Chapter 60

Hansel refused to back down. He swung his fist at Paul.

"How dare you hit me? Who do you think you are?" he snarled, attacking Paul. "When I was with Miranda, you were nothing!"

Paul easily intercepted the punch. While Hansel was furious and hysterical, Paul remained calm and composed. However, his eyes were cold and steely.

He retorted, "And who are you to her? A clingy ex-boyfriend who can't let go, or a rapist?" His words cut Hansel deeply.

"You're courting death!" Hansel strained to free his fist, but Paul's grip held firm.

"That's enough!" Miranda, having recovered, rose from the couch, her trembling hands clutching Paul's jacket. Ignoring Hansel, she turned to Paul.

"Dr. Jefferson," she said, head lowered, "I'm sorry you had to witness that."

Paul frowned. "Should we call the police?"

Miranda hesitated. "No. Let's just go."

"Alright." Paul respected her decision, not wanting to interfere in their personal matters.

She continued, "These are my books. I can't carry them. Could you help me?"

Paul bent down and lifted the sack of books with one hand, then supported Miranda as they left.

Hansel stood rooted to the spot, watching them go. In a rage, he kicked over a nearby plant.

In the car, Miranda watched the mansion shrink in the rearview mirror. Six years—neither short nor long. She'd moved in with hope, imagining decorating the mansion and tending the garden together. She never imagined leaving like this, severing all ties with the mansion and the man inside.

Miranda rolled down the window, letting the wind ruffle her hair. Exhausted, she leaned back and closed her eyes.

Paul remained silent, occasionally glancing at her in the rearview mirror. Seeing she'd fallen asleep, he parked near Bedford College.

He watched the scenery silently. Miranda slept fitfully but soundly. The rest was a relief.

In the silence, she sensed his consideration. She opened her eyes and gave him a complicated look. "Thank you for what you did. You helped me again."

Paul replied, "It was nothing."

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