Carter didn''t bother with his car, just holding onto his coffee, sticking close to Miranda as they strolled along the street.


    The two of them, a striking pair, attracted attention wherever they went. Miranda had this aura about her that drew others'' attention, not exactly jaw-dropping, but more like she could light up a room.


    Carter, with his silver hair and strikingly handsome face, was a head-turner too. People were snapping pictures from a distance, probably mistaking them for celebrities.


    So, Miranda immediately went to a shop with Carter and bought a hat for each. With hats on, they managed to blend in a bit more.


    However, the photos of Miranda had already hit the inte, causing quite the stir.


    "Isn''t that Miranda? Who''s the guy? Some new actor? He''s gorgeous!"


    "Someone get me all the info on this guy ASAP! I can''t have Miranda with someone I don''t know about!"


    "Is he a model? How have I never seen him before?"


    "No wonder Miranda canceled all her public appearances recently. Is she dating?"


    "No way! I won''t allow it. Only Mr. Ashcroft or Mr. Everhart are worthy of her!"


    "Oh no, the couple I''ve been shipping, is it over?"


    Meanwhile, Miranda and Carter were blissfully unaware of the online frenzy. They kept a low profile with hats on. Carter was an excellent guide, introducing Miranda to the best spots and buying her little trinkets along the way.


    "I haven''t lived in Virell long, but I know all the fun ces here," Carter said


    proudly. "You can count on me if you ever want a tour."


    Miranda smiled. "Sounds good."


    Just then, Carter''s phone buzzed. It was an international call. He furrowed his brow. "Mom?"


    And then Miranda saw him ending


    the call shortly after. She noticed his mood shift. He didn''t need


    vel?


    prompting; the words spilled out like beans from a jar.


    "My mom said my uncle''sing back. Wants me to behave and not get into


    trouble he''d report back on," Carter exined coolly.


    "Your uncle?" Miranda asked.


    "Yeah, he''s the one running the show


    back home. It''s odd he''sing


    here. Usually, the regional office. handles things. Unless," He mused, "Maybe he''s got a sweetheart here in Ardenza."  en


    Miranda was at a loss. Did his family have a love affair tradition?


    "Your mom didn''t ask what you''ve been up to?" Miranda inquired out of blue.


    Carter paused, and then replied, "Nope."


    Miranda nced at a nearby bakery and grinned. "How about some cake?"


    Carter went in a daze before


    following her gaze at the ce, a hint of some inscrutable emotion flickering in his eyes. At the moment, Miranda had already walked into the bakery, and Carter quickly trailed behind her.


    Miranda picked a freshly made birthday cake, one with a cool superhero theme. When she brought it over, Carter felt a flutter of nerves and excitement.


    "It''s small, but enough for two," Miranda said as they sat down. "How old are you?"


    Carter watched as she stuck candles into the cake, and answered inadvertently, "Twenty-one."


    "Then three candles it is. Two plus one equals three," she said, cing three candles on the cake.


    Carter was taken aback. That was unheard of, he thought.


    Once the candles were set, Miranda smiled at him. "Make a wish. Isn''t today your birthday?"


    Carter froze, feeling a warmth spread through him, leaving his eyes a bit misty. "How did you know?"