Chapter 17
Miranda’s heart clenched. She looked up and saw Felix walking right behind their daughter.
Before she could even catch her breath, two more figures stepped out from the crowd. It was her sister–in–law Sienna, arm–in- arm with the ever–elegant Xena. The two of them were walking close together, chatting and laughing like old friends.
Miranda’s breath caught in her throat.
Just then, a hand gently slipped around her arm. Sophie looked at her with concern. “Mira, let’s go somewhere else for dinner.”
Miranda clenched her fists. A strong wave of anger and a powerful urge to get a divorce surged through her. If she could win custody of her daughter, she would never allow the Gibsons to let Mia spend time with Xena.
“Come on, Mira. There’s another nice place just across the street, Sophie said, gently tugging her along, trying to shield her from more hurt.
In the restaurant, Sophie looked at her with sympathy. “Mira, was that Felix’s sister with Xena just now?”
Miranda nodded. “Yes.”
Sophie’s tone sharpened. “Xena really knows how to play the game. Not only did she steal Felix, but now she’s managed to win over the rest of his family, too.”
Miranda thought back to what Susan had said to Xena at dinner that night. It was obvious the Gibsons already saw Xena as part of the family.
“Mira, you need to prepare yourself,” Sophie warned. “When a man cheats during the marriage, he doesn’t hold back. Once divorce is on the table, someone like Felix won’t show any mercy.”
No one knew Felix better than Miranda did. With the way he treated her now, she could already imagine how ruthless he would be once they were divorced. He wouldn’t hesitate to cut her off completely.
Miranda mentioned joining Dr. Lewis’s research team. Sophie’s eyes lit up. “That’s great! This just proves how capable you are. But don’t rush into the divorce yet. You can’t push Felix too hard. If he files first, you’ll be at a disadvantage.”
She leaned in, her voice low but firm. “Mira, you need to quietly build yourself up. And most importantly, get solid evidence.”
She was right. Miranda needed to start gathering proof of Felix’s affair.
Sophie pulled up a number on her phone and showed it to her. “This is a private investigator I know. He s very good at tailing people. Maybe he can help.”
Miranda saved the number. She had a feeling she would need it soon.
Around 9 p.m., she heard Mia’s happy voice outside the door. Felix opened it, and Mia came bouncing in, clutching a new stuffed toy.
“Yes! I’m the first one home. Daddy lost!” she announced triumphantly.
Miranda forced herself to stay calm and went over to greet her. “Did you have fun tonight?”
“It was so much fun! Mommy, I wish you were there too. There was this really pretty cake, and I wanted to bring you a slice. But it fell on the ground,” Mia said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Miranda pulled her into a hug. “It’s the thought that counts, sweetheart. That already makes Mommy happy. Next time, we can bake our own pretty cake together.”
At that moment, Gigi came bounding over, wagging her tail. Mia hugged her new toy and said cheerfully, “Come on, Gigi! Let’s go play upstairs!”
Miranda watched her daughter head up the stairs. Before she could turn around, Felix’s voice sounded behind her.
Chapter 17
“Why were you at the medical university today?”
“Just out for fun,” Miranda replied flatly.
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Without another word, she headed upstairs to be with Mia. A few minutes later, she heard Felix’s car pull out of the driveway.
She played with Mia for another half hour, then coaxed her into the bath. As Mia splashed around, Miranda could still hear her mumbling, “If only that cake hadn’t fallen. It was really, really good.”
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