Chapter 7

Upon closer inspection, Hansel realized Miranda had straightened her hair and dyed it black—a stark contrast to the brown he once loved. She wore no makeup and no heels; her white T-shirt was unremarkable. However, her eyes seemed brighter than before, devoid of sadness or heartbreak.

If Miranda was acting, she was a convincing actress—so convincing, in fact, that it angered him.

Miranda frowned. She knew him too well. His expression signaled an impending outburst.

Hansel scoffed. "Still, your taste is terrible. After all these years, you should have chosen someone better for your next target. Don't just pick up random beggars. If word gets out, you'll embarrass me, your ex-boyfriend."

"Embarrass me?" Miranda laughed, a laugh tinged with sadness that Hansel missed. He only saw her earlier smile for another man, a thought that fueled his anger. He attributed this to possessiveness; Miranda, he believed, belonged to him. Even though he'd discarded her, he wouldn't allow anyone else to have her.

"I have other things to do. I'm leaving," Miranda said, wanting to end the conversation.

"Leave? Where can you go? Winter's condo? That's all you have now. You're stubborn, taking your documents and even the check. Fine, you want to play games?"

A sharp pain pierced Miranda's heart. Accustomed to his volatile temper, she still felt hurt. Did he really think she was playing games?

Taking deep breaths to calm herself, Miranda said, "First, Mr. Jefferson and I are just friends. We're not as involved as you think. Second, we've broken up, so you can think what you want."

Miranda's ride arrived. She entered the car and told the driver, "You may leave now."

Hansel scoffed and laughed. Miranda was becoming increasingly defiant. She'd used this tactic before, three months ago, but this time, she'd brought her "beggar" to flaunt him. How dare she?

Suddenly, Quinn's soft hands encircled Hansel's arms. "Hansel, how could you leave like that? Why didn't you wait for me?"

Quinn's perfume filled Hansel's nostrils. He frowned but didn't push her away. He pulled her closer. "What's the matter? Did you want to follow me?" If Miranda could have a "boy toy," he could have his own.

In the cab, Miranda watched the kissing couple in the rearview mirror and smiled wryly. So Ingrid wasn't the only one. Six years with Hansel, apparently meaningless.

Hansel watched the cab disappear, a sneer spreading across his face as he pushed Quinn away. Quinn, confused, tried to cling to him but was coldly rejected as Hansel stormed off.

"No, wait! Hansel, stop!" she cried, biting her lip.

Hansel got into his car and called Tina. "Hans? Aren't you on a blind date?"

Hansel gritted his teeth. "Were you the one who told Miranda about my blind date at Cielo Gourmet? Can't you use your brain? Why tell everyone? It's bad enough you don't support me with Mom's blind date pressure, but telling Miranda so she could bring some guy to parade in front of me? Stop being so stupid!"

Tina was shocked by Hansel's rage. "Wait, what are you talking about? When have I ever—"