Chapter 48

Miranda finished her morning run and showered. Coming out, she noticed a new pink succulent among the rows of differently shaped green ones on her balcony. She gently poked its leaves. Her mood improved considerably at the sight of the soft, tender succulents.

Her phone buzzed. Seeing Calvin’s caller ID, she was puzzled but answered. “Cal, why are you calling now? What’s wrong?”

Calvin asked, “Miranda, how have you been?”

“I’m pretty good. How about you?”

This was his chance. Calvin sat up straight. “I’m not feeling too great…”

Miranda frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“My stomach’s been acting up lately, probably from too much alcohol and staying up late. Miranda, I don’t know why, but I can’t stomach anything right now. I’m really craving your special soup. Do you think you could make it for me?”

(Calvin couldn't say Hansel wanted it, so he used a roundabout approach.)

Miranda knew Calvin through Hansel; they’d developed a good relationship through their interactions over the years, independent of Hansel. Considering he rarely asked for anything and genuinely seemed unwell, she considered it.

She sighed. “Alright. Sure, I’ll go buy the ingredients now. Come and pick it up.”

Calvin exclaimed, “Thank you so much, Miranda! You’re the best! I love you so much! I’ll call you later.” He couldn’t help but chuckle.

At noon, Calvin received Miranda’s address. He followed the GPS to a location near Bedford College. After driving through several winding alleys, he finally reached the apartment building. He parked his sports car and hurried through the building to find her apartment on the seventh floor.

After five flights, he reached her door, panting and drenched in sweat. He felt like collapsing from exhaustion.

Miranda opened the door. “Come in. Are you okay? Was it that exhausting?”

Calvin caught his breath and waved his hand. “I’m so exhausted, Miranda. Why did you choose such a remote place?” (He’d almost called it shabby, but thought better of it.)

“It’s quiet and conveniently located,” Miranda said, handing him the freshly made soup. “I just made this. Eat it while it’s hot. There are also a few side dishes inside. Be careful not to spill it.”

Calvin opened the container; the smell captivated him. No wonder Hansel kept thinking about it. He nodded. “I got it. Thanks for your effort, Miranda. I’ll treat you to a meal next time.”

As Calvin was about to leave, he looked back, hesitating. “Miranda, you…”

She checked her phone. “It’s almost 1:00 pm. I need to head out. I’ll walk you downstairs.”

Calvin swallowed back his words and nodded. “Alright.”

Miranda watched his sports car drive away. Her smile faded. She guessed what he’d wanted to say, but she didn’t want to hear it anymore.

Calvin sped to the hospital, placing the thermos on the small table in front of Hansel. “This time, you’ll definitely be satisfied.”

Hansel suspiciously opened the lid and took a bite. His expression softened instantly. Even though Miranda had acted tough and spoken harshly, she’d given in, hadn’t she?

He took another sip and glanced leisurely at the doorway. “Where is she?”

“Who?” Calvin didn’t understand.

“This is her cooking, isn’t it? She must’ve changed her mind and decided to return to me, right?”

Hansel raised an eyebrow and snorted. “Who does she think I am? Am I a hotel? Does she think she can come and go as she pleases?”

(The final lines appear to be unrelated marketing text and should be removed.)