Chapter 25
In the second photo, Xena was getting an IV drip, nestled sweetly against Felix’s arm. His suit jacket was draped over her shoulders to keep her warm.
In the third, Felix was holding an umbrella, walking side by side with Xena in the light rain. She was still wrapped in his jacket, and he had one arm around her.
“Miss Stone, these photos clearly suggest your husband is having an affair,” the private investigator texted. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep tracking him. I’ll update you the moment I have anything new.”
“Got it,” Miranda replied calmly. She saved the photos in a private folder on her computer, quietly preparing for the divorce. The days grew colder, and soon, New Year’s Eve arrived.
At 9 a.m., Susan called to urge Miranda to bring Mia over early.
Felix came downstairs in a casual suit, picked up the car keys, and carried their dressed–up daughter out the door.
The streets were full of holiday cheer. Twinkling lights wrapped around the trees, and shop windows were decorated with colorful New Year displays. Families walked along the sidewalks, laughing and chatting as they enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
At the Gibson estate, a large gold wreath hung on the front door. Bright red ribbons and garlands framed the entrance. Inside, the living room was filled with cheerful decorations. Floral centerpieces, glowing candles, and a beautiful holiday arrangement made the entire space feel warm and ready for the New Year.
“Mrs. Gibson is here,” said Mrs. Henderson, the housekeeper, greeting her warmly at the door.
Miranda stepped inside with her bag. Seeing her mother–in–law light up at the sight of her daughter, she greeted her politely, Hi, Mom.”
Susan barely glanced at her while hugging Mia. Her dislike for Miranda had only grown over time.
Miranda used to be warm and accommodating, always putting in the effort to win her over. But now, every time they saw each other, she came across as distant and cold. She no longer acted like the dutiful daughter–in–law she once had been. Miranda sat down on the sofa with her bag. Felix joined her. The two of them quietly looked at their phones, saying nothing. To an outsider, they didn’t look like a couple. They looked like strangers.
Mrs. Gibson Sr. sat nearby arranging a vase of freshly trimmed flowers. When she glanced at her grandson and granddaughter- in–law sitting in silence, she sighed inwardly.
“What happened to these two? Why do they seem so disconnected?” she wondered.
“Mira, come help me arrange the flowers,” she called warmly.
Miranda smiled and stood, leaving her phone on the coffee table.
The sunroom had just received a fresh delivery of blooms. There were over a dozen varieties in total.
Miranda followed Mrs. Gibson Sr.’s lead, learning how to trim the stems and pair the colors with a sense of balance. She paid close attention, carefully following each instruction.
A few minutes later, Miranda’s phone lit up with a message. Though it was on silent mode, Felix noticed it. He picked it up and walked toward the sunroom.
Just as he reached the doorway, he heard his grandmother talking to Miranda.
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“Mira, if Felix ever treats you poorly or makes you feel neglected, just tell me. I’ll give him a good scolding.”
Miranda smiled politely. “He doesn’t.”
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Chapter 25
+25 BONUS
“My grandson is great at making money, but he’s terrible at showing affection. He doesn’t know how to make a woman feel cherished. You’ve got to be patient with him.”
“I understand, Grandma,” Miranda said with a soft smile.
“You shouldn’t be the only one making sacrifices,” Mrs. Gibson St said gently. “If he ever hurts your feelings, don’t just hold it in. Speak up. Make a fuss if you need to. If he ever mistreats you, I‘ be the first to take your side.”
Miranda nodded playfully, as if taking the advice to heart. “Alright I will.”
But the calmer Miranda seemed, the more uneasy Mrs. Gibson Sr. elt. She looked at her tenderly. “Mira, if something’s weighing on you, it’s better to let it out. Bottling things up only makes you sick. A woman’s body can’t handle that kind of stress.”
As Miranda trimmed a rose stem, the shears slipped, and she accidentally cut the skin beside her fingernail. The sting made her wince. Blood welled up almost immediately.
“I think I cut myself,” she said, dazed.
“Let me see,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. said, leaning in.
Just as she was about to call for the housekeeper, she noticed her grandson standing silently at the doorway.
She called out, “Felix! Go get the first aid kit. Miranda hurt her hand!”
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