Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“Great! I’ll stand in front, and on the count of three, we’ll say cheese!”
Jeremy seized the moment, snapping a selfie of the trio. He positioned himself in front, with Mia and Timothy standing closely behind him.
Once the photo was captured, Mia turned to Jeremy and said, “Just be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with their privacy being exposed.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t casually spread this photo around. It’s just meant for our classmates.”
Upon hearing this. Timothy raised an eyebrow and added, “I understand you’re scouting projects at the university. If you require financial assistance in the future, you can reach out to my assistant, Heath, at this number.”
With that, Timothy handed over a business card with Heath’s name on it.
Jeremy’s face lit up with surprise as he took the card.
This was no ordinary gesture¨CIt was an olive branch extended by none other than the CEO of the prestigious Barrett Group.
The opportunity to secure investment from Timothy held the promise of a bright future for Jeremy.
That day’s lunch suddenly felt incredibly worthwhile.
Observing Jeremy’s appeased expression, Mia couldn’t bear to watch any longer. She rose from her seat and exited the private room, making her way to the restroom.
Contemplating the situation, Mia couldn’t deny that having influence and authority could be advantageous.
Upon her return to the private room, Mia noticed that only Timothy remained, with Jeremy nowhere in sight.
She casually inquired. “Where’s Jeremy?”
“He had to attend to something and left early.” Timothy responded, fixing his gaze on her intently. “It’s just as well he’s gone. have something important to talk to you about.”
Drawing in a deep breath, Mia asked, “What’s on your mind?”
Timothy began, “Yesterday, outside your neighborhood, you brought up how it’s always been you who’s had feelings for me, that it was all one¨Csided, and that I never reciprocated those feelings-“:
Mia’s eyes narrowed at this. She awkwardly cut him off, saying, “Alright, please don’t keep bringing that up.”
Timothy’s lips tightened. “That’s not how I meant it.”
“Timothy, do you still think I haven’t endured enough misery for your sake? I’ll admit, I once held feelings for you, and maybe I was too presumptuous in marrying you, causing you trouble.
“But now that we’re divorced, why do you keep bringing up the past? Don’t I deserve some respect?”
Her eyes teared up slightly. “We’re all human, with emotions. Can’t you let go of it, considering I once loved you?”
With that, Mia left the private room awkwardly.
As she stepped out of the restaurant, Timothy hurried to catch up. “Mia, why are you leaving so suddenly?
Hearing him, Mia picked up her pace.
Seeing her hastening away. Timothy’s heart pounded with worry. He quickly moved to her side and took hold of her wrist. “Mia, have you forgotten that you’re pregnant?”
Mia finally slowed down and responded in a calm tone, “I know. Let go of me.”
Nonetheless, Timothy remained silent. He held her hand and continued walking.
The alley was quite crowded at this hour, with many people coming and going, making it feel somewhat narrow.
Timothy strode forward with a confident and authoritative demeanor, prompting those approaching to instinctively make way, impressed by the commanding presence he exuded.
Mia walked behind him with her head down. She tried to pull her hand back, but Timothy held it firmly, refusing to release her.
His grasp was firm and reassuring as they moved forward together.
Looking down at their joined hands, Mia felt a mixture of emotions.
Was Timothy suddenly showing kindness because he had a change of heart? Or was he concerned about potential backlash from her brothers now that she was the heiress of the Lane family?
After a while, they finally reached the end of the narrow alleyway.
Feeling the cold air and seeing the open road, Mia gradually regained her composure. Instinctively, she tried to withdraw her hand, but Timothy still held on.
She glanced up at him, her eyes reflecting his silhouette.
As their eyes locked, Timothy’s throat tightened. “Mia, don’t you feel anything?”
Mia’s eyes flickered in response. How could she miss his shift in demeanor?
Timothy’s intense gaze and his reassuring touch¨Cthese were moments she had once longed for.
Yet, at this moment, Mia observed him with an unusually clear perspective. “Timothy, do you have feelings for me?”
Mia stood on the bustling street, watching him intently.
Passersby couldn’t help but notice Timothy’s striking appearance, causing them to turn their heads.
Under the dim streetlight, Timothy’s gaze appeared somewhat uneasy as he responded, “Mia, are you truly that self-absorbed?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Timothy immediately regretted them, pursing his lips.
Mia nodded. “Well, Mr. Barrett, if you’re not interested in me, please stop being around me or making these kind gestures. It might give me the wrong idea that you’re developing feelings for me.”
Timothy’s throat tightened. “I do these things because… because I want to compensate for neglecting you over the past three years.”
It seemed that Mia wasn’t the stereotypical gold-digger he had once imagined.
Mia’s eyes showed a subtle fatigue, her mouth carrying a hint of bitterness. She replied with a feigned nonchalance, “Compensate? So, what do you think I’m lacking right now?”
Considering Mia’s position as the heiress of the Lane family, Timothy believed she lacked nothing and was well-provided for.
He pursed his lips, responding, “This is different.”
But Mia pushed back, saying, “There’s nothing different. When the Barrett family turned me away, Mr. Barrett, there was no trace of guilt from you. It was just your family’s condescension and oppression.
“Now, as the heiress of the Lane family, I have everything I could want. So, when you suddenly claim it’s out of guilt that you want to compensate me, who would believe such a story?”
Timothy frowned. “Do you think I’m treating you this way because of your status? Is that the impression you have of me?”
“Then what, Mr. Barrett? If you genuinely regret your actions, then act like a decent ex-husband! Stop pretending as if you don’t exist.”
Timothy’s expression turned grim. Mia had previously compared a responsible ex-husband to being essentially nonexistent.
After Mia spoke, she turned and walked away.
Within moments, Antonio’s car pulled up beside her. “Ms. Mia, are you ready to leave?”
Without a word, Mia bent down and entered the car.
She leaned back in her seat, mulling over Timothy’s words. They struck her as utterly absurd.
The notion of him compensating her felt unnecessary. She didn’t need it at all.
Timothy stood alone on the roadside for a while before eventually entering his car.
He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “Grandma, I need your help with something…”
Mia rode back to campus in Antonio’s car.
Throughout her afternoon study session, she found it difficult to focus, with Timothy’s actions weighing heavily on her mind.
As Mia prepared to pack up and head home for dinner, she received a call from Jeremy. “Hello, is everything alright?” she answered.
“Hey Mia, are you at the campus right now?”
“Yes, I’m in the study hall.”
“Be careful. Ramona is heading to the university to look for you. I made a mistake by mentioning our lunch in the group chat.
“Ramona insisted on reaching out to you, but I didn’t give her your phone number. Despite that, I have a feeling she might still turn up on campus.”
Mia frowned. “I understand.”
After ending the call, Mia slung her backpack over her shoulder and exited the study hall.
Departing from campus early would likely spare her from crossing paths with Ramona.
Nonetheless, trouble seemed to have a knack for finding her, regardless of her efforts.
Approaching the university’s main entrance, Mia spotted Ramona standing outside.
Ramona hurried over with tear-stained eyes, her previous arrogance replaced by a sense of desperation.
She cried out pitifully, “Mia, I must confess, it was all my fault at the class reunion! My jealousy drove me to spread false rumors intentionally to hurt you.
“Please find it in your heart to forgive me this time! I promise I won’t repeat such actions!”