When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0822

Fiona beamed. “This outfit looks great! And so festive! And look at that–Miranda is also wearing a red sweater today. You two cousins are so in sync!”

Sam glanced at Miranda. She was indeed wearing a red sweater paired with a white scarf. The combination of crimson and snowy white immediately drew the eye.

Noticing his gaze, Fiona smiled proudly. “Well? Doesn’t Mimi look beautiful dressed like this?”

Sam nodded and quickly averted his gaze. “Yes. She’s indeed beautiful.” His tone was calm like he was merely agreeing with Fiona, leaving no room for further interpretation.

Walking over to the coffee table, he noticed the rows of Easter baskets. “You’re distributing baskets this year?”

Aren gestured at him to join. “Don’t just stand there. Give us a hand!”

“Alright,” Sam replied, rolling up his sleeves and sitting beside Miranda.

With Sam’s help, the task progressed much faster. Before long, all the baskets were stuffed, leaving behind a pile of used ribbons and leftover chocolate bunnies.

By 6:00 pm, the sky was dark. At some point, snow began to fall outside. The delicate flakes quietly cover the earth.

Inside, the fireplace crackled, the central heating hummed, and the festive decorations created a warm, cheerful atmosphere. The contrast between the biting cold outside and the laughter indoors was striking. It was as if they belonged to two entirely different worlds.

As the wind howled beyond the walls, Fiona emerged from the kitchen, announcing cheerfully, “The last dish is ready! Time to eat!

Her words spurred everyone into action. Plates and bowls were set, chairs were pulled out, and glasses were filled. Just as the final dish was placed on the table and everyone began gathering around, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” Miranda said, standing up immediately.

Fiona frowned, muttering under her breath, “Who shows up uninvited on the day before Easter? Everyone should be home having dinner with their families…”

The door opened, and soon a bright, cheerful voice echoed through the house, “Mimi! Happy Easter!”

That voice… Sam’s smile froze.

Chapter 0822

+25 BONUS

Before Aren or Fiona could react, the visitor strode confidently into the living room. “Mom, Dad, Tim and I decided to join you for the holiday.”

Nelly was dressed in a striking pink coat. Her hair was carefully styled and pinned up, making her look especially polished.

Walking beside her was Timothy, who was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. He carried several shopping bags and greeted the room warmly. “Mom, Dad, Happy Easter!”

As he spoke, his gaze fell briefly on Mindy before shifting to Lionel, who stood beside her.

“Min… and Li–Lionel,” Timothy greeted, the name seeming to catch slightly in his throat, though he managed to say it aloud. “Happy Easter.”

Lionel immediately stood up, smiling politely. “Happy Easter!”

He was still wearing an apron, with his sleeves rolled up, and hadn’t yet had a chance to fix his clothes. Standing next to the dapper Timothy, Lionel appeared far too ordinary- almost as if he didn’t belong in the Garrisons‘ stately home or at such a formal dinner.

And yet Fiona waved him down and said with a warm tone, “Lionel, sit down! No need to stand. There’s no need for such formalities.”

“Mom, I just wanted to properly greet my brother–in–law. We barely exchanged words the last time we met in Lumberville,” Lionel explained.

Hearing this, Mindy raised an eyebrow slightly and looked over at Lionel. Catching her gaze, Lionel immediately shot her a reassuring look, as if to say, “Don’t worry, I won’t cause trouble.”

Mindy stared for a moment, then sighed inwardly. Who was worried about him causing trouble? Honestly…