When fate plays its hand

In the lab, Silas glanced at Paul for what felt like the hundredth time. Finally, he couldn’t resist and walked over. “Paul, did you find some money lying around today?” He kept grinning as he sat on the lab bench.

Paul paused his work. “Are the data reports done? When are you turning in the phase three feasibility assessment?”

Silas blinked and realized he had just killed the mood. He quickly added, “By the way, I saw you eating a sandwich this morning.”

Paul raised an eyebrow. “So?”

Silas said, “Miranda made it, didn’t she? I recognize her style. You two patched things up, huh? Finally stopped overthinking?”

Paul considered explaining to him that he and Miranda were officially together now. But then, his phone suddenly buzzed with a new WhatsApp notification. He immediately picked it up and clicked on the message.

Miranda: “Just landed. How was the sandwich?” novelbin

Paul: “Delicious.”

告

Miranda: “Checking in at the hotel now. I’ll head to the factory later this afternoon.”

Paul: “Got it.”

He waited for another minute but was disappointed that there was no follow–up message.

They used to chat like this all the time, but now he wished for more. A quick back–and–forth just wasn’t enough anymore. He wanted longer conversations to talk about everything and nothing.

But even that wasn’t enough. The brief exchanges left him feeling restless, as if something was missing. He really longed for her full attention, something real and lasting.

“Who are you texting?” Silas moved closer to take a peek.

Paul didn’t move fast enough to block him.

“Why are you hiding? It’s just Miranda texting you. What’s there to be secretive about?” Silas teased.

Paul didn’t respond. He slipped his phone back in his pocket and hopped off the lab bench. ” Lunch is on me today. What do you guys want?”

Silas was momentarily stunned while Sandy and Bryan exchanged glances.

“Dr. Jefferson, is there a special occasion? Why are you suddenly treating us to lunch?”

Paul’s grin widened. “Let me know what you want, and Silas will take care of the reservations.”

Silas raised an eyebrow. He felt he had just been put in charge but quickly shrugged it off. At least someone was paying.

“Since we’re already done with lunch, how about we throw in some afternoon tea?” He pushed his luck, expecting Paul to tell him to knock it off.

Instead, Paul said, “Sure. Just make sure you send me the receipt.”

Silas stared at him, dumbfounded. He muttered to himself, “Seriously? Something’s definitely off with him today.”

The sun shone brightly over Zettenburg, with clear skies and a gentle breeze. The temperature was five or six degrees warmer than in Jandersville.

When Miranda entered her hotel room, she changed into something more comfortable— swapping her long–sleeve sweater and jeans for a knee–length dress and a matching cardigan.

Just as she finished unpacking, there was a knock at the door. She opened it to find Sawyer’s smiling face—he was staying next door.

“Miranda, are you done? Want to grab lunch at the restaurant?” he asked.

“No, I-”

“I’ve already ordered the food,” Sawyer interrupted. “It’ll be ready when you sit down. You won’t have to worry about the schedule.”

Just then, the delivery guy arrived. “Is this your order? The last four digits are 6617.”

“That’s mine,” Miranda answered.

The delivery man stepped past Sawyer and handed her the food.

“Sorry, Mr. Jensen,” she said, “I was about to tell you I already ordered takeout. I’m sorry.”

Sawyer looked disappointed. “But…”

“Why don’t you head to the restaurant and eat? I’m planning to leave at 1:30 pm,” she added.

He instinctively glanced at his watch. It was already 1:05 pm. “Alright. I’ll just grab a quick bite. Don’t leave without me. Wait up.”

Miranda nodded in agreement.

As he walked away, Sawyer turned around and called out, “Make sure you wait for me.”

20 minutes later, after finishing her meal, she slipped on her shoes and headed downstairs. She reached the hotel entrance right on time at 1830 pm.

Sawyer was driving a car, carrying the local plate number, and pulled up in front of Miranda. ” Hop in,” he said.