Chapter 33: Miranda's Frustration

The next morning, Ethan woke up early, full of energy and with a determined idea in mind. Knowing his father had spoken about an engagement, something inside him told him he needed to act. He decided a little prank would give Miranda a "special welcome" to his world of mischief.

Miranda arrived early at Alexander's house to coordinate some details for the upcoming engagement party. As always, her presence was impeccable, every garment and gesture calculated to perfection. However, just as she stepped through the door, she found the hallway covered in small colored papers falling from the ceiling like rain confetti.

—Ethan! —she exclaimed, as the papers continued to cover her, sticking to her perfectly pressed clothes.

Ethan emerged from the corner, covering his mouth to stifle his laughter, feigning pure innocence.

—What’s wrong, Miss Miranda? Don’t you like the welcome?

Miranda looked at him with a mix of surprise and exasperation, unsure whether to laugh or scream. However, as she moved to avoid more papers, a second prank awaited her. Ethan had discreetly placed a small water balloon above the door, which fell right onto her as she pushed the door open again, drenching her in cold water.

Miranda let out a choked scream while Ethan stifled his laughter.

—Ethan! This is… unacceptable! —she yelled, wiping her face and trying to regain her composure.

Alexander, hearing the commotion from his office, stepped into the hallway. Seeing Miranda soaked and Ethan trying to hide his laughter, he couldn’t suppress a small smile.

—What’s going on here? —he asked, crossing his arms.

Ethan shrugged with an exaggerated expression of innocence.

—I was just giving her a warm welcome, Dad. I mean, a future… —he paused dramatically— "stepmom" should feel at home, right?

Alexander, unable to fully conceal his amusement, approached Ethan and ruffled his hair in approval.

—Ethan, remember to be kind to our guests —he said, though his tone revealed that, deep down, he understood and even approved of his son’s playful antics.

Miranda, however, crossed her arms and glared at Alexander, raising an eyebrow as if expecting a more serious reprimand.

—Alexander, aren’t you going to do something about this? This boy needed discipline —she said, attempting to recover her air of authority.

Alexander sighed but shrugged with a nonchalant air.

—Miranda, he’s just a child —he replied calmly—. Besides, it’s good to see him finally starting to enjoy himself at home.

Miranda, feeling utterly frustrated and without the support she hoped for, left the hallway, muttering to herself while Ethan and Alexander shared a smile of complicity.

After drying herself off and recommending, Miranda returned to the living room with a frown, glancing around for Ethan’s nanny. With a mix of impatience and annoyance, she turned to Alexander.

—Where is Isabella? —she asked, crossing her arms—. She should be supervising Ethan and preventing him from… —she gestured toward the mess of papers and water—. These things.

Alexander looked up from the documents he was reviewing, taking Miranda’s comment with his usual calm.

—I gave her permission to go to the doctor —he replied without looking up from the paper in his hands—. It’s important she takes care of herself, and she’s been incredibly responsible towards Ethan.

Miranda looked at him skeptically, unable to hide the discomfort Alexander’s support for the nanny caused her.

—Well, but right now, when we’re organizing the engagement date, she should be here. Ethan’s discipline is crucial, Alexander —she insisted, raising her voice slightly—. With his behavior, I can’t imagine how he’ll act at such an important event.

Alexander looked at her steadily, his tone firm.

—Ethan is in good hands, Miranda —he stated—. Isabella has done more for him in just a few weeks than anyone has in years.

Miranda tried not to show her displeasure, but it was evident the comment unsettled her. She took a breath and tried to smile, though her tone remained sharp.

—Very well, if you say so. I just hope she’s fully committed to her work here… and doesn’t take too many liberties.

Alexander smiled slightly, fully aware of the tension in the air.

—Isabella is committed, Miranda. That’s not something you need to worry about.

Miranda forced a smile, adding nothing more, though her eyes betrayed her discomfort. The conversation hung in the air with a tense silence, as both knew that what was brewing between them and with Isabella could change more than Miranda had planned.

After a brief, tense silence, Miranda took a sip of her coffee and looked at Alexander with a stern expression.

—Alexander —she said, her tone revealing something she’d been holding back—. I want our engagement day to be perfect. No interruptions, no surprises, and frankly, no… complications.

Alexander looked up at her, a mix of curiosity and irritation in his expression.

—Complications? —he repeated, frowning.

Miranda paused, lowering her gaze before clearing her throat and continuing.

—I mean Ethan. I didn’t want him there that day. You know he’s caused too many problems at important events, and last time… —she hesitated for a second, not wanting to recall the prank Ethan had pulled on one of her guests—. I just don’t want anything ruining our engagement.

Alexander stared at her, surprised by her request.

—Are you telling me you want to exclude my son from an event that’s supposed to celebrate our future as a family? —he asked, a note of disapproval in his voice—. Miranda, he’s part of this too.

Miranda pursed her lips, as if struggling not to lose her patience.

—I know, Alexander, but try to see it from my perspective. This event is crucial for our families, and you know how important it is for my mother and your grandfather. A restless child like Ethan just exposes us to a possible scene… I want it to be special, without distractions.

Alexander clenched his jaw, keeping his gaze fixed on Miranda.

—Ethan will be there, Miranda —he said in a calm but firm tone—. He’s my son, and I won’t keep him away from such an important occasion. If you think he might embarrass you, maybe we should rethink what this engagement means to you.

Miranda tried to hide her frustration, but the slight trembling in her hands betrayed her.

—I don’t want to exclude him… —she murmured, trying to soften her stance—. I just… want the day to be perfect. But if it’s so important to you, I’ll find a way to deal with… his antics.

Alexander nodded, standing hi

s ground. He knew that, despite Ethan’s mischief, the boy also needed to know he was valued.