LOGINSienna picked up her phone and started looking into what Xena had been up to lately. To her surprise, after posting that flirtatious update with Leo the other day, Xena had followed it up with a promo poster announcing that she would be appearing in Hamilton. The city was hosting an arts festival the following week, and Xena had been invited to perform as a featured guest artist.Sienna stared at the poster. In it, Xena wore a white evening gown and looked elegant and untouchable, like some flawless goddess.But now Sienna knew exactly what kind of woman was hiding behind that polished smile.Thinking about everything Xena had done over the years, Sienna clenched her jaw.She found the phone number for the festival’s event director and dialed it without hesitation.“Hello? Who’s this?”“Mr. Wilson, hello. My name is Sienna Gibson. I’m calling to report serious personal misconduct involving the pianist you hired, Xena Spencer.”There was a brief pause before Jack Wilson, the fe
Xena hadn’t been satisfied with just taking the money. She had wanted to destroy Felix’s marriage too. It was disgusting and shameless.So even after Miranda learned that Felix had never actually slept with Xena, the love she once had for him was still gone.And yet the Miranda who had loved him so deeply was still vivid in Sienna’s memory.A scene from six years ago suddenly came back to her.It had been a bright, sunny afternoon. Sienna had just returned to the country to see some friends, and Felix had asked her to stop by his house for dinner. Back then, she had been full of prejudice against Miranda. She had never liked this sister-in-law she believed had used old favors to force her way into the family.That evening, Sienna stayed in the back seat of Felix’s car and had no desire to get out. But through the window, she saw Miranda coming over from the front gate of the villa, smiling brightly.Before Felix had even reached her, Miranda hurried over, wrapped her arms around
What happened that night could never be allowed to happen again.On the way there, Miranda also noticed the dark green SUV following behind her. She understood right away that it was Mike’s arrangement. He had mentioned it the night before. He was always like this, thoughtful in every way, yet never overstepping.When Miranda arrived outside the lab, she saw the dark green vehicle stop about thirty feet away. She sent Mike a message.“I saw your people’s car. Isn’t this putting your team to too much trouble?”Mike texted back almost instantly.“Protecting an important scientist is part of our job too.”Miranda smiled as she read his reply. It was a perfectly timed reason, and it eased some of the pressure she had been feeling.“Then thank them for me.”“You’re worth it.”Miranda smiled again. Being cared for like this really did feel warm.Once inside the lab, she threw herself into work. At noon, Sienna came into her office carrying a list of medications and treatment option
The next morning, Miranda woke up feeling well rested after a full night of sleep. Spring was fully in the air.She wore a soft white blouse with a fitted skirt, and her hair was tied back in a low bun. A few loose strands fell by her ears, softening her features and giving her a gentle, elegant look.That morning, Mia wanted Miranda to take her to school, and Miranda had agreed. Holding Mia’s hand, she stepped outside and wasn’t surprised to find Felix leaning against the wall, waiting.He was dressed simply in a black shirt and matching dress pants, which made his gray-white hair look even colder somehow.“Morning,” Felix said, straightening up. His voice was a little hoarse.Mia happily ran over and wrapped herself around his arm. “Daddy, let Mommy take me to school today, okay?”Miranda looked up at Felix. He looked composed, but the bloodshot eyes gave away the fact that he had been up all night.“I’ll take Mia to school. You should go home and get some rest,” Miranda said.
Around seven, Miranda got home. Mrs. Young had already prepared a full dinner.Miranda had originally planned to stay at the hospital and have dinner with Mike, but he had insisted she come home and spend the evening with Mia. For that, Miranda was truly grateful.“Mommy!”Mia ran over and threw her arms around her. Miranda looked at Felix, who was sitting on the couch with Mia, and gave him a quiet look of thanks. Just then, Gigi came bounding over too, extra excited, and Miranda crouched down to pet her.Felix’s gaze lingered on Miranda.Under the lights, there was a softness in her face that hadn’t been there in a long time. It was the kind of glow women seemed to have when they were in love.Holding Gigi’s little snout in both hands, Miranda happily kissed her once. “Okay, let me go wash my hands.”Mrs. Young was just coming out with another dish when she saw that and paused for a second. She could tell Miranda seemed different tonight too. It was almost like seeing the Mi
“I didn’t mean that...” Miranda tried to explain.“My hair just turned white. That doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with my health.” Felix’s tone was sharp with obvious offense. “You don’t have to be in the military to be in good shape. I’m perfectly fine too.”Miranda stood there holding the phone in stunned silence. Was he overreacting a little?“I’m just worried about you. You’re Mia’s father, and your health matters to her future.”“Okay.” His voice on the other end softened a little. “I’ll make time for a checkup.”After hanging up, Miranda frowned, then got up and went to the lab.At three that afternoon, Miranda still made time to visit Mike. When she arrived, Mrs. Lloyd was there too. She smiled at Miranda and said, “Miranda, you’re here. Mike said you’ve been very busy with work.”“Good afternoon, Mrs. Lloyd. I just finished up and came straight over,” Miranda replied with a smile.“Don’t call me Mrs. Lloyd. That sounds too formal. Since you’re with Mike, you shoul
The text message came from an unknown number, but the tone made it obvious to Miranda who had sent it. It was Xena.Miranda stared at the message for a few seconds before replying, “Then keep your dog on a leash.”A response came almost immediately. “Miranda, aren’t you scared I’ll forward this to
By then, most of the guests had arrived. Leo entered while chatting with an older guest. When he spotted Miranda standing with Haley, he quickly wrapped up the conversation and headed over to them.“Uncle Leo!” Vivian squealed as she ran into his arms.Leo took her hand and glanced a few steps awa
Felix’s grip tightened around Miranda’s arm. She whipped around, instinctively trying to pull free.“Let go of me.” Miranda yanked her arm hard.Felix looked at her with a storm of emotion in his eyes. His lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but the disgust in Miranda’s gaze hit him firs
“Well… I was planning to spend it quietly at home,” Miranda said.James smiled. “Celebrating with Mia?”“Yes. Just a small cake with her will be enough.”James nodded. “Alright. When you have time, we should have dinner together.”Miranda smiled back. “Sure.”At two o’clock, Miranda was analyzi







