Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
They began to discuss Mia’s return to Nord City.
Eva chimed in, “I’ll have to go back to Nord City for the arrangements then. Mia deserves the best.”
They prepared many properties, automobiles and gifts for Mia to welcome her return.
Meanwhile, Mia suddenly sneezed when she returned home. Was someone talking about her?
Patricia held her hand in glee as she said. “Mia, the money has really been transferred.”
“Great. We’ll get better from now on.”
Suddenly, Patricia paused and said, “Mia, remember when Dominic mentioned something about. you returning to Nord City? After contemplating this matter for quite some time, I’ve decided to bring James along with you.”
“Really?”
Mia had been worried that Patricia wouldn’t want to live in an unfamiliar place. If she didn’t feel.
like leaving, Mia couldn’t possibly stay in Nord City all the time. She couldn’t just abandon Patricia once she found her family. After all, it was Patricia who raised her.
“Yeah, of course. But before I leave, I’d like to bid goodbye to my family, since I won’t be coming back often in the future.”
“Sure. However, you can still come back here during the holidays.”
Mia’s
¨C were h upon hearing Patricia’s positive response. It seemed like she could start planning her leave from Bern City.
The next day, Mia headed to the studio for work. She usually had weekend shifts.
Shortly after she arrived at her office, Felix showed up.
“Mia, you’re here as well.”
“You’re already discharged from the hospital?”
Mia didn’t expect to bump into Felix here. She thought he would be hospitalized for a few days.
Felix replied with a smile, “The doctor said I was fine after a medical checkup. It’s just an external injury, so I just have to rest. I can’t possibly slack off in the hospital since I have work to tend to in the studio as well.”
“Right, make sure to get enough rest then. After all, you haven’t completely recovered yet.”
“My mom’s been taking care of me these few days. I’ll be fine with her around.”
Mia recalled her encounter with Janice that day at his ward. Fortunately, they had only met once. She really couldn’t bear her.
Felix emerged from his office in the afternoon.
“Mia, let’s grab lunch together.”
“Sure. It’s on me, okay? You were injured last time for saving me, and I really don’t know how I should thank you.”
“It’s simple. You can just marry me.”
A hint of awkwardness flickered across Mia’s face.
Almost immediately, Felix remarked quickly, “I’m just kidding. Don’t take it seriously. Let’s go now.
Just then, Janice stepped into the studio.
“Felix, are you done with your work yet? I made some chicken soup for your nourishments.”
“Mom, why did you come? Didn’t I say I’m not going back for lunch?”
Felix frowned. He came to the studio on purpose because he knew Mia was working today. He wanted to have a lunch date with her.
Little did he expect Janice to come to the studio with the chicken soup. Indeed, she was making things complicated.
“I was worried about you not eating proper meals at the office, Felix. That’s why I came with the chicken soup. You can share it with Ms. Bowen since she’s here as well.”
Mia flashed an uncomfortable smile as she replied, “Mrs. Quilter, have you had lunch yet? If not, why don’t we grab lunch together?”
“I haven’t. In fact, I planned to go back home for lunch after I sent Felix the chicken soup. Why don’t you guys bring the soup with you while you eat out? It must be quite uncomfortable for you to have me tagging along.”
“That’s not true, Mrs. Quilter. It’ll take more time for you to go back as well, so why don’t you just come with us instead?”
There was no way that Mia was going to let her return home and eat.
Feeling helpless, Felix chimed in, “Let’s go then. I know a nice restaurant, but it’s quite far. Since we’re free later in the afternoon, why don’t we walk there instead?”
His meticulously planned date was ruined by Janice.
When they were about to get in the car, Felix instinctively opened the door of the front passenger seat. Mia paused briefly before glancing over at Janice.
“Mrs. Quilter, please go ahead.”
“That’s so lovely of you, Mia. I have car sickness, but I’ll feel better if I’m seated in front.”
Though Janice tried to explain, she moved swiftly onto the front passenger seat.
Mia took the seat at the back. It wasn’t like she was trying to fight over the seat with Janice either.
“Ms. Bowen, I didn’t expect you to work during weekends. It’s really rare for a young lady like your to be this hardworking. Nowadays, most youngsters absolutely hate working overtime. It was tough for Felix to start up his business, and despite him paying them, they’re still unwilling to work overtime.”
In a resigned manner, Felix interrupted, “Mom, stop it.”
Though Mia felt extremely awkward, she managed to plaster a polite smile on her face.
“Ms. Bowen, the doctor said Felix has to be careful with his head. Since he’s usually very busy. could you help to keep an eye on him after I leave? Don’t let him overwork.”
“Mrs. Quilter, I’ll make sure he takes care of himself.”
“I’m relieved to hear that. Ms. Bowen, can I just call you Mia instead? I wanted to get close to you.”
Mia nodded with a smile. The car came to a halt when they arrived at their destination.
Once they got out of the car, Janice took the initiative to link arms with Mia as she chirped, “Mia, not only are you pretty, you’re very capable as well. If you happen to be part of our family in the future, your career will definitely flourish with Felix’s studio.”
Mia froze. Just then, she lifted her gaze and met a pair of dark eyes.
Her heart raced instantly. It was him.
Mia did not expect to bump into Timothy here. Sometimes, fate wasn’t exactly kind to her.
Naturally, Felix saw him as well. His eyes lit up once he realized Timothy was engaged to Maya, the daughter of the Lane family.
Tension hung in the air as they met in front of the restaurant.
Mia quickly averted her gaze.
“Mrs. Quilter, let’s head to our private room.”
However, Felix stepped forward and approached Timothy.
“Mr. Barrett, what a coincidence! Are you dining at this restaurant as well?”
Mia’s heart skipped a beat when she saw him greeting Timothy. When did he become friendly with him?
She glanced up at Timothy, who still looked as charming as ever. Meeting her eyes, he gave her a nonchalant nod and remained silent.
Here Felix was, racking his brain trying to get himself acquainted with Timothy. After all, he was a
Barrett, a member of the most prestigious family in their city. If Felix happened to benefit from any resources Timothy gave him, it would only be a matter of time before his career flourishes.
Felix did seem to like a fool when he stood beside Timothy, who contrasted him greatly with his sophistication.
Mia was speechless. This situation was beyond her comprehension, and she was desperate to bury herself to get away from the embarrassment.
The last thing she expected was Janice joining their conversation as well. She went toward
Timothy, asking Felix, “Felix, is this your friend? Why don’t we have a meal together since you bumped into each other?”
Mia’s expression changed slightly at Janice’s invitation. She figured it’d be impossible for Timothy to join them for a meal, given how much of a clean freak he was. Moreover, he preferred to dine alone.
Perhaps Felix had also realized that Janice was being quite intrusive. He interrupted her in a haste, “Mom, Mr. Barrett must be very busy. He won’t have time to eat with us.”
He said exactly what Mia thought. Nonetheless, she had a bad feeling when she met Timothy’s
She saw him saying, “Sure.”
Mia was flabbergasted. Struggling to grasp the situation, it finally dawned on her that Timothy had accepted Janice’s invitation.
What w was wrong with him? Or has the end of the world loomed nearer?
Felix was equally taken aback. The last thing he’d expect was Timothy agreeing to dine with them.