Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
In Patricia’s generation, there was a prevailing traditional belief that divorced women might encounter difficulties in finding suitable remarriages.
Instead, they were considered to be better off returning to assume the role of the young mistress in a prestigious household, such as the Barrett family.
However, Patricia remained unaware that Mia’s brothers were part of the Lane family, a prominent household in Nord City.
She also remained oblivious to the fact that Mia was pregnant with Timothy’s children.
As Mia tenderly touched her belly, her gaze became resolute.
She knew that Timothy’s affection for her was not genuine. After all, his endurance throughout their three
-year marriage had been solely for Laura’s sake.
His sudden change in demeanor was probably driven by a guilty conscience, seeking to make amends.
Mia knew deep down that Timothy had never genuinely cared for her, not even once.
Mia’s eyes brimmed with bitterness. Three years prior, she had been naively in love, but she had long grown weary of the hardships that came with it; there was no turning back for her now.
If she ever decided to marry again, it would be with a man she genuinely cared for.
The following day, when Mia woke up, she was taken aback to see Claude, Connor, and Liam, the actor, all present.
She expressed her surprise, “Liam, aren’t you supposed to be occupied with filming? How did you manage to make time to come here?”
Liam smiled. “I took an overnight flight to accompany you for your exam. Afterward, I’ll return to resume filming. I still have some time.”
After breakfast, Mia got into her brothers¡® car and headed straight to campus.
Before Mia stepped out of the car, Connor anxiously called out to her, “Have you checked your admission ticket and pens? Do you have everything you need?”
Claude also leaned out, adding, “Mia, we’ll be outside waiting for you, equipped with everything necessary for your exam. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to give us a call right away.”
“Okay, I understand. It’s only a retake, not the college entrance exam. Why are you guys so stressed out?”
As Mia walked into the campus with her backpack, she couldn’t help but feel an extra spring in her step.
Knowing her family was waiting for her outside seemed to lift her spirits considerably.
Not far away, a car lurked in the shadows.
Timothy observed as Mia entered the university before turning his gaze away. “Let’s go.” he instructed.
As the car began to move, Timothy cast a glance at Heath in the passenger seat. “Any findings from the investigation?”
Heath replied promptly. “His name is Nicholas Mendes, a well¨Cknown obstetrician in Nord City.”
“Obstetrician?” Timothy mused, remembering the encounter with the man earlier. Could he be the doctor whom the Lane family had arranged for Mia?
The selection of a male doctor left Timothy feeling utterly infuriated.
A hint of dissatisfaction flashed across his expression: couldn’t the Lane fartily have arranged for a female obstetrician instead?
The thought of another man being around Mia, let alone picturing her marrying and starting a family with someone else, ignited an indescribable rage within Timothy.
“Mr. Barrett, I’ve also uncovered something else,” Heath said nervously.
Timothy massaged his temples. “Go ahead,” he replied wearily.
“We’ve learned that Mrs. Barrett’s visa application procedures have been completed, and her flight to Nord City is scheduled for next week.”
“Are you sure it’s next week?”
Timothy tightened his grip on the documents. Next week coincided with the private banquet Laura was organizing. Was Mia intending to attend the banquet before leaving for Nord City?
At that moment. Timothy felt a stifling sensation In his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe.
After the exam concluded, Mia exited the classroom feeling utterly exhausted.
She had been fully immersed throughout the day, and now she felt completely drained.
The discomfort of sitting for long hours, especially with her pregnancy, had been challenging to endure.
Fortunately, her pregnancy wasn’t too far along, so she managed to persevere through it.
“Mia,” Connor and Claude called out as they approached her.
Connor promptly supported her arm, asking, “Are you alright? If you’re feeling unwell, you need to let me know immediately.”
“I’m alright, just a bit fatigued and hungry,” Mia replied.
She understood Connor’s concern for her pregnancy. Nonetheless, the babies inside seemed to recognize the importance of her examination, maintaining good behavior and not being overly restless.
Claude breathed a sigh of relief. “Now that your exams are over, let’s grab a bite to eat. How about we go out for a nice dinner tonight?”
“Sounds good,” Mia agreed.
Walking out of campus with her brothers, Mia spotted Nicholas’ car. She greeted him politely, “Hi Nick.”
She knew that Connor had asked Nicholas to wait for her during the exam because he was concerned about the babies growing inside her belly.
Despite Nicholas’ typically stoic demeanor, his expression visibly softened upon hearing Mia calling him “Nick” affectionately.
The four of them then got into the car and left the university.
Nearby, someone captured this moment and sent the photo to his higher-ups.
Meanwhile, Timothy was taking a break after a meeting when Heath approached him with a phone. “Mr. Barrett, there’s news from the university.”
Timothy glanced at the crystal-clear photo on his phone. It showed Mia, surrounded by her brothers, getting into the car with a radiant smile on her face.
In the presence of her family, Mia’s smile appeared even more endearing.
However, as Timothy observed the man in the driver’s seat, his eyes narrowed slightly. Wasn’t that the obstetrician?
With a grim expression, Timothy placed the phone down.
Mia’s family seemed to have considered every detail, going as far as arranging for the obstetrician to wait outside. What else was there for Timothy to concern himself with?
Although Mia had already booked a flight to Nord City for next week, she didn’t bring it up when Timothy visited her yesterday.
Suddenly, Timothy found himself unable to concentrate on his work.
He rose from his desk and exited his office, pacing anxiously. Unable to resist, he eventually called Caleb. “Hey, are you free right now? How about grabbing a drink together?”
Caleb was surprised by the sudden call. “This is unexpected; you’re inviting me for a drink out of the blue. Last time, it was because of Mia, wasn’t it? Is it the same reason this time?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Are you joining me or not?”
“Sure thing. Send me the address. Since you’re the one extending the invitation, I’ve got to make an appearance, don’t I?”
Upon Caleb’s arrival at their usual meeting spot, he observed Timothy casually discarding his suit jacket, his shirt hanging loosely on him.
He appeared completely disheveled, exuding an air of melancholy.
“Listen, Tim, you don’t just pull me out for a drink without reason. Come on, spill it. What’s on your mind?”
Timothy emptied his glass of red wine, fixing his bloodshot eyes on Caleb. “Mia is leaving next week.”
“Next week? But isn’t Grandma Laura’s banquet this weekend? Are you telling me she’ll leave right after attending it?”
Observing Timothy’s despondent state, Caleb pressed on, “So, what’s your point here? I recall advising you to try winning her back before, but despite that, you ended up divorced. I thought you had moved on!”
“I thought I could move on too, but I don’t want her to leave!”
Timothy’s gaze solidified with determination. Now more than ever, he was resolute in his feelings. He was unwilling to let Mia slip away!
Taking a seat beside Timothy, Caleb spoke sincerely, “Let’s be honest. If you had pushed a bit harder, splurged a bit more, and been more romantic before Mia found her family, you might have had a chance at winning her back.”
Timothy pursed his lips. “What are you suggesting?”
“Now that Mia is the heiress of the prestigious Lane family in Nord City, with six supportive brothers, she has everything she needs. What could you possibly offer her to persuade her to come back to you?”
Furrowing his brow, Timothy responded, “Even if Mia didn’t have her newfound family, she’s not someone who can be won over by riches.”
Indeed, Timothy seemed to have misunderstood her all along.
“I understand, but now she’s the Lane family heiress. If you want to win her back, there’s only one way.”
Timothy’s gaze sharpened with a hint of desperation.
Caleb hesitated before answering, “With your sincerity.”
“Sincerity?”