Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Maya’s eyes scoured for Timothy. If the Lanes found Mia, would Maya lose her chance to be Mrs.
Barrett?
No, she would never let that happen!
Maya zeroed in on Mia performing onstage, her eyes mixed with malicious emotions as she thought,”
You’ve been sent away, so why are you still getting in my way?”
While performing, Mia flickered a glance at Claude because she couldn’t shake off the nervousness.
Merging both songs with the children’s song as the opening, she played both pieces in one go. She initially thought that it would be difficult for her, but she managed to play it until the end.
When her fingers stopped, the hall was dead quiet.
Timothy couldn’t help but be astonished as he didn’t expect her to be this skillful. He had never heard her playing the piano before.
When Timothy was going to clap his hands, Claude stood and applauded first with a proud grin. “As I expected, Mia’s the best.”
The corner of Timothy’s lips twitched.
A flustered Maya gaped at Mia, mixed feelings churning in her stomach. Maya was afraid that Claude might find out Mia’s true identity.
Yet, the clues began replaying in Maya’s head.
The way Claude, Connor, and Liam treated Mia; and how Jason’s lawyer team issued a letter for her when she became the victim of awful rumors.
The clues were connecting each other, leading Maya to one conclusion.
Her eyes widened and her branded bag almost slipped out of her hand.
Perhaps, the Lanes had found Mia a long time ago and had been keeping Maya in the dark!
That’s right. That explained everything!
Otherwise, why would they treat Mia so well? Because of her sheer charms? That would make a feeble reason.
Fear overshadowed Maya almost instantly. If they had found Mia, what would that make Maya?
Since they had found the true Ms. Lane, why didn’t they take her back to the family?
The more Maya thought about it, the more it didn’t make sense.
At the same time, Mia let out a smile in relief. It was nerve¨Cwracking back there. Fortunately, she didn’t bring disgrace to the college’s name.
The host stood next to her. “Miss, your performance was marvelous! May I ask, how long have you learned piano? Are you from the Music School?”
Mia shook her head. “No, I’m not from the Music School. I just started piano not long ago.”
“But you played it so well! Who’s your tutor? Do you mind sharing?”
Her eyes darted at Claude as she smiled shyly. “Someone important to me.”
Her voice dropped and the audience squealed.
Timothy gave Claude a fleeting glimpse, his mood getting worse and worse. He looked at Mia, who was smiling brightly onstage.
It was someone important to her?
Loosening his tie, Timothy was irked.
Claude intentionally gave Timothy a look. “Hear that? I am the one who’s important to Mia.”
Timothy couldn’t comprehend how men were flocking to her after the divorce.
When Claude made his way toward Mia, Maya couldn’t sit still anymore. She followed him, wanting to get to the bottom of it.
The audience seat was empty, but Timothy was still sitting there in low spirits.
Kennedy approached him. “Congratulations, Mrs. Barrett! That was such a wonderful performance from Mrs. Barrett.
“The professor from the Music School told me that she’s talented enough to change her course to further her studies in the Music School.”
Timothy responded with a meaningful gaze, “Get it done then.”
Kennedy flashed a dazzling smile. “Okay, I’ll make sure everything’s arranged for Mrs. Barrett. But she seems to be in a rush to graduate from college.
“If she wants to continue her studies in the Music School, it’s best she doesn’t put her graduation forward.”
“She’s in a rush to graduate?” Timothy was surprised.
“Yes. She took a few gap years. She did hand over her assignments during her absence, but she still has to make up for her credit hours for sociology.
“She attends lectures every day for her credit hours. She takes whatever subjects that offer more credit hours for sociology. That’s why I’m thinking she’d like to graduate early.”
Noticing Timothy’s grim expression, Kennedy added, “I don’t think Mrs. Barrett needs the degree, though. I bet she wants to graduate early to focus on her duty as Mrs. Barrett.”
Timothy didn’t utter a single word because Mia would never graduate early simply to carry out her duties as Mrs. Barrett.
Maybe, she wanted to leave for Nord City after her graduation?
After all, Mia and Connor were close, and she was pregnant! The Lanes didn’t seem to dislike her.
Timothy’s lips pursed into a thin line at that thought. He turned his head at Kennedy. “She’s not trying to graduate early.
“Please make arrangements for her transfer to the Music School. I’ll pay for her tuition fees. Assign the best professor.”
“Not a problem, Mr. Barrett.”
Timothy withdrew his gaze, and his eyes narrowed at the sight of Mia and Claude walking down the stage together.
Timothy got up and headed in their direction.
Meanwhile, Mia’s eyes arched into crescents at Claude. “I was so nervous back there. I didn’t know I’d be picked. Thank goodness I have been practicing this whole time. So glad I didn’t embarrass myself.”
Then, she noticed Maya approaching them.
Something seemed off from Maya’s expression, but Mia couldn’t quite put her finger on it
Claude followed Mia’s gaze and naturally saw Maya. His face turned to a grumpy one. “What are you doing here?”
Mia found his unfriendly expression strange because he had always been a gentleman to ladies.
It was one of his attributes as a playboy.
Yet, his attitude toward Maya was nasty. That was strange.
Maya forced a smile. It wasn’t the time to be bothered by Claude’s attitude.
“The piece you played was beautiful But I think the opening is another song. More like a children’s song?” She tested the water.
Before this, Maya had contemplated many things in her head. Could Mia still remember what happened during their younger days?
If so, she should be able to recall how Maya convinced her to move to the other orphanage.
Maya’s question struck Mia as weird. Pausing momentarily, Mia answered, “You’re right. I merged it with another piece of my favorite. Anything wrong about it?”
“N¨CNothing. It was beautiful, so I wanted to ask.” Maya’s back was drenched in a cold sweat.
Everything in Maya was pulling her from meeting Mia’s eyes. It was fear, the fear of Mia remembering the origin of that song and bringing up the orphanage.
If Claude heard it and questioned further, Mia’s true identity would be revealed!
Maya couldn’t bring herself to think about what would transpire next.
At the same time, Maya’s reaction was weird in Mia’s view. Mia was certain that Maya was behind the “surprise” that happened today to embarrass Mia.
Obviously, Maya didn’t expect Mia to get away with it without humiliating herself.
When Mia was going to say something, she noticed the incoming Timothy and she froze.
Why was that bastard coming in their direction? Was he going to mock her for the bad performance?
Timothy’s eyes were on Mia as his mind was thinking about her. She appeared foreign to him. He didn’t know that she could play piano, let alone her talent for piano.
He pursed his lips. “Mia, come with me. I have something to tell you.”
Shocked, she didn’t expect that to come from him.
Before she could give a response, Claude pulled her head, alarmed. He barked, “Say it here. It’s not like it’s anything disgraceful. Is there a need to speak to her privately?”
That alone sparked tension between the two men. A fight could break out at any moment.
Mia quickly said, “I have something to wrap up. Let’s talk after I’m done.” She then waved at