Chapter197 Guidance
The next day.
Miranda opened her eyes. The spot next to her was cold. Clifton hadn't come home all night.
She stared at the ceiling, her eyes dry and aching from yesterday’s tears.
Her phone vibrated on the nightstand. It was "Teacher."
She took a deep breath, cleared her scratchy throat, and answered.
"Hello, Teacher."
Zara’s kind voice came through the line. "Miranda, there’s an industry networking event at three this afternoon. Some heavy hitters will be there. I have an extra invite. Want to come?"
Miranda didn't hesitate. She needed the connections.
"Yes, thank you. I’ll be there." Her voice was tired, but firm.
3:00 PM, the Kempinski Hotel ballroom.
Miranda wore a sleek black dress. Her makeup was flawless, hiding her pale complexion.
Zara took her hand and led her through the crowd, introducing her to everyone.
Miranda kept a perfect smile on her face. She spoke with grace and sharp insight, quickly earning the respect of the veterans in the room.
The busy social scene forced her to stop overthinking. Her mood lifted slightly with every business card she collected.
The event wrapped up by evening.
"Teacher, thank you so much for today. I learned a lot."
Walking out of the hotel, the cool evening breeze felt good. "Let me buy you dinner. There’s a quiet place nearby."
Zara smiled. "Alright. It’s been a while since we had a real talk."
At the restaurant, Miranda poured the water.
Zara took a sip, her eyes never leaving Miranda’s face.
"Miranda, what’s wrong?"
Miranda’s hand faltered. The water almost spilled.
She set the pitcher down and forced a smile. "Nothing. Just busy at work. I’m a bit tired."
"Don't lie to me."
Zara set her cup down. Her voice was soft. "You were my best student. I know when something is weighing on you."
Miranda’s eyes grew hot. Her throat tightened.
Besides her brother and mother, Zara was the only one who felt like family.
"Teacher..."
Zara sighed and patted the back of her hand. "You’re like a daughter to me. Tell me what's bothering you. It helps to talk."
Miranda looked down. She was silent for a long time.
"Teacher... I’m having trouble with my relationship."
She paused, then continued. "I don’t know if he’s really on my side. I’m afraid... I’m afraid he’ll end up being my enemy."
"If that happens, I don't know how to face him. Or myself."
Zara didn't push for details. She understood enough.
"Miranda."
Zara spoke with the weight of experience. "The most dangerous thing in a relationship is doubt. It’s not the big storms that kill love. It’s the wall that grows between two people when they stop talking."
Miranda looked up, lost.
"Follow your heart," Zara said, looking her in the eye. "You don't have to keep playing it safe. Try being honest."
"Honest?" Miranda blinked.
"Yes. Honest."
Zara nodded. "Lay it all out. Your fears, your doubts, even what you’ve discovered. If he’s worth your love, he’ll give you an answer. He’ll choose you."
Zara’s tone turned serious.
"But if he chooses the other side, or if he hides the truth... then he isn't worth your pain. Having the courage to walk away is also a form of strength."
The fog in Miranda's mind cleared.
Zara was right.
She had been agonizing over what Clifton might do.
Her coldness and suspicion weren't fair to him. He shouldn't have to deal with her sudden outbursts without knowing why.
She needed to talk about her brother. And she needed to apologize.
"Thank you, Teacher."
The gloom in Miranda’s eyes faded. She gave a genuine smile. "I know what to do."
She made up her mind.
She would talk to Clifton tonight.
---
Meanwhile, at a bar.
A team member watched Clifton drink in silence, just like the night before. He finally spoke up.
"Captain, maybe that's enough."
Clifton sat in the middle of the sofa, legs crossed, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar.
He swirled the amber liquid in his glass. His face was a mask, but his eyes were bloodshot.
He didn't even look up. He downed the rest of the glass in one go.
"Captain..." the man tried again.
Clifton slammed the glass onto the table. The sharp crack silenced the room.
"Shut up."
His voice wasn't loud, but it was freezing. "Just drink."
the teammates looked at each other. No one dared to speak.
They knew his temper. Usually, he was the picture of discipline and control.
But when a man like Clifton lost it, there was no stopping him.
Then, a sweet, high-pitched voice broke the silence.
"Hey handsome, why drinking all alone?"
Clifton frowned and turned his head.
A woman in a tight, low-cut red dress stood by the booth.
She wore heavy makeup and dark eyeshadow. Her chestnut hair fell over her shoulders in waves. She held a cocktail, eyeing him like a predator watches its prey.
She had noticed him yesterday, but he had left too soon.
Tonight, she wasn't letting him go.
The woman ran a hand through her hair and gave him a sultry smile. "How about a drink together?"
She moved to sit in the empty spot next to him.
Clifton’s eyes turned cold. "I’m not interested."
The woman’s smile froze.
She had been in this scene a long time. With her looks, men usually fell over themselves for her.
"You..." She felt the sting of rejection. "Don't be like that. We’re all just here to have fun..."
Before she could get any closer, two teammates stepped in her way.
"Ma'am, he said no. Leave now, or we'll escort you out."