Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Unfazed, Timothy picked up the call. “Hello?”
“Tim, tomorrow is your big day. Come home for dinner tonight. Maya will also-“
Sharon’s words trailed off as Timothy abruptly hung up the phone. His gaze turned cold as he observed Mia from a distance, watching her as she entered a taxi and departed.
Following the disconnection of Sharon’s call, she made several more attempts, but none received an answer.
With a hint of awkwardness, Sharon addressed Maya. “He probably has work obligations. You’re well aware of how a corporation of this magnitude relies solely on him.”
Maya’s gaze slightly darkened, but she remained composed and replied, “It’s alright, Mrs. Barrett. I understand that Tim is busy with work.”
“Maya, you’re so understanding. Nonetheless, please join us for dinner tonight. What about your brothers? I heard they’re supposed to come over, right?”
Maya’s expression stiffened momentarily. “Yes, they did plan to come, but their flight got delayed. I’ll go pick them up after dinner.”
“Why not propose to Tim that we pick them up together later? Considering his hectic schedule, there’s a chance he might not be able to make it. If that’s the case, I’ll gladly accompany you,” Sharon suggested.
“It’s alright, Mrs. Barrett. It’s late, and you should re Besides, you’ll have a busy day tomorrow.”
Maya promptly rejected Sharon’s idea. She had just fabricated a story about her brothers¡® delayed flight. If
Sharon accompanied her to pick them up, wouldn’t the truth be exposed?
In the afternoon, Maya reached out to Dominic, hoping to invite her brothers and Timothy for a meal.
However, Dominic had prior commitments, Nathan mentioned he would arrive the next day, and attempts to contact Connor went unanswered.
Maya didn’t dare to pry further. After all, her time with the Lane family in Nord City had always revolved around Laura, and her three brothers had consistently shown indifference toward her.
Maya was well aware that she was merely a substitute for the original heiress of the Lane family.
Consequently, she maintained a low profile and a humble demeanor, enduring this dynamic until that day¨Cthe day she was set to marry Timothy.
Upon assuming the title of Mrs. Barrett, Maya eagerly anticipated a future where she wouldn’t have to concern herself with the Lane family’s opinions or serve Laura any longer.
Sharon and Maya found themselves alone at the dinner table.
Maya was aware that Sharon’s fondness for her was solely based on her status as the Lane family’s heiress.
Midway through the meal, Maya’s phone rang. Noticing it was a call from Dominic, she rose excitedly, stating.” It’s Dominic calling.”
Answering swiftly, she inquired, “Hello, Dominic, have you finished your work?”
“Maya, I initially intended to discuss this after your engagement ceremony tomorrow, but I believe it’s best to inform you now,” he began.
“I’ve forwarded the electronic file to your inbox. Please take a look, and if you have any requests, feel free to let me know.”
After the call concluded, Maya opened the document Dominic had sent, revealing a straightforward title-” Termination of Adoption Agreement”.
Upon reading those words, a chilling surge coursed through Maya’s body.
What could “Termination of Adoption Agreement” possibly mean?
Maya ya couldn’t help but feel puzzled, struggling to comprehend the implications behind this unexpected message.
Why would they contemplate dissolving her adoption agreement?
Concerned, Sharon cautiously asked, “Maya, what’s wrong? You look so grim!”
In response, Maya hastily turned her phone face down on the table, mustering a forced smile.
“It’s nothing, just a bit of discomfort in my stomach. I probably ate something bad in the afternoon. ” she explained.
“Let Dr. Levin take a look at you. Fortunately, it’s just a stomachache. I was concerned, thinking Dominic might have said something to upset you!”
“No, Dominic just mentioned he’s too busy to join for dinner. He asked if I had eaten and advised me to rest early to prepare for tomorrow’s engagement.”
Suppressing her anger, Maya continued to craft a carefully constructed narrative.
Holding her phone, she rose from her seat, saying, “Mrs. Barrett, I need to use the restroom.
Please go ahead and eat. You don’t have to wait for me.”
With her phone in hand, Maya headed straight to the bathroom. Once alone, she closed the door. took a seat on the toilet, and reopened the document on her phone.
She meticulously read through the content, word by word, and her heart sank.
As it turned out, her initial reading was accurate. The document indeed outlined the termination of her adoption agreement.
Upon signing, she would sever all ties with the Lane family and would no longer be considered part of the family.
Tears welled up in Maya’s eyes as she dialed Dominic’s number, her voice quivering. “Dominic, did I do something to upset you? Is that why you want to push me away?
“I’ve been a part of the Lane family since childhood. If you cast me aside, what will my future hold? I fear everyone will mock me!”
“Maya, it’s not that you did something wrong. Perhaps it was a mistake on my part from the beginning. I shouldn’t have sought a girl of a similar age to replace my sister.
“Now that you’ve grown into an adult and are about to marry into the Barrett family, your future is bound to be secure. So, I think it’s time to put an end to all of this.”
Following an afternoon. phone call with Connor, Dominic decided to inform Maya about this matter ahead of time.
Unexpectedly, Mia had taken charge of the engagement design for Maya and Timothy. As a result, there was a possibility that Mia might be present at tomorrow’s ceremony.
This unforeseen development injected an element of unpredictability into the upcoming engagement.
Dominic was determined to prevent Mia from discovering Maya’s true identity during the event.
With Connor and Nathan also in attendance, Dominic wanted to avoid any potential misunderstandings or conflicts from occurring.
In light of this, he decided to address the termination of Maya’s adoption agreement beforehand.
Maya’s expression noticeably darkened as she absorbed Dominic’s explanation.
In a choked voice, she pleaded, “Dominic, please reconsider terminating my adoption. I started as an orphan, and over the years, the Lane family has truly become my second home!
“Even if I choose to marry Timothy, I will forever be a part of the Lane family. Please, don’t cast me aside!”
Hearing the sadness and vulnerability in Maya’s voice, Dominic couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.
Thinking about Mia’s past hardships, he gently refused, stating, “It’s not about pushing you away. If you ever want to come back in the future, you’re always welcome.”
“Dominic, may I ask why you’ve suddenly decided to terminate my adoption? Is it because of my upcoming marriage?”
Maya couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something she had overlooked.
Indeed, her brothers¡® recent actions and behaviors have taken on a somewhat unusual turn.
During this period, Maya had been residing in Bern City, attempting to sow discord between Timothy and Mia.
Her ultimate goal was to orchestrate their divorce, paving the way for her seamless entrance into the Barrett family.
Upon thoughtful consideration, Maya couldn’t pinpoint any actions on her part that might have triggered Dominic’s disapproval or resentment.
So, what prompted his sudden decision to terminate her adoption?
Maya found herself struggling to make sense of it all.
If the Lane family cast her out, she would revert to being just an orphan. In such a circumstance.
how could she possibly secure a marriage into the Barrett family?
After all, Sharon’s favorable treatment of Maya was due to the Lane family’s esteemed status!
Maya couldn’t grasp the potential ramifications of losing this social standing. Therefore.
regardless of the situation, she couldn’t afford to forfeit it!
In a composed tone, Dominic spoke, “Yes, once you get married, you won’t have to confine yourself at home to care for Grandma, and you won’t have to constantly please everyone in the family.
“It’s time for your life to start anew.”
Tears streamed down Maya’s face as she pleaded, “But Dominic, I really don’t want to leave!”
“I understand that accepting this situation may be difficult for you at the moment. So, I’ll give you some time to process it.
“Take a careful look at the conditions in the contract and let me know if there’s anything else you need. I’ll do my best to accommodate your requests. That’s all for now.”
As the call concluded, Mia shot a disdainful glance at the document before her.
After a brief pause, she burst into laughter, though her voice carried an eerie undertone.
After years of dealing with Laura, Maya couldn’t fathom being told to leave so abruptly. There was no way she was going to accept that!
At the moment, she was only engaged to Timothy, and it was a fake engagement at that.