Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Connor’s mouth twitched, and he turned to Timothy. Sporting a forced grin, he suggested.” Timothy, Mia needs some rest. How about we step outside for a chat?”
Standing beside them, Timothy quipped, “I don’t think there’s much to talk about.”
After all, he had no interest in engaging in conversation with his romantic rival.
Upon hearing Connor’s words, Mia grew anxious that Timothy might inadvertently disclose something.
It Connor were to discover that she had been expelled from the Barrett family and was now carrying Timothy’s child, it could result in a significant predicament.
Swiftly, she set down her utensils. “Um, I’d prefer some fruit.”
Connor turned around and spoke in a gentle tone, “Certainly, what type of fruit would you like? I’ll fetch it for you right away.”
“Any seasonal fruit will do,” Mia replied.
Connor nodded, but as his gaze shifted to Timothy, his expression quickly turned serious. “Mia needs her rest, so try not to disturb her for too long.”
Timothy was taken aback by Connor’s assertiveness. He felt that Connor had no right to dictate that to him!
After Connor departed, Timothy remarked with a hint of disdain, “Is he the man you’ve chosen? He appears to be attentive to your needs and genuinely concerned about your well¨Cbeing.”
Having regained her composure after a few bites, Mia responded, “I appreciate the compliment. It seems my choice of men has significantly improved.”
Timothy found himself growing frustrated. Muttering to himself, he conceded, “I shouldn’t have interfered.”
After all, he had no desire to stick around and witness Mia getting close to someone else.
“By the way.” Mia began, casting an awkward glance at Timothy, “there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask. I heard that your engagement with Maya was called off. Is that true?”
Timothy stood in place, replying nonchalantly, “Yes, it’s true.”
“Now that the engagement is canceled, are there any potential implications for Grandma Laura’s surgery?
Upon hearing this, a flicker of confusion crossed Timothy’s eyes. Wasn’t it Mia who persuaded
Connor to perform Laura’s surgery?
Why was she raising this concern now?
Just then, the sound of footsteps resonated from outside the hospital room.
Dominic took the lead, forcefully pushing open the door, only to discover Timothy already inside.
The odds were five to one.
Indeed, the tension between the two factions was unmistakable.
Upon witnessing the unfolding scene, Mia found herself utterly astonished.
The last thing she anticipated was her brothers encountering Timothy at the hospital, and the potential consequences seemed ominous. Could this be the onset of a disaster?
Mia was hesitant to reveal her relationship with Timothy to her brothers.
Given Dominic’s formidable temperament, she knew he would ensure that Timothy faced severe repercussions if he were to discover the truth.
This was a scenario she couldn’t let unfold. Mia was determined to put a halt to it.
Dominic fixed a stern gaze on Timothy as he led his brothers into the hospital room, instantly making the space feel even more confined.
Upon spotting the Lane brothers, Timothy displayed a touch of confusion. Why were they here?
In no time. Connor reappeared with a bowl of fruits. As he observed Dominic and his brothers approaching, a wave of relief washed over him.
Yet, upon laying eyes on Timothy, Connor’s reception was far from friendly. He questioned, “Why are you still here?”
Furrowing his brow, Timothy countered. “What’s the problem with me being here?”
Considering he had just rescued Mia, couldn’t he be allowed to stay for a while?
Stepping forward, Liam placed his hand on Timothy’s shoulder. “Timothy, come with me. Allow me to clarify why you can’t stay here.”
In the blink of an eye, Timothy found himself ushered out of the hospital room.
Liam stood at the doorway, speaking in a hushed tone. “Don’t you see you’ve interrupted our family reunion? Is being a third wheel something you enjoy?”
Timothy was taken aback.
What did Liam imply by “family reunion”? Could it be that Mia and Connor had reached the stage of introducing each other to their respective families?
At that moment, Heath hurried over, addressing Timothy, “Mr. Barrett, the culprits behind the kidnapping have been captured. What should be our next move?”
Reflecting on the recent events. Timothy responded with a steely expression. “Why are you
With Mia being surrounded by a multitude of men, it seemed there was no need for Timothy to intervene.
Within the confines of the hospital room, Mia leaned against the bed, offering her brothers a reassuring glance. “Dominic, I truly am okay. If you’re skeptical, feel free to ask Connor.”
Placing the bowl of fruits beside her, Connor advised, “Mia, it’s important that you take some time to rest and recuperate. I’ve brought you some fruits. Make sure to eat them.”
Initially, Dominic had so much he wanted to say; however, upon witnessing Mia’s safe return, not a single word escaped his lips.
For him, nothing carried greater importance than Mia’s well¨Cbeing.
Nathan handed a smartphone to Mia, saying, “Take it. Feel free to call us if you need anything.”
Offering reassurance, Connor stated, “Don’t worry, with me at the hospital, everything will be fine.”
After her brothers exited the room, Mia found herself lying alone, her hand unconsciously resting on her abdomen. Thankfully, everything was fine this time.
The following day, Mia made plans to depart from the hospital, driven by a personal desire for revenge.
Connor remained steadfast by her side. “Mia, why are you in such a rush to leave? How about considering staying for another day? Keep in mind, you’re carrying a child now.”
“But, Connor, I simply can’t endure this frustration any longer.”
Throughout the night, Mia was tormented by nightmares, unable to shake off thoughts of what might have transpired if Timothy hadn’t arrived in time.
“Mia, Dominic is taking care of the situation. Trust him. We won’t allow your adoptive parents to escape this time.” Connor reassured.
Before Mia could respond, the hospital room door swung open.
Mary, Ted, and Gia walked in, accompanied by a group of people dressed in country¨Cstyle clothing.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Ted turned to Mia. “Dad’s been detained. Could you quickly head to the police station and assist in getting him and the others released?”
Mary appeared uneasy, stating, “Considering that Bob is your adoptive father, how can you simply
Mia scoffed, “They have no ties to me whatsoever. I don’t consider you as my adoptive parents. In fact, you’re the ones in the wrong.”
A country woman in the group spoke out, “Mia, you’re being extremely ungrateful. Without the Bowen family adopting you, do you think you would have been able to live safely until now?”
Mary sat on the ground, sobbing loudly. “Mia, I went out of my way to arrange a marriage for you. If you don’t agree, that’s your choice.
“But why did you involve the police and accuse us of human trafficking? How heartless of you!”
“That’s right. In our town, arranging marriages is a common tradition, and no one considers it as human trafficking.”
Gia’s mother, Pauline, stepped forward, fixing her gaze on Mia. “Mia, my daughter Gia is about to marry Ted.
“If you report him to the police and have him arrested now, how are we supposed to proceed with the wedding ceremony?”
Standing alongside Ted, Gia implored, “Mia, could you consider heading to the police station and advocating for the release of Bob and the others?”
Mia’s demeanor remained stoic as she remarked, “I understand that you also received the bribe from Fabian, didn’t you? It slipped my mind for a moment.
“Considering that all of you have accepted illicit funds, it appears only fitting for everyone to be held accountable at the police station.”
Upon hearing this, Gia’s expression briefly tensed. She hastily clarified. “It was a legitimate transaction: I didn’t accept any tainted money.”
“Come on, Mia, enough talk,” Mary interjected. “Gia is carrying my precious grandchild in her belly. Let’s not cause unnecessary stress for the baby.”
Mia gazed at them with a sly smile. “Are you certain that this child is Ted’s?”
Pauline shot back instantly, her voice raised, “Who else could it be if not Ted’s? Mia, please stop uttering nonsense.”
Mia shifted her gaze to Connor and then pulled out her phone, opening a video clip.
“Gia was clearly entangled in an extramarital relationship, and she intentionally became pregnant to enhance her social standing. As a result, she faced expulsion.
“After experiencing multiple abortions in the past, she was concerned that undergoing another
“Hence, she hastily sought a partner to marry and start a family with.”
Just then, Connor presented a stack of documents. “These serve as evidence of Gia’s past abortions at our hospital,” he stated.