Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
But her impression of Felix had changed recently, especially after how he spread false rumors. about them himself. She finally learned what kind of person he truly was.
Anyways, he’d never come close to being a good guy. He hid his true colors so well that she’d only found out just recently.
After going quiet for a second, she blurted, “I recently realized that he’s different from the Felix I knew before.”
Connor, who had been silent, finally joined them. “Is he bothering you lately, Mia? If you don’t like.
him, you can tell him straightforwardly.”
“I’ve told him many times, but he seems to be misunderstanding something. That’s why he hadn’t. given up yet. Plus, I discovered that he released an article on the campus website about us dating today.”
Claude’s face fell. “Let’s head back. That guy mustn’t have gone far. I’m going to punch his teeth out of him today!”
Connor’s mind was blown away by that news too. He suggested, “I’ll call Nathan. He’s an expert in this field.”
“It’s alright, Connor. I’ve dealt with it. I learned one or two things from Nathan previously. It’s easy to find out the IP address.”
Connor recalled the time when she hacked into Dominic’s company’s system. Looking into an IP
address was indeed a piece of cake, but Connor was still pissed.
A stormy expression crossed his face. “When he saved you, I thought finally there’s someone that could be your Mr. Right.
“I never knew him to be this shameless. And to think that he’s forcing you with those little tricks? Claude is right. He’s only making empty promises. Don’t give in to a pestering man. They’re useless.”
She nodded. “I know. Actually, he’s been acting this way for a while, but I don’t share the same feelings as he does. Feelings can’t be forced, can they?”
“Mia, if someone’s pursuing you, do you know how to tell if they’re being genuine?” Claude was still worried.
It piqued her curiosity. “How?”
If casual talks and bringing her breakfast couldn’t be taken into consideration, what kind of effort could be considered sincere?
He answered seriously, “First of all, he must have a decent background. Forget about him unless he earns at least a million dollars per year. Secondly, he must be good¨Clooking. Lastly, he has to come from a loving family.”
She was dumbfounded. “I don’t think those matter as long as they have feelings for each other, though.”
“Mia, oh, Mia. My blood pressure is rising. How could you be so blinded by the idea of love? Do you know how realistic men are when it comes to relationships?” he questioned back, frustrated.
HE
added, “All men want from their girlfriends is good looks and sex. The others? Not in consideration at all.
“But they’re dead serious about their potential spouse like they are during job hunting. The woman. must have the looks, body, financial stability, and a powerful family background.
“Men are mercenary. All of them.”
Connor coughed. “Who says so? I’m an exception.”
Claude retorted, “Hey, you’re only a tiny tad better than most of them. You’re barely qualified as a man.
“But this kind of person is rare, especially when you add having a high social status to the list. It’s nearly impossible to find them.”
Connor nodded seriously and looked at Mia. “Claude is a playboy¨Cuh, no. I mean, a love expert- you should pay heed to his advice. Don’t let those men play with your feelings.”
Mia dreamed of a fairytale¨Clike love in the past. When everyone was questioning if Timothy could survive that, she was willing to marry him and become a widow for him!
Now that she thought back about it, she wished she could give herself a slap in the face. It was dangerous to be blinded by the idea of love.
Claude continued his lecture. “You must never, ever, give up on your future for so¨Ccalled ¡®love.” Don’t give up on your career for a man either.
“And never take pity on a man. The moment you pity a man is the start of your misery.”
Recalling what Timothy had done, Mia nodded in agreement. “True.”
If she hadn’t taken pity on the injured Timothy, she wouldn’t have gotten married to him in the heat of the moment.
“Most importantly, Mia, no matter how much you like a man, don’t spend all your energy on him. You have your own life. Men are born rebellious anyway.
“The more you ignore him and the better your independent life is, the more attached he is to you.”
“I agree with that.”
A person should never lose their purpose in life for a man.
Throughout her three years being “Mrs. Barrett”, Timothy was her world. Yet, she was driven out of the house in the end.
She learned her lesson the hard way.
At that moment, Connor sensed her low spirit and recalled her marriage with Timothy.
Wasn’t she the epitome of love blind? She quit school for three years to be a full¨Ctime housewife.
She fulfilled every criterion of being a love blind.
Connor quickly lightened the mood up. “Mia, don’t take Claude too seriously. Filter out whatever. that’s useless.”
Claude retorted, “What do you mean by don’t take me seriously? I’m giving her tips on how not to get deceived. There are many calculating men out there nowadays.
“We’ve met Felix today. What if she runs into Allx or Calix in the future?”
An awkward smile adorned Mia’s face. Despite being a playboy himself, Claude had a point. If she had known Claude long ago, she wouldn’t have gotten married to Timothy.
Timothy would’ve been able to survive that point of his life without the marriage with her anyway.
Claude rambled about relationship tips along the way, about how to win a man’s heart; how to choose the right man; and how to make a man stay loyal.
There was so much for her to take in. She never knew that there was so much to learn when it came to love!
Feeling thirsty, he took a sip of water. “Mia, schools these days teach women to be independent and hard¨Cworking, but not how to date. It is actually an important subject of life.
“Choosing the wrong man is equivalent to buying the wrong house. It’ll only bring you losses. when you decide to back off from the commitment.”
Mia gave him a thumbs¨Cup. “Claude, you should write a book.”
They returned home and had a meal together. After that, she even made notes for Claude’s relationship lessons, a self¨Creminder that she should never be blinded by love.
The next morning, she woke up from her ringing phone.
She answered the call groggily. “Hello? Who is this?” “Mia, Felix is in trouble!”
Mia sobered up immediately once she heard Janice. Feeling suspicious, she asked, “What’s wrong with Felix?”
“He’s hurt, and it seems pretty serious. He’s in the emergency room right now. Mia, I’m alone here. I’m not familiar with this place, and I don’t know anyone here, so I called you. Can you come over now?”
“Mrs. Quilter, don’t worry. I’m on my way.”
After Mia got changed, she was about to head out. However, Patricia stopped her.
“Have some breakfast before you go, Mia. It’s still early now, no?*
Mia took her breakfast hastily and grabbed a toast to eat on the way.
She took a cab to the hospital right away. Once she arrived, she called Janice. “Mrs. Quilter, I’m here now. Are you guys in the emergency room now?”
“No, we’re at the ward. Come to Room 365.” Mla thought it was strange. Didn’t Janice say Felix’s injuries were severe, and he was still undergoing surgery? Why was he assigned to the ward that quickly?
Nonetheless, she went to Room 365. Felix was leaning against the bed frame, and his leg was in a cast. His face was bruised and swollen, looking as if he had been beaten up by someone.
Mia’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be Claude or Connor who did this to him?
When she mentioned what Felix did yesterday afternoon, Claude said that he would teach him a lesson, or break his leg.
She had managed to convince him not to, so she thought everything.was fine. Yet, she didn’t expect Felix would really end up being hospitalized with a broken leg.
A pang of guilt surged in her chest. She stepped into his ward, asking. “Felix, how did you get injured?”
Felix’s expression changed drastically once he saw Mia. He seemed afraid. He struggled to speak. yet only muffled noises escaped his lips due to the bandaged injuries on his mouth.
Janice flashed a smile at Mia and exclaimed, “Mia, you’re finally here. I was at a loss earlier when Felix was injured.
“He was literally covered in blood! I thought his injuries were fatal, but fortunately, it’s just a
Mia nodded, replying, “I’m glad he’s fine. How did he suddenly get Injured?”
Nevertheless, she had to grasp the situation. After all, Intentionally harming someone was a criminal offense.
Infuriated, Janice cried, “He was attacked! I have no idea who did this to Felix. He gets along with everyone, and his business is entirely legal. He never goes against the law, and he’s always eager to help others out.
“I really don’t understand why someone would hurt him. Mia, do you know If he’d offended anyone?
Mia froze.
“I’m not sure either. But Felix usually gets along with others. Why would someone hurt him?”