Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
As Jasmine mulled over Mia’s plan, she found herself nodding in agreement.
“Sure, I’ll handle it. But given Asher’s ties to the Barrett family, do you think Mr. Barrett might step in?” jasmine couldn’t shake off her uncertainty, particularly after noticing Luna’s confident demeanor earlier.
She acknowledged her limited acquaintance with the Barrett family, realizing Luna’s five-year stint with them while caring for Asher might have obscured certain undisclosed details.
The possibility of Timothy’s intervention loomed large, threatening to unravel her carefully laid plans.
Nonetheless, Mia’s response was unwavering. “Rest assured, I can guarantee you that Timothy won’t interfere. Luna’s time is up.” “Mia, are you truly that confident?” Under Jasmine’s probing gaze, Mia cleared her throat lightly before responding, “Yes, without a doubt.
After all, this matter touches upon the truth behind the incident involving Mrs. Barrett Senior, someone Mr.
Barrett deeply respects. He would undoubtedly spare no effort in unraveling the mysteries surrounding it.”
“In that case, I can rest assured.” “Luna’s situation is under control.
Timothy won’t interfere. However, when it comes to Asher, I can’t guarantee he won’t attempt to negotiate with your family.” “Asher is merely a descendant of an illegitimate child within the Barrett family. Timothy’s stance should align with mine,” Jasmine stated confidently.
Listening to Jasmine’s seemingly reasonable assertion, Mia fell momentarily silent.
Though the situation appeared logical, it posed a dilemma for Mia. Timothy, like Asher, wasn’t from the main Barrett family lineage, being born out of wedlock himself.
This fact left Mia questioning Timothy’s intentions toward Asher.
Sensing Jasmine’s apprehension, Mia offered a reassuring smile. “There’s no need to worry. As long as Asher stays out of trouble, I believe Timothy won’t intervene excessively.” Jasmine nodded in understanding. “As long as Asher behaves, I won’t take any drastic measures. I wouldn’t stoop so low as to harm a child.” Jasmine understood that the events of the day were influenced by Luna’s actions and her father’s traditional favoritism toward sons over daughters.
Since Asher’s birth, he had been ensnared in Luna’s manipulations, a situation that was truly heart wrenching to witness.
Indeed, children had no voice in such { affairs and were simply carried along by the decisions of the adults around them.
A couple of days after the banquet concluded, Jasmine contacted Mia to relay the news that Luna had fled from the airport, likely securing a ticket back to Bern City.
“Got it. Thanks for the heads-up,” Mia replied before turning off her phone. It appeared Luna had taken the bait.
After careful consideration, Mia finally reached out to Timothy with a message. “Luna has fled to Bern City. | mentioned to her earlier that Grandma Laura had regained consciousness, so she likely went to verify it.” With her message sent, Mia anxiously anticipated Timothy’s response.
Shortly thereafter, Timothy’s call came through.
“Timothy, how do you plan to handle this?” Mia asked, her voice tense.
Timothy’s reply was strained.
“Grandma has indeed regained consciousness.” “What? Is she really awake? This isn’t a joke, is it?”
Upon receiving the news, Mia jolted upright from her seat, her mind suddenly blank.
Truth be told, when she had informed Luna about Laura regaining consciousness, it had been a lie. Deep down, Mia knew the ¡é hances of Laura waking up were slim.
Yet, she never imagined Laura ac tually waking up. It felt like a true miracle, an unexpected stroke of luck.
“How did the doctors react? How is Grandma doing now?” “I’ve just landed and am on my way to the hospital. The details are still unclear, but the doctor said Grandma waking up is nothing short of miraculous.
“And I have to thank you for sending those two stalks of reishi mushrooms earlier. They might have played a part,” Timothy replied.
“Grandma Laura has always been incredibly kind to me. Sending those two stalks of reishi mushrooms was the least I could do. If it helps her w ake up, I’d buy ten more without hesitation,” Mia expressed ear nestly.
Even now, Mia couldn’t shake the memory of Laura’s unwavering familial love during her orphaned days, when she had been rejected by everyone else.
Soon, the distant sound of airport announcements echoed in the background of Timothy’s phone call, signaling his arrival at the terminal.
After a brief pause, Mia suggested, you should hurry to the hospital to see Grandma Laura.” Timothy hesitated before making a request, “Could you bring Sage and Ginger to see Grandma for a moment? It would surely bring her joy to know you have offspring with the Barrett family.
“plus, having the children around might give her more strength to hold on.” Mia fell into a thoughtful silence upon hearing Timothy’s words. “I’ll definitely visit Grandma in Bern City.
However, regarding the children, 1 need some time to discuss it before giving you an answer. I can’t make a decision right away.” She knew that if Dominic and the others found out about this, they would surely disapprove. They had been staunchly against Mia maintaining any further ties w ith the Barrett family.
“Alright, I’ll await your response,” Timothy agreed.
“of course. Please keep me updated on Grandma Laura’s condition. Her health is a top priority for me, ‘ Mia added After ending the call, a surge ol joy washed over her. Laura’s awakening was truly a miraculous turn of events.
Considering Laura’s past health struggles and her five-year long bedridden state, the odds of her recovery had been exceedingly slim.
It felt as though fate had intervened favorably.
After careful consideration, Mia decided to broach the topic with her family.
That evening, Mia’s brothers had gathered at home for dinner.
She had messaged them in the family group chat, Jetting them know that she wanted to discuss something important, which prompted them to set aside time for a meal together.
Usually, given their busy schedules and personal commitments, such family gatherings were a rarity.
But this time, everyone was present, including Sage and Ginger, seated around the dining table.
Casting a glance at her family members, Mia suggested, “Maybe we should wait until after dinner to discuss this.” However, Dominic interrupted, urging Mia, “Why wait? You can go ahead and tell us now.” yeah, Mia, if you keep us in suspense, it’ll ruin the meal. What’s the big news that brought us all together?” Mia hesitated briefly before disclosing, nGrandma Laura has woken up, and want to take Sage and Ginger to see her.” Eva’s eyes widened in surprise. “She’s awake? That’s fantastic news! Maybe those two stalks of reishi mushrooms really did work.” Mia nodded in agreement. “1 agree.
However, we need to undergo further medical evaluations to fully assess Grandma Laura’s condition.” with those words, Mia turned her gaze to Dominic, silently conveying her intention to take Sage and Ginger to visit Laura—not for the Barrett family’s sake, but out of genuine concern for Laura’s well-being.
At that moment, a hush settled over the dining room.
Breaking the silence, Ginger’s sweet voice rang out. “Mommy, what’s the proper way to address her?”
Mia responded tenderly, “You should call her Great-Grandma Laura.”
“In that case, I need to find Great-Grandma Laura a present!” Ginger declared.
Mia’s lips curved into a warm smile upon hearing Ginger’s words.
Meanwhile, Sage casually stole a glance at Ginger and remarked, “Uncle Dominic hasn’t given us the go-ahead for our trip to Bern City yet.”
Turning his attention to Sage and Ginger, Dominic asked, “So, do both of you want to go back?”
Ginger nodded eagerly. “Great-Grandma Laura seems really sick. Maybe if I spend more time with her, she’ll recover faster!”
In a fleeting moment, Mia’s eyes shimmered with emotion. Ginger, always the comforting presence, never ceased to touch her heart.
Maintaining his stoic demeanor, Sage remarked, “It doesn’t matter to me.”
Just then, Eva interjected, “Now that Mrs. Barrett Senior has finally woken up, I think it’s only fair to let Sage and Ginger visit her. After all, she’s always been so kind to Mia.”
Dominic scoffed dismissively, “What’s there to admire? You know well how the Barrett family mistreated Mia.”
Eva gently nudged Dominic’s arm, coaxing him, “Come on, let go of past grievances. It’s time to move forward.”
In the end, Dominic reluctantly relented, saying, “Fine, you can take Sage and Ginger to Bern City. It’s an opportunity to visit Aunt Patricia; I’m sure she’s been eager to see these two.” Upon hearing this, Mia breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s exactly what I had in mind. Besides, it’ll be wonderful to reunite with Aunt Patricia. She’s been looking forward to meeting the children.”
Her brothers joined in, “It’s been too long since our last visit. Let’s make sure to bring Aunt Patricia some presents.”
“I’ll do my best to carve out time for a visit too. I’ve been craving Aunt Patricia’s cooking. It’s been ages since I last tasted it.”
At that moment, Mia felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Despite initial hesitations, Dominic had finally agreed to let her take Sage and Ginger to see Laura.
“Thank you, Dominic,” Mia said gratefully.
Dominic’s expression remained neutral as he replied, “I never consented to you having contact with anyone from the Barrett family. I simply agreed to let you take Sage and Ginger to visit Aunt Patricia. Don’t read too much into it.
Mia was aware that Dominic’s words were deliberate, but she chose not to dwell on them. As long as Dominic had given his approval, she felt content. Still, Mia valued her brothers’ supportiveness, always ready to accommodate her requests. However, she was mindful not to burden them unnecessarily.
In her opinion, family decisions should be made together, as a unified group.
Following dinner, Mia engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Sage and Ginger.
While she grasped Sage’s dislike for the Barrett family, she made it clear to him that Laura was an exception.
Mia felt compelled to explain to Sage that expressing animosity toward the Barrett family in Laura’s presence could deeply wound her.
Indeed, the thought of Laura being distressed was something Mia couldn’t bear.
Upon hearing Mia’s perspective, Sage’s stern demeanor softened considerably. “I understand. Since Great-Grandma Laura is a kind person, I’ll make sure to behave respectfully around her.” S
Meanwhile, Ginger became emotional, tears welling up in her eyes. “If Great-Grandma Laura is so kind, why did she fall ill?”
Mia tenderly caressed Ginger’s head as she explained, “Great-Grandma Laura used to be healthy, but she was harmed by an evil person, which led to her current condition.
“When we return, we’ll not only visit Grandma Laura but also ensure that the person responsible faces consequences for their actions.”
Both Sage and Ginger nodded, grasping the gravity of the situation.
Upon stepping back into her room, Mia’s phone buzzed with a text from Timothy, “The latest update on Grandma isn’t optimistic. Looks like she might only have a temporary recovery.”
Mia felt a jolt of anxiety at the mention of “temporary recovery”.
Without a moment’s delay, she dialed Timothy’s number. “What’s the situation? Are the reishi mushrooms still necessary? I’ll arrange for someone to fetch them immediately.”
“Grandma has regained consciousness, so it appears the reishi mushrooms won’t be necessary after all. Unfortunately, her overall condition isn’t very promising,” Timothy informed Mia. “The doctors have advised us to prepare ourselves mentally. However, I’ve already shared the news about Sage and Ginger with Grandma, and she was delighted,” he added.