Chapter 44

Miranda checked the fudge as soon as she reached her apartment. Plenty of groceries remained from yesterday, so she decided to prepare a beef stew, pork ribs, scrambled eggs, and a salad. Her movements were efficient as she washed and chopped the vegetables.

Solomon, on the other hand, possessed no cooking skills whatsoever. Surprised, he commented, “Most people order takeout or eat at restaurants these days. Unlike you, fewer women cook for themselves nowadays.”

Miranda smiled faintly. “Everyone has their own way of life. I’m simply used to cooking for myself.”

Solomon watched her work in the kitchen, then glanced around the apartment. It wasn’t large, but it was clean and tastefully decorated. A bookshelf filled with mostly technical books stood in the living room. One book, a physics text, particularly caught his eye. He refrained from looking further, feeling it impolite to scrutinize her home too long.

Soon, Miranda served the steaming dishes. The aroma filled the air, making Solomon’s mouth water. He took a bite of the pork ribs, his eyes widening in surprise. “This is delicious! Your cooking is amazing!” Accustomed to greasy, salty takeout, the homemade meal tasted heavenly.

Miranda was amused by his enthusiastic reaction. “Eat more if you enjoy it.”

Solomon nodded. “Thank you so much for this meal.” His eyelashes fluttered; he seemed shy. “Anyone would be lucky to be your boyfriend, considering your cooking and your accomplishments…”

Before Miranda could reply, a loud bang interrupted them. Frowning, she set down her cutlery. “Go ahead and eat. I’ll see what that’s about.”

Opening the door, Miranda found Tina attempting to pull her away without explanation. Miranda resisted, looking bewildered.

“Come to the hospital. Hans is ill; he needs you,” Tina urged.

Miranda didn’t budge. Lowering her eyes, she said, “We broke up. I have nothing to do with him.”

Tina was incredulous. “Hans has a gastric perforation, and you’re sulking? Are you heartless? Didn’t you say you loved him? Is this how you show it? You knew he said he wanted to break up in anger, yet you took it seriously. How can you throw a tantrum and blame him for not indulging you? For six years, he treated you well. You lived in a mansion, wore designer clothes, had luxurious jewelry, and a black card—I’m envious; I don’t even have one!”

She continued, “And I used to defend you! I’m just asking you to visit him. Are you really that reluctant?”

Miranda’s expression was cold. “Yes. You can leave now.”

“Fine!” Tina laughed angrily. “Remember this. Don’t come crawling back to him!” She slammed the door and left.

Miranda’s knuckles whitened as she gripped the door handle.

“Um… Are you alright?” Solomon asked awkwardly. He hadn’t heard everything, but sensed a heated argument.

Miranda closed the door, turning to him with a smile. “I’m fine. Let me get you another serving.”

Solomon noted her calm demeanor. “Alright.”

The atmosphere, however, remained noticeably tense for the remainder of the meal.