Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy’s eyes widened as he glanced at Mia.
Mia maintained an innocent demeanor. “Yes, the Lane Group. I’m quite familiar with them. They’re renowned in Nord City, with a global presence in real estate and an excellent reputation.
“It’s only natural for Aide Castle, coming from Nord City, to collaborate with such a reputable developer.”
And, of course, thanks to Dominic’s exceptional skills as well!
Timothy murmured, “You seem quite knowledgeable.”
Mia responded with a chuckle. “Just a bit. After all, I’m also from Nord City.”
“In that case, do you happen to know the boss behind Aide Castle?”
“I’m not acquainted with them personally, but I’ve heard they’re quite mysterious.”
Mia certainly couldn’t afford to recklessly expose her disguise. Over the years, she had meticulously concealed her identity to avoid being discovered by Timothy. That was precisely why she relied on others to act on her behalf.
Seeing that Timothy didn’t press further, Mia let out a sigh of relief.
Upon her return to the hospital, Mia swiftly retrieved her phone and reviewed the proposal from the Barrett Group. It appeared promising.
However, she still had an important matter to deal with.
Earlier, Timothy had proposed that Ginger undergo treatment at the hospital. Reluctantly, Mia had consented, albeit temporarily, to avoid arousing suspicion.
Now, Mia grappled with the question of what to do next.
Did she really have to bring Sage to Bern City?
After careful consideration, Mia returned to the ward and had a conversation with Ginger regarding the situation. “Ginger, Mommy needs your cooperation with something important.”
“Sure, Mommy. I’ll be brave and help Sage get better.”
Mia tenderly stroked Ginger’s head. “This time, he will certainly recover and be healthy, just like anyone else.”
A flicker of shadow crossed Mia’s eyes. Regardless of the obstacles, she was determined to ensure the bone marrow donation would proceed smoothly this time!
Later in the evening, Timothy arrived at the hospital as scheduled.
With a warm smile, Mia approached him. “Your ward is on the upper floor. We can have dinner together later.”
Ten minutes passed, and Timothy descended the stairs, carrying a delicately wrapped gift box, obviously intended for Ginger.
Mia’s gaze lingered on the gift box. “Your timing couldn’t be better. I’ve been trying to lift her spirits for a while now.”
“What’s the matter?
Mia couldn’t help but sigh. “Ginger overheard from a nurse that she might lose her hair during the procedure, so she refuses to take injections or medication.”
Timothy frowned in response. “Does it really cause hair loss?”
“Yes, it’s a potential side effect. As you’re aware, she’s preparing to enter the vacuum chamber, but she’s been having tantrums the entire time. I’ve been trying to comfort her but without success.”
Mia managed a bitter smile, looking visibly exhausted.
Noticing this, Timothy intervened, “I’ll go and have a chat with her.”
With that, he opened the door and stepped into the ward.
Observing his departure, Mia swiftly composed herself before following him into. the room.
Inside, Ginger was huddled up, tears still lingering in her eyes, her long lashes. clumped together from crying.
Observing Ginger’s distressed expression, Timothy’s heart instantly softened. ” Why the tears? Are you feeling scared?”
“I’m not scared at all!” Ginger retorted, stealing a glance at him. Yet, beneath her bravado, she felt a pang of guilt for pretending.
Earlier, tears had welled up in her eyes upon learning about Sage’s upcoming hair loss from chemotherapy.
“I brought you a gift. Open it up and take a look.” Timothy remarked as he presented the gift box to Ginger. His gaze lingered on her face, which bore a striking resemblance to Mia’s.
At that moment, a small crack appeared in his typically stoic demeanor.
He hadn’t expected this little girl to be his daughter.
No wonder he had felt a strong sense of familiarity and warmth when he first met Ginger outside Xanier Island Airport.
It was fortunate that he had acted as a good Samaritan that time, rescuing Ginger from the roadside and taking her to the hotel.
Otherwise, he couldn’t fathom the potential dangers she might have encountered.
However, Timothy’s absence over the years had left him feeling indebted to Ginger.
Ginger eagerly reached out and opened the gift box, revealing a princess¨Cthemed cake inside. Her eyes widened in amazement. “Is this a cake?”
“Yes, I heard it’s quite delicious.”
Mia hadn’t expected Timothy to bring a cake. However, it was a delightful gift that Ginger would surely enjoy.
Walking over, Mia picked up a plate and cut a small piece for Ginger.
Pouting, Ginger protested, “I want the big piece.”
“No, you can’t have too many sweets…”
As Mia began to speak, Timothy intervened, placing the large piece of cake in front of Ginger. “You can have it all today.”
“Thank you, Mister!” Ginger’s face lit up with joy as she grabbed the plate, resembling a little squirrel.
Mia felt a bit helpless, but she didn’t interfere with Ginger indulging in the cake. She tasted a small portion herself and found it to be truly delicious.
Timothy gazed at Ginger and asked, “Do you know the story behind this cake?
“Mmm, I do! The evil sorcerer captured the princess, but then the great chef made a cake named ¡®Courage¡® for everyone to enjoy.
“After eating it, nobody feared the evil sorcerer anymore. Eventually, they defeated the villain and saved the princess.”
A smudge of frosting lingered at the corner of Ginger’s mouth.
Timothy chuckled, “Exactly, eating this cake should give you courage too.”
Upon hearing this, Ginger lowered her head silently and continued eating her cake.
Seeing the situation, Mia quickly intervened, suggesting, “Maybe we should give. her some time to prepare for the procedure.”
This delay was precisely what she needed.
Once Timothy began donating his bone marrow, Mia could arrange for someone to discreetly collect the sample, allowing her to leave Bern City with Ginger.
For now, her main objective was to alleviate Timothy’s suspicions.
After dinner, Mia accompanied Timothy out of the ward.
She paused briefly before saying, “Thank you for bringing the cake. Ginger seems to be in better spirits now.”
Lowering his gaze, Timothy asked, “When is Ginger scheduled for the procedure?
“It depends on when she feels ready. I can’t push her. Besides, she’s still quite. young and doesn’t understand much.”
Looking down, Mia’s voice trembled with sorrow as she continued, “I’ve always felt this heavy guilt about Ginger. She never really had a father figure in her life, and now she’s dealing with this illness.
“Hospitals are the last place she wants to be. I just wish I could take all her pain away and bear it for her.”
As Mia finished speaking, Timothy suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace, his eyes reflecting regret.
Mia remained silent, her lips pressed together. In reality, she had chosen her words carefully, aware that Timothy probably already suspected Ginger’s true identity as his daughter.
Her words were meant to appeal to his sympathy.
After a moment, Timothy’s voice resonated above her, “She’ll be back on her feet soon. The doctors have assured me that once I donate my bone marrow, Ginger’s recovery will be swift.
“And if there are any further complications, I’m ready to cooperate with whatever procedures are necessary.”
Given that Ginger was his daughter, Timothy felt a sense of duty to do everything within his power for her well¨Cbeing.
As Mia wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes, she murmured, “I hope we never have to face such a day.”
Passing her a tissue, Timothy reassured her, “In the meantime, cherish your time with Ginger. I’ll proceed with the bone marrow donation as planned. We can store the sample, so there’s no rush for
Ginger’s treatment.”
“Alright, I understand.”
Taking the tissue, Mia wiped away her tears. “Honestly, it’s been years since I last cried.”