Chapter 116 An Empty Feeling
Harrison's gaze swept over Miranda, his brow instantly furrowing deeply.
Her long hair hung damply over her shoulders, the ends still dripping water, soaking the fabric.
This sight inexplicably sparked an unnamed anger in Harrison. He strode forward, blocking her path.
His voice was heavy, his eyes carrying scrutiny and barely concealed irritation. "Are you here alone?"
Miranda had to stop, blocked by him.
Hearing this interrogation, she found it laughable.
An ex-husband managing his ex-wife's private life? Wasn't that overstepping?
"Is that any of your business?"
Miranda didn't even spare him a proper glance, moving to step around him.
"Oh, Miranda."
Ariana, who'd been standing beside Harrison, suddenly stepped forward, trying to link arms with Miranda intimately, only to be coldly avoided.
Ariana didn't seem embarrassed. Instead, she smiled even sweeter, though the smile was full of showing off.
"Miranda, isn't it such a coincidence that we're all on business trips at the same hotel? We just finished a business meeting. Harrison specially introduced me to Max and I landed a huge project."
She deliberately emphasized the word "project," her eyes constantly darting to Miranda's face, wanting to see her disappointment and jealousy.
Miranda's expression remained blank. She even felt like laughing.
Did Ariana think she couldn't tell she was deliberately showing off?
"Really? Congrats then." Miranda responded perfunctorily. "Move. I need to get back to my room."
Not only did Ariana not move, she continued blocking her way. "I remember your project was also related to Max's company."
"How about this? I'll introduce you to Max."
Miranda looked at her coldly. "No need. Whoever you partner with, just stay away from me."
Harrison watched her reaction, his frown deepening.
Ariana was kindly trying to help her, and she not only didn't appreciate it but was actually hostile.
Even after the divorce, her personality was still this difficult, not gracious at all like Ariana.
Besides, if she really wanted to work with Max, he was the one who could actually help, not that freeloading cop she'd defended the other day.
"Miranda, business isn't child's play. You can't let emotions get in the way."
He softened his tone. "I know your project is in a difficult position right now. If you really want this partnership, I can make some introductions, connect you with reliable resources."
"No need."
Miranda's rejection was swift and decisive, without even a second's hesitation.
With that, she stepped back, irritation already building inside her.
"Harrison, do you not understand plain English? I told you, my business is none of your concern."
Harrison's expression darkened, his patience instantly exhausted.
"Miranda, even though we're divorced, we were married for three years. There are still feelings. You don't need to be so hostile toward me."
Still feelings?
Miranda almost laughed from anger.
She turned her head, her gaze sweeping between Harrison and Ariana, her lips curving into a mocking smile.
"That's such a touching thing to say."
She looked up, staring Harrison directly in the eyes. "In front of your current girlfriend, saying you still have feelings for me and want to help me with resources? Harrison, aren't you afraid Ariana will get jealous?"
Harrison froze, instinctively glancing at Ariana beside him.
Inside, Ariana was already seething with jealousy, her nails nearly digging through her palms.
What was this?
Maintaining this ambiguous connection with his ex-wife right in front of her?
But she knew Harrison too well. This man responded to softness, not hardness.
So Ariana forcibly suppressed her jealousy and resentment, putting on a magnanimous, gentle smile and shaking her head lightly.
"You misunderstand, Miranda. Why would I be jealous? Harrison values loyalty and integrity. That's one of the things I love about him. Besides, you're on your own now and things aren't easy. We just want to help."
That generous act was performed perfectly.
Harrison clearly appreciated it, looking at Ariana with softened eyes before turning back to Miranda with that cold, lecturing tone.
"Ariana isn't petty like you were when we were married. She's magnanimous and won't get jealous over this."
How magnanimous.
Miranda felt a tightness in her chest, like she'd swallowed a fly. Disgusting.
Back when she was trying to preserve their marriage, she'd said she didn't like Harrison getting too close with Ariana.
That was clearly her right as his wife, but all she got was being called "petty"?
While Ariana in his eyes was "innocent and magnanimous"?
Miranda took a deep breath, thoroughly crushing the last bit of bitterness from the past.
"Fine."
She nodded, her face breaking into a brilliant, almost blinding smile.
"Since Ariana is so magnanimous and Harrison is so devoted, then I wish you both..."
She paused, speaking deliberately. "Stay together forever. And please don't break up and inflict yourselves on other people."
With that, Miranda didn't spare them another glance. She wrapped her robe tighter and turned to leave.
"Miranda! You..."
Harrison hadn't expected her to curse at them, his face turning ashen with anger.
Watching her retreating back, Harrison's heart suddenly lurched.
The feeling was strange.
Like sand he'd been holding in his hand had completely drained away, impossible to grasp anymore.
The old Miranda, even when angry, had been vibrant, had revolved around him.
But now, her back showed only unfamiliarity and distance.
Inexplicably, Harrison suddenly called out to that retreating figure.
"Belle sent a letter to the house!"
Miranda's hurried steps stopped abruptly.
Belle.
That name was like a key, instantly unlocking some soft corner deep in her memory.
Two years ago, they'd met a little girl named Belle while doing charity work.
When Belle was ten, both her parents died in a car accident and she was sent to an orphanage, her eyes defiant yet terrified.
Back then, they'd decided to sponsor this child together.
Over these two years, Belle would send letters periodically, reporting her grades and drawing childish pictures.
Miranda stood with her back to Harrison, her fingers gripping the collar of her robe tightly, knuckles turning slightly white.
"The letter's at home." Seeing her stop, Harrison felt inexplicably relieved, his tone softening. "When you have time, come pick it up."
Miranda closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, the turbulence had settled.
"Got it."
Her voice was cold. She didn't turn around.
With that, she started walking again, disappearing around the corner without looking back.
Harrison stood in place, staring at the empty corridor, that hollow feeling not only didn't disappear but grew heavier.