Chapter 9

It had been a long time since Miranda had done something so physically demanding on her own. While she hadn't been waited on hand and foot during her years with Hansel, this was the first time she'd undertaken such a strenuous task. Even though money had been tight when Hansel started his business, they'd always hired a weekly cleaning helper for the major chores; she'd never cleaned the entire mansion herself.

After finishing one can of paint, Miranda's waist ached. She was unaccustomed to this kind of physical labor.

Leaving her apartment to fetch more paint, she tripped and spilled a can. Luckily, she salvaged most of it, but some paint splattered on her neighbor's door.

Hurriedly grabbing a mop, she began cleaning. Mid-clean, the door opened. She looked up, intending to apologize, but was surprised to see a familiar face.

"You're living here too?" they said simultaneously.

Paul looked at the spilled paint and the cans behind Miranda. "So, you're the new neighbor?"

Miranda was astonished. "That's right. I guess we're neighbors now."

Paul's eyes flickered. He'd chosen the apartment for its proximity to his lab and the college, convenient for teaching and research.

But why had Miranda moved here? It seemed unsuitable for a young woman living alone—the building lacked an elevator. He doubted someone her age would typically choose such a place.

Miranda thought Paul was upset about the paint spill. "I'm so sorry I spilled paint on your door. I'll clean it up right away."

She quickly cleaned the mess. Seeing Paul's trash bag, she offered, "Since I'm going downstairs, can I take out your trash?"

He accepted, then brought out a ladder. "This will make painting easier."

"Thank you."

With the ladder, Miranda painted much faster. Within a day, she'd finished her apartment. It looked cleaner and neater.

She then visited a furniture store, buying a couch, tables, and chairs. After adding finishing touches and decorations, she was done.

Darkness fell as Miranda completed her apartment makeover. Massaging her shoulders, she looked around. The warm lighting transformed the space; everything looked brand new.

Her bedroom was also complete, featuring her favorite pastel-colored sheets and covers, which still smelled faintly of sun-dried detergent.

She'd also arranged small potted plants on the windowsill and placed various cushions and pillows on the beanbag couch in the living room—perfect for reading. Despite its small size, the apartment had everything she needed and wanted.

"Is this your new place? It's beautiful!" Winter exclaimed during a video call. "You're so capable! It reminds me of when you redecorated our dorm room in college!"

Miranda chuckled. "It's alright. I'm paying more attention to detail, since it's my own place."

"Mimi, you're stronger than I thought. You've found a new purpose," Winter said, subtly guessing the address Miranda had shared earlier. "I'm so happy you're going back."

Ending the call, Miranda felt proud. She'd come to her senses late, but had reclaimed what should have been hers.