Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy reclined on the couch, projecting a nonchalant yet menacing aura. “Do you think people like us are capable of such sentiments?”
“If you don’t genuinely love Mia and open your heart to her, I doubt you’ll be able to keep her. You won’t even pass her brothers’ scrutiny.”
Timothy felt somewhat disheartened and frustrated. “Isn’t love such a vague and elusive thing?”
“Yeah, that’s why I was so surprised when you fell for Mia. At first, I thought you were just unaccustomed to her leaving, but now it seems like you’re really developing feelings for her.”
Caleb couldn’t believe it. “But Mia isn’t considered exceptionally beautiful, and her physique is rather average.”
“She’s pregnant too.”
“Yes, she’s pregnant too, so… wait, what, she’s pregnant?”
Caleb nearly choked on his wine. “She’s expecting? With your child?”
“I’m not sure.”
Timothy took another sip of wine, the memory of Mia revealing to her blind date that the babies weren’t his still haunting his thoughts, leaving a bitter aftertaste.
Why did she doubt the twins’ paternity?
At that moment, Timothy found himself unexpectedly wishing for the babies to be his. It would give him a reason to keep Mia close.
Caleb appeared perplexed as he stated, “Considering that Mia is pregnant and there’s uncertainty surrounding whether the babies are yours, it’s likely that they aren’t.”
Timothy’s expression hardened. “Why do you say that?”
“Well, if the babies truly belonged to you, how could Mia, who had nothing to her name before finding her family, resist staying as the young mistress in the Barrett family?
“Most women in her situation would know what choice to make. Yet, she’s kept it from you. What does that mean? It means she feels guilty!”
Timothy’s gaze drifted upward to the ceiling, his tone pleading, “Could you please stop talking now?”
“Look, let me simplify things. If Mia didn’t feel guilty, why would she agree so readily to your divorce proposal, leaving with nothing, without asking for a single penny?”
“Please, let’s stop analyzing.”
Timothy felt like his heart was being stabbed again, and he was overwhelmed with misery.
Caleb couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. “I mean, you’re aware that the babies might not be yours, yet you still want to reconcile with Mia? Are you out of your mind? Do you crave fatherhood that much?”
“Anyway, I don’t have any specific expectations for the babies. Regardless of who their father is, as long as they’re brought up in the Barrett family, they’ll be considered part of the Barrett lineage,” Timothy asserted.
Caleb’s mouth quivered slightly. “How did I not see it before? It’s almost as if you enjoy being cheated on.”
Immediately following his words, Timothy lashed out, kicking him. “Get lost!”
Caleb’s tone turned stern. “Mr. Barrett, please answer my question carefully. Have you fallen in love with Mia?”
Upon hearing this, Timothy’s gaze drifted downward to the glass of red wine in his hand, its rich hue and inviting aroma momentarily captivating him.
“I honestly don’t know,” he replied, his deep voice resonating with uncertainty.
“Well, it sounds like you might be falling for her,” Caleb suggested.
He couldn’t resist the urge to light a cigarette; the situation was undeniably complex. Mia’s pregnancy added another layer of complication, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding the paternity of the babies.
Whoever claimed Timothy was cold-hearted?
Men of his caliber often kept their emotions guarded, but when they did fall in love, it was with a depth and sincerity that knew no bounds.
“Pass me one,” Timothy requested, reaching for a cigarette.
Once it was lit, he leaned back, releasing puffs of smoke into the air.
His eyes, deep and intricate, betrayed a sense of turmoil. It was a novel sensation for him, experiencing such a complex mix of emotions. He had never anticipated falling for a woman, much less someone like Mia!
If only he had anticipated this turn of events, he would have acted differently on their wedding day.
Curious, Caleb interjected, “I’m struggling to understand, what is it about Mia that has captured your heart?”
Timothy’s response was laden with gravity, “It’s hard to articulate what sets her apart, but who else can stir such feelings within me?”
“Well, it seems you’re in quite a predicament,” Caleb lamented. Timothy had unmistakably fallen hard!
If Mia were still the orphan she once was, things would be far simpler.
However, now she’s the daughter of the affluent Lane family in Nord City. One wrong move from Timothy and her six formidable brothers would step in without hesitation, showing no mercy.
Finally, Timothy broke the silence, “How can I convey my true feelings to her?”
With a sigh of frustration, Caleb extinguished his cigarette.
…
After completing her exams, Mia felt a wave of relief wash over her. All that remained now was to prepare for her graduation thesis.
Her spirits soared knowing that exams were finally behind her and she was on track to receive her diploma.
Three years ago, after marrying Timothy, she had been pressured by Sharon to abandon her studies and become a full¨Ctime housewife. Mia had always regretted not being able to continue her education.
Now, she could finally put that regret behind her.
Gina had arranged to go shopping with Mia, and they agreed to meet at the mall.
“Mia, cengratulations on passing your exams today!”
“But the results aren’t out yet.”
“I have faith in your abilities. You’ll pass the retake exam without any trouble.”
Mia smiled. “Let’s go, it’s time for some shopping.”
She had to attend Laura’s banquet at the Barrett residence this weekend.
Unfortunately, Eva was occupied in Nord City and couldn’t make it over. Despite this, she had been incessantly urging Mia to visit the Vior store to try on their latest dresses.
She had taken the extra step of arranging for the brand to reserve some outfits specifically for Mia.
If Mia chose not to go, Eva would undoubtedly bombard her with endless calls.
Linking arms with Mia, Gina exclaimed, “I’m excited to accompany you. Finally, I get to join my bestie in shopping at luxury stores. I’m definitely going to post about it on social media later!”
After all, they often joked about their desire for either best friend to strike it rich one day, so they could ride on the other’s coattails.
Now, it seemed like that wish had finally come true.
The two of them arrived at the Vior store, chatting and laughing as they went.
Mia glanced at Gina and said, “You’re welcome to try on any clothes or dresses you like. After all, I have Eva’s membership card.”
Indeed, the card carried significant prestige.
“Alright, I won’t restrain myself then. Even if I can’t afford to purchase them, I can still indulge in trying them on,” Gina murmured, her voice softening.
Despite her financial limitations, Gina’s demeanor remained upbeat, showing no hint of envy.
However, their conversation was interrupted by a sharp voice. “Wow, has Vior lowered its standards so much? It seems like any random person can just stroll in now.”
Mia turned to find Dahlia and Dixie, the mother and daughter duo she had encountered at the Barrett residence previously.
Dahlia entered the store with an air of superiority, shooting a glance at the shop assistant, Irinna Burriss.
“Your store really needs to implement stricter customer screening, particularly with individuals like them who obviously cannot afford to make purchases. Letting them in would only degrade the standards of Vior.”
Dixie chimed in, “Exactly! What if they damage the clothes? They could never afford to pay for them.”
Mia couldn’t suppress a chuckle at their hypocrisy.
“Considering your reputation for purchasing counterfeit goods and passing them off as authentic, perhaps it’s best for you two to refrain from patronizing this store as well. We wouldn’t want others to mistakenly assume that everything here is fake,” Mia shot back.
Mia couldn’t help but reference the previous occasion when Dahlia and Dixie bought scarves for Laura, only to later discover they were counterfeit.
Dahlia and Dixie’s demeanor grew awkward, and Dixie retorted, “I-I was misled by a friend. How was I supposed to know they would sell me counterfeit goods?”
“Yes, my daughter is overly trusting of her friends. Besides, families like ours can afford luxury items, unlike a certain orphan who is penniless and was abandoned by their family. How could they even afford to shop here?”
Dixie continued with a hint of pride, “Mia, do you even know that this store operates on a membership system? Only members have access to shop here.”
Before Mia could respond, Gina, standing beside her, couldn’t contain herself any longer. “Who are you to talk about memberships? You both seem to have a fondness for buying knockoffs, so your memberships are probably fake too, aren’t they?”
“I’m quite certain that you both carry counterfeit cards, never with the intention of making a purchase, only to later buy knockoff items.”
Gina’s words struck a nerve, evident from Dahlia and Dixie’s guilty expressions. However, they quickly fired back, “Whose fake card are we talking about here? Since you don’t have one yourself, you’re not qualified to be here.”