Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
She reassured them calmly, “It’s alright. I’m already on the way home. I’ll be back soon, so there’s no need to worry.”
Frowning, Dominic questioned, “Is your classmate dropping you home?”
A profound silence fell over the vehicle, the voice from the phone ringing clearly through the quiet space.
Upon hearing Dominic’s question over the phone, Timothy instinctively glanced at Mia, curious about her response.
Raising an eyebrow, Mia replied, “I’m currently in a cab. It’s safe, and the driver is maintaining a steady pace.”
“Good to hear. Once you’re outside the neighborhood, give us a call, and we’ll come get you.”
“Sure thing. Bye, Dominic.” As she ended the call, Mia couldn’t help but notice Timothy’s gaze fixed upon her.
Meeting his eyes calmly, she questioned, “Why are you staring at me like that? Do I have something on my face?”
Timothy hesitated momentarily but couldn’t help asking, “So, you’re taking a cab, huh?”
He had thought she would say that her classmate was dropping her off, but he was surprised when she said she was taking a cab instead.
Mia reclined slightly in her seat and responded casually, “Yeah, pretty much.”
“I’ve never met a woman who lies as effortlessly as you. Or maybe you’re just afraid to tell your brothers the truth, huh?”
Mia’s anger flared. “I’m doing this for your sake. If my brothers found out, do you seriously think you could handle them?”
She simply wanted to avoid trouble and prevent any potential conflicts.
Timothy felt a pang of indignation. “How do you know I can’t handle them? Are you worried about me getting hurt?”
“Don’t be so conceited. I’m more concerned about my brothers’ safety. Who’s worrying about you?”
Timothy was taken aback by her blunt response. Frustrated, he adjusted his tie. “When do you plan on leaving?”
“After my exams, I suppose,” Mia replied, glancing up at him. “Timothy, why are you so interested?”
Timothy’s demeanor shifted awkwardly. “I’m just trying to make conversation.”
“Timothy, you’re not attempting to stir up trouble, are you?”
Mia’s suspicious gaze irritated Timothy.
He turned to face her. “Is that how you see me?”
“Isn’t it the truth, though?”
“When have I ever acted in such a way?”
Mia slammed her hand on the leather seat. “Don’t play innocent! Wasn’t it you who had Mr. Shaw talk to me last time, suggesting that I take an additional course in the Music School to delay my graduation?”
Timothy fell silent instantly, acknowledging that he did have that intention last time. But how could he possibly admit to it now?
Mia stared at him intently. “Why aren’t you responding? Say something.”
Timothy casually crossed his legs, resting his hand on the seat. “I suggested it to Mr. Shaw because I had noticed your talent for playing the piano before. But after you declined, did I ever pressure you?”
Mia turned her head away in frustration, angered by Timothy’s slickness.
The car lapsed into silence again. Timothy stole a glance at Mia, admiring her fair complexion and the dimple that formed as she pursed her lips.
Lost in thought, Timothy continued to observe her profile, choosing to stay silent.
Mia had been looking out the window, but then she caught Timothy’s gaze in its reflection. It appeared he had been watching her all this time.
Her gaze faltered momentarily; perhaps he was just gazing out the window as well.
Mia wasn’t so self-absorbed to assume Timothy was secretly observing her. If she didn’t know any better, she might have misunderstood Timothy’s behavior as displaying some level of interest in her.
The two remained in silence.
Suddenly, the car jerked to a halt, sending Mia lurching forward. She panicked, instinctively shielding her belly.
But instead of colliding with anything, she found herself securely held in someone’s arms. She could only hear Timothy’s muffled grunt in her ear. It seemed like he had injured himself.
Once the vehicle stabilized, Mia, still shaken, inquired, “What happened?”
Seated in front, Heath explained. “There was an accident up ahead. The car next to us suddenly changed lanes, forcing Rodger to brake abruptly. Are you both alright?”
Mia shook her head. “I’m fine.”
As she spoke, she couldn’t resist stealing a glance at Timothy in front of her.
His voice was unmistakable just now. If he hadn’t shielded her, she might have been in serious danger, especially given the safety of the twins in her belly.
Timothy’s arms felt like a fortress, securely protecting her in his embrace. He had absorbed all the impact and danger by himself.
Meeting her gaze, Timothy asked, “Are you sure you’re okay? Is your stomach hurting?”
He was aware that Mia was pregnant, so she needed to be especially cautious.
Mia shook her head. “Seriously, I’m fine. Could you, um, please let go of me now?”
Timothy obliged, though Mia couldn’t help but notice a stiffness in his arms as he let go. Nevertheless, he composed himself and sat upright in his seat.
His hand rested on the opposite side. Mia couldn’t tell if he was hurt or not. She suspected that his arm must have been injured in the collision.
Recalling the sudden braking moments ago, Mia couldn’t help but still feel shaken from the experience.
Observing her pale complexion, Timothy remarked, “Your family should consider arranging a dependable driver for you.”
After all, outsourced drivers tend to operate unpredictably and recklessly.
Lowering her gaze, Mia admitted, “I do have a driver, but he didn’t come today.”
Half an hour later, the car came to a halt outside the residential area, the relentless rain obscuring the scenery outside.
Mia stole a glance out the window, contemplating for a moment before saying, “I’m here. Thank you for your help earlier.”
As she prepared to exit the car, Timothy swiftly disembarked, accepting the umbrella handed to him by Heath.
He positioned himself outside, ready to shield Mia from the rain.
As Mia opened the car door and stepped out, she found shelter from the rain under the umbrella Timothy held.
Facing him, she suggested, “Let me borrow your umbrella for now. I can handle it from here. You should head back.”
It dawned on Mia that she had forgotten to inform her brothers of her arrival.
However, Timothy remained unmoved. “I’ll walk you over.”
Just then, Dominic’s voice reached them, “Mia!”
Mia subtly turned her head and indeed spotted Dominic and Claude. They, too, had noticed Timothy standing beside her. The atmosphere tensed momentarily.
Dominic approached swiftly, his expression cold as he confronted Timothy, “What are you doing here?”
Claude’s demeanor turned hostile. “Timothy, I made it clear last time to stay away from my sister. She’s not someone you can toy with. Didn’t you get the message?”
Turning his gaze to Mia, Dominic urged, “Mia, come here.”
Emerging from beneath Timothy’s umbrella, Mia approached Dominic. He handed her another umbrella. “Take this. You and Claude go ahead. I need to have a few words with Timothy.”
Sensing the tension escalating, Mia urgently grasped Dominic’s arm. “Dominic!”
“Mia, listen to me!”
Dominic’s voice remained resolute as he advanced to confront Timothy. “Mr. Barrett, since you appear to be disregarding the warnings from me and my brothers, I’ll just have to demonstrate what happens when you mess with my sister!”
With that, Dominic delivered a punch straight at Timothy, sending his umbrella flying in the process.
Mia noticed that Timothy was completely defenseless. His right arm hung limply at his side, unable to even hold his umbrella.
Take this. You and Claude go ahead. I need to have a few words with Timothy.”
Sensing the tension escalating, Mia urgently grasped Dominic’s arm. “Dominic!”
“Mia, listen to me!”
Dominic’s voice remained resolute as he advanced to confront Timothy. “Mr. Barrett, since you appear to be disregarding the warnings from me and my brothers, I’ll just have to demonstrate what happens when you mess with my sister!”
With that, Dominic delivered a punch straight at Timothy, sending his umbrella flying in the process.
Mia noticed that Timothy was completely defenseless. His right arm hung limply at his side, unable to even hold his umbrella.
She realized that his right arm was likely injured from protecting her just moments ago. Disregarding everything else, Mia hurriedly dashed into the pouring rain to interven