Chapter 52

In the stillness of the night, a soft murmur came from the other end of the line: “Mimi, I’m in pain.” Miranda detected a quiver in Hansel’s voice. A pang of heartache struck her.

Hansel was a stubborn man with a sharp tongue, always putting on a brave face. He often drank to excess, damaging his stomach, and worked relentlessly without rest or proper meals.

Miranda had once tirelessly sought ways to improve his health. She meticulously prepared three meals a day and even learned massage techniques from a traditional medicine practitioner. After considerable effort, his stomach problems significantly improved.

Yet, her efforts were often unappreciated; he frequently dismissed her as a bother, sometimes impatiently frowning, "Why are you fussing over me like my mother?"

That moment resurfaced forgotten memories. The heartache subsided. She replied coldly, "I'm not a doctor. Go to the hospital if it hurts that much."

Hansel's face drained of color at her tone, but he persisted, "I want your soup."

Miranda remained silent. A silent standoff ensued. Eventually, she hung up.

Hansel remained motionless, phone still pressed to his ear. The nurse, assuming he'd fallen asleep, glanced over to find him awake and visibly upset. Surprised, she asked, "Mr. Johnson, are you?"

Hansel returned the phone, closed his eyes, and said nothing more.

The next day, at dawn, Miranda called Calvin. "How's your stomach? Feeling better? Still want soup?"

Calvin, still asleep, initially dismissed it as a prank. However, he sat up instantly at the sound of Miranda's voice. "Miranda! Oh, your soup was delicious! I gulped it down, but I still crave more! I wish I could have it every day!"

Miranda didn't call him out on the lie. She simply told him when he could pick up more soup before ending the call. She knew their relationship was irrevocably changed; this was all she could offer him now.

Hansel spent several days at home receiving IV treatments and nearly made a full recovery. During this time, Ingrid brought him pumpkin soup daily. Each time, he instructed her to let it cool before drinking it.

This morning was no different. Ingrid arrived early, placed the soup down, and sat beside him, leaning against him. "Dear, you're finally better. You have no idea how worried I've been."

Hansel smiled but didn't respond. Instead, he asked, "Haven't you had classes lately?" She'd been at the mansion every day.

Ingrid shrugged, smiling cheekily. "I skipped them. My boyfriend is more important. I wish I could be by your side 24/7, taking care of you and cooking for you."

Hansel was taken aback. He remembered when he'd first dated Miranda; he'd wanted to take her out, but she had classes. He'd pleaded with her to skip, promising it would be just once, but she refused. He'd sulked and given her the cold shoulder for three days. She hadn't reached out. Eventually, he'd apologized with gifts and coaxed her into making up, scheduling their dates during her classes. She'd attend lectures while he watched her, mesmerized.

They had loved each other deeply and passionately, sharing beautiful memories. How had things become like this? He felt confused.

Ingrid looked up and noticed his glazed-over gaze. Though he looked at her, his eyes seemed distant, preoccupied with something else.

(Today's Bonus Offer – This section should be removed as it's unrelated to the story.)