Independence

After lunch, Winter bought two tickets to an animal show. Excited, she took Miranda to see the dolphins.

They followed the crowd to the southwest corner of the theme park, where the animal show hall was. The hall was air conditioned. Compared to the heat wave outside, it felt like they’d come to heaven.

Miranda wasn’t that interested in the animal show, but Winter loved dolphins. During the interactive session, she passed Miranda the camera so that the latter could take photos

of her.

Winter’s smile was contagious, and Miranda couldn’t help but smile too.

Half an hour later, the show ended. Miranda passed Winter her purse since she needed

the restroom.

As she rounded the corner, she saw Ingrid washing her hands at the sink. She paused for a while. Then, she passed by her and walked toward the cubicle.

After using the toilet, she came out to realize Ingrid was still there. It seemed the latter had been waiting for her.

Still, Miranda ignored her and washed her hands. There was no sound except for the sound of water dripping. Tension built up in the air.

The moment Miranda looked up, she inadvertently met Ingrid’s gaze. Calmly, she averted her eyes, as though Ingrid were a stranger.

Ingrid suddenly smiled. She stared at the bracelet, which was half–hidden beneath her sleeve. “Miranda, fancy bumping into you here.”

Miranda kept silent.

It didn’t bother Ingrid. She continued, “How are you?”

Miranda smiled and replied calmly, “I’m fine.”

Ingrid looked at her, trying to see if she was faking being calm or if it was real.

Several seconds later, Ingrid smiled. “Really? Life must’ve been difficult after you moved out of the mansion, huh?”

Miranda replied, “That’s none of your business.”

“Speaking of which, I should than you. I mean it.” While saying that, Ingrid’s eyes teared up. It complemented her innocent expression, making her look pure and pitiful. “If your

hadn’t willingly left I wouldn’t have Hane all to myself by now”

+15 BONUS

Miranda listened to her in silence as she carefully washed off the soap on her hands. under the running water. From the back of her hand to her fingers, she washed with the

utmost concentration.

“You saw those balloons just now? It’s my birthday today, and Hans‘ prepared that birthday surprise for me.” Ingrid smiled.

She then unwittingly raised her hand. “Oh, and this He gave me this as a birthday present. Isn’t it pretty?

“He said my hand is fair and soft and that this bracelet suits me especially well.

Whenever he sees it, he’ll want to kiss…” At that, Ingrid blushed. Her eyes shone like two glimmering pearls.

Miranda immediately recognized the logo on the bracelet as Ingrid turned her wrist

around.

The realization dawned on her–it turned out Hansel had been picking Ingrid’s birthday gift when they’d met at the jewelry store the other day.

Turning off the tap, she clenched her fists. Her nails dug into her palms, and the pain snapped her back to her senses. She smiled self–depreciatingly as she said, “Oh, yeah? Congrats, then.”

Then, she left.

Winter was waiting at the restroom’s entrance. She waved at Miranda when the latter came out. “Are you still hungry? Why do you look upset?”

Miranda kneaded her temples, feeling tired. “Winter, I want to go home.”

Winter’s eyes widened as she

“It’s only 3:00 pm. We’ve only been here for a grabbed Miranda’s arm. “Keep me company for a bit longer! I’ve just reserved our spot for another facility through the app.”

Winking, she continued, “I heard it’s the most popular one here–the haunted house.”

Miranda paused before asking, “Aren’t you afraid of ghosts?” Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Although Winter was resolute in her life and career, she was surprisingly afraid of heights and ghosts. She’d even turn pale when they talked about horror movies.

“But you aren’t afraid of them! I feel very safe with you by my side.” Winter giggled.

Miranda was rendered speechles

In the end, they ended up going to the haunted house nonetheless.