When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0778

Paul’s attention snapped.

Silas suddenly jumped up and exclaimed, “I knew it! Paul, looks like you’ve finally found yourself in this mess.” He paused and asked, “Is it because of Miranda?”

Paul immediately looked up. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Don’t try to hide it from me. You might be able to fool everyone else, but not someone who’s with you all the time like I am,” Silas said.

“Cut it out! Who wants to be with you all the time?” Paul snapped.

“Heh! You obviously don’t want to be around me because you want to be with Miranda, right?” Silas teased.

Paul’s gaze turned sharp. “Don’t joke like that. I’m a man, and I couldn’t care less about gossip, but Miranda’s different. Women always get the raw end of the deal. Keep your mouth shut about this. She still has to graduate.”

“Look at you! Already defending her and still won’t admit it?” Silas sighed. “Don’t worry, I know where to draw the line. I’m not about to mess with her reputation.”

Paul breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. As long as you understand.”

“Now, can you be honest with me?” Silas asked.

“…There’s nothing to be honest about.”

“Is she ignoring you recently? Did you do something to upset her?” Silas pressed.

Paul frowned. “…I don’t think so.”

They greeted each other with a smile this morning, and she didn’t seem upset.

Silas asked, “So, she’s been avoiding you?”

“Not exactly…” Paul shook his head. “We didn’t argue or anything.”

“Got it! So, if it wasn’t an argument, it must be because of someone else. That’s why you’re so upset, confused, and frustrated…”

“Shut up!”

“Yes, that’s the reaction! I knew it!” Silas snapped his fingers.

Paul stayed silent.

Silas pressed on, “And this person is definitely someone of the opposite sex, right? Probably someone with great qualities, which is why you’re feeling all worked up.

1/2

Chapter 0778

Paul remained silent.

+25 BONUS

“Paul, you really need to wake up,” Silas said seriously. “If you like her, then go for it. Stop being so passive and cautious. At this rate, she could end up being someone else’s girlfriend at any moment.”

Paul’s eyes narrowed, and his chest tightened. “How do you know I haven’t been pursuing her?”

Silas was surprised after hearing that. “Wait! What? Did you actually go for it? When did this happen? How did I not know? You’re seriously keeping secrets from me. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

Paul gritted his teeth. “Stop talking nonsense!”

“So, did you go for it or not? Did you confess? Did she say yes?” Silas pressed.

Paul responded, “I tried, but she said…”

Silas pressed, “What did she say?”

Paul replied, “Her studies come first.”

Silas shouted. “Oh, man! You’re done, Paul! That’s just an excuse. Do you really think she’s saying it’s because of her studies? Back in high school, whenever someone didn’t like the person confessing, that was always the excuse!”

Paul’s heart sank instantly. But then, he said, “I think she was being honest. Miranda isn’t the kind of person who beats around the bush or says one thing and means another.”

Silas nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. So, who’s she been getting close to lately?”

Paul fell silent.

“Why are you so quiet?” Silas pressed.

“It’s not like they’re super close,” Paul said.

“Huh?”

“I don’t like your response. She’s always been conscientious when it comes to interacting with the opposite sex, myself included. But recently, her attitude toward someone has… changed. I don’t really get it,” Paul said.

Who was Sam to her? Why had he suddenly crossed the line?