Chapter 90

The night Miranda discovered the condom wrapper, she lied, claiming illness and sleeping in the guest room. She feared that remaining in the master bedroom with Hansel would cause her to vomit. That night was bleak; the wind howled, and she wept uncontrollably.

The next day, she underwent a full examination at Trinity Hospital's gynecology department. Fortunately, she was fine. Since then, she had unconsciously distanced herself from Hansel, though he remained oblivious to her change. It made sense; if he was unfaithful, he wouldn't notice her withdrawal.

"I think you're disgusting," Miranda said. "Stay away from me."

Hansel gasped, feeling as if someone had strangled him. He couldn't meet her gaze. She knew.

A light rain began to fall, the wind chilling them to the bone. Hansel stood in the rain, motionless, watching Miranda leave. Ingrid then appeared, seeing Hansel's pale face and frozen posture. Sobbing, she pleaded, "Hans, don't do this! Take care of yourself! You'll get sick standing in the rain!"

Shivering beside him, she continued, "You're standing here, but Miranda doesn't care if you live or die! I'm the only one who loves you! I don't want to break up, so please let me stay with you!"

Hansel ignored her pleas, pushing her away. "Leave me alone!"

"Fine. If you won't leave, I'll stay here!" Ingrid resolved, ceasing her pleas.

Hansel remained lost in his thoughts, oblivious to Ingrid. He stared in the direction Miranda had gone, hoping for a single glance back. But she left resolutely.

The cold and alcohol finally overcame him, and he collapsed in the rain. Ingrid rushed to him, crying, "Hans, don't scare me…"

She hailed a cab; with the female driver's help, they managed to lift Hansel into the vehicle.

Chapter 90

Back home, Ingrid changed Hansel's clothes and dried his hair, remaining wet herself. Peter, their family doctor, arrived after her call and administered an IV. By midnight, though still unconscious, Hansel's condition had improved.

Later, half-asleep from exhaustion, Ingrid heard him murmur "Mimi" repeatedly. Considering their earlier breakup, her worst fears seemed realized. Yet, she couldn't bear to leave him. She had worked so hard to be with him, replacing his ex-girlfriend; she couldn't give up so easily.

Her gaze hardening, she looked at Hansel sleeping. She stripped off her clothes, found an old nightgown of Miranda's, and carefully lay down beside Hansel.

Hansel, groggy, felt a weight on his chest and a familiar scent. He opened his eyes and saw a blurry figure in the dark—Miranda.

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