When fate plays its hand

25 BONUS

Miranda quickly tried to reassure Lionel “Dad, Mom finding her biological parents is a good thing”

After all, Mindy was someone without a past. She had thought about finding her roots once, but as the years. went by, she had let go of that hope

Sometimes, she would imagine herself as part of a fictional story–tragic childhood, parents assassinated by entmies

Over time, Mindy stopped obsessing over it and stopped yearning for it altogether. But Miranda could still sense her mother’s deep desire for family.

So, when Lionel said her grandparents had come looking for them, her first reaction was joy–joy for her mother Lionel, however, clearly couldn’t process it all at once.

She may seem “You’ve been with Mom for so many years. Don’t you know what kind of person she is by now? gentle on the surface, but deep down, she’s incredibly resolute. Once she’s made up her mind, no one can change it

“Dad, after all these years of marriage, can’t you have a little more confidence? Do you really think Mom would leave you and me to go off with her biological parents?”

Lionel froze. Of course not. His bond with Mindy ran too deep to be cast aside so easily. And besides, they had Miranda together!

Taking a deep breath, Lionel nodded. “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking straight earlier.”

Miranda smiled. “Come on, let’s go in together.”

“Okay” With that, the father and daughter pair walked into the house together.

Despite mentally preparing herself, Miranda still froze for a moment when she stepped inside and saw Sam sitting on the sofa. He was sitting upright, nothing like his usual laid–back demeanor.

His gaze was deep, and his expression was slightly tense Seated next to him were two elderly figures. Miranda immediately recognized–Sam’s grandparents

They had crossed paths in Elgerson a few times before. Miranda had thought they were kind, approachable elders, even marveling at how someone as wild as Sam could have such gentle grandparents.

She didn’t think she’d see them in her home. Why were they here?

Sam felt her gaze and slowly looked up with a complicated expression. He opened his mouth as if to speak but couldn’t seem to get the words out.

Noticing Miranda and Lionel had entered, Mindy quickly waved them over with a warm smile. “Dad, Mom, let me introduce you. This is my husband, Lionel, and our daughter, Miranda. Mimi, these are your grandparents

Mindy’s eyes were still red, but her smile was bright, and her tone carried a natural affection–especially when she said “Dad” and “Mom“.

Miranda had met the elderly couple before, but learning they were her biological grandparents left her stunned However, she quickly composed herself and greeted them politely. “Hello, Grandpa, Grandma

Lionel, on the other hand, was a mess. Normally charismatic and humorous in front of students and confident when giving lectures, he now fumbled awkwardly Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

His voice was tight as he introduced himself, “Dad, Mom I’m Mindy’s husband, Lionel Sutton. I teach physics at Lumberville’s Jameson High..

By the time he finished, his forehead was dotted with sweat. Mindy watched him on the side, both amused and touched. The man who could command a room full of students and parents alike now seemed as though he’d forgotten how to speak

The elderly couple regarded Lionel briefly, their expressions polite but reserved. They simply nodded in acknowledgment. But when their gaze shifted to Miranda, their eyes softened, and their tone grew warm

“We’ve already met Mimi before. No wonder we felt such an inexplicable fondness and connection with your the first time we saw you. We didn’t realize you were our granddaughter…”