When fate plays its hand

Fiona was deeply grateful now that she had followed Sam’s advice and continued treatment for her eyesight and general health. Her vision had gradually improved, allowing her to clearly see how much her granddaughter resembled her daughter.

Meanwhile, Mindy was surprised to learn that her parents and Miranda had already met before. Miranda recounted their first encounter, and Aren couldn’t help but sigh

“Your mother and I have searched for you for so many years,” he said, “traveling all across the country and even abroad. Who would’ve thought we were so close all along and even missed you twice? Thankfully, this time, we didn’t miss you again.”

At this, Fiona recalled how Miranda and Sam had known each other for even longer. It seemed like fate had been quietly at work all along

“Mimi,” Fiona said with a smile, “you know, Sam is actually your cousin. And all these years, he didn’t have the slightest clue..”

Sam had been quiet the entire time. His face was tense, and his expression was unreadable. Miranda paused briefly, then quickly caught on. She smiled and called out, “Hi, cousin.”

Sam’s fists clenched, and his emotions darkened further. Fiona didn’t notice his reaction and continued cheerfully, “If Sam had been a little more observant, maybe we would’ve reunited much earlier.”

Aren waved her off, smiling. “Let’s not talk like that. The fact that Sam and Mimi had this kind of connection s is already a blessing We shouldn’t ask for more.”

“Yes, yes, you’re right. Things are already wonderful now Truly wonderful ”

For them, finding Mindy in their lifetime felt like a miracle. How could they dare ask for anything more?

Miranda smiled faintly as she held her cup, while Sam kept his head down, his silence uncharacteristic and unsettling

Mindy, too, was surprised by the connection between the two, but her focus was elsewhere. She wanted to know what had happened over all these years. Surprisingly, most of her memories of her parents had largely returned

Since her last argument with Edith, when she had injured her forehead, fragments of her childhood had occasionally surfaced

Now, seeing Aren and Fiona in person and hearing them recount stories of her childhood, those fragmented memories felt like pieces of a puzzle finally falling into place.

However, there was still something she didn’t quite get.

“I still don’t remember how I got separated or how I ended up in the river,” Mindy admitted. “That part is just a

blank.”

She only remembered going out shopping with her older sister, Nelly.

What happened after that? She had no memory of it at all

Thinking of this, Mindy suddenly remembered Nelly “Tow’s Helly? Is she doing well?

Aren and Fiona exchanged a glance and fell silent. Nelly didn’t know they had found Mindy, nor had they planned to bring her along.

Noticing their hesitation, Mindy grew cutioun and was about to press further when Fiona let out a sigh doing well, and everything’s fine. She’s even minted to Timothy”

Hearing that name again, Mindy froze Images of a young Timothy, full of youthful vigor, flickered through her mind. The two of them had grown up together and once vowed to spend their lives together.

But now, more than two decades had passed. He had married her sister, and she had married Lionel All the emotions and promises of the past had faded like a distant dream.

Nonetheless, Mindy was genuinely happy that her sister and Timothy had ended up together It was a good match, and they even had a remarkable son like Sam.

That’s all in the past. There’s no need to bring it up again What about you? How have you been all these years?” The elderly couple didn’t dwell on the past either, eager instead to hear about their daughter’s life

Mindy smiled, not wanting to worry them, and chose to share only the positive parts. She recounted how she had drifted along the river until she reached Lumberville, where Lionel had saved her.

At that time, she had no memory of her past or even her name. All she could recall was that it started with ” Min” and ended with “Arrison” something So, when Lionel later helped her register her identity, they decided on “Mindy Harrison“.

Lionel had reported her case to the authorities, but investigative techniques were limited back then, and technology wasn’t as advanced as it was today. Eventually, the case was shelved, and she settled in Lumberville.

Lionel helped her adjust to a new life, and as they spent more time together, feelings naturally developed

between them.

Though she had faced her fair share of hardships, particularly from her mother–in–law, Lionel had always treated her with love and kindness. They supported each other, and Lionel had taken great care of her throughout the years.

As she spoke, Mindy turned to look at Lionel. Since introducing himself earlier, Lionel had remained silent, sitting quietly in his seat. Feeling her gaze, he looked up in confusion, only to see her walking toward him

She linked her arm through his without hesitation and once again addressed her parents, this time with greater conviction. “Mom, Dad, it was Lionel who saved my life and gave me a stable home. He’s not just my savior–he’s my partner and the love of my life.

“He has been so good to me over all these years. Meeting him and having Mimi are the greatest blessings of my life.”

Lionel’s initial shock quickly melted into a warm smile. His eyes softened as they met hers, filled with love and tenderness.

Upon seeing the resolve in their daughter’s expression, the elderly couple finally turned their attention to Lionel, this time truly taking him in.

شبا

While the parents conversed, Miranda excused herself to the restroom. When she came out, she found herself blocked by Sam. His face was an unreadable mask of quiet desolation, but beneath the calm lay a searing hopelessness that was hard to ignore.

Miranda hadn’t expected him to follow her and instinctively called out, “Hey there, cousin.”

That single word seemed to break something inside him it was as if it unlocked all the emotions he had been. suppressing–emotions that surged forth like a tidal wave

“Cousin, my ass,” Sam spat through clenched teeth. “I don’t want to be your cousin!”

He raised his head, and the intensity in his eyes left Miranda momentarily stunned. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

The way he looked at her was a potent mix of longing, despair, and a stubborn obsession that refused to back. down

Sam took a step closer, and Miranda instinctively backed away until her back hit the corner of the hallway. “You know exactly how I feel about you,” he said.