Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“Aunt Patricia-” Mia wanted to intervene, but it appeared to be too late.
As the door opened, Mia noticed Timothy standing outside.
He wore casual gray attire, a far cry from the serious and austere look he had in a suit during the day. This time, he emanated a more laid¨Cback vibe.
Mia wore a slightly awkward but polite expression, taken aback by Timothy’s unexpected arrival.
Patricia’s eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of Timothy. “Mia, why why is he here?”
Standing by the entrance, Timothy politely stated, “Grandma requested me to bring her some gifts.”
“Ah, I see. Well, please come in.”
Having met Timothy before. Patricia recognized him as Mia’s ex¨Chusband. However, she hadn’t expected him to show up here after their divorce.
Sensing Patricia’s discomfort, Mia intervened, “You should go to bed first. He’s just here to drop something off and will leave soon.”
“Alright, then, please fetch Mr. Barrett a glass of water.”
Upon seeing Timothy, Patricia also felt somewhat bewildered. Nonetheless, she obediently retreated to her room.
Now, only the two of them were left in the living room.
Observing Timothy holding a paper bag, Mia’s voice turned cold as she said. “You can just place the items on the coffee table.”
Following Mia’s words, Timothy calmly took a seat on the sofa. He briefly scanned the cozy living area, noting its modest size with just two bedrooms.
Furrowing his brows, Timothy commented, “I can’t believe your brothers let you live in such a small place.
Mia’s mood instantly soured, and she replied bluntly, “Mr. Barrett, you’re already here. Spare me your bullshit.”
Raising his head, Timothy countered, “Must you use that language?”
“To be honest, you were the one who started it! My brothers have offered me lavish cars and mansions.
but I prefer staying here.
“Even with my newfound wealth, I hold onto a non¨Cmaterialistic outlook. I remain the same frugal, optimistic, and self¨Csufficient woman who values truth, kindness, and beauty!”
Timothy’s lips twitched; it appeared that Mia was subtly mocking him.
He set the paper bag on the table. “Grandma wanted me to give this to you.”
“Alright, thanks. You can leave now; the door is right there.” Mia accepted the gift, her expression composed.
Timothy gazed at her. “Aren’t you going to open it?”
Bending down, Mia unwrapped the package, revealing a box of pastries adorned with the words, “Wishing you great success”.
Mia was surprised. “Did Grandma Laura make these herself?”
She remembered Laura preparing a similar treat for Timothy’s birthday, but Laura hadn’t been in the kitchen since then because of her advanced age.
“Yes, she was aware you have an exam tomorrow, so she arranged for the ingredients to be prepared early this morning.
“However, due to her age, she encountered some challenges and had a few unsuccessful attempts.
Despite the late hour, she insisted that I deliver it to you.”
Mia’s eyes glistened with tears as she opened the box and took a bite. “It’s delicious. I’ll give my best in the exam tomorrow.
Timothy observed her intently, his expression suggesting he had something to say but was holding back.
After finishing her dessert, Mia took a sip of water.
She couldn’t help but notice Timothy staring at her, his silence adding to the intensity of the moment.
His narrow, elongated eyes bore into her, his handsome features sharply defined in the light.
Mia felt increasingly uneasy under his intense stare. She lowered her gaze and curtly said, “It’s getting late, Mr. Barrett. Please leave.”
With that, she dismissed him without so much as a glance.
Given their divorced status, Mia felt no obligation to extend any courtesy toward him.
Timothy eventually rose from the sofa, his figure illuminated by the light, casting a long shadow in the room.
In the already confined space, his towering stature seemed to make it even more cramped, obscuring the light around Mia.
His imposing figure loomed above her, and his expression was complex.
Mia’s breath caught in her throat. She had never seen Timothy wear such an expression before.
especially not directed at her.
Taking a deep breath, she walked toward the entrance and swung the door open without a word, inviting him to leave.
Casting a glance in her direction, Timothy proceeded to walk toward her.
Mia had initially planned to step aside and allow him to pass, but he positioned himself squarely in her path. The narrow entrance barely allowed space for two people.
She glanced up at him, somewhat puzzled by his demeanor.
Just as Mia was about to yield, Timothy finally spoke up, “Please, take your exams seriously.”
“Huh?”
Mia hadn’t anticipated such words from him after the prolonged silence. She muttered in response, “I don’t need you to remind me. I’ll work hard regardless.”
She watched as Timothy turned and walked away, closing the door behind him.
As Mia returned to the sofa, she felt a mixture of emotions upon noticing the pastry in her pocket.
“Mia, has Mr. Barrett left?” Patricia asked as she peeked out from the door.
Mia nodded. “Yes, he’s gone.”
“What did he want? I was taken aback when I saw him at the door just now. He wasn’t causing trouble.
was he?”
“No, he stopped by to deliver some pastries that Grandma Laura had made.”
Mia retrieved the pastries from her pocket and handed one to Patricia. Despite her complicated relationship with Timothy, Laura had always shown kindness to her.
Before Mia found her family, Laura had been one of the kindest people to her, aside from Patricia.
“Mia, isn’t Mrs. Barrett Senior’s banquet planned for next weekend?” Patricia inquired.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Mia had discussed with Laura the possibility of postponing the banquet until after Mia’s exams, particularly if Laura intended to invite all of Mia’s brothers to the celebration.
Laura had no objections and decided to schedule it for the weekend following Mia’s exams.
“Mia, Grandma Laura has indeed been very kind to you, but now that you’ve reunited with your family and your living situation has improved, you should have more confidence.
“The Barretts wouldn’t dare to mistreat you like they did before. Are you still considering returning?”
“Aunt Patricia, why do you ask?”
Mia was caught off guard by Patricia’s suggestion that she might want to return to her position as the young lady of the Barrett family. Unfortunately, that role didn’t live up to its reputation.
“Mia, I remember you initially married into the Barrett family because you had feelings for Mr. Barrett. You were quite headstrong; how could you just forget about it?
“Back then, I supported your decision to divorce because I was worried you were being mistreated by the Barretts. But now, who would dare to treat you badly?”
Mia couldn’t help but feel exasperated. “Aunt Patricia, we’re already divorced.”
“But Mrs. Barrett Senior still seems to have a soft spot for you, and your family’s circumstances have improved.
“If you still have feelings for Mr. Barrett, you might want to contemplate it. Besides, Mr. Barrett seemed less distant toward you during his recent visit.”
“Aunt Patricia, please stop.” Mia interrupted Patricia abruptly. “I’ve already made up my mind to return to
Nord City and live with my brothers, and I’m not considering remarriage.”
“Very well I respect your decision. But you should understand that women and men are different.
“Generally, second marriages don’t turn out as well as the first ones. Besides, Mr. Barrett comes from a respectable background; I’m only concerned for your well¨Cbeing.”
Having said her piece. Patricia withdrew to her room for some rest.
Despite this, Mia understood where Patricia was coming from.