Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
She finished her breakfast and the sensation of low blood sugar gradually faded away, leaving her feeling much more energized.
With that, the pair left the hospital.
As they entered the car, Timothy handed her a document. “Please sign it,” he instructed.
Mia recognized the familiar document before her and instantly understood its implications.
“I’ve told you before, I don’t want anything,” she firmly stated.
She genuinely had no interest in Timothy’s assets.
Timothy’s brows furrowed in frustration. “I don’t have time for games,” he snapped.
“Timothy, I’m not playing games. I meant every word I said,” Mia responded earnestly, holding his gaze. “You expressed your disdain for being coerced into marriage. Perhaps my initial feelings were misguided.”
*Consider this my way of making amends for any distress I may have caused you over the past three years.”
she continued.
“I don’t want any financial obligations. I would rather walk away with nothing.” Timothy snapped back.
Timothy lowered his hand from his temple, locking eyes with Mia’s calm, almond¨Cshaped eyes¨Ca look that radiated unwavering tranquility.
He firmly placed the document between them. “No, it’s my responsibility. I won’t stoop so low as to withhold from someone who once stood by my side,” he declared.
Mia glanced at the document and decisively tore it in half. “I appreciate your generosity, Mr. Barrett, but I’m entitled to decline,” she said firmly.
A flicker of surprise flashed in Timothy’s eyes as he stared at the torn paper.
Relaxing into his seat, he remarked casually, “Very well, just make sure you don’t regret your choice.”
Turning toward the window, Mia observed the passing landscape, her inner conviction echoing silently. “I won’t regret this.”
After all, she had already taken the most precious thing from him.
A child by her side was all she needed.
Mia and Timothy were the first to arrive at the courthouse.
Once they completed the divorce application, they were informed about a mandatory one¨Cmonth waiting period before finalizing the divorce.
The news took Mia by surprise. She wasn’t aware of such waiting periods in modern divorce proceedings.
After handing in the necessary documents, Mia exited the courthouse, stealing a glance at Timothy.
“We’ll return in a month then. Trust me, I won’t have any regrets. Just make sure Grandma’s surgery is scheduled promptly,” she asserted.
With a heavy tone, Timothy replied, “I understand. There’s no need to reiterate.”
As Timothy briskly walked away, Mia stopped in her tracks, choosing instead to flag down a taxi.
From his car, Timothy watched Mia’s departure in the taxi before turning his attention elsewhere.
In the passenger seat, Heath cautiously began. “Mr. Barrett.”
Impatiently. Timothy cut him off, “What is it?”
“Ms. Lane has been trying to reach you multiple times. She insists on discussing something.” Heath informed.
With a contemplative gaze, Timothy lowered his hand and stared out the window. After a brief pause, he replied, “Alright.”
With that, the sleek black car swiftly exited the vicinity of the courthouse.
Mia attended her college classes as she usually did, but her mind was elsewhere, constantly revisiting the morning’s courthouse events.
She had mentally steeled herself to finalize the divorce, but the unexpected waiting period had thrown her off balance.
As evening approached and Mia made her way home, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Connor.”
Mia, when can I expect your friend to send over those medical records for my review?”
“Connor, there’s no need for that now. They’ve arranged a capable doctor for the surgery.”
“Alright, I understand.”
Connor had wanted to assist Mia, hoping to bolster her reputation among her peers, but once more, the chance had eluded him.
Letting out a sigh, he wondered about the intricacies of his profession. While he wished to help Mia, there was also a part of him that hoped she wouldn’t feel the need to seek his assistance.
It was indeed a conflicting sentiment.
Soon after, a message notification from Maya appeared on Connor’s phone: “Connor, can we meet? Grandma
Laura’s surgery is crucial to me.”
With a furrowed brow, Connor promptly closed the chat, choosing to ignore the message. To him, certain matters were best left unaddressed.
After ending the call, Mia arrived home to find Martha there, with Timothy noticeably absent.
Sensing Mia’s possible distress, Martha tried to offer some solace, suggesting, “Mr. Barrett is often busy with work.”
“Maybe you should take some time for yourself. If you’re feeling bored, perhaps a shopping trip could lift your spirits.” Martha suggested.
“Martha, I’m okay. I get that he’s swamped with work, Mia replied, attempting to maintain a facade of normalcy.
Later that evening, she spent some time with her prenatal instructor, immersing herself in the essential aspects of pregnancy¨Ca realm that demanded her immediate attention.
Moreover, she desired to push certain thoughts to the back of her mind.
However, the following day, as Mia scrolled through the news, a headline caught her attention: “Affluent heiress Maya and her beau spotted dining and ring shopping.”
A wave of desolation washed over Mia.
Even without a clear view of their faces, Mia could discern from the silhouette that it was Timothy with Maya.
Remarkably, merely a day after Mia and Timothy filed for divorce, he was already with Maya at a jewelry store in the evening, choosing a ring.
The speed of their actions caught Mia off guard.
Choosing to divert her thoughts, Mia turned off her phone and immersed herself in learning about pregnancy.
With no afternoon classes, she headed to her studio to work, given her current financial constraints.
After all, Timothy wasn’t exactly bringing in a significant income.
Several days passed without Timothy returning to their marital home, but Mia didn’t dwell on it.
She continued with her daily routine, maintaining her regular eating habits, while also dedicating herself to studying infant and toddler care.
With Laura’s condition now stable, she had been moved from the intensive care unit to a standard ward.
Holding a pot of homemade soup, Mia decided to go to the hospital to pay Laura a visit.
When she entered the ward, she noticed Maya and Sharon already present, and standing alongside them was none other than Timothy.
Mia paused briefly before saying, “I’ll come back later.”
She felt it would be inappropriate to disturb what seemed like a family moment.
However, Laura greeted her with a warm smile and said, “Come over here, don’t be silly.”
Reluctantly, Mia approached Laura. Maya, wearing a forced smile, rose from her seat, motioning toward a chair. “Ms. Bowen, please have a seat here,” she urged.
However, Mia chose not to sit. Instead, she placed the thermos on the bedside table, saying, “Grandma, this is the soup I made for you. Remember to have some later.”
“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. How have you been lately? Has the little one inside been causing you any
As the conversation shifted to Mia’s unborn child, a subtle awkwardness filled the air in the hospital room.
Mia’s expression betrayed a hint of unease as she responded, “The baby has been quite well¨C behaved. Honestly, I find it all rather manageable.”
Laura chuckled warmly, reminiscing. “It was the same when your mother¨Cin¨Claw was carrying Tim. It was unusually trouble¨Cfree.”
Standing nearby, Sharon appeared somewhat content, adding. “Absolutely! Back then, I could eat anything without a worry…”
However, when Sharon’s attention shifted to Mia’s belly, a sudden hush fell over her.
The reality of her son’s growing independence became apparent. He wasn’t as compliant and well¨C mannered as he used to be, certainly not as comforting as when he was in her womb.
Struggling to keep a smile in place, Mia couldn’t help but wonder if her baby’s serene demeanor was truly a reflection of inherited traits.
At that moment, Timothy interjected, “Grandma needs some rest. We should head out.”
Mia gently held onto Laura’s hand. “I’ll plan another visit soon.”