Miranda was the first parent to arrive at the classroom that afternoon. She had dressed up with care, making Mia beam with pride as she came skipping out, backpack in hand.

“This is my mommy!” she announced happily to her classmates.

Miranda smiled and scooped her up. “You did great today, sweetie.”

Back home, Mia had already asked Mrs. Young to prepare all the ingredients for cookies and cake. She trailed after Miranda, excited to watch her mom bake. The smell of almond cookies soon filled the living room, warm and sweet.

“I want a cookie!” Mia clapped her hands eagerly.

“They’ll be ready soon,” Miranda said with a laugh, then deliberately dabbed a little flour on her own cheek.

Mia spotted it right away. She didn’t say anything at first and just ran off to grab a tissue. Then she tugged at Miranda’s sleeve.

“Mommy, there’s flour on your face. I’ll wipe it off for you.”

Miranda bent down, pretending to be surprised. “Oh, really?”

As Mia carefully wiped her face, Miranda’s eyes misted over. “My daughter really is such a kind, thoughtful child,” she thought.

When Mia was done, she looked up proudly. “Did I do a good job?”

“You were amazing,” Miranda said sincerely.

She used only the best ingredients to bake the cake, keeping sugar levels low for a healthier treat. Soon, the little cake was done. It was nearly 6:30 p.m., and the sky outside had begun to darken.

Mia glanced toward the window and pouted. “Why isn’t Daddy home yet?”

Miranda had a feeling Felix wouldn’t be coming back that night. After the confrontation at school with Xena, she figured he was probably with her instead.

Just then, the phone rang. Mrs. Young answered.

“Yes, of course. I’ll let her know,” she said, then turned to Miranda. “Ma’am, Mr. Gibson said he won’t be home for dinner. He has a meeting.”

Miranda nodded. “Then it’ll just be the three of us tonight.”

From now on, she wasn’t going to let anyone ruin her time with her daughter.

After dinner, Miranda and Mia played soccer on the grass outside. Miranda even faked a fall. Mia ran over at once, eyes wide with worry. Miranda limped playfully, but all she saw in her daughter’s eyes was pure concern.

Her heart softened. She felt moved beyond words.

That night, after bath time, Mia was so worn out that she fell asleep on her own by 9:30 p.m. Miranda quietly closed the door behind her and let out a soft sigh.

With the house finally quiet, she stepped into the study next door and began drafting a research proposal for her latest project. It was something she had been quietly working on for years.

She was grateful she had never given up. But over the years, in her effort to be a good wife, and out of fear of how Felix might react, she had kept many things from him.

Beneath the warm glow of the desk lamp, Miranda looked calm and composed. There was a quiet strength in her eyes.

She wasn’t going to hide anymore.

Her father, Dr. Eugene Stone, had been one of the country’s most respected medical scholars. Before his death, he had mentored many of the field’s top researchers and dreamed of one day founding a lab to complete the unfinished work he had started.

After closing her laptop, Miranda rubbed her temples and got ready to head back to the bedroom to sleep next to Mia.

It was just past midnight.

Unable to sleep, Miranda suddenly heard the sound of the front door opening. Felix was home.

In the past, whenever he came home late, Miranda would get up to greet him. If he had been drinking, she would quickly make him a tea to sober up. If he was just tired, she would warm up a glass of milk to help him sleep.

Marriage had taught her many skills—cooking, cleaning, reading someone’s mood. Eventually, she had trained herself into a thankless housekeeper who served without complaint.

Footsteps approached the bedroom. Miranda quickly shut her eyes.

The door opened, and Felix appeared at her bedside. The air carried the faint scent of alcohol and the soft, familiar perfume Xena always wore.

Felix leaned over to tuck the blanket around Mia and gave her a gentle kiss. Miranda kept her eyes closed, but she couldn’t avoid the kiss that brushed against her forehead.

The warmth of his lips made her whole body tense.

As soon as Felix left the room, Miranda sat up and grabbed a wet wipe, scrubbing the spot where he had kissed her.

She felt dirty. He had just come from another woman’s bed.

Over the next three days, Miranda and Mia began to grow close again. After all, she had raised Mia since birth, held her close through every milestone.

Mia’s love hadn’t disappeared. It had only been displaced. With patience and warmth, Miranda believed she could earn back that trust and dependence.

By Friday afternoon, Miranda had been working on her research proposal all morning. Feeling thirsty, she headed downstairs—only to see Felix coming up.

She had come down from the third floor. They locked eyes for a moment before she brushed past him and went downstairs to make some tea.

“Still mad?” Felix asked, a trace of irritation in his voice.

Miranda paused and turned to him. “Mad about what?”

“Never mind.” He waved it off and continued upstairs.

Miranda frowned. Lately, she had been forgetting a lot about their past fights.

Then it came back to her. Two weeks ago, in a fit of frustration, she had torn up Felix’s passport to stop him from taking Xena on a holiday abroad.

They didn’t speak for a week afterward. Eventually, Miranda had crept into his bedroom after Mia fell asleep and tried to repair things by initiating intimacy.

That was what he meant just now.

But Miranda knew, no matter how she tried to stop him, Felix would still take Mia overseas to spend Christmas with Xena.

Just then, Miranda’s phone rang, pulling her out of her thoughts. She answered with a smile, “Hi, Lucas.”

“Mira, I finished reading your paper. It’s absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to sit down and talk with you about it,” came the excited voice on the other end.

“Thank you for saying that.”

“Are you free in the next couple of days? I’d love to meet up.”

“Can I check my schedule and get back to you?”

“Sure. Just let me know when you’re free.”

After hanging up, Miranda carried her teacup upstairs. She checked the time on her watch. She didn’t want to be late picking Mia up from school.

Felix had come home past midnight last night, so he was likely still asleep. Miranda didn’t plan to disturb him.

But on the second-floor landing, she heard his voice. He was on the phone.

“I’m flying out next Monday. Yeah, I’ll bring Mia with me.

“If there’s anything you want, just say the word.”

Miranda instinctively stepped back into the hallway, staying out of sight. As he walked toward his room, his voice drifted back through the silence.

“I’ll give you everything you ask for.”

A sharp pain pierced Miranda’s chest. She kept telling herself she didn’t care anymore, but the anger was still there.

This time, she wasn’t going to let Mia go abroad with them. She wouldn’t give Xena the chance to get close to her daughter or twist her thoughts.

That evening, Felix stayed home for dinner. While Mia clung to him, Miranda kept her distance. After dinner, around 8:30 p.m., she took a shower. When she came out and couldn’t find Mia, she followed the sound of her voice to Felix’s room.

She was just about to push the door open when she heard Mia’s cheerful voice.

“Aunt Xena, did you already leave the country?”

“Yeah, I just arrived today. I really wish you could’ve come with me!”

“We’ll see each other soon! Daddy said he’s bringing me to visit you in a few days!”

“Then I’ll get your gifts ready—lots of pretty Christmas dresses!”

“I want lots of princess dresses. And a shiny crown too!”

“Of course. I’ll prepare everything in advance. I even ordered your favorite whipped cream cake.”

Xena’s doting voice floated through the door.

Miranda stood frozen behind it, listening silently until the call ended.

“Alright, we’ll talk soon,” Felix said.

“I’ll be waiting!” Xena replied.

“Bye, Mia! Love you!” she added in fluent Danesian.

“I love you too!” Mia echoed in sweet, perfect Danesian.

The closeness in their exchange hit Miranda like a blade to the chest. She could barely breathe.

She opened the door with a composed smile.

“Mia.”

“Mommy! Daddy and I are going on a trip soon. Do you want to come too?” Mia looked up earnestly, eyes full of hope.

In her heart, she simply wanted everyone who loved her to be there with her.

“Mia, can Mommy talk to Daddy for a bit? Why don’t you go play in the toy room?” Miranda gently stroked her daughter’s hair.

Mia nodded obediently. “Okay!”

As she ran out, Mrs. Young called from the hallway, “Mia, I’ve cut up some fruit—come have a snack!”

Miranda quietly closed the door behind her.

Under the chandelier, Felix lounged on the sofa, his tie already loosened and shirt unbuttoned halfway down. A faint smear of strawberry jam—probably from dinner with Mia—still clung to his shirt.

“We need to talk,” Miranda said, breaking the silence.

Felix looked up. It was clear he had been waiting for her to say something.

“I don’t think you should take Mia abroad this time,” she said. “If you want to visit your mother and grandmother for Christmas, that’s fine. But I want Mia to stay here with me.”

“They haven’t seen her in a while. It’s only ten days,” Felix replied, his tone flat.

Miranda’s chest rose and fell. She met his eyes.

“You could come too,” he offered.

She clenched her fists. Her voice sharpened. “I could. But can you promise me that woman will stay away from my daughter?”

Felix tugged at his already-loosened tie—his usual tell when he was getting impatient.

“Xena doesn’t mean any harm,” he muttered. “You don’t need to be so on edge.”

Miranda’s body trembled.

“Fine,” she said. “I’ll go. But I don’t care what’s going on between you and Xena. Just keep her away from my daughter.”

Felix’s mother and grandmother had lived overseas for years. The last time Felix visited them was back in August. She couldn’t stop him from visiting his family, so she had no choice but to accompany them.

Suppressing her anger, Miranda returned to the bedroom. Just then, her phone rang.

She paused at the foreign number flashing on the screen, then picked up. “Hello?”

A warm male voice came through. “Mira, have you made up your mind? Will you join the program?”

Miranda immediately recognized the caller. “I’m sorry, James. There’s something more important I need to do.”

“I looked into your marriage. Your husband’s cheating, and your daughter’s not close to you. You could walk away from that and return to science. With your talent, you’d make real breakthroughs.”

Miranda gave a grateful nod. “Thank you, James. I appreciate your kindness, but I have my own plans.”

“You’re trying to win your husband back?” he asked with a soft sigh.

“No,” she replied calmly. “I just want to be there for my daughter.”

“Alright. I believe we’ll meet again.”

“I’m sure we will,” Miranda said with a smile, the name James echoing softly in her heart.

James Moore had once worked alongside her father. Over the years, he had looked after her like a big brother.

Now, she had made up her mind. No matter what, she would rebuild her relationship with her daughter. There was no way she would let her live under the same roof as a woman like Xena.

That night, she gently told Mia that she would be going abroad with her.

Mia’s eyes lit up as she threw her arms around Miranda’s neck, excitedly sharing the fun things she wanted to do overseas. As Miranda listened, she thought about how, in trying to save her marriage, she had neglected the most important person of all—her daughter.

She had been neglecting Mia all along.

“Baby, Mommy loves you.”

“I love you too, Mommy,” came Mia’s soft, sweet voice, followed by a warm kiss on the cheek.

“You’ll always be the best mommy in the world. I never want to leave you—ever,” Mia said, cupping Miranda’s face in the soft glow of the bedroom light.

Miranda held her close and kissed the top of her little head. “Mommy loves you too. Always.”

*

On Monday, the family headed to the airport.

Eighteen hours later, they arrived in Danesia. Felix’s assistant, Gavin York, pushed the luggage cart while Miranda carried her bag. Mia, who had slept most of the flight, was still curled up in Felix’s arms, wrapped securely in his coat.

They exited the airport and climbed into a warm business-class van. Felix adjusted Mia’s position in his arms, his deep gaze falling gently on her sleeping face. He gently brushed a stray hair from her brow.

The three-car convoy sped through the stormy night. As Miranda looked out at the unfamiliar cityscape, a quiet weight settled over her chest.

Soon, she would have to face her mother-in-law, Susan Quinn, and her sister-in-law, Sienna Gibson.

Eight years ago, when Felix was twenty, he got into a serious car accident and fell into a coma. He was rushed to the hospital where her father worked. The moment she heard the news, Miranda took a leave from school and went straight to the hospital to care for him.

At the time, Susan was overwhelmed with grief and didn’t object to Miranda staying.

Miranda looked after him day and night, taking over the nurses’ duties without complaint. For an entire year, she stayed by his side. When Felix finally woke up, Miranda couldn’t suppress her feelings any longer. She confessed her love and said she wanted to marry him.

But she hadn’t expected Susan to overhear the confession. The very next day, Susan pulled her aside and offered her one hundred million dollars to leave her son.

Miranda struggled with the decision. She was packing her things to return to school when Felix appeared at the door. He looked thin and tired, but his eyes were bright and steady.

“Let’s get married,” he said.

Miranda still remembered that moment. His voice was calm, his expression unreadable, but there had been something resolute in his eyes.

On their wedding day, her father’s assistant quietly told her the truth. It was her father who had given Felix the footage of her caring for him in the hospital for a whole year. That was why Felix married her. It was not for love, but out of gratitude.

Back then, she had believed that if she just loved him enough, one day he would love her back. Looking back now, she realized how naive her nineteen-year-old self had been.

After nearly an hour’s drive, the convoy pulled into an upscale neighborhood in Danesia. The cars finally stopped in front of a grand, brightly lit estate.

The housekeepers were already waiting by the door. Miranda got out first, holding her bag. She turned to see Felix stepping down with their daughter held securely in his arms.

Mia, still groggy from the flight, nestled sleepily against his shoulder, her messy hair and flushed cheeks making her look all the more adorable.

“Daddy, are we at Grandma’s house?” Mia asked with a yawn.

Just then, a regal figure descended the stairs from the second floor. Her voice rang out with delight, “Is that my granddaughter? Grandma’s here!”

But when her eyes landed on Miranda, who stood quietly with her bag, a faint trace of displeasure flashed in her gaze.

“Hi, Mom. It’s been a while,” Miranda greeted politely.

“Oh my sweet Mia! You’ve gotten taller again. Come give Grandma a hug!” Susan said joyfully, scooping the child into her arms.

She gently patted Mia’s plump little frame. “Daddy’s taking good care of you—look how chubby you’ve gotten.”

Felix, however, reached over and took Mia back into his arms. Susan didn’t protest, knowing her son was concerned about her health.

Then she turned to the housekeeper and instructed, “Go prepare a guest room for the guest.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the housekeeper responded.

Miranda’s heart sank. That line wasn’t for the housekeeper. It was for her. A reminder that her presence hadn’t been part of the original plan. Otherwise, her room would have already been prepared.

“I’m hungry, Grandma! I want something to eat. Hey, where’s Aunt Sienna?” Mia asked, acting as if she were completely at home.

“Alright, I will have the maid fix something for you,” Susan said warmly. “Your aunt went skiing abroad with some friends. She won’t be back until New Year’s.”

Miranda let out a quiet breath. Sienna didn’t like her either. Honestly, she was relieved she didn’t have to see her.

Just then, Felix’s phone rang. Miranda glanced over and saw him glance at the screen before stepping outside to take the call.

Miranda had agreed to come along, but clearly, Felix planned to spend time comforting Xena.

Just then, an elderly figure with silvery white hair stepped up from the sunroom. It was Felix’s grandmother.

“Mira, you’re here,” she said warmly.

“Hi, Grandma.” Miranda greeted her affectionately. After the wedding, Mrs. Gibson Sr. had always treated her well.

“Oh my, Mia’s getting so tall! Great-Grandma can’t even lift you anymore!” Mrs. Gibson Sr. said with a loving smile as she watched her great-granddaughter run around.

After the eighteen-hour flight, Miranda was feeling worn out. With Mia happily playing with her grandmother and great-grandmother, she didn’t want to interrupt. She took a shower and stayed in the room to rest.

By 11 p.m., Mia was still bursting with energy. Miranda forced herself to stay awake and sat with her in the upstairs sitting area. Before long, Felix joined them, dressed in a soft cotton pajama set. As soon as he sat down, Mia climbed into his lap.

“Daddy, play with me! Please!”

“Sure. What do you want to play?”

“Blocks!”

Felix patiently built blocks with her. Miranda sat quietly to the side, exhaustion washing over her. Before long, she drifted off with her head resting on the couch.

Half-asleep, she felt a tap on her arm. Mia was whispering next to her, “Daddy, can you carry Mommy back to bed?”

“You can wake her up yourself,” Felix replied gently.

“But you carried Aunt Xena back to her room last time. Why can’t you carry Mommy too?” Mia pouted, a hint of jealousy in her voice.

Miranda frowned. “He didn’t even try to keep his distance from Xena in front of our daughter? Disgusting!” she thought.

She pretended to wake up and opened her eyes. “Mia, I’ll take you to bed.”

She looked up and met Felix’s dark, unreadable gaze. He clearly knew she had heard everything.

“I’m scared. I want both Mommy and Daddy to sleep with me,” Mia said with a pout.

“Daddy has work to do. Go with Mommy for now,” Felix said flatly, getting up and walking toward his study.

Mia’s lips trembled, but Miranda scooped her up. “Come on, baby. Mommy will tell you a bedtime story.”

*

The next morning, Miranda came downstairs with Mia in tow.

“Good morning, ma’am. Would you like breakfast now?” a housekeeper asked as she approached.

Miranda nodded. As they entered the dining room, she asked, “Has Mr. Gibson gotten up yet?”

“He left early this morning,” the housekeeper replied.

Miranda understood perfectly. With her here, Xena couldn’t show up at the Gibson estate. So Felix had no choice but to go out and meet her instead.

Right now, they were probably sitting in some upscale cafe downtown, enjoying a cozy date—or maybe they were already tangled up in the sheets of a hotel room, indulging in a heated morning affair.

*

By noon, Miranda spent some time chatting with Mrs. Gibson Sr. Though Susan wasn’t particularly fond of her, she kept things civil in front of Mia.

“Mira, Mia’s already five. She seems a little lonely,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. said, taking her hand. “You two are still young. Why not try for another child or two? A livelier home is a happier one.”

Miranda didn’t take offense. From Mrs. Gibson Sr.’s point of view, wanting more grandchildren made sense.

After lunch, with Mia occupied, Miranda returned to her room and continued working. This time, she was determined to carry out her father’s last wish and finally complete the research lab he never got to finish.

That evening, Felix came home for dinner.

“Come on, open up.” Susan coaxed gently, offering a spoonful of risotto to Mia, a satisfied smile on her face.

With a child at the table, the atmosphere was naturally lighthearted. But Mrs. Gibson Sr. couldn’t help noticing the tension between Felix and Miranda. The emotional distance between the couple was too obvious.

She was still hoping to see another great-grandchild in her lifetime, and the thought made her silently anxious.

After dinner, she deliberately sent Susan and Mia away, keeping Felix and Miranda behind.

“Mira, you young folks should go out and enjoy yourselves once in a while,” she began, not bothering to sugarcoat it. “Don’t just stay home with us old folks all day.”

Miranda smiled politely. “I like spending time at home with you all, Grandma.”

But Mrs. Gibson Sr. suddenly remembered that Miranda rarely went abroad and probably didn’t have many friends here. Her expression grew serious as she turned to Felix.

“Felix, you’re always leaving your wife at home while you run around outside. Is that how a husband should act?”

Felix’s gaze shifted to Miranda, sharp and questioning. Clearly, he assumed she had been complaining behind his back.

“We’ll take Mia with us tonight,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. added with a knowing glint in her eye. “You take Mira out for a breather. Come back a little later.”

She was clearly hoping the young couple would rekindle their intimacy—if not at home, then maybe at a hotel.

Miranda caught on instantly and quickly protested, “It’s cold out. I’d rather stay home with you.”

“There’s heating in the car. You won’t freeze. Go on—get out for a bit,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. insisted, waving them off.

Just as Miranda was about to come up with another excuse, Felix cut in coldly, “Let’s go.”

“Go on, go on,” Mrs. Gibson Sr. said again, finally breaking into a pleased smile.

Not wanting to disrespect her grandmother-in-law, Miranda nodded.

Felix pulled the car around, and Miranda climbed into the passenger seat. Behind them, Mrs. Gibson Sr. stood at the window, watching them leave with a hopeful smile.

Once they had exited the estate, a heavy silence filled the car, making Miranda feel increasingly uneasy.

Just then, the car phone rang. The name “Xena” lit up across the screen, bold and unmistakable.

Miranda glanced at it, then turned her face toward the window without a word.

Felix reached over and declined the call.

A moment later, Miranda spoke, her voice quiet but firm. “Just drop me off anywhere in the city. I’ll make my own way back.”

But Felix replied coolly, “Come with me. There’s somewhere I want to go.”