Miranda had lost count of how many times she had replayed the events in her mind—the disappointment, the betrayal, the mocking laughter that had tested her resilience. No matter how often she relived it, the sting remained just as sharp.
She had come to this country with big dreams, working tirelessly to build a life for herself. Even after her breakup with Colin became public knowledge and the whispers followed her, she had pressed on. But nothing could have prepared her for the moment he and Leslie walked into her workplace, their presence a reminder of the past she was trying to leave behind.
She had hoped Michael, her boss, would understand when she asked to be reassigned to a different table. Instead, he barely looked up. “We all have things to deal with, Miranda. I need you to do your job, not run away.”
So, she straightened her apron, took a deep breath, and walked to their table with her head held high.
Colin leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “Look who it is,” he said. “Miranda, serving tables. I guess some people really do find their true calling.”
Leslie twirled a strand of hair. “Oh, be nice, Colin. She’s working hard,” she added, her voice laced with amusement. “Say, Miranda, can you get us something really spicy? We want the full experience.”
Miranda clenched her fists beneath her tray but forced a smile. “Of course. Anything else?”
Colin let out a slow chuckle. “Oops,” he said, deliberately dropping his fork. “Be a dear and pick that up for me.”
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