When Fate Plays Its Hand (Miranda and Hansel) novel Chapter 269

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Chapter 0269 

Chapter 0269 

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Miranda and Paul walked along the riverbank. Neon signs were flickering on both sides. The bustling city suddenly seemed to quiet down, giving Miranda a sense that time had slowed altogether. 

They strolled side by side in a gentle silence that wasn’t awkward, but rather harmonious. It was as if just being next to this person was the most comfortable state to be in. 

“Want to go up on the bridge and feel the breeze?” Miranda suddenly asked, the wind softly brushing past as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. 

Paul followed her gaze toward the distant bridge. “Sure, but it’s a bit far.” 

Miranda teased, “What, are you too tired to walk?” 

Paul raised an eyebrow and replied, “How about a race to see who gets there first?” 

He found himself amused at the thought–they were both over 50 when combined, yet here they were, acting as childish as ever. 

But Miranda was eager. “Alright, let’s see who gets there first. Loser has to buy ice cream. 

If Winter were here, she would’ve teased Miranda, saying that ice cream was the only thing she ever cared about. Her competition was Paul, after all–even if Miranda had asked for something more. expensive, he wouldn’t have batted an eye. 

Paul nodded earnestly. “Alright.” 

“Okay, I’ll count from three, and then we start. Three, two, one- 

Miranda took off running. Paul then followed at a steady pace behind her, not too close but not too far 

either. 

Meanwhile, she sprinted to the bridge, panting heavily but with her eyes sparkling. She turned back, smiling triumphantly.” 

“Dr. Jefferson, I won!” 

Paul was already standing at the convenience store entrance, pointing at the ice cream freezer with a grin. “What flavor do you want?” 

“Strawberry, please,” Miranda said with a smile. 

Paul also picked one for himself. They sat lazily by the sidewalk, enjoying their ice creams and the satisfying feeling after the run. 

“There are no stars tonight,” Miranda remarked as she looked up at the pitch–black sky, her tone tinged with a bit of regret. “When I was little, seeing stars was so easy that I rarely ever looked up on purpose.” 

It was easy back then, so there was no need to look up deliberately–she could see them anytime she wanted. 

With her elbows resting on her knees, Miranda propped her chin on her hand while recalling scattered 

memories. 

She had always been the exemplary child admired by others. Her parents, fortunately, never imposed 

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