Chapter 15

Miranda was overwhelmed with flowers. Winter was completely at a loss; this wasn't how she'd envisioned things unfolding. Miranda was equally confused; this wasn't what she'd anticipated either. Hansel, standing in the crowd, was utterly astonished.

Ingrid looked at her few roses, her frustration evident. Were these people blind? Miranda wasn't even wearing the black bikini anymore; she'd changed into a plain one-piece swimsuit. How dull! Yet Hansel couldn't tear his eyes away.

She wore a wide-brimmed straw hat adorned with a light-colored ribbon tied in a neat bow. The minimalist design looked incredibly elegant and refined. Every man was spellbound the moment she appeared, but she seemed oblivious, chatting casually with Winter. Her occasional smiles only intensified the effect.

"Feeling angry?" Sam appeared beside Hansel unnoticed. He chuckled at the fury in Hansel's reddened eyes, then glanced away. "She was never yours to hold onto."

Hansel clenched his fists but remained silent.

"She's even more radiant than you ever imagined," Sam added, his eyes filled with admiration and longing. He smirked. "Are you regretting losing your rose? She's not yours anymore."

Suddenly, a fist hurtled toward him. Sam watched as Hansel's fist stopped inches from his face. He narrowed his eyes. "You won't always get a second chance."

Hansel managed a tight smile. "You're right. But did you forget who helped her bloom into the rose she is today? I've watched her develop. Every part of her—from her beauty to her very essence—reflects my influence. We've been together for six years. Do you even know what she loves or hates?" He shot a derisive look at Sam. "She's mine. We've always been inseparable. What you believe is nothing more than a delusion. The bond we share runs far deeper than you understand."

For the first time, Sam abandoned his dismissive attitude, meeting Hansel's gaze with a cold stare. He knew Hansel was right. Miranda had had plenty of chances to leave Hansel over the past six years, but she always chose to return. As much as it hurt to admit, Sam had to acknowledge that Miranda's feelings for Hansel were far deeper than he'd ever imagined.

Ingrid watched the two men argue over Miranda, neither willing to yield. A sharp pang of jealousy struck her. Why did it seem like men only had eyes for Miranda? She couldn't understand why she fell short.

Miranda received the most roses. All eyes were on her, as if a spotlight followed her every move. Winter, below the stage, waved and shouted excitedly, her camera clicking furiously.

The event's host, a blonde woman with striking blue eyes and a sun-kissed complexion, smiled brightly at the crowd. "Congratulations to this lovely lady from Hebrana, our Rose Queen! Now, let's see the prize!"

Someone handed Miranda a box—neither too large nor too small—elegantly crafted, prompting speculation about fine jewelry.

Miranda reached for it. "Should I open it now?"

"Absolutely! Let's all see it together! Three, two, one!"

Miranda began to untie the ribbon as the countdown ended.