Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
The elevator doors closed behind her.
Turning to Luna, Caleb asked, “Luna, how’s your leg holding up? You know Shelly has always been bossy since childhood. Why would you intentionally provoke her?”
“Caleb, I’ve tolerated Shelly for many years, but I’ve reached my limit,” Luna replied.
As she glanced down at her injured leg, her resentment toward Shelly intensified. She was determined not to let Shelly off the hook next time.
Looking up, Luna deliberately inquired, “Caleb, why is Tim suddenly in the hospital? Is he ill?”
“I’m not entirely sure. I only just found out about it myself,” Caleb replied cautiously.
He decided it would be best to avoid mentioning the matter to prevent unnecessary complications.
Luna sensed Caleb’s evasiveness, but she decided not to press further. After all, she was already aware that Timothy was hospitalized to donate his bone marrow. to Ginger.
With a fa?ade of concern, Luna approached Timothy’s hospital room. “Tim, are you feeling sick? Why didn’t you let anyone know you were here?”
Timothy’s gaze turned cold as he glanced at Caleb, clearly displeased.
Caleb swiftly clarified, “It wasn’t my doing. We just happened to meet in the elevator.”
“Tim, it’s not ideal for you to stay in the hospital without anyone taking care of you. Hospital food isn’t as hygienic as home¨Ccooked meals. How about I bring you food every day?”
Setting aside his iPad, Timothy met Luna’s gaze. “Don’t you have anything better to do? How are you still able to move around in a wheelchair?”
Luna’s expression wavered briefly. “Tim, don’t worry about me. Using a wheelchair isn’t a major issue.¡®
“It seems like your injury isn’t as severe as Shelly’s. She’s still confined to bed.”
Luna’s demeanor shifted abruptly, and she rushed to clarify, “Shelly is just pretending to avoid taking responsibility. But I won’t press the matter. I merely mentioned it to startle her. We’re family, after all.”
Timothy frowned in response. “Instead of bringing me food, why don’t you focus. on addressing Asher’s behavior? I’ve heard he’s been getting into fights and bullying others at kindergarten.”
“But Tim, it’s normal for children to have minor scuffles at school.”
Timothy’s face turned grim. “Luna, do I need to remind you once more that you’re only allowed to remain in the Barrett family because of Asher?”
Bowing her head, Luna replied, “I get it. I’m just here at the hospital to see the doctor.”
“Do you reckon a private hospital would offer better conditions than this? Cut the act. You can leave; there’s no reason for you to stick around.”
With tears brimming in her eyes, Luna exited the ward. Caleb observed quietly from the sidelines. It seemed that Luna wasn’t as innocent as she appeared on the surface.
Once Luna departed, Caleb finally voiced his thoughts, “I had a feeling there had to be more to Luna’s sudden appearance at the public hospital. Tim, do your reckon she stumbled upon something?”
After contemplating for a moment, Timothy turned to Heath and instructed, “Arrange for someone to escort Luna back, and ensure she doesn’t return to the hospital.”
“Understood, sir,” Heath acknowledged before leaving the room.
Meanwhile, Luna exited the ward and promptly dialed Sharon’s number. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for.
“Ms. Maynard!”
Startled, Luna turned to find Heath beside her. “What… What’s going on?”
“Mr. Barrett has asked for a driver to take you back,” Heath explained.
A faint smile crossed Luna’s face. It seemed that Timothy still had some concern for her.
Putting her phone away, Luna stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor.
She couldn’t wait to brag to Monalize about what had just happened.
However, when the elevator doors opened, Heath intercepted her. “Ms. Maynard, Mr. Barrett has instructed that you return home immediately.”
“But I’m just going to see a friend,” Luna protested.
“I’m sorry, but you can’t. Please cooperate, Ms. Maynard,” Heath insisted.
Luna immediately grasped the implication behind his words.
It seemed that they weren’t genuinely interested in sending her home. Their intention, however, was to monitor her closely to prevent any interference at the hospital.
Nonetheless, it was already too late. Luna had become aware of Timothy’s bone marrow donation.
With a cold expression, Luna left the hospital, swallowing her frustration. She knew that this matter was far from over.
In the evening, Mia organized a dinner for them at the hospital.
She escorted Ginger upstairs to where Timothy was resting in the hospital bed, looking somewhat pale with an IV drip in his arm.
Witnessing Timothy’s condition, Mia felt a touch of empathy. Although he had the option to decline, he had willingly agreed to donate his bone marrow.
“Tim, does it hurt?”
Ginger gently leaned in and blew lightly on Timothy’s hand where the needle was inserted, her lips puckered up playfully.
Although Timothy’s hand felt cool, the icy fortress around his heart unexpectedly began to melt.
He had always believed that he wasn’t particularly fond of children.
Yet, when he saw Ginger, his heart softened, and he felt a desire to give her all the happiness in the world.
Mia glanced at Caleb and instructed, “Let’s set up the table. It’s time for us to eat.”
After enjoying their meal together, Ginger excitedly handed Timothy a sticker, exclaiming sweetly, “This is a magic sticker!”
Timothy patted Ginger’s head affectionately and asked, “Are you ready?”
With a nervous demeanor, Ginger lowered her head and replied, “Not really. I don’t want to lose my hair!”
After all, she cherished her hair dearly.
Mia gently held Ginger’s hand and advised, “Alright, it’s bedtime. Remember what the doctor said about getting enough sleep? Staying up late might also cause hair loss.”
Addressing Timothy, Mia added, “We’ll be heading out now.”
Timothy nodded in understanding, silently watching as Ginger and Mia left the ward.
Seated nearby, Caleb interjected, “The night is still young. Would you like some company for the evening?”
“Get lost!” Timothy retorted.
Downstairs, Mia escorted Ginger back to their ward.
Looking up at Mia, Ginger asked, “Mommy, will he become sick from the injection?”
She envisioned needles to be quite painful.
Mia crouched down in front of Ginger and explained, “Adults aren’t afraid of injections. Besides, he’s your father. It’s his responsibility to assist your brother.”
Ginger didn’t fully comprehend Mia’s words. She pulled out her Apple watch and asked, ” Should we call Sage?”
“Sure, Sage is probably preparing to go into the sterile chamber tomorrow.”
After locking the hospital room door, Mia sat on the bed with Ginger and initiated a video call with Sage.
Before long, a young boy with rosy lips and white teeth appeared on the phone screen, his face bearing a serious expression. “Hi, Mommy.”
“Sage, don’t forget about me!”
Looking at Ginger, Sage replied, “Ginger, don’t give yourself away with all your excitement.”
very clever.”
“I won’t! You can ask Mommy. She knows I’m very
“That’s right, Ginger did well this time. She even managed to trick Timothy.”
Sage pouted and said, “Mommy, if it’s too difficult, just forget it. You don’t have to put yourself at risk.”
“Don’t be silly, Sage. I would never put myself in a compromising position. Do you think I’m up someone who would easily end defeated?”
As Mia observed Sage on the screen, she couldn’t help but notice how much he looked like Timothy, especially in his stern expression.
The uncanny resemblance between father and son was striking.
It was fortunate that Ginger took after Mia. Otherwise, her lie would be unconvincing. Her true identity might have been revealed on the first day at Xanier Island.
“Sage, are you feeling nervous about starting the injections tomorrow?”
Sage responded confidently, “Of course not.”
“That’s good. Once your treatment is complete, you’ll be just like any other kid.”