Chapter 39

Thanks to Solomon's influence, Miranda's productivity improved dramatically. She completed two sets of worksheets that morning.

Solomon was surprised to see she scored 95 on both. He knew she had graduated three years prior and only recently resumed her studies. He hadn't expected her to be so intelligent! No wonder Christine held her in such high regard.

Miranda, unaware of Solomon's thoughts, told him she was going to the restroom. Ingrid, noticing Miranda leave, followed her.

"Wait," Ingrid called.

Miranda turned, unsurprised. "Yes?"

"Last night, I delivered homemade pumpkin soup to Hans' mansion. He loved it—he devoured the entire bowl!" Ingrid smiled, dimples appearing. "He even asked me to stay the night. He has a surprisingly rough, sexy side. I barely slept!" She delivered the lie with practiced ease, lowering her head shyly and fluttering her eyelashes, affecting a bashful demeanor.

Miranda felt a pang of pain and struggled to breathe.

"Are you jealous?" Ingrid whispered. "Regretting anything? Too bad for you—no more chances."

Miranda smiled, her gaze piercing. "How do you know you're the only one?"

Ingrid's face paled.

"You're probably one of many," Miranda continued, ignoring Ingrid's scowl. "And certainly not the last." She walked away.

Finishing his worksheet, Solomon noticed his seat had been empty for a while. He went to text Miranda, but she returned just then. Sasha, seeing her pale face, worried. "Are you alright? Do you—"

Dipping her fingers into her palm, Miranda shook her head. "I'm fine. Maybe it's too hot; it feels stuffy. Let's keep going."

At 5:00 p.m., they finished. Solomon remembered having to postpone their dinner plans the previous evening. "My roommate told me about a good barbecue place that recently opened. Want to go? My treat."

Miranda was lost in thought. She shook her head apologetically. "Sorry, I don't feel well. Let's go another time."

Solomon understood. "Sure. Next time."

Home, Miranda collapsed onto the couch, utterly exhausted. Her goldfish, which she'd been raising for some time, had grown larger. Watching it swim, she drifted off to sleep.

When she awoke, it was completely dark. Checking her phone, she was shocked to see it was 8:00 p.m. No wonder she was hungry.

She went to the kitchen, but remembered she'd used up all the groceries and had forgotten to shop that afternoon. The supermarket was still open. She found few vegetables, but the seafood section was well-stocked. She bought salmon and, craving garlic herb seasoning, went to the spice aisle. While reaching for a pack, her hand brushed against someone else's warm hand.