Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
After taking the documents, Mary turned to Ted and said. “I seem to have forgotten my reading glasses. Would you mind taking a look at the content for me?”
As Ted examined the papers, a pallor swept across his face. “Gia, although you’ve been open about your past relationships, the topic of undergoing an abortion never came up in our discussions.”
Pauline and Gia were momentarily plunged into panic, never expecting Mia to effortlessly expose their secrets.
Gia promptly defended. “All these documents are fabricated!”
“Yes, yes! These accusations hold no merit. It’s evident that Gia is carrying Ted’s child. Are you really going to dispute it?
“Perhaps you’re deliberately denying the truth to evade financial responsibility.” Pauline argued.
Shaking her phone, Mia declared, “Ted, I have substantial evidence here indicating that Gia has been romantically involved with other men in the past.
“It appears your girlfriend has a history of infidelity. Congratulations, I suppose.”
Gia and Pauline exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the situation was not in their favor. Hastily. they added, “Ted, please take your time to carefully consider this. We’ll be on our way.”
Mary’s voice rang out assertively. “Wait! If you intend to leave, you must first return the monetary support I generously provided for you.”
“Why should we do that? This money is meant for my daughter. There’s no reason to give it back,” Pauline retorted.
“The paternity of the child in Gla’s belly is still uncertain. We insist on a paternity test to confirm that the child is indeed Ted’s before we can disburse the money to you,” Mary firmly asserted.
As Mary stepped forward in an attempt to block their exit, a heated exchange unfolded, leading to a physical altercation between her and Pauline.
Witnessing the commotion, Mia burst into laughter, finding a sense of poetic justice in the situation.
Mia found herself amused as she witnessed Pauline and Mary engaging in a heated altercation, hurling harsh words and curses at each other.
She couldn’t contain her laughter, almost reaching the point of tears.
“Indeed, they got what they deserved.” Mia quietly reflected.
Turning to Ted, she cautioned, “You better recover that ten thousand dollars of yours, or your entire family will face repercussions.
“That money is undeniable proof of your involvement in human trafficking.”
Ted was equally taken aback, grappling with the disbelief that Gia’s child wasn’t biologically his.
The entire situation unfolded due to this revelation, compelling him to hastily consider marriage, a decision he wouldn’t have otherwise rushed into.
Ted forcefully seized Gia and demanded, “Where’s the money? Hand it over!”
In that tense moment, a person in uniform entered the scene and asked, “Who is Ted Bowen, and where are his family members?”
Without hesitation, Mia spoke up. “That’s Ted, but it was Pauline and Gia who were involved in accepting the illicit funds.”
Gia’s complexion turned pale as she desperately pleaded, “You can’t arrest me. Do you realize whose child is growing in my belly? It’s the future heir of the CEO of Globex Corporation!”
Expressing his dismay. Ted exclaimed, “Isn’t his granddaughter about your age? How could you engage in such actions with a significantly older man?”
Gia swiftly fired back. “What other option did I have? Did you really think I would settle for a broke guy like you?
“If there hadn’t been an urgent need for someone to step in, I wouldn’t have been with you in the first place. It certainly seemed like ten thousand dollars was a substantial amount for you!”
Pauline chimed in with disdain. “Exactly! Considering your family’s financial circumstances, do you believe you are truly worthy of Gla?
“Despite her child not being biologically yours, she chose to be with you. Consider yourself fortunate and express some gratitude!”
Ted looked devastated as if a profound blow had struck him. He turned toward the edge, contemplating the unthinkable. “I don’t want to live anymore. It’s unbearable.”
Witnessing Ted on the verge of jumping, Mary rushed over, urgently shouting. “Ted, don’t do it! It’s not worth it for this bitch.”
Visibly displeased, Pauline retorted, “Excuse me, who do you think you’re calling a bitch?”
Without restraint, Mary charged toward Gia, launching a torrent of insults and blows. “Your deceitful woman! How dare you toy with my son’s emotions, you disgraceful…”
Gia ended up with a swollen face, and bloodstains appeared underneath her, resembling the aftermath of a miscarriage.
Upon witnessing the scene, Mia quickly intervened. “Gia is pregnant!”
The situation descended into chaos.
Connor quickly pulled Mia aside, advising. “Mia, stay back, don’t get involved.”
Taking several steps away, Mia withdrew into the background, mindful of her own pregnancy.
She hadn’t anticipated the situation escalating to such an extent.
Before long, Gia was rushed to the emergency room, and both Mary and Ted found themselves. under arrest on charges of human trafficking.
Mary swiftly turned to Mia, imploring. “Mia, we were also deceived by Gia. Couldn’t you simply ask her to return the money to you? Must you resort to such drastic measures?”
With a resolute expression, Mia locked eyes with the police officer and stated, “Officer, I have no connection with them. Please handle the situation as you find necessary.”
Mia found it impossible to forgive Bob and Mary. Their betrayal was too profound!
As Mary and Ted were escorted away, the hospital room finally regained its tranquility.
Not long after, Connor reentered the room, conveying, “Gia’s child didn’t make it, and she won’t be able to have any more kids in the future.”
“I suspected that might be the case, especially given Gia’s track record of past abortions.”
Mia tenderly placed a hand on her abdomen and turned to Connor, Inquiring, “Connor, how’s Felix holding up? He got injured trying to protect me.”
“Felix sustained a head injury and a concussion, but it’s nothing too serious. He’s currently in the hospital.
“Considering the injuries he endured while trying to rescue you this time, I suppose he just about qualifies as a hero.”
“Connor, my relationship with Felix isn’t what you might think. Besides, I’m pregnant, and it seems unlikely any man would accept me in this situation.”
Upon hearing this, Connor couldn’t help but frown.
“Mia, please don’t let the presence of a child make you feel inadequate. Your brothers are here to support you, and together, your circumstances are anything but a hindrance.”
Connor went as far as belittling Felix’s abilities, dismissing them as merely average.
Mia chose not to engage in further debate with Connor on this matter. Instead, she purchased some fruits and proceeded to the hospital ward to check on Felix.
To her surprise, she found a middle¨Caged woman in the room, presumably Felix’s mother.
With a pang of guilt, Mia questioned, “Felix, how are you feeling?”
“Mia, are you okay? I was genuinely concerned that something might have happened to you.” Felix expressed.
A warm smile spread across Felix’s face upon seeing Mia, though his head was still wrapped with white bandages.
Beside Felix, Janice swiftly steadied him, cautioning, “Felix, be careful. The doctor emphasized that you shouldn’t be moving around too much with that concussion. It could impede your recovery.
“Although Mia seems unharmed, your injuries are quite severe.”
“Mom, I’ve already briefed you on the situation, haven’t I? Mia, don’t pay too much attention to her. As long as you’re okay, I’m at ease.” Felix reassured Mia.
Mia had already discerned that the middle¨Caged woman was Felix’s mother.
She glanced at Janice and offered a sincere apology. “Mrs. Quilter, I’m truly sorry. This time, I’ve undeniably caused trouble for Felix.”
“It’s good that you acknowledge your mistakes. Felix is usually treated like royalty, and he’s never experienced such a serious injury, especially to the head.
“If there are any lasting consequences, Felix might end up remaining single,” Janice remarked, her tone infused with displeasure.
Mia drew in a deep breath before responding earnestly, “Felix sustained injuries because of me. If any lingering effects persist in the future, I am fully committed to taking responsibility for them.”
Upon hearing Mia’s words, Janice appeared somewhat satisfied.
“That’s more like it, Ms. Bowen. You have to understand¨CI’ve been watching over and caring for Felix with utmost dedication.
“If anything were to happen to him, it would be difficult for me to face his deceased father, who entrusted him to my care.”
Mia quickly stepped forward to comfort Janice. “Mrs. Quilter, I hold no blame toward you. I understand the depth of your concerns for Felix’s well¨Cbeing.”
“Ms. Bowen, you strike me as a sensible and compassionate soul, one who knows how to acknowledge and repay kindness,” Janice said, clasping Mia’s hand.
Despite feeling a bit awkward, Mia chose not to pull away, maintaining her seat with a smile that seemed forced.
“Ms. Bowen, I’ve heard that you work at Felix’s studio and have even achieved some noteworthy awards. He often speaks highly of you in my presence,” Janice continued.
Mia offered a somewhat awkward smile. “Yes. While Felix has been generous with his praises, I must admit that I’ve caused him some trouble. Nonetheless, he’s been remarkably patient with me.”
“Indeed, I’ve seen Felix consistently demonstrate kindness and generosity toward others. Ms. Bowen, I’m curious to hear your perspective on Felix. How would you describe your opinion of him?”
H
Mia blinked, considering her words before replying, “Well, I think Felix is a nice person.”