Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Mia was startled. Had Dana misunderstood Timothy’s gesture? Or could it be that Timothy was actually seeking Dana, not her?
Timothy’s brows furrowed as he spoke coldly, “I don’t know you either. Please step aside.”
Dana’s expression froze, and she glanced back at Mia behind her, her face betraying her awkwardness,
Suddenly, a nearby woman burst into mocking laughter, and Dana couldn’t help but realize her mistake,
Infuriated, she stomped her foot and quickly fled the scene,
“Danal” Observing Dana’s retreat, Mia recognized that the situation must have dealt a blow to Dana’s self
-esteem.
Individuals who have grown up in orphanages, such as Dana, often tend to be more sensitive,
Just then, Timothy stood in front of Mia, his tall and commanding presence looming over her, which felt intimidating.
Looking down at her, he inquired, “Shall we go?”
Mia immediately felt the collective gaze of the women around her. If this continued, she would surely be the subject of gossip throughout the university by tomorrow,
She instinctively lowered the brim of her sun hat and took a deep breath, Spotting a gap in the crowd, she swiftly stepped forward and ran away.
Timothy stood, hand outstretched, watching as Mia’s figure disappeared into the crowd, leaving him bewildered.
His expression soured immediately. Had she just run away? Was he truly that intimidating?
Timothy pulled his hand away when a beautiful woman suddenly approached him. “Hey handsome, it looks like you’re not in a great mood. How about grabbing a drink together tonight?”
Timothy glanced at her, his tone cold. “No, thank you.”
With that, he turned and headed back to his car. As he drove, he attempted to call Mia, but there was no answer.
*15 BORES
Timothy gazed at the yellow rose in the passenger seat, questioning his sanity for making such a gesture.
Meanwhile, Mia hailed a cab and swiftly departed from the college. Seated in the vehicle, she glanced back at the campus, her phone ringing incessantly.
She held the phone but didn’t answer. She, too, was puzzled by Timothy’s sudden behavior.
She couldn’t help but recall what he had said last time when they were shopping for baby supplies.
Perhaps Timothy was trying to save their marriage, but Mia realized that his motivation was solely because of Laura.
Before long, she received a WhatsApp message from Timothy. “Why did you run away?”
Mia’s emotions were tangled, and she decided not to reply.
Shortly after, another message arrived. “Don’t forget, this is Bern City. Do you think you can escape from me?”
Enraged, Mia promptly called back, demanding. “Timothy, what is it that you want?”
“Finally, you pick up. Why did you leave like that?”
“You show up out of nowhere, causing a scene! If I hadn’t left, could I have continued studying peacefully on campus for tomorrow’s exams? What exactly is your motive for appearing so suddenly like this?”
Mia felt a creeping unease. Why was she being interrogated?
Timothy’s voice remained composed. “Well, I was simply trying to appease you.”
Appease her?
Mia was caught off guard by his comment, taking a moment to compose herself. “I don’t appreciate being manipulated. And why would you even try to persuade me like that?”
As she spoke, Mia suddenly grasped Timothy’s intentions.
“You don’t seriously believe that a small gesture like this would persuade me to forgive you and call off our divorce, do you?” she sarcastically remarked.
Timothy paused on the opposite end of the line, carefully considering his response. “I don’t extend this gesture to just anyone,” he stated.
After all, he had always been discerning when it came to appeasing women.
Mia chuckled in exasperation. “Well then, Mr. Barrett, I’m not one to accept such advances from just anyone either.”
“Would you like to find out?”
Mia hesitated briefly before asking, “Find out what?”
“Find out what it’s like to be charmed by me,” Timothy’s deep voice resonated over the phone.
Mia couldn’t shake the stifling sensation in her nose, feeling inexplicably overwhelmed with distress.
For three years, she had yielded to Timothy’s demands, bending to his every whim. Yet, now that she had resolved to leave, he shamelessly tried to coax her into staying.
Mia pressed her lips together and declined, “I’ve already given it a shot. I won’t go down that road again.”
With that, she ended the call. She gazed thoughtfully at the night sky through the car window, lost in contemplation.
Upon her return home, Mia discovered Connor and Jason lounging on the couch.
She had assumed Jason would have returned to Nord City by now, so his presence came as a surprise.
As Patricia headed into the kitchen, Jason leaned in and whispered, “Mia, while dealing with your immigration paperwork in Bern City today, I encountered a problem.”
“What’s the issue?” Mia inquired.
*Since your divorce with Timothy hasn’t been finalized, his signature is necessary on these documents,” Jason explained.
“No, Timothy absolutely wouldn’t agree to sign them, and I can’t risk informing him,” Mia instinctively dismissed the idea.
Given Timothy’s behavior today, it seemed plausible that he would not only decline to sign the documents but also potentially attempt to interfere.
“Mia, you really should expedite the divorce proceedings with Timothy. If you’re finding it challenging. I’m more than willing to assist you,” Jason offered.
“Jason, I prefer to handle the divorce proceedings myself. I’ll make sure everything is settled by the end of this week,” Mia asserted confidently.
Jason grinned in response. “Okay. Just so you know, Dominic is scheduled to arrive in a few days. It’s perfect timing for him to pick you up and take you back home.”
During that time, Dominic and his brothers planned to expose Maya’s true identity, revealing her as a fraudulent impostor, while also unveiling Mia as the rightful heiress of the Lane family.
Upon learning of Dominic’s impending arrival, Mia couldn’t help but feel nervous.
If Dominic were to arrive before Mia finalized her divorce with Timothy, he would undoubtedly inquire about the reasons, leaving Jason with no means to conceal the truth.
Given Dominic’s volatile temperament, Mia feared that he might stir up trouble for Timothy upon discovering the situation.
Mia was determined to devise a plan. quickly. She couldn’t afford any further delays.
The next day, Mia headed to the university study hall as usual, but Dana was nowhere to be seen.
Recalling the incident from the previous afternoon outside the study hall, Mia decided to send Dana a message. “Dana, are you still planning to come to the study hall today?”
Knowing Dana’s sensitivity and pride, Mia felt it was crucial to explain things clearly to her, especially considering their shared background as orphans.
Unbeknownst to Mia, Dana was currently at a luxurious beauty salon. Passing her phone to Maya, she informed, “Mia just sent me a WhatsApp message.”
“Dana, it seems like Mia is underestimating you. How could she humiliate you like that yesterday?
“Honestly, I believe you outshine her in every aspect. Why would this wealthy, handsome guy choose her over you?” Maya remarked.
Hearing Maya’s words, Dana couldn’t shake off the memory of the embarrassing incident from the day before. It had left her so distressed that she hadn’t been able to sleep all night.
As she walked around campus that morning, she couldn’t shake the fear of being mocked for her perceived audacity.
Maya pulled out her phone and accessed the campus forum.
“People are already discussing yesterday’s confession incident outside the study hall, and some are suggesting that you were being delusional. It’s infuriating to read these comments.”
Dana’s complexion paled. “What should I do now?”
“Well, I’m certain this issue can be quickly resolved. The man from yesterday is a wealthy tycoon. It’s unlikely he would have any real interest in Mia.
“Their interaction was probably just a result of their previous encounter at the university hall. Mia flirted with him for wealth, only to end up playing hard to get.
“Besides, you may have heard about her success in winning the Fleur International Design Competition and securing scholarships from the university, which some suggest were acquired through her involvement as a sugar baby.”
Upon hearing this, Dana’s jealousy only intensified. Why was Mia so fortunate to captivate such a handsome and wealthy man? She yearned for that opportunity herself!
Maya smiled knowingly. “As long as you expose Mia’s true colors, her reputation will be tarnished. After all, wealthy individuals are very concerned about their image and will surely distance themselves from her.”
“Wouldn’t that be too much?” Dana hesitated. Mia had been kind to her, and Dana already felt guilty for taking Mia’s place as the Lane family heiress’s childhood companion.
“Dana, if you don’t act, how will you protect your reputation at the university once this forum’s contents spread?”