When fate plays its hand

The moment seemed to pull Timothy back in time, to when they were just young adults in their 20s. Their world revolved solely around each other, yet held back by the unspoken.

His heart stirred. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, Mindy stood up and broke the spell. “I should address you properly now, huh? Timothy, my brother–in–law. Let me introduce my husband, Lionel Sutton.”

The words “brother–in–law” and “husband” felt like a blow, knocking the air out of Timothy’s lungs. His gaze Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

shifted to the man beside Mindy.

Oblivious to the tension, Lionel warmly invited Timothy to sit and brought him a clean set of utensils. Timothy’s lips twitched as if to speak, but all he managed was a clipped, “Thank you.”

Lionel’s culinary skills were already impressive, and for today’s meal, he had gone above and beyond. The results, unsurprisingly, were delicious.

The two elders couldn’t stop praising the dishes. Throughout the meal, Lionel attentively catered to Mindy and Miranda’s tastes, peeling shrimp for his wife and piling Miranda’s plate with her favorite dishes.

Miranda looked at the small mountain of food on her plate and sighed, “Dad, I haven’t even finished what’s already here.”

Mindy added with a laugh, “Stop giving me food too. If I can’t finish, are you going to eat the leftovers?”

“No problem,” Lionel replied cheerfully.

It was a familiar routine. Anything Mindy couldn’t finish usually ended up on Lionel’s plate. To him, it was natural and unremarkable. But to the others at the table, it carried a different weight.

Timothy’s expression darkened at this.

Nelly’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile, as if silently ridiculing the display of affection.

On the other hand, Sam kept his head down, eating with a concentration that bordered on absurd, seemingly detached from everything happening around him.

Meanwhile, Aren and Fiona exchanged glances.

They had initially worried that Lionel might not be a suitable match for their daughter. Now, they found themselves wondering if their naive son–in–law was in over his head.

After all, it was plain for everyone to see that Mindy had Lionel wrapped around her finger. Not to mention, it seemed Lionel was far from being bothered. He appeared completely content, even joyful.

It was… a perfect match of personalities.

Lionel, who was mindful of Fiona’s preference for softer and lighter dishes, served her a bowl of mushroom

stew.

“It’s the perfect temperature now–neither too hot nor cold,” he said. “The meat is tender enough for you to enjoy without worry.”

“Oh, thank you! I can manage-”

But Lionel wasn’t about to let her serve herself. He carefully placed the bowl in front of her. “And don’t just drink the soup; have some of the dishes too.”

“Alright, thank you.

For Aren, whose tastes leaned toward heavier flavors but whose health demanded moderation, Lionel

prepared light and refreshing side dishes to balance the meal, along with a less sweet version of beef and

tomato stew.

The two elders shared a smile. Their mutual approval was clear in their eyes. At this point, they were convinced–Mindy’s life was genuinely a happy one.

Meanwhile, Timothy’s gaze remained fixed on Mindy. He observed how she served Fiona with care, chatted easily with Lionel, and occasionally checked on her daughter. She even turned to him and Nelly with polite

invitations to eat more.

She had mastered the art of hosting, exuding warmth and grace in just the right measure. It was a stark contrast to the younger Mindy he remembered–impulsive, carefree, and aloof, with a touch of spoiled

entitlement.

“Honey, Lionel is asking you something.” Nelly’s voice interrupted his thoughts. Her smile unwavering while

her hand pinched him sharply under the table.

Timothy snapped out of his daze. “Sorry, I was lost in thought. What did you say?”

Lionel was unfazed. “Oh, I noticed you weren’t eating much of the side dishes. Would you like me to serve you

some ribs?”