When fate plays its hand

After finishing their meal, Nelly went to pay the bill. They’d barely touched their food, leaving quite a bit behind. The two mothers were wrapped in their thoughts, each with their own concerns.

Meanwhile, Sam and Paul seemed to be having a much better day, each pleased with their purchases- Sam with his suit and Paul with his shoes.

Sam said, “There’s a bubble tea shop up ahead. Want to get some?” Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

Paul said, “That cake shop over there is quite famous…”

They spoke almost simultaneously, exchanging a glance thick with unspoken rivalry.

Sam suggested, “Miranda, why don’t we go together?”

Paul added, “Would you like to check it out?”

Both men looked at her expectantly.

Miranda blinked, feeling the tension again. “How about this–you each go to get what you want, and I’ll head to the restroom?”

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Sam nodded. “Alright.” He then turned to Paul and said, “Dr. Jefferson, I wouldn’t have pegged you bubble tea fan.”

Paul replied, “If you’re the one treating, Mr. Cooper, I’d be happy to have a cup.”

“Fine, Sam agreed, though his tone held a hint of gritted teeth.

Paul continued, “In return, I’ll treat you to a piece of cake.”

Sam’s mood soured further. The two men went their separate ways to stand in line.

When Miranda returned from the restroom, Sam was holding two cups of bubble tea with a third still on the counter. He was about to ask the server for a bag.

“Here, I’ll take it,” she offered. They then chatted as they headed toward the cake shop.

“Susan? Susan!”

“Huh? What is it?”

“What are you staring at so intently? I called you twice. Nelly followed her gaze. Apart from the cake shop, she couldn’t see anything unusual.

Susan waved it off. “Oh, it’s nothing.” But despite her words, her expression was anything but fine.

Miranda was chatting and laughing with another man, drinking bubble tea and strolling around together! Wasn’t that exactly what couples would do? Though she only saw the man’s back, his clothes and demeanor suggested he was quite well–off.

Just moments ago, she’d been shopping with her son, and now she was drinking bubble tea with someone else! And she claimed she was not the type to lead people on? Her time management skill was surely spot on for playing the two of them!

Susan’s heart boiled at the thought of her innocent, inexperienced son falling for such a woman. “Nelly, I… just remembered something important. I’m afraid I can’t shop with you any longer.”

“That’s alright. Go do what you need to. I was planning to head home anyway,” said Nelly.

With that, Susan hurried off.

Meanwhile, Paul called from beside the display case inside the cake shop, “Miranda! Over here!”

Miranda walked over and handed him his bubble tea. “Dr. Jefferson, here’s yours.”

“Thank you.” He glanced over at Sam with a faintly amused look. “Mr. Cooper, much appreciated.”

Sam was speechless at first, then replied, “You’re welcome.”

Paul took his bubble tea and pointed at the cakes while asking Miranda, “Which one do you like?”

Miranda chose a small cake shaped like a peach.

“What about you, Mr. Cooper?”

Sam wasn’t much for sweets, but he was more than willing to accept one if Paul was buying. “I’ll have the

same as Miranda.”

The server interjected, “I’m sorry, sir. Each cake design is unique, so we only have one of each shape.”

The appeal was in its exclusivity. Hence, Sam casually pointed to another cake. When the server handed it to him, he realized it was a cartoon “butt” shape.

At first glance, it looked quite similar to Miranda’s peach–shaped cake. The server clearly had a sense of

humor.

Paul commented, “I didn’t expect Mr. Cooper’s taste to be quite so unique.”

Sam was speechless.