Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Luna quickly plastered on a smile and responded, “Absolutely, I’m more than capable. Thank you for recommending me, Ms. Bloom.
“By the way, regarding that handbag you mentioned earlier, I managed to secure it for you at a discounted price.”
A malevolent glint danced in Luna’s eyes. If she couldn’t attain a life of happiness, she was determined to prevent others from doing so.
Laura was akin to a ticking time bomb, waiting to explode. If she ever remembered Luna’s deceit and the subsequent fall down the stairs, Luna’s entire world would collapse into ruins.
For Luna, the immediate task at hand was to neutralize Laura-the ticking time bomb.
Upon returning upstairs via the elevator, Mia found herself accompanied by Timothy.
She cleared her throat before addressing him, “What transpired earlier was merely a staged act. Please don’t overanalyze it.” Timothy’s unwavering gaze met Mia’s as he confessed, “Your actions may have been scripted, but mine were genuine.”
Mia was momentarily surprised by Timothy’s candor, remaining silent.
As she glanced toward the intensive care unit, Mia noticed Ginger seated by Laura’s bedside, softly narrating from a storybook.
Meanwhile, Sage remained close by, quietly keeping watch over Laura’s condition.
Witnessing this tender scene, Mia hesitated to interrupt them.
At this crucial moment, it seemed that Laura’s deepest longing might have been to see Mia’s children.
Just then, Heath stepped forward, his voice hushed as he relayed, “The update has been circulated. Mrs. Barrett Senior will be moved to a standard ward in a couple of days.”
However, it wasn’t Laura who would be relocated. It was someone else strategically chosen to lure Luna into their scheme.
Mia nodded in understanding. “That’s good.”
At that moment, Sage emerged with Ginger in tow. “Great-Grandma Laura has drifted off to sleep,” Sage announced.
Mia affectionately tousled Sage and Ginger’s hair, saying, “Well done. We’ll visit again tomorrow.”
Raising her gaze, Ginger announced, “I’m going to gather a bouquet of flowers for Great-Grandma Laura. It’ll surely lift her spirits.”
“With your blessings, Great-Grandma Laura will undoubtedly recover swiftly,” Mia reassured her.
Checking the time, Mia noted, “It’s getting late. We should leave.”
“Wait a minute,” Timothy interjected suddenly, his gaze fixed on Mia. “Since we’re fully committed to this act, perhaps I should escort you home as well.”
After a brief pause, Mia nodded in agreement. “Alright.”
Sage remained silent, his expression solemn. He understood the gravity of their charade-after all, their main goal in coming back this time was to capture the individual responsible for harming Laura. Without further delay, the four of them entered the elevator and departed.
Suddenly, Ginger reached out and grasped Timothy’s hand, taking him by surprise. As he glanced down, he found himself captivated by the warmth in Ginger’s smile, sensing a softening in his heart.
When he looked up again, he was greeted by the surreal sight of the four of them, hand in hand-a scene so extraordinary, it exceeded even his wildest dreams.
Mia effortlessly maintained an air of innocence, behaving as if she were completely oblivious to the unfolding situation around her. To her, it was merely a scripted performance.
Meanwhile, Sage’s gaze briefly flickered toward Timothy, a hint of complexity shading his expression.
Although Sage had held a deep-seated aversion toward Timothy for quite some time, their recent interactions had started to blur the lines.
It appeared that Timothy wasn’t as disagreeable as Sage had initially assumed.
Despite Sage’s efforts to uncover any hidden flaws in Timothy’s past, his investigations only revealed a spotless record devoid of any scandals or controversies.
With a swift movement, Sage shifted his gaze away, masking his true feelings with an air of indifference.
Soon, the family of four exited the hospital, their footsteps harmonizing with the soft radiance of the setting sun.
Unbeknownst to them, Luna lingered in the corridor, consumed by a wave of jealousy as she watched their departure.
Why were they seemingly destined for happiness while she remained deprived of it?
As Mia settled into the car, they drove away from the hospital premises.
Despite the solemn mood, Ginger exuded happiness, her eyes darting excitedly from side to side. “Shall we go grab something delicious to eat?” she suggested cheerfully. Timothy turned toward Ginger, his interest piqued. “What are you hungry for?”
“I’m craving Wexican food! A burrito would be just perfect,” she exclaimed, her excitement evident.
Seated in the front seat, Heath chimed in, “Funny enough, there’s a shopping mall nearby renowned for its delicious Wexican cuisine. We’ll be there in just a few minutes.”
Timothy’s breath caught for a moment, but he remained silent, acknowledging that the decision wasn’t his to make.
In no time, Mia sensed the weight of everyone’s attention on her.
She shared a meaningful look with Ginger, comprehending the unspoken message conveyed through her eyes.
After a thoughtful pause, Mia eventually broke the silence. “Shall we go for it, then?”
Mia felt it was necessary to obtain Sage’s input.
But before she could voice her thoughts, Sage interjected, “But let’s not forget about Grand-Aunt Patricia. She’s still waiting for us at home.”
At that moment, Ginger cautiously suggested, “Why don’t we invite Grand-Aunt Patricia to join us for dinner?”
Mia concurred with a nod, “That’s a thoughtful suggestion. It must get tiresome for her to eat at home all the time.”
With Mia’s approval, Ginger quickly fetched her Apple Watch and dialed Patricia’s number.
After a brief moment, the call connected, and Patricia’s warm voice came through. “Hello, dear, have you all made it back home safely?”
“Hello, Grand-Aunt Patricia, we’re heading out for a meal. Would you care to join us?”
“Going out for dinner? Who’s joining in?”
“Just… just the four of us.”
On the other end of the line, Patricia asked tentatively, “Will Mr. Barrett be accompanying you as well?”
Timothy quickly confirmed, “Yes, I just escorted them from the hospital.”
Without skipping a beat, Patricia replied, “I see. Since you won’t be back for dinner, I’ll head to the Senior Citizens Center early. It’s been a while since I last went. Anyway, enjoy your meal and have some fun before returning home.”
With that, Patricia ended the call. After all, she had no intention of feeling like a third wheel.
Meanwhile, Mia was taken aback by Patricia’s straightforwardness.
Glancing at the adults, Ginger asked cautiously, “So… are we still going ahead with dinner?”
Mia affirmed with a nod. “Yes, let’s proceed.”
She could sense Ginger’s palpable anticipation for the impending meal.
Without further delay, they headed straight to the restaurant.
As they arrived, Heath stood at the entrance, holding the door open in a courteous manner. “I’ve already secured a reservation for us.”
Accompanied by Ginger and Sage, Mia took the lead, with Timothy following closely. Sneaking a glance at Heath, he couldn’t help but commend, “Nicely done.”
Heath’s ability to discreetly manage situations and offer support to Timothy was unmistakable. As an efficient secretary, he remained alert to swiftly resolve any issues that arese for Timothy.
Before, Timothy had been completely absorbed in his work, disregarding any aspects of his personal life.
Catering to a boss with such narrow interests had certainly presented its challenges.
Thankfully, the situation had significantly improved.
Heath turned his focus toward ensuring Sage’s and Ginger’s happiness, while also striving to strengthen the connection between Timothy, Mia, and their children. With these positive developments underway, winning Timothy’s favor seemed like a natural outcome.
Entering the restaurant with Ginger and Sage, Mia’s attention was caught by a familiar voice.
“Sharon, isn’t that your ex-daughter-in-law?”
Mia’s curiosity was piqued as she glanced over and spotted Sharon standing beside a middle-aged woman. To her surprise, it was none other than Timothy’s aunt, Edith. It seemed evident that Edith had a knack for stirring up trouble.
Meanwhile, Sharon appeared visibly weary, her expression souring upon spotting Mia. It was no surprise. After all, it was Mia’s report that had prompted her return to Bern Cit.
Nonetheless, Sharon’s demeanor quickly shifted as she caught sight of Sage.
Continuing her tirade, Edith exclaimed, “Can you believe it? Mia has the audacity to show up in
Bern
City, and with two children in tow Who is that little boy, anyway? Could he be Mia’s secret love child from some affair?”
“Enough!” Sharon interjected firmly, halting Edith’s remarks as she strode purposefully toward Mia, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on Sage.
Sensing trouble looming, Mia instinctively moved to shield Ginger and Sage behind her. As Sharon drew closer, Mia’s voice cut through the tense atmosphere. “What is it that you’re after?”
Sharon’s eyes lingered on Sage, stirring a cascade of emotions within her. “Who is this little boy?” she probed, her tone insistent.