Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy took the socks, observing the miniature socks that were barely larger than his palm.
Timothy cradled the tiny socks in his palm, a lump forming in his throat as an indescribable emotion surged within him.
After all, he had never interacted with a newborn before, let alone had any familiarity with their clothing and accessories.
Despite his usual aloofness, Timothy found the material of the tiny socks surprisingly soft and gentle.
Hastily, he returned the socks to the shelf, his demeanor awkward, as if handling the small socks was akin to facing a daunting creature.
Watching Timothy’s actions, a shadow of concern crossed Mia’s eyes: perhaps he genuinely harbored a dislike for children!
Nevertheless, Mia remained resolute in her decision to raise the twins independently, sparing Timothy any inconvenience.
Turning to Tara, she asked, “Would you mind assisting me in selecting a few outfits?”
Since they’ve already entered the store, refraining from making a purchase would appear inappropriate.
After Mia finished speaking, Timothy beside her suddenly interjected, saying, “Will a few outfits be enough? I’ll take 20 sets!”
Tara was instantly delighted. “Wonderful, I’ll gather them for you right away.”
Given the substantial purchase, the store was sure to achieve impressive sales for the month.
Mia was surprised by Timothy’s extravagant gesture and looked at him with astonishment. “Is it really necessary to purchase so many?”
She believed that acquiring just a few outfits would suffice, especially with Martha observing them. After all, Mia needed to return with something to show Laura!
Timothy remained unfazed. “Do you think I can’t afford 20 outfits?”
“But this wasn’t about the clothes,” Mia thought to herself.
Without delay, Tara approached eagerly. “Is there anything else you require, sir, madam? I’m here to assist with your selection.”
Timothy casually gestured toward the array of baby clothes on display. “We’ll take everything: clothes, shoes, coats, hats, scarves, and all of these socks.”
“All of them?” Tara exclaimed, taken aback.
Mia quickly pulled at Timothy’s sleeve, but he glanced back at her and commented, “We’ll just make use of these items and dispose of them when they’re worn out.”
Mia had never heard anyone speak of clothing as disposable before!
With Mia’s hand in his, Timothy guided her out of the store and inquired, “Aren’t we supposed to get a stroller and a crib?”
Mia glanced back momentarily, intending to convey to Tara that they didn’t plan to purchase too many items.
However, Mia couldn’t ignore Martha’s presence, discreetly lurking behind a nearby pillar.
Suddenly, it dawned on her that Timothy was merely putting on a show for Martha.
After pondering for a moment, Mia decided it was best to remain silent.
She trailed behind Timothy as they returned to the store, where Tara enthusiastically presented several crib choices. Without hesitation, Timothy intervened, “Please wrap them all up.”
Tara was surprised. “Wrap a dozen baby cribs? Sir, may I ask how many children you have?”
Timothy remained unfazed. “We’ll have a variety of choices if the twins aren’t comfortable in the cribs.”
Mia was caught off guard, unsure how to respond. She hadn’t expected Timothy’s lavish approach to shopping.
Feeling the urge to step in, Mia grabbed Timothy’s arm and pointed to one of the cribs. “Let’s just buy two of these; they appear to be more suitable.”
Timothy frowned. “Are you sure? The kids haven’t even slept in them yet. What if they don’t like them?”
“Since when do babies have such refined preferences? Not everyone is as particular as you, rejecting even the slightest discomfort!” Mia shot back.
“And besides, both of these cribs fit perfectly in the master bedroom.”
Timothy maintained his composure, a faint smirk appearing on his lips. “Let’s go with her recommendation.”
After acquiring the baby cribs, they made their way to the baby stroller section.
To prevent Timothy from insisting on buying everything, Mia took matters into her own hands and decided to personally select two baby strollers.
Surrounded by these baby items, Mia truly comprehended the weight of impending motherhood.
Glancing at the time, she was surprised to realize that they had finished all their shopping in just an hour.
Thanks to Timothy’s efficient shopping style, they were able to swiftly navigate through their purchases.
However, as they exited the store, an awkward tension lingered between them. After all, it was Mia’s first time shopping with Timothy.
Soon, they found themselves outside an exhibition hall, unsure of what it had on display.
Just then, one of the workers, Michelle Lexington, approached them.
“Mr. and Mrs. Barrett, given your substantial purchases in our mall, we’d like to offer you a complimentary parenting course for new parents.
“If you have a moment to spare, feel free to join us inside.”
Mia felt a surge of curiosity. After all, she was also in need of parental guidance.
She followed Michelle into the hall, but Timothy remained unmoved behind her.
Michelle glanced toward him and said, “Sir, it’s advisable for both parents to attend the session together.
“After all, raising a child isn’t solely the mother’s duty. As a husband and father, you should also share the responsibility of nurturing your child.”
Mia’s eye twitched involuntarily upon hearing Michelle’s words. She could hardly envision Timothy caring for a child! The notion seemed too surreal for her to even consider.
Looking at Timothy, Mia said, “It’s fine, you can wait for me outside. If anything comes up, feel free to head out before me.”
Much to Mia’s surprise, Timothy suddenly approached her, seemingly eager to accompany her for the session.
Mia couldn’t resist stealing another glance at Timothy. Something about his demeanor seemed off!
Upon entering the classroom, Mia and Timothy noticed several other young couples already seated, all fully engaged in the lecture.
Mia found a nearby seat and settled in, listening attentively.
As the lesson unfolded, Heidi Thurman, the instructor, demonstrated yoga techniques tailored for pregnant women, some of which required the husband’s assistance.
As Mia tried to maneuver herself into position, her arm was gently guided. Glancing up, she met Timothy’s gaze. “I’ll help you,” he whispered, his lips forming a tight line.
Mia nodded in acknowledgment and shifted her attention to follow Heidi’s instructions.
During the class, Mia and Timothy demonstrated a remarkably harmonious dynamic. Timothy patiently guided Mia through the exercises, providing feedback on areas where she could improve.
As the trial session came to an end, Mia found herself slightly sweaty but surprisingly invigorated.
Leaving the venue together, Mia instinctively glanced outside. “Where’s Martha?”
“She’s likely already on her way back,” Timothy replied.
“Yeah, considering all the shopping we did today, Martha probably has plenty to report! Your acting today was quite impressive. Otherwise, Grandma might have caught on,” Mia remarked.
Glancing at the time, she hesitated briefly before inquiring, “It seems we won’t make it to the courthouse today. Are you available tomorrow?”
Timothy paused in his steps, his gaze meeting Mia’s with a profound intensity as he pondered her question.
Averting her gaze, Mia replied, “Is there an issue? Let me reassure you that Maya has torn up the property settlement agreement, and I’ve signed a prenuptial agreement.
“It won’t have any bearing on you. I promise I’m not seeking any of your assets.”
In response, Timothy retrieved the crumpled prenuptial agreement from Heath’s hand. “You’re talking about this, right?” he asked./
Mia glanced at it and confirmed, “Yes, that should be the original.”
As she finished speaking, Timothy suddenly tore the document in half.
Mia’s eyes widened in disbelief as she watched Timothy rip apart the prenuptial agreement. “What on earth are you doing?”
She couldn’t believe that Timothy had actually torn up the agreement!
Clutching the torn documents tightly, Timothy firmly stated, “We don’t need this anymore,”
Mia couldn’t help but detect a familiar tone in Timothy’s voice, reminiscent of their conversation at the hospital.
She quickly lowered her head. “Even if this document didn’t exist, I wouldn’t want a penny from you, Let’s just go to the courthouse this week.”
As Mia was about to leave, her wrist was suddenly grasped by someone, their palm unusually warm,
Her heart raced, and she felt a slight flush as she asked, “What are you doing?”
Timothy’s voice lowered as he spoke, “Mia, I’ve realized that I misunderstood you. I wasn’t aware of this prenuptial agreement. I don’t see a reason for us to divorce.”