Chapter 23

Realizing Ransel had been silent, Calvin initiated a conversation. “I hear the Yvonnian food here is delicious. There’s a wide variety of authentic dishes. Hans, is there anything you want to try?”

Hansel was noncommittal. “You pick.”

Ever since leaving the jewelry store, Hansel had been fiddling with his lighter. His mind was elsewhere. He recalled Miranda walking past him as if he were a stranger, without a glance. The thought furrowed his brow.

How dare she treat him like he was invisible? And since moving from Winter’s place, why hadn’t she returned to him? How long would this continue?

He lit a cigarette, his mind a jumble, and took a long drag.

Calvin ordered pot roast, duck breast with blackberry sauce, pulled pork, and a must-order seafood dish. The air filled with delicious aromas as the dishes arrived. Calvin, starving, dug in immediately. It was amazing.

Meanwhile, Hansel ate slowly and with difficulty, seemingly unhappy despite the delectable food.

“Hans, are you still thinking about what happened earlier? I think Miranda is still angry. She’ll be alright eventually.”

Calvin paused, remembering something. “Besides, you broke up with her in front of everyone that day. That must have wounded her pride. She won’t get over it quickly. After a few days, when her anger subsides, try to appease her, and everything will be fine.”

Hansel sulked. “Who said I’m thinking about her? Focus on your food.”

“Okay,” Calvin muttered. Hansel could be stubborn if he wanted to be.

Suddenly, Hansel’s phone vibrated. A photo appeared: a woman (Miranda) standing sideways, a man (Micah) reaching affectionately toward her, about to touch her face. The resolution was poor and blurry, but Hansel recognized them instantly.

His eyes iced over.

Seeing this, Calvin’s heart sank. “Hans, what’s wrong?”

Hansel slammed his phone on the table. With a cold expression, he demanded, “And you said it would be fine eventually? I think she’s showing a lot more… nerves!” He scoffed. “To think she’d get involved with Micah again!”

Calvin blinked, glanced at the photo, and winced. Micah was audacious, taking advantage of Miranda’s sulking.

Hansel smirked coldly. “Her taste in men has certainly declined since she left me. To think she’d be interested in someone like Micah.” He added, almost to himself, “Did she think that would bother me?”

Miranda, oblivious, was focused on her studies. Her life was mundane, but fulfilling and secure. Her days consisted of trips between her apartment and the library, punctuated by home-cooked meals shared with her late-working neighbor, Paul. Though less comfortable than before, leaving the mansion had given her freedom.

“Mimi, are you studying?” Winter called daily.

Miranda hummed in acknowledgement, moving to a quieter corner. Lowering her voice, she said, “It’s Friday. Should we have a meal together?”

“No buts,” Winter replied. “Everyone needs rest. You have to balance your studies and leisure time. Don’t let studying numb you.”

“Okay.”

They agreed to meet at a Rynovian restaurant.