When fate plays its hand

Trapper was instantly thrilled. Not only did he box up the figurine, but he also provided a gift bag. “Take care! Come again!”

Trapper waved at Paul’s departing figure, then turned back to the camera with a smug grin. “See? I told you guys I’m good at sculpting people. That guy loved t

“Gosh! Get real! The guy likes the young lady, not your figurine!

“So he went back alone to buy it secretly?”

“I bet they haven’t confessed to each other yet.”

“I salute you detectives for explaining it so thoroughly!

When Miranda saw Paul returning with water and an extra bag, she couldn’t help but ask, “What’s that?”

Paul replied, “Just picked up a little something along the way.”

Miranda didn’t think much of it.

As they crossed the street and continued down the pedestrian walkway, they soon reached the central shopping district.

Miranda checked her watch–it was already 4:00 pm. She thought perhaps it was time to head back.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, Paul said, “In a couple of days, I need to attend an academic conference in Jonford. It’s warmer there, so my winter suits might be too heavy. Since we’re near the mall, could you help me pick out a lighter suit?”

“Sure,” she agreed readily.

Men’s clothing was on the fifth floor, so they took the elevator up. As they stepped into a store, they spotted a familiar figure.

Miranda tentatively called out, “Mr. Cooper?”

Sam turned, and upon seeing Miranda, a look of surprise and delight flashed in his eyes. However, they quickly turned into a deep, unreadable gaze when he noticed Paul beside her.

“What a coincidence, Miranda.” Then, smiling at Paul, he added, “Dr. Jefferson, we meet again. Are you two.”

Miranda explained, “I’m helping Dr. Jefferson pick out a lighter suit. Are you here shopping too?”

“Yes. I’m looking for a pair of leather shoes for my grandfather, but…” He showed a touch of just the right amount of embarrassment. I’m not very good at choosing. Could you help me? If he knows you picked them, he definitely won’t have any complaints.”

Remembering the elderly Aren, whom she’d met once and felt an inexplicable warmth toward, Miranda agreed, “Sure.”

And so, what was initially a shopping trip for two became an outing for three..

Miranda walked between the two tall, long–legged men–one on her left, one on her right. To onlookers, it might have seemed like a scene from a TV drama

After noticing several people turning their heads to look at them, Miranda thought for a moment and decided, “Since suits and shoes are sold in different sections, why don’t you both decide on your preferred brands first? Then I can help you choose from there.”

Otherwise, wandering from one store to another without finding anything satisfactory would just be a waste of time.

Sticking to familiar brands would ensure quality and comfort, and all Miranda needed to do was help pick out styles. Paul and Sam exchanged glances, clearly not keen on each other’s company.

“That’s a good idea. It’s efficient and practical,” Paul agreed. NôvelDrama.Org owns this text.

“Sounds good to me.” Sam added.

With that settled. Sam went off to find a shoe store, while Miranda helped Paul select a suit. She knew Paul preferred simple, classic designs without unnecessary embellishments, so she picked out three suits in that style.

The man had a tall, lean build with broad shoulders and a slim waist. Once he tried on the suits, he looked even more striking than the store mannequins.

After he tried on all three, Miranda realized each one suited him perfectly. She found it hard to choose and held each suit up against him in turn. Each of them had its own charm, making the decision difficult.

The gray one was sophisticated, the blue one was elegant, and the charcoal one was classic.

“Dr. Jefferson, which one do you prefer? Miranda asked, looking up at him.