Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Once they finished, they strolled side by side back to the residential area.
Mia was aware that Connor also owned property within the community, so she wasn’t surprised to bump into him outside her neighborhood.
“Mia, you don’t look well today,” Connor observed.
Mia instinctively touched her face and chuckled, “Oh, do I? Perhaps it’s just the strain from my demanding workload lately.”
“Mia, considering you’re pregnant with twins, I think it would be wise for you to consider taking a break from work and focusing on your studies.”
After a brief pause, Mia responded, “I understand, Connor. I’ll have a conversation with Felix at the studio later.”
Recently, Mia found herself grappling with work challenges, primarily due to the attention from
These factors have made it particularly difficult for Mia to cope.
To mitigate potential misunderstandings, Mia decided it was best to maintain a low profile.
Connor tenderly touched her head and asked, “Mia, being a single mother is no easy task. Are you certain you want to keep Timothy’s children?”
Upon hearing Connor’s words, Mia lowered her head and replied in a hushed tone, “Connor, I’ve already made up my mind to keep the babies.”
To her, the twins growing in her belly were her family, entirely separate from Timothy.
Connor gently patted Mia’s head, reassuring her, “Your brothers and I have successful careers now, and we will certainly be able to support you and the twins in the future. You don’t need to push yourself so hard.”
“I understand,” Mia replied.
Deep down, she had already come to a decision. Once she fulfilled her credit requirements, she planned to graduate and leave this place.
After reaching home, Mia immediately went to freshen up to get ready for bed.
In the marital villa, Timothy concluded his work in the study and made his way back to the bedroom.
Taking a moment to inspect the coordinated outfit, he couldn’t help but frown upon seeing the red suit.
Was this the ensemble Mia had arranged for him?
If he hadn’t witnessed it personally, he wouldn’t have believed it.
Without delay, Timothy called Mia, and she answered promptly. Unfazed by the call, Mia calmly inquired, “What’s the matter?”
Exasperated, Timothy massaged his temples and asked, “Is this really the outfit you chose for me? It’s incredibly red. Are you color blind or something?”
“I believe it suits you nicely. You’re not obliged to wear it if it’s not to your liking.”
“Mia, I paid ten thousand dollars for your expertise, and this is the result? Seriously?”
With Timothy being so frustrated, Mia found it hard to suppress a laugh.
However, she composed herself and stated firmly, “As per our agreement, any modifications will not be considered once the payment has been made.”
“Mia, is this how you treat your clients?”
“No, but consider this a lesson. Perhaps it’s time to be more cautious when it comes to trusting
Having said her piece, Mia abruptly ended the call. Unable to contain her laughter, she rolled in bed, thoroughly amused.
Accepting the ten thousand dollars proved to be a worthwhile decision for Mia.
Timothy’s audacity was astounding, believing that he could use money as a tool to humiliate her.
It was high time he learned the harsh realities of navigating a treacherous world.
In a moment of frustration, Timothy shot an angry look at his phone and forcefully removed his tie. Mia seemed like a torment sent by the heavens to plague him.
How could she audaciously charge him ten thousand dollars for this?
Timothy felt utterly foolish.
The following day, Mia resumed her work. She contemplated how to articulate her resignation to
Felix thoughtfully.
Balancing her responsibilities at the studio and college became increasingly challenging as her belly continued to grow.
Upon entering the studio, she discovered a vibrant bouquet of roses waiting on her desk.
A jealous colleague commented, “Mia, Mr. Quilter himself placed those on your desk. Even though he doesn’t permit us to discuss it, everyone around here is quite envious of you.”
Mia’s expression grew uneasy. It was time she had a conversation with Felix to clarify certain matters.
Mia knocked on Felix’s office door, and he greeted her with a smile. “Mia, you’re here. What can I help you with?”
“Felix, I’ve decided to resign.”
In response to Mia’s announcement, Felix’s expression darkened.
“Mia, are you upset because of the beverage mishap during yesterday’s lunch? I genuinely apologize for the oversight.
“My mom is not accustomed to dining in upscale establishments and, as a result, was unfamiliar with the labels on the bottles. This led to her mistakenly assuming they were all the same.”
“Felix, I understand that Mrs. Quilter made a mistake at lunch yesterday. However, my decision to resign is not based on that incident.
“Lately, the academic workload has been piling up, and I’m finding it challenging to keep up.”
Felix responded promptly. “If it’s too overwhelming, you don’t have to come to the studio to work. Remember our agreement? You can work when you have the time, and I won’t pressure you.”
Mia hesitated for a moment before expressing, “I appreciate that, but it wouldn’t be fair to my colleagues.
“I’ve been feeling quite tired recently and believe it’s best if I take a break. I can always return to work after graduating in the future.”
“Mia, despite that, there’s no need for you to resign.
“The working environment here is quite laid¨Cback, and you shouldn’t perceive it as unfair to your colleagues, considering the differences in your circumstances.”
Mia looked up in surprise as Felix added, “Mia, given our shared experiences, I believe you can sense my feelings for you. Do you share similar sentiments?”
“I’m sorry, Felix, but I’ve always seen you as a friend only,” Mia straightforwardly turned down Felix.
A glimmer of disappointment flickered in Felix’s eyes, tinged with a subtle hint of reluctance.
After a brief pause, he finally voiced his thoughts, “Mia, what if we find a middle ground? You could transition to working on weekends instead.
“Your incredible talent has brought numerous orders to our studio, and a sudden resignation would undeniably have a negative impact.
“Please, consider it for the sake of our friendship. Can you perhaps commit to coming in on weekends?” Felix negotiated.
Mia’s gaze softened as she noticed the scar on Felix’s head. “Alright.”
Upon hearing this, Felix let out a sigh of relief. “Mia, regarding my mom’s mistake yesterday, please don’t harbor any ill feelings toward her.”
Mia reassured him, “Don’t worry. It’s not an issue.”
With those words, she returned to her seat, appearing somewhat distracted. The looming prospect of Laura’s surgery tomorrow left her feeling a bit nervous.
In the evening, Mia patiently waited for Connor to finish work before broaching the topic of Laura’s situation.
Maintaining a calm demeanor, Connor reassured her, “Lately, Mrs. Barrett Senior’s health has remained stable.
“Assuming the surgery goes according to plan, there shouldn’t be any complications. You can put your mind at ease.”
A sigh of relief escaped Mia. That was reassuring news.
The next morning, Mia prepared early for her visit to the hospital.
Taken aback by her early rising, Patricia inquired, “Why are you up so early? Don’t your Monday lectures typically commence in the afternoon?”
Mia hesitated before responding, “Aunt Patricia, Grandma Laura is undergoing surgery today. I need to go and check on her.”
“You should go. I hope everything goes smoothly for Mrs. Barrett Senior. She’s a wonderful person. I’m confident she’ll be fine.”
Mia endured a restless night, clinging to the hope that Laura’s surgery would unfold without complications.
In the taxi on the way to the hospital, Mia’s stomach began to rumble. It felt as if her twins were staging another protest.
With no alternative, Mia stopped by a nearby shop to grab some breakfast.
As she entered the hospital, a sports car suddenly raced by at high speed, narrowly avoiding a collision with her.
Startled, Mia swiftly dodged to the side, unintentionally spilling her soy milk on the ground.
After parking her sports car, Maya emerged, casting an arrogant look at Mia. “Mia, I always thought you were fearless, but it seems there are times when you feel afraid too.”
Observing Maya stepping out of the car, Mia’s gaze noticeably darkened.