Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Upon hearing this, Nicholas’ eyes betrayed a slight flicker of surprise; he wasn’t entirely convinced by Mia’s explanation.
As Mia’s words trailed off, she kept an eye on Timothy’s shadow reflected on the wine bottle.
Soon enough, he turned and retreated into the room.
Mia breathed a sigh of relief. She was resolute in keeping the twins’ paternity a secret, intending to take them away.
Halfway through the meal, Connor arrived, fashionably late.
“Connor, I ordered your favorite risotto for you,” Mia informed him.
Connor took his seat, wearing a smug expression. “As always, Mia knows how to spoil me the most. Having a sister like Mia is truly a blessing. Right, Nick?”
Mia fell silent. Was Connor once again flaunting his closeness with her? How awkward could this get?
Nicholas clenched his utensils, resisting the urge to jab Connor.
Glancing at the neighboring balcony, he deliberately remarked, “I remember our parents discussing arranged marriages when we were kids. They used to joke that if your family had a daughter, she could be my future wife.”
Mia nearly choked on her water at the unexpected comment. Was there ever such a proposal?
Connor quickly grew agitated, on the brink of delivering a sarcastic retort.
However, his attention abruptly shifted as he caught sight of a figure on the neighboring balcony—wasn’t that Timothy?
In a sudden realization, Connor nodded decisively and remarked, “That sounds about right, Mia. He could be seen as your fianc¨¦, in a way.”
Mia found herself utterly bewildered.
Connor deliberately narrowed his eyes and turned to Nicholas, stating, “But don’t think for a moment that winning her over is a simple task. My sister is extraordinary—kind, compliant, and incredibly sensible.
“Most men wouldn’t meet her standards, especially not her contemptible ex-husband, who was conniving, miserly, and petty.
“He struggled to handle social or domestic situations. Just thinking about him makes my blood boil!”
Upon hearing Connor’s words, Mia sensed a chill in the air. She glanced toward the wine bottle and spotted Timothy on the balcony.
Reacting swiftly, she poured some water for Connor. “Connor, here, have some water.”
Mia hoped he would take the hint and stop talking.
After taking a sip of water, Connor persisted, “It’s our fault for not finding Mia sooner. Considering Mia’s ex-husband’s poor character, he wouldn’t have been considered suitable to marry into our family if this had happened three years ago!”
“Connor, aren’t you hungry? You should eat,” Mia interjected, coughing nervously. She quickly grabbed a spoon and began feeding Connor.
Reluctantly, Connor paused, but after a few bites, he spoke deliberately, “Mia, rest assured. Once you’re back in Nord City with us, I’ll introduce you to a husband who’s not just sophisticated and socially competent, but also proficient in managing household affairs.
“He’ll be someone you can rely on, obedient to your every instruction.”
“Then she might as well find a dog!”
Suddenly, a low, restrained voice emerged from behind Mia—it was Timothy. She could no longer pretend not to notice.
Connor raised an eyebrow and quipped, “You couldn’t even measure up to a dog.”
Timothy was taken aback.
Sensing the tension, Mia quickly took Connor’s hand. “I’m suddenly feeling a bit chilly out here. Shall we head inside and eat?”
If this confrontation continued, it might escalate into a physical altercation.
Considering they were in Bern City, challenging someone like Timothy didn’t seem like a wise move.
After the trio returned to the private room, Nicholas excused himself, stating, “I need to use the restroom for a moment.”
As he left the private room, he coincidentally encountered Timothy emerging from the restroom.
In the corridor, the two men crossed paths—one displaying maturity and aloofness, the other exuding a cool and distant demeanor.
Despite the tension, the atmosphere remained remarkably tranquil.
As they passed each other, Timothy couldn’t resist commenting, “You’re not the right match for her.”
Nicholas responded with a slight smile, “As her ex-husband, you’re interfering too much.”
“You stay right there!” Timothy’s cold gaze lingered as he turned back. “Take this as a warning. Your family might not readily accept the babies she’s carrying. Given Mia’s stubborn nature, she’s likely going to keep them.”
“Actually, my family would be thrilled to welcome Mia’s babies. Considering my infertility, having children naturally was never an option for me.
“Marrying Mia would be like winning the lottery—gaining both a wife and children at once. And on top of that, we’re expecting twins. My mother would be ecstatic, don’t you think?”
With that, Nicholas casually walked away toward the restroom, leaving Timothy behind.
The corridor’s dim lighting shadowed his face, lending an air of gloominess to his expression. In a fit of frustration, Timothy ended up punching the wall, unable to calm down.
Upon hearing about Mia’s supposed fianc¨¦, he nearly lost his composure.
Meanwhile, in the private room, Mia looked at Connor with a serious expression. “Connor, what do you mean Dr. Mendes is my fianc¨¦? You’re intentionally trying to mess with Timothy, aren’t you?”
She had noticed Timothy nearby, and it was likely that Connor had as well. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have intentionally uttered such provocative words.
Putting down his utensils, Connor regarded Mia with a meaningful gaze. “Mia, you endured three years of hardship in the Barrett family. What’s wrong with me helping you reclaim your dignity?”
“I’ve broken things off with him; there’s no need for all this drama. I want to part amicably,” Mia stated firmly.
“You’re too na?ve, Mia,” Connor remarked. He couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.
Despite Mia’s desire for a peaceful separation, Timothy’s actions suggested otherwise. It was clear that he was experiencing some regret and contemplating a return to their previous relationship.
Soon after, Nicholas returned, and the trio exited the private room together.
Mia instinctively glanced at the adjacent room; its slightly open door revealed an empty space.
It appeared that Timothy and the others had finished their meal and left early.
Mia silently withdrew her gaze and exited the restaurant with Connor and Nicholas.
In the days that followed, Mia focused on her studies while on campus, diligently preparing for her resit exams.
Her life gradually resumed a semblance of normalcy.
As the eve of her exams approached, Mia couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous.
In the family group chat, her brothers offered words of encouragement, while Patricia resorted to superstitions by sending her a lucky charm.
Mia couldn’t help but find it amusing. It felt like facing final exams back in elementary school all over again.
Initially, she had been only slightly nervous, but now it was escalating to genuine anxiety.
As she lay down early to rest, her phone chimed with a message. Glancing at it, the text read, “Are you asleep?”
Mia’s hand hesitated over the screen. Why would Timothy message her at this hour?
She paused for a moment, considering whether not replying might give the impression that she was overly affected.
However, she reminded herself that she had moved on; there was no reason to feel embarrassed.
In response, she simply replied with a “?”
“Come downstairs,” Timothy ordered, his text was commanding.
Mia promptly set aside her phone, drew back the curtains, and gazed toward the entrance of the residential complex.
The weather was delightful; she couldn’t help but notice a black luxury car parked outside the gate, looking somewhat familiar.
Could it really be Timothy? What was he doing here?
Mia swiftly replied, “You should head back; I want to sleep!”
With that, she firmly closed the curtains. Who did Timothy think he was, dictating orders like that?
Lying in bed, Mia tossed and turned, her thoughts consumed by Timothy’s unexpected late-night visit.
Why did Timothy want to disturb Mia’s mental state at such a critical moment?
Shortly afterward, Mia thought she heard the doorbell ring.
She snapped awake, unable to shake the thought that Timothy might have arrived.
Nonetheless, Mia pondered it carefully, convincing herself that she must have misheard. After all, there was no reason for Timothy to come up and find her.
Despite this, the knocking persisted.
Mia quickly opened her bedroom door, only to find Patricia heading toward the entrance. “Who’s knocking at this late hour?”