Independence

Chapter 0115

In the end, Miranda was swamped with flowers.

Winter was completely at a loss. This wasn’t how she’d pictured things turning out. Miranda was just as confused one of this was what she had anticipated.

Hansel, standing among the crowd, was utterly astonished.

Ingrid looked at the few roses she held, her frustration clear in her eyes. Were these people blind?

Miranda wasn’t even wearing that black bikini anymore. She’d switched to a plain one piece swimsuit. How dull and drab! Yet Hansel couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.

She wore a wide–brimmed straw hat adorned with a light–colored ribbon tied in a neat bow. It was a minimalist design, yet it looked incredibly elegant and refined on her.

Every man was spellbound the instant she showed up. But she seemed completely oblivious as she casually chatted with Winter. Her occasional smiles only made it harder for anyone to look away.

“Feeling angry?” Sam appeared next to Hansel without him even. realizing it.

He let out a chuckle when he saw the fury in Hansel’s reddened eyes before glancing off into the distance. “She was never yours to hold onto.

Hansel clenched his fists but stayed silent.

“She’s even more radiant than you ever imagined, so you could never keep her hidden away,” Sam added, his eyes filled with admiration and longing.

He turned back to Hansel with a smirk. “Are you regretting losing your rose? She’s not yours anymore.”

Suddenly, something came hurtling toward him. Sam watched as Hansel’s fist stopped just inches from his face, and he narrowed his eyes. “You won’t always get a second chance.”

Hansel managed a tight smile. “You’re right. But did you forget who helped her grow into the rose she is today? I’ve watched her develop. Every part of her–from her beauty to her v essence–reflects my influence. We’ve been together for six years. Do you even know what she loves or what she hates?”

Hansel shot him a derisive look. “She’s mine. We’ve always been inseparable. What you believe is nothing more than a delusion. The bond we share goes far deeper than you understand.”

Sam abandoned his dismissive attitude for the first time and met Hansel’s eyes with a cold, hard stare. He knew Hansel was right. Miranda had plenty of chances to leave Hansel over the past six years, but she always chose to return to him.

As much as it hurt to admit, Sam had to acknowledge that Miranda’s. feelings for Hansel were far deeper than he had ever thought.

Ingrid watched the two men bicker over Miranda, neither one willing to step aside. A sharp pang of jealousy gnawed at her.

Why? Why did it seem like men only had eyes for Miranda? She couldn’t fathom why she fell short in comparison.

Miranda ended up with the most roses of anyone there. All eyes were on her as if the spotlight followed her wherever she went.

Winter waved and shouted with excitement from below the stage, her

camera clicking away at Miranda in a frenzy.

The event’s host, a blonde woman with striking blue eyes and a sun- kissed complexion, flashed a vibrant and cheerful smile at the crowd.” Congratulations to this lovely lady from Hebrana for being named. today’s Rose Queen. Now, let’s uncover the prize!”

A person from behind handed Miranda a box. It was neither too large. nor too small and elegantly crafted, leading everyone to wonder if it held some fine jewelry.

Miranda reached out to grab it. “Should I open it now?”

“Absolutely. Let’s all see it together! Three, two, one!”

Miranda started to untie the ribbon as the countdown rang out.