Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy’s eyes darkened as he stared at the glass in Felix’s hand.
He snapped, “Did she not mean her sincerity?”
Felix was stunned, suddenly being put in a difficult situation. Initially, he planned to leave a good impression on Timothy by drinking on Mia’s behalf. He did not expect Timothy to not give in and insisted on Mia drinking instead.
A stifling awkwardness filled the room.
Timothy remained seated, his arm simply dangling beside him. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his muscled arms. His handsome features were gilded with light, and he looked as perfect as he always did.
His gaze was fixated on Mia, and she could almost make out her own reflection in his eyes. Quickly, she averted her gaze and grabbed the glass from Felix.
“Timothy, thanks for saving me last time. This toast is for you.”
She downed her glass in an instant. Her eyes shut quickly from being overwhelmed by the robust.
aftertaste of the wine. It was until then did she realize it was vodka.
She didn’t like it at all.
Mia coughed, glancing over at Timothy with teary eyes. Her eyes glistened with tears, making her seem particularly pitiable in her current state.
Timothy’s expression grew stiff. It made him feel like he was bullying her.
Mia set down the glass in her hand. Her vision was swimming, and she stumbled slightly as she reached for the tissue.
Just then, two voices called out to her, and both her hands were grasped.
Mia stood where she was, staring at the two men beside her. Felix was holding onto one of her hands, while Timothy held onto another.
She frowned, urging. “Um, can you both let go?”
Neither of them did. Timothy narrowed his eyes, glaring at Felix as he snapped, “Why are you grabbing her hand?”
Felix released her hand in an instant. Hastily, he poured a glass of warm water for her.
“Mia, drink some water to ease your throat.”
“Thanks.”
Before she reached for the glass, she glanced down at Timothy’s hand. Her hand was still in his grip.
“Timothy, I can manage on my own now.”
She meant for him to let go of her.
Reluctantly, Timothy released her and glared at Felix. At this point, he was really annoyed at him.
Wasn’t Mia close with Connor? Why was she here with Felix to meet his mother?
Meanwhile, Mia felt nauseous after a few sips of warm water. She turned around and dashed toward the washroom.
This was all Janice’s fault. She thought the drink beside her was a mild fruit cocktail. Little did she know it was actually vodka!
She finally felt much better after vomiting all the vodka she drank. Wiping the corners of her lips. she exited the washroom. When a gush of cold breeze hit her, her vision swam, and she was struggling to maintain her balance.
“Watch out.”
Someone grabbed her by the arm, stabilizing her.
Mia felt really dizzy. The aftereffect of vodka was way too overwhelming. Her body was limp as she glanced up at Timothy.
“Are you satisfied now?”
Why did he force her to drink and apologize?
Timothy dropped his gaze, staring at Mia, who was still quite intoxicated. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes seemed vacant.
Well she looked adorable.
He replied nonchalantly. “I was just testing Felix out for your sake. Who knew he was such a coward? He backed away once I insisted on you drinking.”
Mia gritted her teeth furiously.
“You asshole! I bet you’re probably eager to get me to drink and thank you!”
His gaze loomed over her as he replied, “That isn’t completely wrong either.”
“Timothy, I didn’t expect you to be such a huge prick!”
Outraged, she shoved him away, only to stumble since her legs had given in. Timothy dragged her into his embrace, his gaze darkening as he scolded, “So what? I was already saving your face by not exposing our relationship in front of them. Isn’t that right, my dear cousin?”
The least he’d expected was for her to act this bold, addressing him as her cousin in front of Felix on in fact, he was still her husband.
Mia looked up at him, mumbling. “There’s nothing going on between us, okay? Also, didn’t you say
I wasn’t supposed to bring up our relationship in front of others? Are you that forgetful, huh?”
Timothy was silenced. He remembered saying that to her.
Looking at her round face, he noticed her dimple. He felt like squeezing it. And he did.
He extended his hand and squeezed her face. It didn’t feel different from what he’d imagined. A smile spread across his face before vanishing in seconds.
¡®A jolt of pain shot through Mia’s face. She turned her face sideways, trying to avoid his hand.
“Let me go! I have to go back now.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Upon receiving confirmation, Timothy promptly released Mia’s hand, observing her body swerve diagonally.
Instinctively. Mia clung to Timothy, resolute in maintaining her balance. Falling at this moment was not an option!
“Mia, let go!” Timothy’s exasperation echoed in his tone.
Looking up, Mia realized she was tightly holding onto his tie. Timothy’s face had turned red, and he seemed a bit flustered.
A flicker of amusement sparkled in Mia’s eyes. She pretended to be intoxicated and resisted letting go, saying, “Oh, goodness, I feel so dizzy. I can’t stand straight. I might just tumble if I release you.”
Gasping for breath after escaping a chokehold, Timothy reached out, enveloping Mia in a tight embrace.
“Mia, are you trying to kill your husband?” he quipped, having just narrowly avoided being choked.
to death.
Mia found herself in Timothy’s embrace. Her face nestled against his chest.
Only the thin fabric of his shirt separated them, and she could sense the comforting warmth radiating from his body.
The strong, rhythmic thump of his heartbeat echoed in her ears.
Mia stood there, momentarily stunned.
What prompted Timothy to initiate such a tight hug?
Mia struggled to catch her breath, urgently attempting to free herself from Timothy’s grasp. However, his hands remained firmly secured around her waist.
His voice, low and hoarse, commanded, “Don’t move.”
As the gravity of his tone sank in, Mia’s breath hitched. This situation couldn’t persist.
Thinking on her feet, Mia feigned drunkenness and protested, “I want to go home! You scoundrel,
Despite the discomfort in his neck, Timothy patiently reassured her with a low voice, saying. Hmm, don’t move. I’ll take you back right away.”
Initially bracing herself for a heated response, Mia hoped Timothy would release her, allowing her the freedom to head home on her own.
To her surprise, not only did his anger fail to manifest, but his tone also took an unexpectedly gentle turn.
Was this the same Timothy she knew?
Just then, Felix’s voice chimed in. “Mia, are you okay?”
Caught off guard by his voice, Mia, who was still pretending to be drunk, faced a dilemma¨Cshould she acknowledge Felix or not?
Instinctively, Mia tried to turn her head, but Timothy firmly pulled her back into his embrace.
Mia’s pupils slightly contracted as she stole a glance at Timothy before her. What was he trying to convey?
In a protective stance, Timothy cradled the seemingly intoxicated Mia and addressed Felix, “She’s had a bit too much to drink. I’ll take her home first.”
“Is Mia really drunk? I apologize. My mom accidentally mixed up the drinks earlier. She mistook whiskey for apple juice.”