Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“Likewise, Tim had work¨Crelated issues that required his departure.”
Shelly found it a bit strange and pressed. “But it’s your engagement day. Why would they depart on such a momentous occasion? Is work more crucial than commemorating your engagement?”
Maya’s expression momentarily tensed, prompting Sharon to step in. “Alright, if Tim has to prioritize his career, let him. We can continue with the engagement and make the most of it.”
At the mention of proceeding with the engagement, Maya managed to force a smile and apologized, “Mrs. Barrett, I’m truly sorry about this.”
“I should be the one apologizing. Tim’s behavior is a bit out of line.”
“It’s okay: I understand that he’s caught up with work.” Maya smiled, yet her eyes remained devoid of warmth.
Despite her internal frustrations, she couldn’t afford to abandon the engagement ceremony.
Shelly seized the opportunity to inquire, “Maya, where is Mia? Wasn’t she supposed to be here today too?”
Frustrated, Maya turned to Felix, demanding, “Where is Mia? What happened to her?”
“Her phone is off, and we’re unable to contact her. I’m not sure if there’s a conflict with her adoptive parents,” Felix responded, expressing growing concern for Mia’s well¨Cbeing.
Shelly sneered, “I suppose Mia may be harboring some guilt and is hesitant to show up. Given the unfolding dynamics of the engagement, she may lack the courage to face everyone.”
“Who said I wouldn’t dare to come?”
At this moment, Mia entered, appearing somewhat disheveled with a minor injury at the corner of her mouth.
She had just run into trouble with Bob and Mary outside her neighborhood.
A brawl ensued between them on the main road, and to top it off, her phone got stomped and broken¨Ca series of unfortunate events.
Ignoring the pain, Mia turned to Felix, asking, “Felix, are there any issues at the venue?”
“Everything is progressing smoothly without any problems,” Felix assured.
Mia then addressed Maya, saying, “Did you hear that? There are no issues.”
Maya wore a displeased expression. “The engagement hasn’t even begun; how would I know if there aren’t any problems?”
“Well then, let’s commence.” Mia declared.
Her words brought an immediate hush to the surroundings.
Noticing Maya’s hostile expression, Mia glanced around and remarked, “According to the schedule, the engagement ceremony should have begun by now. Why hasn’t it started yet?”
The situation was undeniably peculiar. Not only had the engagement ceremony failed to commence, but Mia also noticed the conspicuous absence of Timothy.
Suspicious, Mia inquired, “Where’s the groom?”
Struggling to maintain her composure, Maya uttered, “Due to some urgent work, Tim had to leave. but the engagement will continue as planned.”
Adopting a triumphant demeanor, Sharon interjected, “Exactly, the engagement will continue.
Tim’s absence due to work isn’t a hindrance.
“As long as both families consent, that’s what matters. It epitomizes a well¨Cmatched marriage, a union characterized by equal standing.”
Mia remained composed and shifted her gaze to the relatives¡® seats. “Oh, and what about the bride’s family? Did none of them show up?”
Shelly quickly chimed in. “Maya’s brothers are also quite busy and had some matters to attend to.”
Mia raised an eyebrow and quipped, “With no groom and family members in sight, an unsuspecting observer might mistake you and Sharon for the ones getting married.”
Maya’s expression immediately soured. How dare Mia make such a statement!
Shelly swiftly interjected. “Maya, don’t let it bother you. Some people are just envious. The less they have, the more they covet.”
Mia glanced over with a smirk. “Well, look who’s boldly making an appearance already. It seems you not only carry a carefree attitude but also a courageous spirit.”
Shell
Shelly’s expression grew uneasy. She detested it when people brought up this matter, particularly
Mia!
Stepping forward, Shelly prepared to deliver a slap to Mia’s face, declaring, “I’ve been wanting to teach you a lesson for a long time!”
Mia remained unfazed. Did Shelly assume she was still the same easy target as before?
Grabbing Shelly’s hand, Mia effortlessly executed a shoulder throw, sending her sprawling to the ground.
Wearing a tight skirt, Shelly unexpectedly found herself in a compromising position, inadvertently exposing the color of her underwear for all to see.
With a disapproving click of her tongue, Mia commented, “Are you not wearing safety shorts? It seems you’ve opted for a thong instead. Ms. Barrett certainly knows how to have fun.”
Shelly let out a scream, threatening. “Mia, I’m going to kill you!”
Witnessing the situation escalate, Maya quickly turned to Blake, instructing. “Swiftly clear the area and instruct anyone unrelated to leave immediately. Also, make sure to check their phones.”
Given that Maya was engaged to Timothy, Shelly’s behavior could potentially impact Maya’s reputation. Any embarrassment on Shelly’s part would have repercussions on Maya’s social standing.
On the sidelines, Felix seemed eager to intervene, but the black¨Cclad bodyguards promptly escorted him out, denying him any opportunity to speak.
Felix stood outside, a sense of regret washing over him. He should have greeted Mia earlier.
A colleague from the studio whispered, “Mr. Quilter, Mia was quite fierce just now, daring to lay hands on Ms. Barrett. Doesn’t she fear the consequences?”
Felix, too, was taken aback earlier and hesitated to intervene.
However, considering that Mia’s brothers had connections with the Lane family, Felix deduced that it might simply be an internal matter among affluent families. Thus, he felt no need for concern.
From another perspective, it also indicated that Mia’s family background was even more intricate than he had initially thought.
How else could she muster the audacity to confront Maya and Shelly in such a manner?
At this moment, only a few people remained at the engagement venue.
Mia had initially intended to capture a few photos with her phone, only to recall that her phone was already broken, forcing her to abandon the idea.
As Shelly got up from the floor, she glared at Mia and loudly demanded, “Maya, instruct your bodyguards to apprehend Mia. I must teach her a lesson today!”
Maya feigned concern and responded, “Ms. Bowen, considering you initiated the physical altercation, an apology is in order.
Otherwise, this matter won’t be as simple as it seems. Ms. Barrett is quite upset now!”
Mia turned to Shelly, asserting. “Have you forgotten what I hold in my hands? Do you dare lay a finger on me?”
Shelly suddenly regained composure, though her frustration was palpable. “Mia, you’re truly despicable!”
“Oh, you’re too kind. After all, I’ve just been learning from the best, haven’t I?”
With a sense of satisfaction, Mia observed Shelly’s frustrated yet controlled expression.
Sharon snorted, “If she won’t lay a hand on you, count me in! Do you have any leverage against me?”
Shelly’s eyes lit up. “Right! If we can strip Mia naked today and take some compromising photos, this bitch won’t be able to threaten me anymore!”
Mia observed the approaching bodyguards, and a flicker of wariness crossed her eyes.
She sought an opportunity to escape, well aware that Felix was still outside. Once she reached the studio area, she could find safety.
“Stop!”
A cold and authoritative voice cut through the tension.
Timothy emerged from the sidelines, his strides exuding confidence and power, while his narrow eyes conveyed a profound depth.
Mia looked up, meeting Timothy’s gaze. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was concealed in the depths of his eyes, though she couldn’t quite decipher what it might be.
Their eyes met for a moment before she swiftly averted her gaze.
Spotting Timothy, Maya was elated and hurried over, linking her arm with his. “Tim, I thought you had urgent matters to attend to. Is everything sorted out at work?”
Maya was caught off guard by Timothy’s unexpected return.
His footsteps abruptly halted, and he lowered his gaze, fixing his eyes on Maya. “Let go,” he commanded.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Maya released his arm, urging. “Tim, the engagement has already started. We should head over.”
Sharon nodded hastily, adding, “Yes, indeed, we’ve already wasted enough time. We can’t afford any more delays.
“Maya, reach out to your brothers promptly and check if they’ve completed their work. Let’s see if they can join the celebration.”
Maya quickly dialed Dominic’s number, but there was no response.
Undeterred, she sent a text to Dominic on WhatsApp, though she harbored doubts about receiving a reply. Yet, it hardly mattered; Timothy had arrived.