Chapter 0024
Miranda’s POV
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I tap my fingers against the steering wheel of my car and him along to the music Ella put on. She and Noah dance in the backseat, singing along to the song. I chuckle at them and focus my eyes back on the road.
I park the car in front of Anna’s house. She stands outside with a big smile on her face, waving to Noah and Ella in the backseat. The backdoor swings open and the kids pile out. Ella races to Anna while Noah takes his time. He looks around before embracing, Anna in a hug.
Anna pats the kids‘ backs and they run inside. I’m sure they’re already causing chaos and wreaking havoc in Anna’s home..
“I really appreciate you doing this for me,” I breathe out, lagging two child–size suitcases behind me.
“Don’t mention it. You know I love having the kids around promise to take good care of them!” Anna reassures my anxieties. I nod and pass off the suitcases to her. “Take as much time as you need. We’ll be waiting for you.
Ella and Noah come running back to the front door. I smile at them, but my inner feelings betray me as tears wells in my eyes. They hug me, each taking a side, and I have to keep my cry in on the inside.
“We’ll be good, Mommy, we promise!” Ella smiles.
“We’ll listen to Miss Anna and behave!” Noah butts in. I nod and drop down to their level. I bring them into my arms and plant kisses on their cheeks. I pull away and smile at them.
“I love you two. I’ll be back soon, I promise,” I shakily breathe out. I stand and watch as they wave at me, running away. I turn and head back to the car, wiping my tears away.
Two Weeks Later…
Countless vials are carelessly stacked in hazard bins behind me and I can’t bring myself to look at them. An exhausted breath leaves my lips when I hear a ding from a nearby machine. I turn to it and pop out the vial.
I hold it up to the light. The color is much closer to its original color. I lower it and place it inside a nearby cooling
box.
Despite numerous attempts at a stable formula, I have failed miserably. That is, until this last test. It’s stable, yes, but I don’t know how many negative side effects it attached to itself while I made it.
My feet carry me to the door of the lab. I shrug my lab coat off of my body and kick off my sandals. One by one, I take off my sterile lab clothes and switch into a more comfortable outfit.
I step outside the lab area and pull my jacket over my shoulders, awkwardly readjusting a folder of papers I hold in my arms. Once I’m settled, I look up from the ground and take a step forward, only to be stopped by a heinous sight.
Lily and her mother, Harper, glare at me. They have the same expression on their face and do the same pose. Their arms are crossed over their chest and their hip is popped out. I raise an eyebrow at them.
Harper opens her arms to me with a condescending smile. She steps towards me, closing the gap, but I take a cautious step back.
“Miranda, my dear! It’s been a long time,” Harper’s tone is insincere. I narrow my eyes at her. She plucks a handkerchief from her purse and pats the skin under her eyes. “I’ve been so worried about you all of these years. You’ve been a lone wolf for so long…come back home!”
“What?” I chuckle. My gaze flickers between Harper and Lily.
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Chapter 0024
“I’ll talk to your father for you! We will convince him to let you back into the pack.” Harper grabs my hands. I rip them away from her and scoff.
“No need. I am perfectly happy and content with my current life.” My response is quick and curt. I push past them and continue down the hallway, groaning.
From behind me, I can hear Lily and Harper not–so–quietly bicker. The sound of their heels catches up to me and a hand grabs my shoulder, turning me back around.
Lily thrusts a finger into my face and looks as if she is about to explode. Harper quickly pulls her back, shoving her hand back to her side. She pushes Lily behind her and awkwardly chuckles.
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