Chapter 10

It was around 6:00 p.m. Miranda had been busy all day and hadn't eaten. She had bread, fresh vegetables, and mushrooms in the refrigerator. Since it was getting late, she decided to make a quick meal of sandwiches and cream of mushroom soup.

Before returning a ladder she'd borrowed, she prepared a few sandwiches and a container of soup.

Paul was still analyzing research data for his thesis when he heard knocks on his apartment door. He answered it.

"Thanks for the ladder," Miranda said. "And this is a simple dinner I made. Would you like some?"

Her eyes shone brightly. Paul was stunned. He accepted the food with a "Thank you."

He returned to his study, comparing current data with previous research. By 8:00 p.m., he was finished editing and felt hungry. His stomach growled loudly.

He instinctively opened his food delivery app, intending to order takeout, when he spotted the package on his kitchen table. Inside an insulated bag were the sandwiches and soup—still warm.

He ate a sandwich. The bacon, crisp lettuce, and perfectly cooked egg were a delicious combination. He was hungry for more.

The soup was equally surprising; richer and more flavorful than takeout. A few spoonfuls warmed his stomach. His raised eyebrows betrayed his enjoyment—a telltale sign for those who knew him well. Miranda certainly knew how to cook.

Within minutes, he'd devoured everything.

Around 10:00 p.m., Paul bumped into Miranda during his evening run. She was casually dressed, her hair in a bun, yet she stood out.

They spoke simultaneously:

"Out for a stroll?"

"Night run?"

Miranda nodded. "Yes, a stroll. And I was picking up a parcel."

Paul slowed his pace, catching his breath as he walked beside her. "Thanks for dinner. It was delicious."

Miranda replied, "I should thank you. You helped me twice."

The nearby children's playground was lively, a contrast to the eerily quiet Hansel mansion that had often chilled Miranda.

Paul looked at the playground. Although he'd lived there two months, he'd never noticed. He then remembered some news he'd received before his run.

He said quietly, "I just spoke with a junior. Dr. Young is recovering at home. I plan to visit her tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Is that alright with you?"

"10:00 a.m. tomorrow?" Miranda hesitated, suddenly anxious about seeing Christine after six years. "Is that too soon?"

"No," Paul replied, noticing her shift in mood but respecting her privacy. He avoided prying.

They said goodbye at their respective doors. Miranda showered, still anxious, then went to bed.

It began to drizzle during the night. Miranda tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

She woke early, ate breakfast, and waited for Paul. At 10:00 a.m. sharp, a knock came at her door. She was ready.

Paul was momentarily stunned. "Let's go."

(Note: "COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus" is irrelevant to the story and has been omitted.)