When fate plays its hand

Miranda coughed, choking on her food

The conversation had been lighthearted, but suddenly becoming the center of attention felt jarring–and not

in a pleasant way

“We’re not a couple,” she clarified with a smile while glancing at Jordan “But this meal is practically free for Mr. Cooper because she paused for effect, “I’m paying

Jordan blinked in surprise before casting a knowing, teasing look at Sam. He thought to himself, “Finally, there’s someone who can put this guy in his place!

After they finished eating, Miranda headed to the register to pay Jordan, however, stopped Sam in his tracks, leaning in to speak in a low voice.

“You’re slacking, Sam. Step up your game and win her over‘ If you miss out again, I’m really going to look down on you!”

Sam sighed. “You think I’m not trying?”

Ha! Finally, there’s someone who can keep you on your toes. Feels good, doesn’t it?”

Sam didn’t respond.

Jordan continued, “Well then, let your old pal lend you a hand.”

Sam raised an eyebrow. “What?”

By then, Miranda had already taken out her card and completed the payment. She turned back to Sam to say,”

Ready to go?”

“Wait a sec!” Jordan interjected, grinning as he strolled to the counter and motioned for an employee. “Hand

me that”

The young woman hesitated as she was a little confused. “What…”

“The tickets.”

“Oh, right!” She quickly passed him two tickets

Jordan then handed them to Sam. “Here. My sister scored these tickets for a piano concert, but I’m tone–deaf Sitting in the audience would just feel like torture. It’s perfect timing, so I’ll give these to you two ”

Sam glanced at the tickets and raised an eyebrow “These are hard to get. You’re really giving them to me?”

Take them already!”

“Alright, I won’t say no to that.”

With the tickets in hand, Sam left the restaurant with Miranda as Jordan waved them off. Once outside, Sam held up the tickets and turned to Miranda “Maxim’s piano concert Interested?”

“Maxim? Seriously?” Miranda looked astonished. “His tickets are so hard to come by.”

“See for yourself.” He handed her the tickets.

-2

She scanned the details and confirmed the tickets were legit!

“It was nice of Jordan to give us these. The concert’s tonight, and two hours from now it’d be a shame to

waste them.”

Miranda looked up at him. “Well.. let’s go, then?”

“Perfect! Let’s head out now!”

Hence, they each drove their car to the North Elgerson Music Hall and met at the entrance After passing through the VIP entrance and scanning their tickets, they found their seats Belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

The concert began at precisely 4:00 pm. As Maxim took the stage and bowed, thunderous applause erupted

from the audience.

Miranda, who was seated in the center of the front row with an unobstructed view of the stage, couldn’t help but clap enthusiastically. She even muttered something under her breath

The noise of the crowd drowned her words, and Sam, sitting beside her, leaned in “What did you just say?”

Miranda turned to him mid–applause, her hands never stopping. Isaid-”

Sam leaned closer to hear, and Miranda grinned. “He’s incredibly charming”

in what way?”

He raised an eyebrow. “In what way?”

Without hesitation, she replied, “He’s handsome and plays the piano so well!”

Handsome? Sam scoffed silently. Well, he played the piano too!

The performance opened with a vibrant rendition of “Flight of the Bumblebee“, modernized with dynamic rhythms that brought a fresh twist. By the end of the piece, Miranda’s palms were spre from clapping

Next came “Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor“, “Claudine“, and “Cuba Cuba!“–all equally mesmerizing Miranda was utterly absorbed as her eyes fixed on the stage, completely enraptured by the music.

Sam, on the other hand, was anything but focused on the performance. His gaze drifted toward Miranda. It was occasionally outright, yet other times he was stealing glances from the corner of his eye.

His mind was entirely consumed by her, unable to look away