When fate plays its hand

Paul tapped on the counter with his knuckles. “Your ID is needed to register your personal details.”

“Oh, right…” Elizabeth quickly rummaged through her bag.

The people waiting behind her were beginning to grow impatient. Out of courtesy, they didn’t say anything rude. Instead, they just let out a few sighs of exasperation.

After some effort, Elizabeth finally found her ID and handed it to the receptionist.

By then, Paul had received his room key and turned to head for the elevator. He seemed to have no intention of waiting for her.

Elizabeth grabbed her room key and hurried after him. “Dr. Jefferson, wait for me!”

Both of them got to the seventh floor and entered their respective rooms after scanning

their cards. novelbin

Elizabeth’s eyes darted around. Before Paul could close the door to his room, she suggested with a smile, “Dr. Jefferson, shall we have dinner together later?”

Paul glanced at his wristwatch. “I have an online meeting to attend. You should eat on your own.” With that, he closed the door, leaving Elizabeth speechless.

Suddenly, the door opened once more. Elizabeth’s eyes brightened, thinking he might have changed his mind. “Dr. Jefferson…”

He said, “Lizzy, this forum is one of the most significant interdisciplinary academic events within the country. I hope you’ll cherish this rare opportunity to observe and learn as much as possible. I hope that you’ll gain something valuable out of this.”

“I understand.” Elizabeth forced a smile.

Originally, Paul was supposed to attend the forum with Bryan. However, two days before their departure, Bryan came to Paul with an urgent matter. He said that he had a family emergency and needed to go home to handle it. He specifically requested that the opportunity be given to Elizabeth instead.

That was how Elizabeth ended up coming along

Paul wasn’t sure if Bryan’s family matter was genuine or fabricated, nor did he know whether Elizabeth had come to genuinely learn or for some other reason. Nonetheless, he had given her the necessary reminders and advice. The rest was up to her.

Christine had just recovered from her recent illness and felt tired from the long journey. After eating a light meal sent up by the hotel, she went straight to bed. It was important to

conserve her energy with two full days of the conference ahead.

Miranda helped organize her luggage and filled a thermos of hot water by her bedside for easy access when she woke up. Only then did she quietly leave the room.

Miranda went to her own room and took a quick shower. After changing into fresh clothes, she sorted out her luggage. Then, she made herself a cup of floral tea and sat in a rocking chair on the balcony.

Sipping her tea, Miranda enjoyed the distant view while replying to messages from Madison and Sebastian. When she grew tired, she lay down for a nap.

It was already evening by the time she woke up.

Miranda went to check on Christine first, who was still sleeping soundly. Next, she opened the thermos and noticed half of the water was consumed. She refilled the thermos, tightened the lid, and placed it back on the bedside table before leaving the room.

As she left, she ran into Paul coincidentally. He had just come out of the room across from Christine’s. They were momentarily taken aback when their eyes met.

“Miranda, are you staying across from me? What a coincidence.”

Miranda pointed to the room next door. “I’m staying here. This is Dr. Young’s room.”

“Have you had dinner?”

She shook her head. “No, I’m just about to go.

“Then let’s eat together. After dinner, we can take a stroll on the waterfront.”

“Sure. Dr. Jefferson, could you wait a moment? I’ll go in and grab my bag.”

“Of course.” Paul nodded kindly. “Go ahead.”

Taking her bag, Miranda packed her phone and some essentials before heading downstairs with Paul.

As they waited for the elevator, a female voice called out from behind them, brimming with excitement, “Dr. Jefferson!”

Paul and Miranda turned around at the same time.

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