When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0759

Sam gestured for her to open the door.

Miranda raised her hand, placed it on the door handle, and pushed gently.

She had always known Sam had excellent taste but everything she saw was beyond her expectations in terms of his attention to detail,

A faint subtle scent wafted into her nostrils. It was a fresh mint fragrance that she loved.

The room was decorated in light tones. The walls were painted a warm off–white, and a plush fur rug was laid on the wooden floor, making each step feel comfortable and light.

Knowing that Miranda liked reading, Sam had thoughtfully added extra bookshelves along the wall. He put a reading chair next to a window near the bookshelves.

Gentle sunlight poured in through the floor–length windows, casting a soft light on the pages. It was a comforting and inviting scene to imagine.

There was a small side table beside the bed, a cozy–looking couch, and even a little end table for tea.

Miranda opened the curtains and found a private balcony outside. Looking out, she could see a tranquil scene of the blue sky, rolling hills, dark woods, and a wide expanse of grass.

“Do you like it?” Sam asked.

Miranda turned to look at him and nodded. “Thank you, I love it.”

With that, she turned back to the window. “It all feels like a dream right now. This is like… a fairy tale I read as a child. Cinderella becomes a princess and returns to the castle where she belongs.”

Miranda’s tone was light, and she looked calm. She was clearly pleasantly surprised by all of this yet not swept away by it.

Sam turned and spoke suddenly, “You’re not Cinderella.”

Raising an eyebrow, Miranda waited for him to continue.

“Cinderella is a damsel in distress who waits for a prince to save her. You’re not like that. You would never let yourself be in a vulnerable position. You would break through any predicament and save yourself from distress.”

Sam curved his lips slightly. “You’re not Cinderella. Instead, you’re more like Queen Elsa, brave and full of wisdom.”

Miranda couldn’t help but chuckle. “I didn’t know you held me in such high regard. You must look at me with rose–tinted glasses!”

Chapter 0759

+25 BONUS

Sam’s smile faded, and he replied calmly, “I’m just giving my objective assessment.”

“Sam…”

“I know what you want to say,” Sam interrupted her, “To you, I hold many roles. I’m an old friend of your ex, a friend who has helped you, a cousin with family ties, and a good business partner, but… never a lover.”

Miranda pursed her lips and remained silent.

“Are you

Gazing into the distance, Sam continued without waiting for Miranda’s response, curious why I like you? Some people are so special that they stir up one’s soul and become unforgettable at first sight.”

From that moment on, they were incomparable to anyone else.

He turned to fix his gaze on her. His dark eyes were filled with a depth that seemed to convey all the feelings and desires he couldn’t possibly say aloud.

Miranda thought Sam would continue speaking, but he didn’t. He simply looked at her with an expression of longing that seemed to weigh down on her…

Miranda said, “There are many kinds of love in this world and many types of relationships between people. Lovers may part ways, but family stays for a lifetime. Isn’t that better?”

Chuckling, Sam disregarded her question and said, “As it is now, our relationship at least has one benefit to me. From now on, I have every right to protect you and ensure your safety.

“Since we’re now family, don’t worry about owing me a favor or repaying my kindness in the future. Don’t feel burdened to ask for help and just reach out. It’s only natural for cousins to help each other.”

“Alright.” Miranda let out a sigh of relief. Since Sam had accepted that they were cousins, he would have also let go of any unrealistic notions of their relationship.

However, Miranda didn’t see the dark, intense look in Sam’s eyes that were like deep whirlpools of desire that bore into her back as she turned away. In its depths, they were filled with repressed feelings of affection and stubborn obsession.

During dinner, Fiona proudly led Miranda to the dining table. “These are the dishes your mother told me you like. I don’t know if they will suit your taste, but sit down and give them a try.”

Even though Miranda had been mentally prepared, she was still astonished by the lavish spread of dishes on the table. As Fiona said, all the dishes were her favorites.

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Chapter 0759

This…

“This is too much,” she said.

Fiona replied, “Not at all. Try a little of everything.”

Miranda was touched and praised her cooking enthusiastically, “Grandma, you’re so amazing. I can tell that it’s delicious just by the smell.”

Fiona’s smile grew even wider. “This is nothing for my precious granddaughter. Come and have dinner here whenever you like. I’ll make delicious food for you every day!”

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Aren pretended to be jealous, but his eyes were filled with happiness as he chimed in, That’s right, your grandmother hasn’t cooked in so many years, but today she made all these dishes. Only you get this special treatment from her. As for me and Sam, we’re just unimportant extras!”

Sam nodded in agreement. “Grandma’s favorite person was me back then, but now? Out with the old, in with the new.”

Fiona shooed them away. “Go away, I’m talking to my precious granddaughter. What are you two doing, butting in? Come here, Mimi. Sit beside me.”

Aren couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation when he saw Fiona deliberately pull Miranda to sit on her right side, putting herself between Miranda and him. Why was she so petty when he was merely teasing?

However, his smile deepened involuntarily after seeing how gently Miranda spoke to Fiona and the satisfaction on his wife’s happy face.

Fortunately, their hardships were behind them. The storm had finally passed, and the sun was shining once again.