Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy’s breath caught, and his pupils contracted.
His body tensed, and his gaze became fixed on Mia before him, lingering on her rosy lips.
Shortly afterward, Mia pulled away, remarking, “It’s odd. You don’t seem feverish at all. Why do you sound so peculiar, like someone rambling with a fever?”
Mia had entered into marriage with Timothy, who initially appeared lifeless, partly out of respect for Laura, but also because she genuinely liked him.
Without that affection, how could Mia have upheld the role of a virtuous wife by Timothy’s side for the past three years?
Looking at Timothy incredulously, Mia asserted, “Besides, just because you have no criteria for a spouse doesn’t imply that I don’t have any.”
Caught off guard, Timothy swiftly retreated, his lips tightly pursed.
Yet, Mia’s voice persisted in his ears. “Timothy, say something. Why the silence? If you’re sick, you should consult a doctor or at least check your temperature!”
Timothy swallowed hard several times. Standing up from his seat, he walked away from the area.
He felt like Mia had played him for a fool and regretted vocalizing those sentiments.
Despite his slender silhouette, Timothy’s strides betrayed a hint of awkwardness.
Observing his departing figure, Mia murmured, “If you’re unwell, seek medical attention!”
Timothy’s expression grew grim, and he swiftly made his exit.
Alone in the room, Mia leaned back in her chair.
As she gradually calmed down, Mia couldn’t shake the memory of her conversation with Timothy and his unexpected declaration about forgoing their divorce.
Mia lowered her gaze, unable to fathom what had prompted Timothy to make such statements.
After three years of marriage, it seemed like Timothy had become distant and perhaps even held some disdain for her.
If it weren’t for Laura’s support, Mia wouldn’t have been able to endure it for such an extended period. The Barrett family would likely have ousted her long ago.
With Laura finally able to undergo surgery, Mia anticipated that Timothy might be relieved at the prospect of their divorce.
However, to her surprise, he expressed a desire to continue their marriage, suggesting they didn’t have to part ways.
The unexpected turn of events left Mia bewildered.
While Timothy seemed willing to give their marriage another shot, Mia had surpassed the stage of settling for uncertainties.
She wasn’t willing to wait indefinitely for a change that seemed unlikely to happen.
Moreover, with two little ones growing in her belly, Mia found it even more challenging to envision a future within the Barrett family.
Upon completing her semester’s final exams and accumulating sufficient credits, Mia intended to join her brothers in Nord City, giving birth and embarking on a new chapter in her life.
The decision to leave had long been a part of Mia’s preparations.
Perhaps Timothy had finally seen through Maya’s true colors, reflected on the situation, and concluded that Mia, despite her perceived naivety, was the most suitable choice to be his wife.
This could be the reason Timothy suggested they didn’t need to divorce.
However, Mia remained skeptical.
As Mia pondered, a waft of perfume reached her senses, leaving no need for speculation about the approaching individual.
Lifting her head, she confirmed her suspicion as Shelly drew nearer, her brows furrowing.
“It’s best if you keep your distance. Don’t let your perfume infiltrate the operating room and disrupt the surgeons,” Mia cautioned.
Shelly disdainfully snorted, “Mia, don’t assume I’m unaware of your intentions. I know your secret.”
Mia frowned. “Fine, you’re aware of my secret. You seem to know everything. Now, can you please move away? Stay clear of the operating room.
“Aren’t you aware that your perfume could rival that of smoked bacon? Or is your sense of smell malfunctioning? Can’t you even detect it?”
Infuriated, Shelly seized the heir document nearby. “So, this was your endgame, wasn’t it? Keeping it concealed from everyone.”
Mia glanced at the documents. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Hmph, Mia, stop pretending. I must admit your diversion tactics are quite effective. You’ve managed to deceive everyone, including Tim, who wholeheartedly endorsed this without a hint of suspicion,” Shelly retorted.
With a look of disdain, Shelly continued, “Unfortunately, Mia, your little schemes won’t fool me. Now that I’m aware, your plot won’t succeed. I won’t permit you to linger in the Barrett family!”
Mia sighed. “Then please be clear. What exactly have I done? What schemes have I employed? If you don’t tell me, how will I know?”
“Mia, you’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
Upon hearing Shelly’s words, Mia’s heart rate surged instantly, her pupils narrowing as she gazed at Shelly.
Could Shelly have learned about Mia’s pregnancy from Wilhelmina?
However, that didn’t make sense. Connor had assured Mia that the matter with Wilhelmina had been resolved.
Mia trusted Connor, confident that he wouldn’t deceive her.
Swiftly regaining her composure, Mia responded calmly, “Yes, I’m pregnant. Why else would
Grandma Laura appoint my unborn child as the heir of Barrett Group?”
“Mia, why are you persisting in this charade? Everyone believes you pretended to be pregnant merely to appease Grandma before her surgery. However, I’m the only one who knows that you’re really pregnant.
“So, is this a cover for advancing your agenda? Did you intentionally orchestrate the designated heir document from Grandma as well?” Shelly spoke with increasing enthusiasm, firmly convinced that her speculations were accurate.
Shelly relished the moment, thinking she had finally caught Mia in a compromising position.
Mia cursed silently. Despite Shelly often appearing foolish, Mia hadn’t anticipated her occasional moments of insight.
Now, what should Mia do?
What if Shelly did possess evidence from Wilhelmina?
This was a matter Mia needed to approach with caution.
Shelly’s confidence in her accusations left Mia baffled, struggling to comprehend her boldness.
“Haha, Mia, feeling guilty, huh? You’re silent because I’ve hit the mark, haven’t I?”
Observing Mia’s lack of response, Shelly grew ecstatic. She was convinced she had uncovered a secret only she knew.
Mia remained composed. “Indeed, you’ve got it right. I am pregnant, intentionally keeping this information from everyone, and secretly orchestrating the heir agreement.”
“Haha, Mia, so you finally confess, huh? I’m going to disclose this to everyone later and expose your true nature,” Shelly declared triumphantly.
Mia raised an eyebrow. “Shelly, you’re truly naive.”
Her gaze held a hint of disdain, leaving Shelly feeling somewhat indignant. “What do you mean?
You’re the naive one!”
“What do I mean? Can’t you read the document? With Timothy’s signature already on it, this document is ready to take effect at any moment. It’s just a matter of me signing it.
“Once it comes into force, my child will become the heir to the Barrett Group. In the future, won’t l play a substantial role in the decision making of the Barrett family?”
Mia glanced slyly at Shelly and smirked, “It appears that the limit on your future credit card will also be subject to my discretion!”
Shelly’s face was drained of color. “Don’t celebrate too soon. Once I expose your true intentions, Tim will never allow this document to take effect, and your plans will crumble.”
“But as long as Grandma Laura is present and I carry a child inside me, who among you can pose a threat to me?” Mia boasted.” Still think you’re not naive?”
Shelly swallowed hard. Throughout this period, her credit card had been restricted.
She had to resort to using a supplementary card provided by Maya with a limited credit line. It was undeniably frustrating.
If Mia continued to be the heiress of the Barrett family, wouldn’t Shelly’s future be in jeopardy?
In response, Shelly took a few steps back and fled in fear.
Watching her flee, Mia couldn’t resist a smile. It appeared that Shelly wasn’t cut out for handling intimidation!
Despite this, Mia couldn’t shake the mystery of how Shelly was so sure about her pregnancy. If Shelly happened to divulge this information, It could pose a threat to Mia.
Gently touching her belly, Mia understood the need to make proactive plans.
Meanwhile, Laura’s surgery had been underway for two hours. After sitting for a while, Mia stood up and made her way to the restroom.
Coincidentally, she encountered Timothy on the way.
Their eyes locked, creating a tense atmosphere.
Mia blurted out, “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”