan lowered his gaze, hiding his disappointment. "It's fine," he thought. He was used to this. He comforted himself with the belief that persistence would eventually pay off; someday, she would see his worth.

Meanwhile, Paul and Miranda remained oblivious to the others' reactions. Reaching their neighborhood, they walked upstairs, one after the other. Motion-sensor lights flickered with each step, illuminating their ascent.

Miranda watched Paul's tall figure ahead, the light casting shadows that stretched and intertwined. It felt as if they had known each other for a long time.

"Thank you for today," she said softly. Her quiet voice echoed slightly in the stillness.

Paul seemed in a good mood. She couldn't see his expression, but his relaxed tone was evident. "Are you thanking me for the ride home? Or dinner?"

Miranda replied, "Both. I'm grateful for dinner, the ride, and even more for letting me use your lab—and for that moment at the table when you said, 'Miranda is Dr. Young's student.'"

Paul stopped on the seventh floor, turning to watch Miranda, slightly breathless, ascend the last step. They stood side by side.

"I know what you're trying to say," Paul said. "But a diamond covered in dust is still a diamond. Once you brush it off, it shines brightly again."

Miranda's heart stirred; she looked up, meeting his gaze.

Paul continued deliberately. "No one knows the future, but the present is yours to control. It might seem late, but I still want to say—welcome to my lab." A hint of a smile played in his eyes as he extended his hand.

Miranda smiled gently, shaking his hand lightly. "Thank you. I don't think it's late at all." It was perfect.

They agreed to meet the next day and then went to their respective apartments. Miranda showered, read, and went to bed.

The next morning, she made two sandwiches—hers with extra butter, Paul's with less butter and extra vegetables—and two cups of unsweetened coffee, pairing them with the sandwiches for a healthy breakfast.

At 7:00 am, Paul knocked precisely on time. After breakfast, they headed to the lab, arriving early. They donned their lab coats and went to their workstations, immersing themselves in their tasks.

By 8:00 am, others began to arrive. Sandy set down her bag, changed, and approached Miranda. "You're already halfway through your experiment? You're so efficient—what time did you get here?"

Miranda continued her work, eyes focused on the test tube, jotting down data. "I got here half an hour ago. Sandy, could you please help me check this ratio?"