When fate plays its hand

“Miranda, you…” Paul hesitated and was unsure what she was doing.

She didn’t respond with words. Instead, her actions said it all. noveldrama

She brought a strawberry to his lips, accompanied by the soft warmth of her breath and the faint scent of her perfume.

Paul froze, and his body went rigid like a statue. Then, he tasted the strawberry’s sweetness as Miranda gently bit away the other half.

She smiled and leaned back.

One strawberry, perfectly shared–she had one half, and he had the pointed end.

Miranda watched the petrified Paul, as if a tidal wave had just hit him. His awkwardness was oddly endearing, almost adorable. Breaking the silence, she asked, “Dr. Jefferson, don’t you think this one isn’t as sweet as the last?”

“Huh? I–I think it’s sweet,” he stammered and thought this was sweeter than the last one. He found himself wanting another… no, just half. But when he glanced at the empty plate, a faint disappointment flickered in his eyes.

The TV show played in the background, but Paul couldn’t pay attention. His mind replayed when she held the strawberry between her lips and fed it to him. They were so close–just a little closer, and they might have kissed. The thought made his heart race.

“Miranda…” he blurted out.

She turned to him with a smile. “Hmm? What’s wrong?”

“Can we do that again?”

Miranda blinked, confused.

“Just like before. Can we do it again?” Paul asked.

She paused and was caught off guard.

In that brief moment, he leaned in, cupping her face with both hands as though he were holding the most precious thing in the world. “I want to kiss you,” he said.

But Paul didn’t move any closer. Instead, he looked at Miranda with reverence and a silent plea while waiting for her answer.

She smiled warmly. “Okay.”

Only then did he lean in and kiss her. His movements were slow and deliberate.

The instant their lips met, it felt like an electric current ran through her. It sent a tingling sensation down her spine while his body stiffened, and he didn’t move further.

Miranda blinked and was momentarily dazed. Then, with a sigh, she took the lead. At her guidance, Paul grew even more rigid. She gently ran a hand down his back. “Relax…“.

Gradually, his tense posture softened. He started to mirror her movements, fumbling at first but learning quickly. Before long, he had taken the lead. It seemed that being a professor had its perks his ability to learn and adapt was remarkable.

–

By the time the kiss ended, Miranda was breathless, while Paul looked like he had just made an incredible discovery. His eyes sparkled with excitement, and his body practically radiated

eagerness.

“Mmm…” She lightly tapped his shoulder.

He pulled away and looked confused “Miranda?

“Not… not now,” she gasped and took a deep breath.

“Why not?”

Her mind went blank.

Paul asked, “Did I make

you

uncomfortable?“.

Miranda blinked in disbelief. Seriously? What kind of question was that? How was she supposed to respond? Yet, his expression was so sincere, like a student eager to learn and improve.

Just then, her phone rang. She seized the opportunity like a lifeline. Without even glancing at the screen, she answered, “Hello?”

“Miranda, what are you doing?”

It was Sam.

Miranda glanced at Paul instinctively. His expression darkened instantly, and his gaze was sharp and tinged with menace.

“Sam, I’m… at home,” she replied.

“Tomorrow’s Saturday. Grandma wants you to come over for dinner. Should I come pick you up?”

When she remembered her promise to Fiona, Miranda reluctantly agreed, though she said, I’ll go by myself. You don’t have to pick me up.‘

There was a brief pause on the other end. Then, Sam replied, “Okay. Drive safely.”

As soon as the call ended, Miranda barely had time to put down her phone before Paul grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms.