Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Mia’s back tensed as she turned to see Nicholas in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a distant look in his eyes.
She hadn’t expected to be caught like that.
Managing a forced smile, she said, “I-I didn’t mean it that way. What I was trying to say is that doctors with bad tempers are often more skilled.”
“Mia, you don’t have to worry, that’s just his personality,” Connor said, patting her shoulder.
“By the way, Mia, why don’t we go out for dinner tonight? It’s not often that Nick comes all the way to Bern City for a week on business just to visit me. I think it’s only fair to treat him to a meal.”
“Seriously, dude. When you heard about your sister, didn’t you also make a special trip just to see what she looks like?”
Mia blinked in disbelief; she hadn’t realized Connor had gone out of his way to come and see her.
The next moment, Connor proudly exclaimed, “Isn’t my sister beautiful and adorable? Those without sisters can only envy us for a lifetime, hahaha!”
The corner of Mia’s lips twitched. Why did Connor seem so annoying right now? Didn’t he notice the scalpel in Nicholas’ hand just now?
Indeed, the atmosphere around them seemed to grow noticeably tense.
As Nicholas put on his mask, he muttered a disdainful “boring”, before swiftly departing.
Watching Nicholas’ retreating figure, Mia asked, “Connor, is it appropriate to speak like that?”
“It’s fine, we’ve been talking like this since we were kids.”
Nonetheless, Mia quietly resolved not to allow Nicholas to examine her next time, fearing his potential retaliation.
At that moment, she remembered Laura’s earlier phone call. “Hey, Connor, didn’t Grandma Laura just get discharged from the hospital? She’s thinking of hosting a small party to cheer things up and would like to invite you guys.”
Connor’s expression became complicated. “Are you sure Grandma Laura wants to invite all of us? Isn’t she worried that your brothers and I will beat Timothy up?”
“Ahem, Connor, I’m being serious. Despite any grievances between Timothy and me, Grandma Laura has always been kind to me. Before I leave Bern City, I also hope to reconcile with her.”
“If Grandma Laura is willing to reschedule the event until after your exams, then Dominic, Nathan, and Jason should all be free to attend. After all, they promised to accompany you back.”
Mia nodded in agreement. “I’ll discuss it with Grandma Laura.”
Indeed, only Connor and Claude resided in Bern City. While Liam was also in town, he was busy with his filming commitments.
That evening, Mia left campus promptly and made her way to the restaurant.
As she approached the entrance, she spotted Nicholas stepping out of a cab.
He sported a white short-sleeved shirt paired with khaki casual trousers, presenting a remarkably neat and handsome appearance.
While waiting at the entrance, Mia only managed to catch a glimpse of Nicholas stepping out of the cab. Connor was noticeably absent.
Perplexed, she inquired, “Where’s Connor?”
Suddenly, it dawned on Mia why Nicholas had arrived in the cab earlier; she couldn’t help but wonder why Connor hadn’t driven over today.
Unfazed, Nicholas ascended the steps and responded casually, “He had a patient who needed immediate attention. He’ll join us later.”
“Okay.”
Mia was aware of Connor’s demanding schedule as a doctor, often encountering emergencies at the hospital.
She suggested, “I’ve dined at this restaurant several times. There’s also a night market nearby. We could explore it after our meal.”
Their conversation continued as they made their way into the restaurant.
As they stepped in, Mia couldn’t help but notice a group of individuals exiting the nearby elevator.
At the forefront was a tall, slender man clad in a navy blue suit, his handsome features catching her eye.
Seeing Timothy unexpectedly, Mia couldn’t help but feel the world was remarkably small. Their encounter appeared entirely unforeseen.
Timothy stood out amongst the crowd, his tall stature and confident stride drawing attention.
Upon noticing Mia with another man, Timothy’s steps noticeably faltered, his gaze fixating on her.
Being the CEO. Timothy naturally commanded attention. Whenever he directed his gaze in a specific direction, the rest of the people instinctively followed suit.
Timothy’s lips tightened into a thin line. Frankly, he was quite surprised to find Mia there.
Nonetheless, what truly caught him off guard was seeing her dining here with an unfamiliar companion.
Upon catching sight of the man beside Mia, Timothy’s gaze darkened, his demeanor souring in an instant.
A palpable awkwardness descended upon the lobby.
Mia hadn’t anticipated encountering Timothy here. Without acknowledging him, she turned to Nicholas and said. “Let’s go.”
Nicholas couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. Nonetheless, considering Mia seemed to recognize the man in the suit, he didn’t press the matter, simply following Mia upstairs.
As they ascended the stairs, Mia’s attention momentarily wandered, causing her to nearly miss a step. Thankfully, Nicholas caught her in time. “Be careful, don’t drift off!” he cautioned.
Blushing, Mia leaned against Nicholas¡® chest, quickly regaining her composure. “Thank you,” she murmured.
Feeling a tad embarrassed, Mia lowered her head and quickened her pace toward the second floor.
Nicholas smiled faintly as he observed Mia’s retreating figure. Turning his gaze toward the lobby, he was met with Timothy’s sharp and hostile stare.
Nonetheless, Nicholas quickly averted his eyes and followed Mia upstairs.
Timothy stood motionless, his eyes locked in Nicholas¡® direction.
Without a doubt, he had just witnessed Nicholas embracing Mia moments ago. In that instant, Timothy felt an urge to intervene.
However, he managed to restrain himself. Despite his outward display of composure, a storm of turmoil raged within him.
The temperature in the lobby seemed to steadily decrease.
Heath gathered his courage and addressed Timothy, “Mr. Barrett?”
Despite this. Timothy simply adjusted his tie and proceeded in the direction Mia had gone.
Someone from the group spoke up. “Isn’t our private room supposed to be on the opposite side?”
Remaining composed, Heath promptly contacted the restaurant manager to request a change of venue.
As a proficient assistant, Heath recognized the importance of staying vigilant for any changes in Timothy’s preferences.
Despite the initial reservation, the change had to be made promptly.
Upon entering the private room, Mia and Nicholas were welcomed by a balcony offering picturesque views of the riverside.
“The weather is perfect today. You both should enjoy your meal on the balcony. The view is quite lovely,” the waiter suggested.
Mia glanced at the balcony, observing a table for two already set up with a white tablecloth, fresh flowers, and a bottle of red wine.
At that moment, Mia realized that the waiter had mistaken them for a couple.
Nonetheless, Nicholas remained silent and made his way to the table set up outside on the balcony.
Mia trailed behind, finding the spot perfect for admiring the nearby night market.
“That must be the night market you mentioned,” Nicholas observed.
“Yes, it’s quite charming. There are plenty of authentic local delicacies from Bern City. If you’re interested, we can try some,” Mia proposed enthusiastically, proceeding to introduce the nearby food options and attractions.
Casting a glance over Mia’s shoulder, Nicholas¡® eyes landed directly on the balcony of the adjacent private room.
Standing by the door was Timothy, seemingly gazing out at the scenery, though his expression appeared rather grim.
Nicholas redirected his gaze to Mia and inquired. “Are you familiar with the man we encountered in the downstairs lobby?”
Mia knew exactly whom Nicholas was referring to. Without hesitation, she acknowledged, “Yes, I know him. He’s my ex¨Chusband.”
“Ex¨Chusband? You’re pregnant, and he still has the nerve to divorce you? Didn’t your brothers teach him a lesson, perhaps even with a broken leg?”
Upon hearing this, Mia nearly choked on her drink.
Despite being caught off guard by Nicholas¡® straightforwardness, she couldn’t deny his understanding of her brothers¡® personalities.
As of now, only Connor was aware of her pregnancy.
If Mia’s other brothers were to discover her pregnancy, she feared she wouldn’t be able to hold them back.
Just as Mia was about to respond, she noticed the reflection on the wine bottle beside her—a man standing at the doorway behind her. Wasn’t that Timothy?
What a coincidence! Was his private room adjacent to theirs? How long had Timothy been standing there behind her?
Mia hesitated for a moment, exchanging a glance with Nicholas across from her. “Because the babies aren’t his,” she finally explained.