Miriam And Mei Novels & Stories

The overhead lights had been dimmed to half strength, and in that half light she looked smaller than I remembered her, as though thirty years of careful silence had slowly worn her down to something thin and worn at the edges. "Someone contacted Elena tonight," I said, keeping my voice steady even as my pulse refused to slow down. "They mentioned Grace. And you." Miriam's eyes lifted to mine, and I saw, for the first time in twenty six years of knowing her, something close to fear behind them. "I always knew this day would come," she said quietly. "I only hoped it would come on my terms, not because someone decided to weaponize my sister's death against your marriage."

“Adrian.” Adrian’s shoulders tightened. “Director Darius.” Darius’s gaze shifted to me like a camera focusing. “And this must be Mira.” Not a question. “Hello,” I managed. “It’s nice to finally meet the young woman who’s turned my inbox into a circus,” he said warmly. Heat rose under my skin. “I didn’t—” “Leave her out of it,” Adrian cut in. “Of course,” Darius said, palms-out innocence. “I’m simply observing. The public is… invested.”

“Miri. This is actually good.” “I know.” “I’m serious. This isn’t just an idea, this is—” The sitting room door opened. Damien walked in, jacket still on, keys in hand. He stopped when he saw Emily. Miriam turned toward him. “Hey, you’re back. This is Emily, my best friend.” Damien walked over and extended his hand. Emily took it. “Emily. I’ve heard about you.” He smiled briefly. “Miriam mentioned that she wants to build the company with you.”

I didn’t trust my voice not to sound cruel. She reached out, her fingers lightly tracing my hand. “Leo, we haven’t talked properly in days. You barely come home. I just wanted to feel like I still mattered.” I rubbed my temples. “Miriam, not tonight.” “There’s something you need to know,” she interrupted quickly, her tone changing. “It’s about Kiara.” I froze. “What about her?” “It’s about her daughter, Sophia.” My chest tightened. “What about her?” “She’s yours,” Miriam said simply, her eyes glinting with satisfaction beneath the softness.

Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Mia turned to Merrick, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Are you dating my Mom?" Mia blurted out, unable to suppress her inquisitiveness. Merrick met Mia's gaze, his eyes crinkling with a gentle smile. "Yes, your mom is my girlfriend now," he responded, his voice filled with warmth. "So she's not just your mom anymore, but also my woman."

But he had to see for himself. Not far ahead, Miriam was preparing to head out and buy supplies for her son’s upcoming move to college when she spotted two strangers approaching. Clearly out of place in the village, they caught her off guard. She stared at them, brows furrowing. “Who are you looking for?” Darian studied the woman—broad-shouldered, sharp-eyed, and radiating an unwelcoming air. He raised an eyebrow slightly. “Miriam?” “You—how do you know my name?” she asked, taken aback. His directness immediately made her wary.

And even now, as she came over with that overly friendly grin, I couldn’t shake the memory of how she’d stare at Dante when she thought no one was watching. “Tamara, it’s so good to see you again!” Miriam’s voice was sweet, her eyes wide with a look of innocence that I knew was anything but. “Hi, Miriam,” I said, keeping my smile polite. “Good to see you too.” She stepped closer, a touch too close for my comfort, and linked her arm with mine as Dantes mother had just done. “You have no idea how glad I am that we’re finally getting a chance to know each other better. I feel like we could be such good friends, don’t you?”

"As far as I know, they're only friends. Nothing more." "You really don't know anything," Miriam said with a smug smile. I raised an eyebrow. "What exactly don't I know?" She leaned closer as if she wanted to whisper a secret. "You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into," she said. "Mai is not the kind of woman you should underestimate. She has already—" Before she could finish her sentence, the front door opened. Both of us turned at the same time. Grant walked inside. He looked from me to Miriam, then back at me. It only took him one look to realize something had happened.

I looked around to make sure no teachers were nearby before lowering my voice. "Nothing that gets anyone seriously hurt." I said with a smirk. They feigned disappointment. I continued before they could interrupt. "I just want someone publicly embarrassed." That got their attention. "There's a reward if you pull it off." "What do we have to do?" I pointed discreetly toward Maria, who was leaving the cafeteria alone with her lunch tray. "Separate her from everyone else." "Take her to the abandoned greenhouse behind the old gym." "And then?" I smiled. "Start a live stream."

Nothing mattered much to me right now. Miriam returned, leading the two girls at me, I didn't look up yet.. Miriam stepped closer, carefully. “Do… you want them to—” “Yes,” I said flatly “Get them ready. Quickly.”