Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
“I must say, Felix has been remarkable since childhood, garnering quite a bit of attention from the ladies. Back in his school days, he used to receive love letters quite frequently.” Janice added.
Felix interjected. “Mom, why are you bringing up those moments?”
“Felix, there’s nothing wrong with recalling fond memories. Ms. Bowen, pardon my directness, but are you currently single? Do you have a boyfriend?” Janice asked, getting straight to the point.
Mia felt a surge of awkwardness. Was Janice trying to act as a matchmaker between her and
Felix?
Mia offered an awkward smile. “Mrs. Quilter, I’ll go wash some fruits.”
She found an excuse to step out of the hospital room, finally exhaling a sigh of relief. The preceding conversation had left her feeling slightly overwhelmed..
As Mia exited, Felix turned to Janice, questioning. “Mom, why did you bombard Mia with so many questions? She’s a bit sensitive, you know.”
“Felix, dear, don’t you understand? If I don’t address these matters now and establish some boundaries, how can I be her future mother¨Cin¨Claw?
“You mentioned Mia’s remarkable talents, didn’t you? If I don’t establish my stance, she might become overly assertive, especially with you.”
Felix sighed, expressing a sense of helplessness. “Mom, you’re overthinking. Mia isn’t that kind of person.”
“Felix, I’m looking out for your well¨Cbeing here. Your recent injury happened because of Mia, and I can’t shake the feeling that she might have feelings for you.
“If I don’t take the initiative and play matchmaker, when will you find the opportunity to pursue her? Isn’t it a shame to let your pain go to waste?”
Janice couldn’t bear to see Felix hurt, and if Mia failed to appreciate him, Janice wouldn’t let her off so easily.
Felix leaned against the pillows, saying, “Mom, I know what I’m doing. Please refrain from nterfering.”
¡®Mia is just an orphan, and you are more than deserving of being with her. It appears she might be playing hard to get, trying to assert control over you.”
Felix struggled to convey the truth to Janice¨CMia had already reunited with her biological family. lispelling any notion of her being an orphan.
Notably, her biological family happened to be quite affluent. However, Mia had chosen to keep al ow profile, refraining from disclosing her background to anyone.
Felix couldn’t help but contemplate the possibility that, if he successfully captured Mia’s heart, her night find himself married to a woman with both wealth and beauty.
Vith the influential connections from Mia’s affluent family potentially at his disposal, establishing ind expanding his studio in the future would undoubtedly become a seamless endeavor.
However, these were sentiments Felix couldn’t share with Janice. After all, she wouldn’t grasp the situation, and divulging such information might only create more complications for him.
Shortly after, Mia entered the hospital room with freshly cleaned fruits, expressing her gratitude.” Felix, thank you for saving me this time.”
“It’s no big deal. I’m just curious who would dare to harm someone in a bustling city like this.”
Felix mused.
“Well, it’s because my adoptive parents accepted bribes from the culprits. The good news is that the police have apprehended them, and they will face the consequences,” Mia clarified.
Felix nodded understandingly. “That’s a relief. I’ve been genuinely concerned about your situation.”
Seizing the moment, Janice chimed in. “Absolutely! Felix has been extremely worried about you. He could hardly eat or get proper sleep in the hospital.”
Mia stole a glance at Felix, a sense of helplessness washing over her. It seemed imperative to find the right moment to explain things to him and prevent any possible misunderstandings.
After concluding her visit, Mia returned to her hospital room.
However, upon opening the door, she was taken aback to find an unexpected visitor¨Cwas that Maya?
A hint of caution flickered in Mia’s eyes as she questioned, “What are you doing here?”
“I heard you were nearly kidnapped and taken to the mountains to bear a child. I came to check on you. It’s a shame. It appears you’re fine.
“Could this be a staged act, purposely setting it up for Tim to come to your rescue?” Maya remarked sarcastically.
Maya had caught wind of Timothy’s relentless efforts, mobilizing significant resources to locate Mia.
The more Maya dwelled on it, the more jealousy festered within her. Why did Timothy call off their engagement only to treat that wretched Mia with such care?
Mia couldn’t help but smirk. “Maya, your perspective is a reflection of the person you are.”
“Don’t act all high and mighty, Mia. I warn you not to entertain any delusions. You and Tim come from different worlds. It’s an impossible match,” Maya cautioned.
Arching an eyebrow, Mia retorted, “Timothy and I are an impossible match? Coming from a mistress, you don’t seem to have the qualifications to meddle, do you?
“Given that your previous engagement was called off, it appears you’re destined to remain in the role of a mistress. As long as I stand firm, there will be no chance for you to replace me.”
Mia’s words struck a nerve, hitting Maya’s sore spot directly.
Frustrated, Maya raised her hand. “Mia, who do you think you are, labeling me as a mistress? Just so you know, my brother is also in this hospital. I assure you, you’ll regret making such accusations!
“I’ve come across countless ill¨Cmannered individuals like yourself. It’s ironic how you and Aunt Patricia share the same despicable traits.”
Without hesitation, Mia firmly grasped Maya’s hand and swiftly delivered a resounding slap in return.
Mia’s gaze turned icy as she retorted, “Maya, you can say whatever you want about me, but mind your words. If I catch you insulting Aunt Patricia again, I swear you’ll regret it.”
Despite Patricia having a timid personality and her share of flaws, she was the one who raised Mia, and Mia wouldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of her.
Maya stared at Mia in disbelief. “How dare you hit me?”
“I’ll strike you whenever I please.”
Mia’s attitude took a fierce turn. She effortlessly reached for a fruit knife nearby, cautioning. “My temper isn’t great right now, so you better not provoke me.”
“Mia, what do you think you’re doing? I’m the young lady of the Lane family! If you lay a finger on me, you won’t leave unscathed,” Maya warned.
Raising an eyebrow, Mia retorted, “So what? There are no surveillance cameras in this room. Besides, I am still legally Mrs. Barrett. This is Bern City, not Nord City. What can you do to me here?”
Maya was infuriated, trembling with anger. “Mia, you’re insane, completely insane! Let me tell you, my brother’s company is handling the redevelopment in your old neighborhood.
“Whether you believe it or not, with just one call from me, your family’s property will be as good as gone.”
Mia remained composed, saying, “Oh, if it can’t be redeveloped, then so be it. It’s no big deal. After all, I’m not lacking money at the moment.”
Maya was taken aback by Mia’s composed demeanor, displaying none of the reactions she had anticipated.
Wasn’t Mia, coming from a less affluent background, supposed to be desperate for the redevelopment project?
Casually waving the fruit knife in her hand, Mia’s gaze remained indifferent. “Regardless, I’m already in a tough situation, so I’m not afraid of facing more challenges.”
Frightened, Maya quickly fled the room, and soon, the hospital room returned to tranquility.
Mia couldn’t help but chuckle; indeed, things began to align in her favor when she embraced a bit of eccentricity.
Outside, Maya rushed to Connor’s office, her face visibly marked from the encounter. “Connor, I’ve been bullied!” she declared.
Upon returning from his rounds, Connor observed the slap mark on Maya’s face. “Who dared to hit you?” he inquired with a frown.
Maya, who had always been resilient since childhood, now tearfully implored, “Connor, you have to help me. That woman had the nerve to hit me. It’s evident she holds no respect for our family!”
Maintaining his composure, Connor replied. “Maya, there’s no need to resort to these excuses to provoke me. It won’t make a difference.
“Back when we were kids, you exploited our family’s influence for all sorts of bullying, and you’re well aware of that. Why bring up grievances now that we’re adults?”
“Connor, this situation is different. The one who assaulted me is Timothy’s former wife! Given that we’re in Bern City, how could I have possibly provoked her?” Maya clarified.
Upon hearing this revelation, Connor expressed his surprise. “Timothy’s ex¨Cwife hit you? Why?”
“She accused me of being a mistress.”
“Well, technically, she’s not entirely wrong. I’ve heard that Timothy hasn’t finalized his divorce yet. And here you are, already engaged to him¨Cdoesn’t that resemble the actions of a mistress?”
Maya hesitated for a moment before reluctantly admitting. “Connor, the engagement was called off because of you!”
Haunted by her canceled engagement, Maya found sleep elusive, her thoughts consumed by anger.
Everything had been proceeding smoothly until that fateful day, marked by unforeseen events that ultimately led to the cancellation of her engagement.
Raising an eyebrow, Connor questioned, “Because of me?”
*According to Timothy, your decision to perform surgery for Grandma Laura wasn’t influenced by me!” Maya exclaimed.
Clearing his throat, Connor nodded and replied, “You’re correct. It’s indeed not because of you.”
Upon hearing this response, Maya stared at him incredulously. “Connor, what are you saying?
“If it’s not because of me, are you implying that you’re doing this surgery because of Timothy?
Haven’t you always disliked Timothy?”
“Yes.”
“If not because of me, then because of whom?”