Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy stepped aside, and Mia slipped into the restroom.
Her thoughts were chaotic, shifting between Shelly’s claims and Timothy’s declaration of not pursuing a divorce.
It appeared that the Barretts were indeed troublesome individuals.
Mia sighed and exited the restroom.
As she returned to the area outside the operating room, Mia spotted Timothy seated in a chair, his laptop set aside. He gazed out of the window, seemingly lost in contemplation.
After a brief pause, Mia decided to approach him.
As Mia followed Timothy’s gaze outside, she observed a pair of birds nestled on a tree branch-
affectionately tending to each other’s feathers and gently pecking at each other’s beaks.
Was it becoming a trend for birds to showcase their love like this?
A quietness settled between Mia and Timothy once more.
Soon, the tranquility was shattered by the sound of Mia’s stomach growling.
A blush crept onto her cheeks as she instinctively covered her belly. It wasn’t even that late, so why was she feeling hungry now?
It wasn’t just because Mia hadn’t eaten much that morning. It was also because Maya nearly crashed into her, causing her breakfast to spill onto the ground.
Seeing Mia’s predicament, Timothy turned to Heath, who stood nearby. “Arrange for lunch to be delivered,” he ordered.
Mia quickly interjected, “Wait a moment.”
Beside her, Timothy’s expression hardened. “What’s the issue? Am I not allowed to treat you to a meal?”
Mia discreetly cleared her throat. “No, that’s not what I meant. I just lean toward lighter options, preferably something with soup and maybe a few fruits.”
A tense silence followed her request.
Straightening his collar, Timothy commented, “Mia, it appears you have a talent for making demands. Did I promise to treat you to a meal?”
Without hesitation, Mia shot back, “Given that visitors have arrived to see Grandma Laura, isn’t it your responsibility as her relative to provide a meal for the guests? Or has generosity taken a back seat?”
Timothy’s frustration grew at Mia’s response.
Was Mia placing the blame on him?
Shortly after, Heath arrived with a delectable and light lunch, accompanied by a small food trolley for added convenience.
Undeterred, Mia picked up her utensils and began eating without hesitation.
.
The two little ones in her belly seemed to be protesting, leaving Mia with no choice but to consume her meal.
Timothy initially had little appetite, but watching Mia relish the food, he couldn’t resist indulging a bit more himself.
Looking at Mia, he remarked, “Mia, have you gained weight?”
Caught off guard, Mia couldn’t help but cough nervously in response.
Mia choked a bit and promptly dismissed him, “That’s absurd. I haven’t gained weight. Which part
415 BGNOS
Were Timothy’s eyes playing tricks on him?
“You even have a double chin now.” Timothy pointed out.
Feeling self¨Cconscious, Mia touched her chin and realized that it did seem a bit rounder. She immediately retorted, “It’s called baby fat. Besides, it’s not like you’re paying for my meats/
Accustomed to Mia’s sharp wit, Timothy responded calmly, “Well, you’ve been dining at the Barrett residence for three years.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t gain weight during those three years. The fact that I’ve gained weight in such a short time after moving out¨Cwhat does that suggest?”
Timothy narrowed his eyes. “Are you saying I mistreated you?”
“Hmm, whether you mistreated me or not, deep down, you know the truth!” Mia shot back.
Exasperated, Timothy exclaimed, “Despite our lack of emotional communication over the past three years, I’ve never treated you unfairly. Your living expenses and pocket money have always been sufficient.”
Mia coldly snorted. “Sure, you’ve never mistreated me in that regard. However, your mom had always implied that I shouldn’t utilize your funds, emphasizing your hard work and cautioning me not to be a burden.”
“Well, aren’t you typically quite resourceful? You only use money when it’s essential. Are you truly this compliant now?”
Mia struggled to find the right words in response, chuckling in frustration.
“That’s simply because I was naive back then,” she rebutted.
“If it were today, I’d undoubtedly lead a life of affluence, engaging in shopping sprees, r¨¦gular beauty treatments, acquiring designer handbags, and going on extravagant vacations,” she continued.
“I certainly wouldn’t end up as a confined woman without much regard!”
Over time, Mia came to the realization that excessive compromise not only resulted in personal discontent but also failed to evoke emotional responses from others.
Reflecting on the three years she had spent in compromise, Mia realized how foolish she had been.
Timothy narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze profound.
“That’s the way it should be. As Mrs. Barrett, you should assert yourself. Who would dare mistreat you? Even if the sky were to fall, I’d be there to support you. What is there for you to fear?”
Upon hearing Timothy’s words, Mia’s mouth opened in surprise.
Why was Timothy uttering such nonsense again?
What did it mean when he said he’d support Mia even if the sky fell? Why was he expressing such sentiments to her?
Mia blinked and said, “Mr. Barrett, if I had been aware of your attitude earlier, I certainly wouldn’t have endured these three years feeling so constrained!”
“Well, it’s never too late to know now.” Timothy’s gaze was profound, and the implication behind his words was unmistakable.
As Mia observed his slender and appealing eyes, her heartbeat raced uncontrollably.
Timothy’s facial features resonated perfectly with her aesthetic preferences. Every glance at him seemed to reinforce his undeniable charm.
Timothy spoke calmly, “There’s no need for an immediate answer. I can give you the time to think it over.”
Mia swiftly regained her composure, cleared her throat, and responded, “Mr. Barrett, it doesn’t matter if you have feelings for me now. It’s too late.”
Upon hearing this, Timothy’s expression noticeably darkened. He clenched his teeth and inquired, ” Mia, must you speak like this?”
Timothy had made his intentions clear and promised so much, yet it seemed like Mia was still reluctant.
A myriad of emotions flickered in Mia’s eyes. “If it had been three years ago, hearing those words would have made me so happy that I couldn’t sleep!”
Timothy appeared surprised. “And what about now?”
“Well, currently, I’m so infuriated that sleep escapes me.”
Timothy was taken aback.
Mia lifted her head. “Mr. Barrett, my feelings for you have faded. I see no reason to prolong our marriage.
“After Grandma Laura’s surgery, she will undoubtedly make a healthy recovery, and there’s no
Mia’s words struck Timothy’s heart with a calm yet forceful impact, akin to a drummer disrupting the rhythm of his heartbeat.
Timothy gazed intensely at Mia. Her eyes once filled with admiration for him, no longer held that same adoration.
Timothy couldn’t help but feel an emptiness in his heart upon hearing Mia declare that she no longer harbored feelings for him.
In the past, hearing such words would have delighted him. But now, it didn’t bring the joy he had envisioned. Instead, it felt like something was absent.
Before long, the door to the operating room swung open.
With a grave expression, Genevieve held out a document. “The patient’s heart condition is more complex than anticipated. Emergency treatment is underway, and we require a family member’s signature.”
Mia felt a sudden chill throughout her body upon hearing this. She instinctively glanced at Timothy, whose expression had turned cold, seemingly enveloped in a sense of despair.
Mia swiftly retrieved the document and passed it to Timothy. “Please sign it as soon as possible.
We need to trust the doctors.”
At this juncture, there was no reversing Grandma Laura’s surgery.
Timothy’s expression grew somber. Eventually, he signed the surgery notification form. In an instant, it seemed as though all the strength had been drained from his body.
Next to Timothy, Mia reassured. “Grandma will be fine. She promised us.”