Independence

In the stillness of the night, a soft murmur sounded from the other end of the line, “Mimi, I’m in pain.” Miranda could detect a slight quiver in Hansel’s voice.

In that instant, she felt an instinctive pang of heartache.

Hansel was a stubborn man with a cutting tongue, and he’d always put on a brave front. He often drank to the point where his stomach bled and worked overtime without taking time to eat or rest.

Back then, Miranda had used to rack her brain for ways to restore Hansel’s health. She’d paid close attention to making him three meals each day. She’d even learned massage techniques from a traditional medicine practitioner.

His stomach issues had finally improved considerably after she’d put in tremendous effort for a long period of time.

Yet, her efforts had often gone unappreciated, with him calling her a bother. Sometimes, he’d even frown impatiently, saying, “Why are your fussing over me like my mother?”

At that moment, memories that Miranda had almost forgotten resurfaced in her mind. The sudden wave of heartache she felt quickly subsided.

She replied, “I’m not a doctor. Go to the hospital if it hurts that much.”

Hansel heard her cold tone, and the blood drained from his face. Nonetheless, he didn’t give up. “I want to drink the soup you make.”

Miranda merely listened quietly without responding. On the other end, Hansel fell silent as well. The call seemed to have turned into a silent

standoff.

In the end, Miranda hung up first.

Hansel remained motionless, still holding the phone to his ear. The nurse thought that he’d fallen asleep. She glanced over and noticed that he was still awake. His expression was visibly upset.

Surprised, the nurse probed, “Mr. Johnson, you…”

Hansel returned the phone to her. Exhausted, he closed his eyes and didn’t say another word. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

The next day, Miranda got up just as dawn broke. She took out her phone and called Calvin, “How’s your stomach? Are you feeling better? Do you still want some soup?”

Calvin was still sleeping soundly. He thought that it was a prank call, so he didn’t even open his eyes.

However, he sat up immediately when he heard Miranda’s voice.

Miranda! Oh, the soup you made was so delicious. I finished it in a few gulps, but I’m still craving for it. I wish I could have it every day!”

Miranda didn’t expose his lie. Instead, she told him when he could come to pick up more soup before ending the call.

She knew that she and Hansel could never go back to how they’d been before. This was all she could do for him now.

Hansel spent a few days at home, receiving IV drip treatment. He’d almost recovered completely.

During this period of time, Ingrid had brought the pumpkin soup she’d personally made for him to the mansion each day.

Each time, Hansel would tell her to leave the soup aside and let it cool before he drank it.

Today was no different. Ingrid arrived at the mansion early in the morning. She placed the soup down and took a seat beside Hansel, her body leaning on his.

“Dear, you’re finally much better. You have no idea how worried I’ve been these past few days.”

Hansel smiled without responding to her. Instead, he asked, “Haven’t you been having any classes recently?” She’d been showing up on time at the mansion every day.

Ingrid shrugged with a cheeky smile. “I skipped them all. My boyfriend is more important. I wish I could be by your side 24/7, taking care of you and cooking for you.”

Hansel was slightly taken aback.

He remembered when he’d just started dating Miranda; he’d wanted to take her out on a date, but she’d had classes.

Pouting, Hansel had tried to convince her to skip class and go out with him. He’d even promised that it would be just that once, but Miranda had refused to go, no matter what.

Then, he’d become upset and couldn’t stop himself from throwing a tantrum; he’d given her the cold shoulder for three whole days.

Miranda had also been quite stubborn. She hadn’t bothered to reach out to him either.

Eventually, Hansel had apologized by giving her presents, and he’d sweet–talked her into making up. After that, they’d ended up having their dates during Miranda’s classes.

She’d look at the whiteboard and listen to the lectures while he stared at her, mesmerized by her beauty.

Back then, they’d loved each other so deeply and passionately. They’d

had so many beautiful and pleasant memories together. How had they ended up like this?

Hansel suddenly felt a little confused.

Ingrid looked up and noticed Hansel’s eyes had glazed over. Although he was looking at her, his gaze seemed to pass through her, as if his mind was preoccupied with someone or something else.

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