Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy knew exactly whom Mia was referring to. He felt compelled to interject, saying, “But our situation wasn’t the same.”
“Of course, it was different. Our relationship was even more complicated,” Mia replied sharply. “You should be grateful that I haven’t fully regained my memory. If I remembered everything, do you think I could still speak to you like this?”
Mia didn’t want to waste any more words with Timothy. With the banquet approaching, she still needed to change outfits, have her makeup done, and style her hair.
Upon arriving at the studio she frequented, Mia was warmly welcomed by the manager. “Ms. Lane, are you here today for your styling session for the banquet? Do you have any specific ideas in mind?”
“I just want to enhance my appearance subtly, without appearing too flashy. Considering my film’s positive and uplifting theme, I’d prefer not to dress too conspicuously.”
“Understood, please follow me.”
Timothy reluctantly set down all the items Mia had bought. Shortly after, someone arrived to select clothes and shoes from the purchases. Timothy had never waited for a woman during a styling session before, as he considered his time to be extremely valuable and didn’t want to waste it on such matters.
Glancing at the nearby staff, he inquired, “How much time will this take?”
“Approximately two to three hours.”
Timothy was somewhat puzzled by the lengthy duration. Why would it take so long for a woman to do her makeup and styling?
Turning to one of the nearby bodyguards, Timothy asked, “Hey, do you mind if I borrow your phone for a moment?”
The bodyguard appeared uneasy. “I’m sorry, but my phone is off-limits.” Timothy’s frown deepened. It was clear that his refusal was deliberate. Peyton approached and informed Timothy, “Ms. Mia’s orders are clear. We cannot lend you money or allow you to use a phone. If you can’t comply with her rules, you should consider leaving Nord City.”
Timothy understood the implications, but leaving Nord City at that moment wasn’t an option for him.
After Peyton had departed, the bodyguard stowed his phone and inquired, “How much debt are you in?”
Timothy frowned in confusion. “Debt?”
At that moment, the head of the security team, Miguel Gonzales, came over and casually placed a hand on Timothy’s shoulder. “Timmo, need some life advice from an old-timer?”
Timmo?
Upon hearing this nickname, Timothy kept his composure as he calmly looked at Miguel. It was rare for anyone to address him so informally. Interpreting Timothy’s silence as agreement, Miguel continued,
“Timmo, being favored by Ms. Mia is a stroke of luck. Perhaps you shouldn’t play hard to get any longer.
“With your financial troubles and the looming threat of loan sharks, submitting to Ms. Mia’s authority will be your best choice. Rest assured, she won’t treat you poorly.”
Timothy’s expression darkened even further. What sort of false narrative had Mia constructed about him?
Did it depict him as facing substantial financial struggles? Or did Mia go so far as to portray him as resorting to unethical activities to settle those debts?
Timothy held back his anger as he stared at Miguel. “So, has she used this tactic to coerce other men into being with her before?”
Miguel hesitated briefly. That wasn’t exactly the case; usually, it was men pursuing Mia.
Thinking Timothy might be concerned, Miguel continued earnestly, “Timmo, these are valuable life lessons. You must pay attention. Spending a year with Ms. Mia can earn you more money than a lifetime elsewhere. Honestly, you won’t lose out.”
Timothy brushed off Miguel’s hand and spoke coldly, “Keep your advice to yourself.”
Observing Timothy’s defiance, Miguel’s expression shifted. “Timmo, don’t act out of line. You’re a new employee here, and your future here is in my hands!”
Timothy was taken aback.
In the past, someone like Miguel wouldn’t have even been worthy to stand before him.
Timothy stood up and silently moved aside, completely disregarding Miguel. If it weren’t for the necessity to remain there, Timothy would have dealt with Miguel long ago.
Two hours later, Mia emerged from the dressing room in her attire. She glanced around the room and noticed several bodyguards on the sofa, but Timothy was nowhere to be found. Surprised, she asked, “Where’s the new guy?”
Miguel stepped forward. “Ms. Mia, are you referring to Timmo?” “Timmo?” Mia couldn’t help but chuckle at the nickname. “Yes, Timmo, the newbie. Where’s he at?”
“I sent Timmo to fetch coffee for us. He’s still new, so he’s got some toughening up to do,” Miguel explained.
As Miguel finished speaking, Mia saw Timothy returning with several cups of coffee. Even behind his oversized sunglasses, Timothy’s stern expression was unmistakable.
It was clear that Timothy was not pleased.
After distributing the coffee to everyone, Timothy approached Mia with another cup in hand. “Here, this one’s for you.”
Mia took a sip and then handed the cup back. “This isn’t the flavor I prefer, and it’s too sweet. Timmo, it seems like you still have much to learn in your role.”
With that, Mia adjusted her gown and exited the styling studio. Outside, she couldn’t help but stifle a laugh as she covered her mouth. She hadn’t expected Miguel to refer to Timothy as “Timmo”!
It was likely the first time anyone had dared to address him in such a familiar way.
Timothy followed behind Mia, observing her in her stunning evening gown, particularly the slit that showcased her slim, fair, and beautiful waist.
He took a sip of his coffee, feeling increasingly frustrated. With a frown, he promptly disposed of it in the trash. It was indeed overly sweet.
As Mia settled into the car, Timothy followed suit.
Glancing at Mia beside him, Timothy couldn’t help but comment, “Isn’t your dress a bit too revealing?”
“Really? I thought this gown was quite conservative. It’s not showing much, is it?”
Timothy couldn’t shake the image of Mia’s alluring waist, accentuated by the radiant glow of the lights; it was a sight that would have captivated any man’s attention.
Mia regarded him earnestly, “Does it really look bad?”
Taking in Mia’s beautifully dressed appearance, Timothy fibbed, “It’s not very flattering.”
“Then I’m relieved.”
Timothy was taken aback by Mia’s words, feeling even more frustrated. An hour later, the car pulled up outside a large hotel.
By this time, numerous guests had already arrived, and the parking lot was filled with luxury cars. Some media reporters were also lurking nearby.
As Mia’s car stopped, reporters surrounded it eagerly, akin to bees converging on a hive.
They were well aware that this was the vehicle of the Lane family’s young lady, having caught wind of the news beforehand.
Mia felt a headache coming on as she observed the scene. “I even switched cars today. How did these reporters still manage to recognize me?”
“Don’t exit the car yet,” Timothy swiftly interjected.
Mia hesitated, her eyes locked on Timothy as he opened the car door and stepped out.
The reporters’ gaze quickly shifted to the bodyguard emerging from the vehicle, exchanging curious glances among themselves.
However, Timothy’s expression remained impassive as he moved to the other side and held the door open for Mia. With grace, she elegantly bent down to step out of the car.
As soon as she emerged, the reporters swarmed around her, thrusting their microphones in her face and asking, “Ms. Lane, is it true that you and Mr. Bowen have set a date for your engagement?”
“Ms. Lane, were you aware of the reports about Mr. Bowen kissing a female internet celebrity at a bar some time ago?”
Gathering around Mia, the reporters eagerly seized every opportunity to interrogate her.
Mia’s eyes betrayed a hint of impatience upon hearing these questions. The rumors being spread by the Bowens were starting to grate on her nerves.
When had she ever planned to marry into their family? It was utterly ridiculous.
At that moment, a man stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Mia and forcefully pushing aside the reporters’ microphones.
It was Timothy. His commanding presence radiated an air of authority, making it clear he was not someone to be trifled with.
Mia stood quietly behind him, her eyes focused on his back, lost in thought.
She found herself pleasantly surprised by Timothy’s reliability. Although he didn’t utter a word, the reporters instinctively backed off and refrained from advancing any further.
Mia couldn’t help but give him a subtle thumbs-up. Timothy’s authoritative presence was undeniably effective.
Leading the way, Timothy effortlessly cleared the path as he walked ahead of her.
The other bodyguards followed suit, positioning themselves on either side of Mia to ward off the approaching reporters.
The short walk went surprisingly smoothly!
Before long, Mia safely reached the check-in area.
Accepting the pen offered by the hostess, she gracefully signed her name, striking a pose for the eager media cameras.
Despite her past efforts to avoid Timothy’s attention by staying in the background, she now felt no need to conceal herself any longer.
Upon returning the pen and stepping away from the check-in counter, Mia’s high heels slipped, causing her to stumble.
Just as she was about to fall, a man caught her, preventing her from hitting the ground.
The reporters nearby gasped in astonishment, and cameras instantly swiveled toward them, capturing the moment with rapid clicks and flashes.
Mia cast a glance at Timothy, whose eyes were shielded by sunglasses. Fortunately, his disguise would likely prevent him from being recognized.
Swiftly moving away from Timothy’s embrace, Mia calmly adjusted her dress and proceeded toward the banquet hall.