Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
With Timothy and Maya’s engagement scheduled for this week and Laura’s surgery set for the next, having
Maya’s capable brother around offered assurance for Laura’s well¨Cbeing.
It was the only aspect Mia felt thankful for at the moment.
Armed with a bouquet of flowers, Mia headed to Laura’s hospital room. Upon entering, she found Laura seated on the bed engrossed in a book. “Grandma,” Mia greeted.
“Mia, you’re here. Come, sit down. It’s been a while since your last visit. Is work keeping you occupied?” Laura inquired.
Lowering her gaze, Mia confessed, “Indeed, it’s been quite hectic lately, and the numerous college classes are only contributing to my workload.”
“Well, don’t push yourself too hard. With Tim working diligently to support the family, you don’t need to burden yourself. Prioritize your health, especially now that you’re pregnant,” Laura advised.
Suppressing the bitterness in her heart, Mia replied, “I understand, Grandma. By the way, how have you been lately? Have you experienced any discomfort recently?”
“I’ve been doing well. It’s your pregnancy that’s making me worry. Mia, listen to me. When the later trimester comes, don’t go to the studio to work. I’m genuinely concerned about your well¨Cbeing.”
Mia gently touched her belly. “Okay, I promise.”
Regardless, as her belly grew too prominent to conceal, Mia intended to return to Nord City with her brothers.
She planned to give birth to her child there.
With the considerable distance, Timothy wouldn’t be able to find out about it.
By that time, both Timothy and Maya would be married, making it unlikely that they would come to investigate Mia.
As Mia and Laura continued their conversation, the hospital room door creaked open, ushering in a cool breeze.
As Mia turned around, she unexpectedly spotted a familiar figure entering. It took her a moment to catch her breath, not anticipating another encounter with Timothy here.
In contrast, Laura seemed delighted. “Tim, what brings you here? Are you planning to take Mia home?”
Mia remained silent, withdrawing her gaze. However, from the corner of her eye, she noticed Timothy walking by.
The pair of shoes Timothy wore struck a chord of familiarity; they were the custom¨Cmade shoes Mia had selected for him in the past.
While they didn’t bear any prestigious brand, they were comfortable.
Timothy had worn them once in the past, but afterward, he never put them on again. Mia assumed he disliked them because they lacked a notable brand to showcase.
Consequently, Mia never repeated the gesture.
Yet, much to her surprise, Timothy was wearing them again.
Mia found herself increasingly perplexed by Timothy’s actions.
Timothy stood by Mia, his tone composed. “Grandma, how are you feeling today?”
“I’m fine. Seeing you two lovebirds brightens my day even more. Tim, keep up the good work. Regardless of how hectic work may be, make sure to take good care of Mia. After all, she’s expecting!”
Upon finishing her words, Laura took both of their hands, gently placing them together.
Mia felt the firm grip of Timothy’s hand, causing her expression to turn somewhat awkward.
She contemplated pulling her hand back, but Laura steadfastly held their hands together.
“If anything were to happen to me during this surgery, both of you must take care of each other.
“With a child on the way, life can’t go back to how it was before.” Laura uttered, as though entrusting them with her last wishes.
Upon hearing Laura’s words, Mia found herself overwhelmed with emotion. “Grandma, you’ll be okay. After all, you still need to witness the birth of our child.”
Laura smiled contentedly. “Yes, I will witness the birth of this child with my own eyes.”
Mia’s throat tightened slightly. Though everyone assumed she faked her pregnancy to convince Laura to undergo surgery, only she knew the truth¨Cthe pregnancy was real.
Beside her, Timothy spoke softly, “Grandma, I will take care of Mia and our child. You don’t have to worry so much.”
Upon hearing this, a flicker of mockery appeared in Mia’s eyes.
Wasn’t Timothy supposed to get engaged to Maya tomorrow?
Certainly, his words were misleading.
Glancing at the clock, Laura observed. “It’s getting late. How about you two head out for dinner?
“The hospital food here is bland and lacks the nourishment you need. I won’t insist on keeping you both here to eat with me.”
Mia breathed a sigh of relief. If Laura had insisted on her staying for dinner, she would have struggled to come up with an explanation.
After all, all six of her brothers were waiting at home for her to have dinner.
After Laura released her hand, Mia instinctively attempted to pull away, but Timothy held onto it firmly. refusing to let go.
Mia pressed her lips together, displaying no visible reaction.
Upon exiting the hospital room, Mia once again tried to free her hand, but Timothy remained resolute.
Looking up at him, Mia asserted, “Mr. Barrett, Grandma can’t see us now. There’s no need to keep up the charade.”
Timothy narrowed his eyes and remarked, “I heard they’re signing off on the demolition for your old neighborhood today.”
Mia’s eyes carried a hint of mockery as she replu, “Indeed, Shelly went to great lengths to retaliate against
“However, Optima Construction eventually went bankrupt, though it didn’t impede my family from receiving compensation for the demolition.”
Timothy pressed his lips together, remarking, “Your connections seem surprisingly vast, with quite a few ment ready to assist you.”
Earlier in the day, he noticed Connor embracing Mia, their connection seemingly quite intimate.
Furthermore, during Timothy’s recent call to Mia, he distinctly heard Connors’s voice, adding to the intrigue.
Wasn’t Mia supposed to be with Linden?
Why did it seem like she was now entangled with another man?
Mia sneered, casting a glance at his tightly held hand. “So, Mr. Barrett, are you feeling a bit jealous?”
Upon hearing this, Timothy’s expression turned somewhat awkward.
He promptly released her hand and responded coldly, “Don’t read too much into it. I’m simply cautioning you about the risks of juggling multiple relationships.
“Sooner or later, it will backfire. If they discover your double¨Cdealing, you might find yourself in a difficult situation.”
“Mr. Barrett, you don’t need to concern yourself with these matters. It’s my affair!”
Timothy’s chilly tone followed, serving as a reminder, “Remember, our divorce isn’t finalized yet.”
“Following Grandma’s surgery next Monday, we will coincidentally be completing the one¨Cmonth waiting period. By then, I expect you to be punctual for our appointment.”
Witnessing the determination in Mia’s gaze and processing her words, Timothy couldn’t shake the sense that his endeavors were falling short.
His throat constricted slightly as he emphasized. “Remember not to disclose anything before Grandma’s surgery.”
“I understand, but given that you’re getting engaged to another woman tomorrow, Mr. Barrett, do you truly have the authority to caution me about keeping things under wraps?
“Do you think I enjoy bearing the label of being ¡®cheated on¡®?”
That day, Mia was present at Timothy and Maya’s engagement ceremony. Indeed, the ambiance at such affluent gatherings was noticeably distinct.
On the other hand, when Mia married Timothy, sh prenuptial agreement, warning her not to covet a possessed nothing. Sharon even compelled her to sign a ny of the Barrett family’s wealth.
People were truly different from each other.
Timothy frustratingly tugged at his tie. “Actually, my engagement with Maya is-“
“Enough, Mr. Barrett! There’s no need to explain it to me. Someone of my status has no right to inquire, let alone listen!” Mia retorted before walking away.
She gazed up at the ceiling, holding back her tears.
Observing Mia’s departing silhouette, Timothy raised his hand and forcefully slammed it against the wall. Pain swiftly surged through him.
Upon witnessing blood seeping through, Heath panicked and hastily called for a nurse to come and bandage.
Timothy’s wound.
However, upon catching a glimpse of Timothy’s expression, Heath dared not utter a word.
Was it because Timothy, who was typically calm and strategic, displayed a hint of helplessness at that moment?
Heath couldn’t help but sigh. Ever since Timothy and Mia settled on a divorce, life had grown increasingly tumultuous.
In the next instant, Timothy’s phone rang.