Independence

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Soon, Miranda was the only person left in the room.

Fortunately, after the alarm had gotten off, the lights became brighter. She took a couple more steps and found a hint diagram.

After successfully passing the second room, she heard some noises from a crowd not too far away.

Frowning, she looked in that direction. The exit must’ve been blocked by the huge crowd.

Just as Miranda was debating whether she should also join the crowd, another wave of people came from behind. Now, she couldn’t turn around anymore.

Somehow, someone had pushed her up against the wall while someone else had stepped on her feet.

By the time she processed what had happened, she was already plastered against the uneven wall with her chest against the wall. She couldn’t stop herself from gasping in pain.

Suddenly, she felt someone’s gaze on her. When she looked up, her eyes met Hansel’s.

Hansel saw the sorry state Miranda was in. His heart ached, but he was also angry. As he’d thought, it was her. He hadn’t imagined someone shouting “Mimi” earlier.

Nonetheless, thinking about it, he was surprised that she was in good enough spirits to come to a haunted house. It seemed like she was still living quite a fulfilling life after their breakup.

“Hans?” Ingrid shook Hansel’s arm nervously. Unknowingly, her gaze turned defensive when she looked at Miranda.

Miranda looked down, clearly not wanting to pay them any mind. She forced herself back into the crowd and followed the others out.

Above the bobbing heads, the lights in the room flickered. Suddenly, someone let out a scream. A wooden sword suspended in the air was about to fall, and Miranda happened to be standing right under it!

“Watch out!”

Instinctively, Hansel shook off Ingrid’s hold on him. He pushed the crowd of people aside and pulled Miranda to safety.

As the wooden sword landed on the or, clanging loudly.

Everyone gasped. It turned out that the sword was made of metal and had just been

115 BONUS

painted with wood–colored paint. If it had hit someone… It was obvious what the consequences would’ve been.

Miranda was still stunned. She felt a light pressure around her hand. Only then did she. realize that Hansel was still holding her hand.

Before he could react, she escaped his grasp and used the wall as support to stand. ” Thanks.”

Seeing her detached expression, Hansel’s eyes dimmed slightly. “Besides ‘thanks‘, is there nothing else you want to say to me?”

Miranda looked at him in confusion. Besides thanking him, what else was there to say between them?

Hansel took a step forward and asked in a low voice, “Why did you block me?”

Miranda was taken aback.

When they’d fought in the past, there’d been times when they’d blocked each other. And each time, she was the one who’d yield first and unblock him.

But this time, she’d have to disappoint him.

Miranda smiled slightly. “Isn’t it normal to block your ex after breaking up?”

Hansel choked. He furrowed his brow and said, “Then when are you planning to unblock me?”

Miranda’s eyelashes fluttered. “Maybe… we shouldn’t do that,” she said quietly.

Seeing her lower her head with a downward gaze, Hansel felt irritated for some reason. How long do you plan on being angry at me? Don’t test my patience.”

Miranda laughed at the irony.

The swarming crowd pressed forward again, separating them. Hansel reached for Miranda’s hand again, but suddenly, someone grabbed his arm. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Ingrid had seen them from far away and was going crazy with jealousy. Upset, she’d weaved through the crowd to Hansel’s side and grabbed him.

“Dear, let’s get out of here. This place is dark and scary. I nearly fell just now, and I

couldn’t find you anywhere. I–I’m scared… Don’t leave me alone, okay?”

Ingrid’s voice was still trembling in shock nd her expression was one of terror. One couldn’t help but pity her.