Chapter 30

Miranda was alone in the room. Fortunately, after the alarm stopped, the lights brightened. She took a few steps and discovered a cryptic diagram.

After clearing the second room, she heard a nearby crowd. Frowning, she looked towards the noise; the exit was blocked by a large crowd.

As she considered joining them, another wave of people surged from behind, trapping her. Someone pushed her against the wall, and someone else stepped on her feet. Before she could react, she was pinned against the uneven wall, gasping in pain.

Suddenly, she felt a gaze upon her. Looking up, she met Hansel's eyes.

He saw her plight. His heart ached, but anger welled up. He’d heard someone shout "Mimi" earlier—it was her. He hadn’t expected her to be at a haunted house, let alone in such good spirits. She seemed to be thriving after their breakup.

"Hans?" Ingrid nervously shook Hansel's arm, her gaze defensively fixed on Miranda.

Miranda looked down, ignoring them. She rejoined the crowd and followed the others out. Above the bobbing heads, the room's lights flickered. Suddenly, someone screamed. A wooden sword, suspended in mid-air, was about to fall on Miranda!

"Watch out!"

Instinctively, Hansel shrugged off Ingrid, pushed through the crowd, and pulled Miranda to safety. The wooden sword landed on the floor with a clang.

Everyone gasped. The sword was metal, painted to look like wood. Had it hit someone, the consequences would have been severe.

Miranda, still stunned, felt Hansel's hand on hers. She pulled away, using the wall for support. "Thanks," she said.

His eyes dimmed. "Besides 'thanks,' is there nothing else you want to say?"

Miranda looked at him, confused. What else was there to say?

Hansel stepped closer. "Why did you block me?" he asked quietly.

Miranda was surprised. They had blocked each other before, and she always unblocked him first. This time, however, she intended to be different.

She smiled faintly. "Isn't it normal to block your ex after a breakup?"

Hansel choked. "Then when are you planning to unblock me?" he asked, frowning.

Miranda's eyelashes fluttered. "Maybe… we shouldn't," she whispered.

Seeing her head bowed, Hansel felt irritated. "How long do you plan on being angry at me? Don't test my patience."

Miranda laughed at the irony.

The surging crowd separated them. Hansel reached for her hand, but Ingrid, consumed by jealousy, intercepted him.

"Dear," she said, her voice trembling, "Let's go. This place is dark and scary. I almost fell, and I couldn't find you. I'm scared… Don't leave me alone, okay?" Her terrified expression elicited pity.