MasukFelix paused, and his tone grew more solemn. “I’m asking you to look after Miranda as a friend. As for your relationship with her, let it take its natural course.”Leo caught the resignation in his words and looked at him in surprise. “Felix, what exactly are you going overseas for this time?”“Just some personal matters,” Felix replied evenly. His expression remained calm, giving nothing away.“If you need anything from me or Hayden, just say the word,” Leo said with a nod. Then he added, “I’ll take good care of Miranda and Mia. Don’t worry. Focus on what you need to do.”“Thank you.” Felix nodded. He glanced at his watch and stood up. “It’s about time. I should head to the airport.”“All right. Safe travels,” Leo said, rising as well.The two men walked out of the cafe together. Years of unspoken understanding meant they did not need to say anything more before parting ways.As Leo walked back through the residential complex, something did not sit right with him. Felix rarely
Miranda returned home but didn’t pick up Mia right away. She took a shower and went straight to bed to catch up on sleep.When she woke up, it was already eight in the evening. She picked up her phone and called Felix.“Hello.” His voice on the other end sounded slightly hoarse.“I’m home. Bring Mia back,” Miranda said directly.“Alright,” Felix replied, then hung up.Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang. Mrs. Young went to answer it. Mia rushed in like a little puppy, running straight toward Miranda.“Mom! Mom!” she cried, throwing her arms around Miranda’s waist. “I missed you so much.”Miranda lowered her head and gently rubbed Mia’s hair. “I missed you too.”“Mia, go play for a bit. Daddy needs to talk to Mommy,” Felix said as he stepped inside and changed his shoes.Mrs. Young quickly came over and led Mia away. “Come on, Mia.”Miranda looked at the man standing in front of her, waiting for him to speak.“I’m going overseas for a while,” Felix said quietly. “I’ll be
Miranda met Mike’s sincere gaze. The words of refusal reached her lips, but she swallowed them back.She truly didn’t want to trouble anyone again. But Mike’s kindness always made it difficult to reject him outright. She didn’t want to hurt him.“If it really isn’t any trouble—”“I happen to be free this afternoon. I’m heading to the airport anyway to pick up a friend,” Mike said lightly.He made it sound as if he genuinely had someone to meet.Miranda stayed at the hospital with Samantha until one thirty in the afternoon. Samantha urged her to hurry back and pack so she wouldn’t miss her flight.At one fifty, Miranda finished checking out of the hotel. When she wheeled her suitcase into the lobby, Mike was already waiting.He naturally took her suitcase from her, his movements smooth and familiar.On the way to the airport, Mike kept the conversation focused on Samantha’s recovery plan. As expected, Miranda became fully engaged in the discussion.When they arrived at the airp
Samantha nodded with a smile. “Alright. We’ll leave it for another time.”Just then, Layla peeked her head in. “Dr. Liam, Mr. Gibson is here to see you.”Samantha smiled and nodded. “Please show him in.”A moment later, Layla led Felix inside. He had changed into a dark gray suit today. His presence wasn’t as sharp and imposing as usual. There was a trace of warmth about him instead.“Dr. Liam, are you feeling better?” he asked as he walked to the bedside, concern evident in his voice.“Much better. Thank you for thinking of me,” Samantha replied with a smile.“You’re a key pillar of our lab. We’re all hoping you recover quickly,” Felix said.Samantha’s eyes brightened. “You really didn’t have to make a special trip to Hamilton.”“It’s no trouble. It’s the least I could do,” Felix answered. His gaze drifted to Miranda, who was sitting beside the bed.Miranda stood up at that moment. “Dr. Liam, I’m going to speak with the lead surgeon and get an update.”“Alright. Go ahead,” S
Miranda took a hot shower and lay back down in bed. Her mind felt much clearer now. Outside the window, the sky had turned gray. It was already five thirty in the morning. Dawn was approaching.She closed her eyes, planning to rest a little longer before heading to the hospital to see Samantha.At seven thirty, Miranda opened her door. She was startled to see someone standing across the hall. For a split second, she thought it might be Felix. But it was Leo.He had clearly been waiting there for some time. Miranda looked at him in surprise. “Leo? What are you doing here?”“I was waiting to have breakfast with you,” Leo said, his eyes studying her face.“You’re staying here?” she asked, surprised.“Yes. I checked in late last night. I didn’t tell you. Are you going to see Dr. Liam?”Miranda nodded.“Then let’s grab some breakfast first,” Leo suggested.She was indeed hungry. She nodded and went with him to the hotel’s breakfast buffet.They were seated by the window, chatting
“Alright. I’ll walk you back,” Felix said, his tone firm and leaving little room for argument.“That won’t be necessary,” Miranda refused immediately.The hotel was just across the street, and this was Hamilton. It was safe.Felix frowned. “I don’t want you fainting again halfway there with no one around to help you.”Miranda paused. It was true that she owed him this time. But she hated the feeling of having to rely on anyone, especially him.“There’s really no need,” she said more evenly. She felt more clear-headed now. She touched her forehead. The fever had gone down.As she walked out, Felix followed without hesitation. It was four in the morning, and the hospital grounds were nearly empty. The wind was strong and bitterly cold. Miranda was wearing a cashmere coat, but she was still shivering.Behind her, Felix shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.She felt the weight settle on her, along with the familiar scent of cedarwood. Almost immediately, sh







