Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Timothy stared at Mia in disbelief, his eyes fixated on her belly, struggling to comprehend her revelation¨Cwas Mia really expecting?
Meanwhile, on the hospital bed, Laura mirrored Timothy’s astonishment, her face a canvas of incredulity. “Is it true?”
“Yes, Grandma, it’s true,” Mia confirmed, a gentle smile gracing her face. “We’re still in the early phases, we found out not long ago.”
“That’s wonderful news! You’ve always been a bit careless. I suspected something when you felt queasy during our last meal together, but then you both denied it.”
Observing Laura’s happiness, Mia experienced a deep sense of relief. Indeed, Laura’s mood appeared significantly brighter than before.
Laura urgently signaled for Martha to bring a chair for Mia.
“You youngsters have much to grasp about pregnancy. I’ll make sure Martha assists you so that everything progresses smoothly.”
“Grandma, there’s no need to make it a bigger deal than it is. I’ve got this.”
“Pregnancy carries its weight, and I insist you take my guidance this time.”
Ultimately, Mia didn’t refuse. Throughout the revelation, she avoided meeting Timothy’s gaze, fully aware of his reluctance towards having children.
Yet, the burden of this long¨Ckept secret gnawed at her conscience.
Suddenly, Sharon and Maya entered the room. “Mom, Ms. Lane came especially to see you. She’s even brought an array of unique gifts, all specialties from Nord City.”
Maxa trailed closely behind Sharon, a hint of disapproval crossing her face when she noticed Mia seated.
Although Mia perceived Maya’s scrutinizing gaze, her present circumstances left her with little capacity to reffect on it.
With a commanding tone, Sharon directed Mia, “Stand, Mia! We can’t have Ms. Lane standing. She’s an esteemed quest
As Mia began to stand, Laura held her back, but Timothy quietly murmured, “Stay seated. It’s fine.”
Sharon promptly argued, “Tim, what’s the issue? Can’t Mia stand briefly? Ms. Lane went out of her way to come visit and we couldn’t even offer her a seat. It might become town gossip if we don’t.”
Maya tactfully added. “It’s quite alright, Mrs. Barrett. I can stand.”
Laura responded with a touch of sternness, “Mia is expecting, she ought to sit.”
The news landed like an unexpected bombshell.
Mayo was at a loss for words.
Sharon, looking at Mia in disbelief, exclaimed. “That can’t be right. How did this happen so suddenly?”
Defensively, Laura countered, “What are you implying? Aren’t you pleased about Mia’s pregnancy?”
A sinking feeling enveloped Sharon, realizing that Mia’s alleged pregnancy could jeopardize Maya’s future with Timothy.
Timothy intervened with a firm tone. “That’s enough. Grandma needs her rest. Let’s step outside.”
Laura dismissed him with a cheerful demeanor. “Tim, take care of Mia and the little one on the way.”
She continued with a reassuring smile. “And don’t worry about me, just schedule the surgery. I’ll make sure to take good care of my great¨Cgrandchild as they grow up.”
Hearing Laura’s agreement to the surgery lifted a weight off Mia’s shoulders.
As the group left the room, an awkward tension lingered.
Disregarding the others, Mia headed straight for the elevator, eager to leave.
Sharon pulled Timothy aside, her voice hushed as she admonished, “Tim, didn’t I warn you against getting Mia pregnant? Couldn’t you have been more cautious and taken preventive steps?”
Faced with his mother’s straightforward remarks, Timothy’s mouth twitched subtly. “Mom, this concerns me cirectly.”
“It’s not just your life on the line anymore. With Mia expecting, we need to consider Ms. Lane and her family. Marrying into these circumstances might not be readily accepted by them.” Sharon retorted.
Sharon had envisioned a prosperous heiress as her future daughter¨Cin¨Claw. Just as that dream appeared
As Mia emerged from the elevator, Maya’s voice sharply resonated, “Wait.”
Before Mia could respond, Maya swiftly descended the stairs and forcefully gripped Mia’s wrist. “You’re faking this pregnancy, aren’t you?”
Maya still questioned whether Mia’s pregnancy was genuine.
Just as Mia was about to respond, Timothy stepped out of the elevator. Alarmed, Mia forcefully pushed Maya away, demanding, “Let go of me!”
From her peripheral vision, Maya also noticed Timothy’s presence.
With a calculated coldness in her gaze, she abruptly released her grip and feigned a fall, creating the illusion that Mia had shoved her to the ground.
As Mia’s hold loosened, she staggered backward, her complexion turning pale. Instinctively, she cradled her belly, prioritizing the safety of her unborn child.
Maya’s gaze swiftly found Timothy, her eyes filled with desperation. “Timothy, please help!”
At the same time, Mia instinctively turned to Timothy, seeking support.
In that moment, a glimmer of hope flickered in Mia’s eyes.
Watching her frazzled appearance and wavering posture, Timothy noticed her deep almond eyes, their darkness exuding a sense of vulnerability and longing.
That brief interaction momentarily softened his heart.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward, clasping Mia’s hand to steady her.
Mia had braced herself for a fall, convinced that Timothy would favor Maya in any conflict between them.
Much to her surprise, Timothy decisively stood by her side this time.
Drawing closer to him, Mia gazed at him in disbelief. Her heart pounded, a blend of relief and anxiety.
The chilling thought of what could have transpired had she stumbled, especially for their unborn child, was too distressing to imagine.
Suddenly, Maya’s voice rang out, carrying a subtle undertone of resentment as she called, “Tim!”
Turning her gaze, Mia saw Maya still on the floor, her eyes showing signs of redness, nearly on the verge of tears.
Mia blinked, surprised. She hadn’t expected Timothy to bypass Maya’s distress to come to her aid.
In that instant, Sharon emerged from the elevator, swiftly making her way toward Maya.
With concern etched on her face, she remarked, “Ms. Lane, how did you end up on the floor? Were you not careful? Let me help you.”
Although Maya hesitated briefly, she eventually stood up, explaining, “While discussing pregnancy matters with Ms. Bowen, we both lost our balance due to the slippery floor.”
Upon hearing this, Mia’s eyes narrowed slightly, a trace of skepticism crossing her expression. Was Maya subtly suggesting that Mia might have played a role in the accident?
Undeniably, Maya’s adeptness at deflecting blame while maintaining an air. of innocence was commendable.
Almost immediately, Sharon pointed an accusing finger at Mia, her gaze piercing. “Mia, couldn’t you have alerted Ms. Lane about the wet floor? Her fall could be attributed to your negligence. Do you grasp the potential repercussions if something grave had occurred?”
Mia remained unfazed,familiar with her mother¨Cin¨Claw’s propensity for criticism.
Pulling away from Timothy’s embrace, Mia nonchalantly remarked, “I’m no saint, it’s not in my nature to warn mistresses.”
After all, it had been Maya, the cunning instigator, who had clung desperately to Mia, orchestrating this deceptive scenario.
With those parting words, Mia turned on her heel and walked away.
The sudden absence of Mia from Timothy’s arms caused his brow to furrow in confusion.
Frustrated, Sharon turned to Tim, asserting, “Tim, observe Mia’s demeanor. Her arrogance has skyrocketed just because she’s expecting. Can’t you see through it? This is the real Mia.”
Maya was surprised that Timothy had overlooked her and rushed to Mia when she fell. It seemed that Mia’s unborn child was the sole catalyst for this sudden protective instinct.
Unable to contain herself any longer, Maya finally voiced her concerns, “Timothy, I inquired about Ms. Bowen’s child, but her expression seemed guilty. I can’t help but suspect she might not be entirely truthful.
“While I mean no harm to your child, I believe that dishonesty is simply not acceptable.”
In a sudden realization, Sharon exclaimed, “I knew it! Mia couldn’t have become pregnant out of nowhere, she must be deceiving us!”
The notion that Mia might not be truly pregnant brought a sense of relief to Sharon.
Tim remained tight¨Clipped. In truth, he too grappled with uncertainty about the authenticity of Mia’s pregnancy.
Maya assumed a magnanimous demeanor, stating, “Timothy, Mrs. Barrett Senior did mention that if Ms. Bowen is indeed pregnant, she would be open to the surgery.¡®
“It’s possible that Ms. Bowen had good intentions. Let’s refrain from placing blame on her,”she added.
Without uttering a word, Timothy turned away and left the hospital.
Maya felt the urge to catch up, but her ankle which was sore from the fall hindered her movements.
Frustration etched deeply in her eyes as she observed Timothy’s retreating figure. Maya was disconcerted by the unexpected twist of Timothy rushing to Mia’s aid.
Outside the hospital, Mia stood amidst the commotion of passing cars, her emotions entangled in a web of complexity.