Independence

Miranda chuckled. “Shouldn’t I be treating you instead?”

Winter raised her brows. “We’re best friends! It doesn’t matter who treats who. Alright, it’s decided! Get ready. I’m coming over to pick you up now.”

Miranda put her phone down and went to her room. She opened her closet and picked out a v–neck floral dress.

In two months‘ time, her hair had grown long enough to reach her collarbone. Since it was warm, she tied her hair with a hairband matching the color of her dress.

Half an hour later, she received a message from Winter saying that

she’d arrived downstairs.

After changing her shoes, Miranda took her bag and went downstairs.

Winter had parked her car by the roadside. She was scrolling through her phone while waiting. When she looked up, she spotted Paul coming

her way.

Paul had a student with him. It was a handsome young man sporting a buzz cut and carrying a bag over his shoulder.

The two of them were in the middle of a conversation. Paul didn’t have much of an expression on his face except for when he nodded occasionally in agreement.

When they were done talking, the young man turned around and walked

away.

Winter quickly waved at Paul. “Paul!”

Paul, who had his glasses on, gazed in her direction. He had the same serene look in his eyes. “Why are you here?”

“I’m taking Mimi out to eat. That person just now–is he your student?”

The young man didn’t have the facial features similar to the latest and hottest celebrities and idols. However, he had an air of purity and. gentleness about him. Moreover, he had dimples that appeared whenever he smiled. All of those things were plus points in Winter’s

eyes.

Paul was no fool. He could tell why Winter was asking him about this.” He’s a postgraduate student from one of our college’s branch campuses. He just came to ask a few questions.”

Winter was about to ask for more details when she heard the sound of footsteps coming from the stairs. It was Miranda.

Paul nudged his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Aren’t you guys heading out? I’m going in, then.” Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

Winter quickly suggested, “Don’t go! You should join us too.”

“I’ll pass. I still need to head back to the lab.” Paul had only come back to retrieve some of his things.

Meanwhile, Miranda had picked up on Paul’s voice even before she reached the ground floor.

After the last time they’d met, Paul had spent most of his time in the lab. The two of them hadn’t seen each other for over a month.

Paul went up the staircase and stopped on the third step at the bottom of the stairs. Sunlight streamed in through the diamond–shaped windows on the wall and fell on him.

Somehow, the light seemed to bring some warmth to his cold eyes.

Miranda was startled when she met his gaze. “I haven’t had the chance. to return your jacket.”

23

She’d had the jacket cleaned and ready for some time now. However, she hadn’t been able to catch Paul anywhere, so she hadn’t been able to

return it.

Miranda’s voice was soft and gentle. Paul could see her slim, fair calves under the hem of her floral dress. The nude–colored, high–heeled sandals she wore gave her an overall clean, fresh look.

Paul seemed a little dazed for a moment. He recalled what she was referring to and said in a deep voice, “I’ve been busy lately. I mostly stay overnight at the lab. I only came back today to fetch a few things.”

Miranda could see the tired look in his eyes. She nodded. “You should take care of urgent matters first, then. Remember to get enough rest, though.”

“I will.”

As they walked past each other, Miranda accidentally twisted her ankle. It had been quite some time since she’d last worn high heels. She lost her balance and fell forward.

Paul reacted swiftly by putting his body against hers and grabbing hold of her waist. He caught her just in time and prevented her fall.

Miranda put her hand over her chest as she tried to steady her breathing. Suddenly, she noticed the clean scent of wood and pine. It was the distinctive scent that belonged to Paul.