When fate plays its hand
208

Chapter 0208

Chapter 0208

Hansel’s face was full of barely contained irritation and impatience. He glanced at the time–it was only 9 00 pm. Yet, there were already four missed calls from home.

Three of them were from his mom, and the last one was from Ingrid. She must have known he wouldn’t pick up, so she only called once and didn’t try again. It seemed she was trying to be considerate.

But even so, Hansel felt annoyed. The thought of a new person in his villa lately only made it worse.

Calvin checked the time. “It’s still early, isn’t it? Already heading out?”

Hansel didn’t respond, but Calvin could tell that even though Hansel still appeared relatively composed, he was barely keeping his anger in check. Sensing it, Calvin didn’t press further. “My driver’s downstairs, I’ll have him take you home.”

“Thanks.”

“No need for that.” Calvin set his glass down. “Let me walk you out.”

Hansel waved him off. “No need, you guys keep having fun.”

Zach watched Hansel’s retreating figure and couldn’t help but chuckle. He was somewhat gloating in his misery. “Some people spend their days hunting geese, only to get pecked in the eye. That Ingrid sure knows her stuff, huh? Look what she’s done to him.”

Calvin sighed. “Maybe keep it to yourself, Zach. He’s probably having a rough time.”

“I’d be having a rough time too if I were him,” Zach said, still smirking. “He threw away a perfectly good girlfriend for some trash, and now he’s choking on his decision. I heard Miranda got into Bedford College for her postgrad, and now she’s all about her studies. She’s moved on from him completely.

“We all bet on how long Miranda’s drama would last this time, but who knew she wasn’t playing around? She’s dead set on ending things and focusing on her own life. Tsk, tsk…”

Over the years, Zach had watched Hansel and Miranda go through countless fights and reconciliations, never once thinking they would actually split for good.

After all, Miranda had put up with so much for six years; it seemed like they were bound to end up married, with Miranda not giving up until she got what she wanted.

To be honest, Zach never really respected women like Miranda. He thought she was spineless, like a dog who would come running back at Hansel’s slightest call.

Yet now, it seemed she wasn’t a dog–she was a wolf in disguise. She had managed to manipulate two men, turning good friends into bitter enemies.

Now, they avoided each other like the plague and had completely cut ties.

Zach had to admit Miranda was something else.

He suggested, “Call Sam over; just tell him Hansel’s already left.”

Calvin shook his head. “If you want to call, do it yourself. If Hansel suddenly comes back and they bump Into each other, it’ll be like a volcano erupting with a tsunami and earthquake. I’m not risking that”

Chapter 02011

“You’re such a wuss! Zach pulled out his phone and dialed.

“Hey, Sam, come out and join us.”

On the other end, Sam’s voice was low as he said, “Nah”

“Hansel just left. Don’t worry, you won’t run into him.“,

“That’s not why”

Zach was puzzled. “Then why?”

Sam replied, “No more clubbing, no staying out late, no unnecessary drinking–basic decent guy you know?”

Zach was baffled. “What?

“Are you possessed or something?”

Sam said, “I’ve turned over a new leaf.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, no joke.

“Because of Miranda?”

“Yeah.”

+25 BONUS

behavior,

After getting into the car, Hansel closed his eyes and tiredly rubbed his temples. He felt like the car’s air conditioning was too warm, making it hard to breathe, so he rolled down the window a bit.

Light and shadow flickered across his face, and the cold wind rushed in, but even that couldn’t shake the restlessness gnawing at him.

Evelyn refused to let him break up with Ingrid. A week ago, she hired two maids specifically to take care of Ingrid, moving her into the villa to rest during her pregnancy.

It was partly to look after Ingrid but also to keep an eye on him. When Hansel found out Ingrid had gone to see Evelyn, his mood turned sour immediately.

They had agreed she’d take the money, get an abortion, and cut all ties. But she changed her mind and went straight to his mom, maneuvering her way into his villa instead.