“How did it suddenly fall on the ground?” Miranda gently wiped Ma’s face as she asked.
“I don’t know… it just fell,” Mia replied, her voice filled with disappointment.
Miranda paused mid–motion, her hand still on Mia’s cheek.
“Just fell?” she thought. “Did someone knock it over on purpose after hearing Mia wanted to bring it home?”
A cold glint flashed in Miranda’s eyes.
It had to be Xena. She was trying to use Mia to win more of Felix’s affection. And to do that, she would try to sabotage any bond between Miranda and her daughter.
Fortunately, Mia’s love for her hadn’t changed.
“It’s okay,” Miranda said softly, comforting her. “Next time, we’llbake an even prettier cake together.‘
Okay! Mommy, why didn’t you go to work today?” Mia asked suddenly.
Miranda froze for a moment. “Why do you ask, sweetheart?”
“Because Aunt Sienna said you don’t work. She said you just stay home all day and play. She said Daddy pays for everything, and that you’re… like sticky tape that won’t come off him.” Mia puffed out her cheeks, clearly picking up that those words weren’t nice.
Miranda gave her a gentle smile and pulled her into a hug. “Mommy has a job now. I’m going to work hard and make lots of money to take care of you, okay?”
“Okay! Go Mommy!” Mia grinned.
Miranda ruffled her daughter’s hair. It didn’t matter how the Gibsons saw her anymore. Sooner or later, she and Felix would divorce. When that happened, she would have nothing to do with them ever again.
After showering, Miranda came out of the bathroom to find Felix sitting on the edge of the bed.
From where Miranda stood, she could see the softness in Felix’s expression–a look he only ever had for their daughter.
At the sound of her footsteps, Felix looked up.
Miranda suddenly remembered she had forgotten her pajamas. She was still wrapped in a robe, her freshly dried hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her small, delicate face.
Her features looked even more striking in the soft light- especially her eyes, which shimmered like water yet remained distant, calm, and full of unspoken stories.
“Daddy, go sleep in your room! Mommy’s going to tell me a bedtime story,” Mia announced as she nudged him toward the door.
Felix snapped out of his daze and patted her little head. “Alright, Daddy’s going to shower.”
Miranda took the chance to slip into the dressing room. When she heard the door close behind him, she came out, changed into her pajamas, and climbed into bed with Mia. Pulling her into her amns, she opened a picture book and began reading.
The next morning, after dropping Mia off at school, Miranda headed straight for the research facility.
Today was the project’s preparatory meeting. It was a major event, led by Dr. Lewis and attended by the director of Atlantis City First General Hospital, six department heads, and their entire research team. The atmosphere was formal and serious.
The meeting covered diagnostic and treatment technologies for eight types of rare diseases, including leukemia.
It lasted two full hours. When it ended, Miranda went to lunch with James. As they stepped out of the cafeteria, a clear, pleasant voice called out.
Chapter 18
“James, do you have a moment this afternoon? I have a few questions I’d love to ask you in private.”
It was Fiona.
“I’m free after three,” James replied.
“Great, thank you so much.” Fiona’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Miranda glanced at the time. “James, I’ll head back now.”
“Alright. Drive safe,” James nodded. He had work to get to as well
As Miranda stepped off the flowerbed path, a voice called out from behind her.
“Miranda. Can we talk?”
+25 BONUS
Chapter ja
+25 BONUS
Ch
