Independence

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

Hansel was neutral about it. “You go ahead and pick the dishes.”

Ever since they’d left the jewelry store, Hansel had been fiddling with hist lighter. His mind was elsewhere.

He recalled how Miranda hadn’t even spared him a glance and walked past him as though he were a stranger. That thought left a crease on his brow.

How dared she treat him like he was invisible? Besides, since she’d moved from Winter’s place, why hadn’t she returned to him? How long was she going to continue acting up?

His mind was in a jumble as he lit his cigarette. Then, he took a long puff.

Calvin decided on a pot roast, duck breast with blackberry sauce, pulled pork, and a must–order seafood dish.

As the dishes were served, the air was filled with a delicious smell. Calvin was starving. The enticing aroma tempted him to dig in, so he took a bite. It was truly amazing.

Meanwhile, Hansel ate slowly and with much difficulty. He didn’t seem happy even though he was enjoying such delectable food.

“Hans, are you still thinking about what happened earlier? I think Miranda is still mad at you. She’ll be alright after a while.”

He remembered something and stopped eating momentarily. “Besides, you broke up with her in front of us all that day. That must’ve wounded her pride. She won’t get over it so soon.

“After a few days when her anger has subsided, try to appease her, and everything will be fine.”

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

“Okay.” Fine, Hansel could be stubborn for all Calvin cared!

Suddenly, Hansel’s phone vibrated. He opened the message, and a photo appeared on his screen. In it, a woman stood sideways, and the man before her was reaching out to her affectionately. He was about to touch her face.

The photo’s resolution was poor, and it was blurry. However, Hansel immediately recognized them both–it was Miranda and Micah!

His eyes turned frosty,

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

Hansel thrust his phone onto the table. With a cold expression, he demanded, “And you said it’d be fine after a while? I think she’s showing a lot more. nerves!”

To think she’d get involved with Micah again!

Calvin blinked and glanced at the photo on the phone. Instantly, he winced.

Micah was too bold for his own good, acting on his desires. He knew Miranda was merely sulking, yet he’d chosen to take advantage of the situation and fan the flames. The audacity!

Hansel scoffed. With a cold smirk, he remarked, “Her taste in men is poorer now that she’s left me. To think she’d be interested in men like Micah.”

Did she think it would bother him?

Miranda had no idea what was going on outside, and she couldn’t care less. about it. Her current life revolved around her studies. It was mundane and monotonous, but her days were fulfilling and secure.

Every day, her routine involved going back and forth between her apartment and the library. When she wasn’t studying, she’d cook something nice for herself and share it with Paul since he was her neighbor and always stayed up late working.

Although her life was less comfortable compared to before, leaving that mansion had given her freedom.

“Mimi, are you studying?” Winter would call her every day without a miss.

Miranda hummed in acknowledgment. She got up and went to a corner. Lowering her tone, she tried to not disturb everyone else.

“It’s Friday. Should we have a meal together?” Winter asked.

“But-This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

“No buts. Everyone needs rest. Will it hurt to take some time to relax? Besides, you have to know how to balance your studies and your leisure time. Don’t end up being numb from studying.”

“Okay.”

They agreed to meet at a Rynovian restaurant.