Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
What did Mia mean by saying she dropped out of college to marry an older man?
Timothy couldn’t help but feel a sharp pang in his heart. “Even though there’s a ten-year age gap between us, I make sure to take care of myself.”
As he looked at Mia’s youthful, almost radiant complexion, Timothy’s throat tightened subtly. Considering their age difference, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of melancholy.
As Timothy stood in front of her, Mia noticed his remarkably handsome features. In truth, Timothy appeared remarkably youthful, handsome, and affluent—almost like a prince charming.
In the presence of such a man, age seemed irrelevant.
Ramona, standing nearby, felt puzzled by their conversation.
She couldn’t resist interjecting, “Sir, you actually look quite youthful. All I’m saying is that Mia has a history of being involved with older men for money—“
Before Ramona could finish, Timothy cut her off abruptly, “That’s enough.”
Ramona appeared undeterred. “But, sir, what I said is true! Mia was indeed married, and she’s divorced now!”
Timothy maintained a stern expression, his gaze piercing. “I don’t need reminders of that,” he asserted.
Why did it feel like everyone was constantly mentioning their divorce? Timothy was certainly not oblivious to it.
Upon hearing Ramona’s words, Mia remained unfazed. Instead, she responded with a smile, “Ramona, with your vivid imagination and acting talent, it’s a shame you’re not in the entertainment industry.”
Before Mia could continue. Timothy glanced at her and interjected, “You’re mistaken. She’s not even suitable for a supporting role.”
Mia raised an eyebrow. “Well, I think her acting skills are decent.”
“Unfortunately, her appearance doesn’t quite match,” he remarked.
Ramona stood in shock, struggling to maintain her composure. The handsome man she had been fantasizing about just openly called her ugly¨Ca blow that hit hard.
For any woman, hearing such words from someone they admired was devastating.
Mia’s lips curled slightly. She knew all too well that Timothy’s harsh words could cut deep.
Turning his gaze to Mia, Timothy asked, “Shall we leave? Do you really want to linger around people like them?”
Since Mia couldn’t spot Antonio and had no desire to stay with the group any longer, she decided to accept Timothy’s offer of a ride home.
After all, there was no harm in accepting a free ride from her ex¨Chusband.
Turning to Gina, Mia remarked, “Our destinations aren’t on the way. Hey, Taylor, could you drop Gigi off on the way? Thanks.”
Taylor nodded earnestly. “Of course.”
Gina’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she remained silent, watching as Mia and Timothy departed together in the rain.
Ramona stood in place, her envy evident in her bitter words. “Mia truly is something else. She even managed to deceive such a handsome man.”
Jeremy, still recovering from being overshadowed by Timothy, was also feeling sour. “Who is that guy. anyway?”
The other classmates couldn’t resist joining in, “What exactly is Mia’s relationship with him?”
“Yeah, his words just now seemed a bit odd.”
Standing nearby, Taylor adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. “Could it be that the gentleman is Mia’s ex- husband?”
Gina nodded in response. “Taylor, you’re quite perceptive. That does sound like the most logical explanation.”
Ramona couldn’t help but snort in disbelief. “But that’s absurd! Mia’s ex¨Chusband is an older man. How could he possibly be so attractive?”
Jolene also joined in, “Exactly! If Mia’s husband truly is that handsome, wealthy, and charming, why would she ever get a divorce? If it were me, I’d hold onto him tightly no matter what.”
Gina couldn’t help but chuckle at Ramona and Jolene’s skepticism. “It seems like some people criticize what they can’t have.
“Besides, Mia is now a wealthy heiress; she doesn’t need to rely on a man. Yet, her ex¨Chusband keeps clinging to her.”
Ramona remained defiant. “I refuse to believe it.”
“I couldn’t care less about whether you believe it or not. Ramona, instead of meddling in others¡® affairs. perhaps you should focus on saving your family’s failing company from bankruptcy.”
Ramona’s expression turned haughty. “I’ll find out who Mia’s sugar daddy is. Then we’ll see how much longer she can maintain her arrogance.”
Gina remained silent. Goincidentally, Taylor’s car arrived just in time, and the two of them departed from the restaurant together.
Gradually, the rest of the group dispersed one by one.
Ramona turned to Jeremy with a hopeful look. “Since you’re still here, why don’t you give me a ride?”
Jeremy’s expression darkened; moments ago, he had been searching for details about the CEO of the
Barrett Group.
Despite the scant information available, Jeremy managed to locate photos on the company’s official website.
To his disbelief, the man who had just left was none other than the CEO of the Barrett Group¨CTimothy Barrett!
Jeremy nearly dropped his phone in shock upon making the discovery.
It dawned on him that three years ago, Mia had married the CEO of the Barrett Group, not some elderly man as he had presumed!
Deliberately, Ramona approached Jeremy. “Jeremy, what’s the matter? You look awful. Are you feeling unwell?”
“Just leave me alone!” Jeremy snapped, pushing Ramona away in frustration.
Ramona nearly stumbled backward, her frustration evident as she retorted, “Jeremy, what’s gotten into you? Our relationship was fine until Mia showed up. Besides, your family won’t approve of a divorced woman like her.”
“Ramona, do you know who Mia’s ex¨Chusband is?”
“Isn’t he just some wealthy old man?” Ramona replied disdainfully.
Jeremy pulled out his phone and showed Ramona the photo of Timothy. “Take a good look. The man your just saw is the president of the Barrett Group. He’s Mia’s ex¨Chusband!”
Ramona’s complexion paled in shock. “How is that possible? How could an orphan like Mia marry someone from the Barrett family?”
Jeremy retrieved his phone, his demeanor turning serious, “Maybe it’s best if we don’t keep in touch.
Let’s cancel the project we discussed earlier. After all, we’re not that familiar with each other.”
Undeterred by the heavy rain, Jeremy briskly made his way to the parking lot and drove off.
He couldn’t afford to be entangled in Ramona’s schemes. With Mia’s affiliation with the Barretts, offending them was simply out of the question.
Ramona stood frozen in disbelief, trying to make sense of it all. How could Mia’s ex¨Chusband be the president of the Barrett Group?
Lost in her thoughts, Ramona stumbled and fell on the steps, wincing in pain.
Turning to Jolene for help, she urged, “Why are you just standing there? Help me up and call a cab to drop me home!”
But Jolene remained unmoved, speaking condescendingly, “Ramona, do you still see yourself as a wealthy young lady?
“Your family’s company has gone bankrupt, and now you’ve even offended the Barrett family. Do you think you still have a place here?”
After uttering those words, Jolene walked away, leaving Ramona standing alone in the pouring rain.
Ramona’s eyes brimmed with jealousy and disbelief as she exclaimed, “I refuse to believe it! I just can’t!”
To her, Mia had been nothing but an orphan, struggling financially during their school days. How could she have possibly become a wealthy heiress now, with a billionaire ex-husband?
…
Seated in the car, Mia couldn’t hold back a sneeze, causing her to rub her nose as she imagined Ramona outside, likely cursing her.
Despite the heavy rain outside, the luxurious confines of the car provided a tranquil sanctuary.
Timothy offered her a tissue, and without hesitation, she accepted it, using it to wipe her nose. Just at that moment, her phone finally rang.
It was Dominic on the line. She promptly answered, “Hello, Dominic, what’s going on?”
“Where are you? It’s pouring outside. I had to call the driver over for an urgent matter today. I didn’t expect Claude to assign him to you.
“I just realized you haven’t returned home. Where are you? We’ll come pick you up.” Dominic’s tone was tinged with anxiety.
Had he been aware beforehand that Antonio would be assigned to Mia, he wouldn’t have called him over for assistance.
To him, even his brothers weren’t considered worthy of utilizing his car.
Sitting next to Dominic, Claude intervened on the call, “Mia, I take full responsibility for this confusion.
“Antonio assumed there was a prior arrangement on your end and didn’t mention anything, leading to this mix-up.”
Claude hadn’t anticipated Dominic calling Antonio over for an urgent matter today, and he had also forgotten to inform everyone in the group chat that Antonio was assigned to Mia.
Mia finally grasped the reason behind Antonio’s absence. It was simply a misunderstanding.