Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Despite Patricia’s encouragement, Sage remained silent.
On the contrary, Ginger appeared to be quite fond of Timothy’s gifts. She picked up a doll’s box and commented, “I like this one. We can do without the rest.”
Mia admired Ginger’s considerate nature. Even in this situation, she chose to spare Timothy any embarrassment.
Noticing Ginger’s thoughtfulness, Patricia affectionately patted her head and said, “Oh, our sweet little angel! Just let me know what you’d like for dinner tonight, and I’ll prepare it for you.”
With that, Patricia guided Ginger and Sage into the kitchen, providing an opportunity for Timothy and Mia to have some private time.
Observing the heap of gifts on the floor, Mia remarked, “There’s really no need for all these gifts. Our home is already overflowing, and Ginger and Sage have everything they need. Why go to such great lengths?”
As Mia’s word’s dwindled, Timothy’s expression hardened. “Besides buying gifts; I’m at a loss for how else to reconcile with them. If the kids aren’t keen on these presents, we could always consider donating them to charity.”
Mia gave a slight nod. “Very well,” she replied, her voice casting a sudden calm over the living room.
Recalling the earlier exchange, Timothy couldn’t suppress a frown. “If you’re really into blind dates,” he quipped. “Perhaps you should consider a guy who’s at least on par with me.” What a jerk.
Lifting her gaze, Mia fired back, “That could be quite the challenge, to be honest. After all, it’s not easy to find someone beneath you, especially when you’ve set the bar so low as a despicable ex-husband. “But to find someone better than you? Well, that seems like it wouldn’t take much effort at all.”
Timothy lapsed into silence, feeling a sting in his chest.
Unfazed, Mia pressed on, “If you have no further business here, you’re free to leave. Were you genuinely expecting an invitation to dinner?”
Before Timothy could respond, Ginger dashed out, her gaze fixed on Timothy. “Grand-Aunt Patricia wants to know if you’d like to stay for dinner?”
Mia quickly interjected, “That won’t be necessary.”
“I’d be happy to,” Timothy chimed in.
Stunned, Mia turned to Timothy beside her and retorted, “What’s the point of staying? Remember how a certain someone didn’t even bother to come meet Aunt Patricia?
“And now, here you are, eagerly wanting to stay. Don’t you find that a bit hypocritical?”
As Mia’s words faded, Timothy moved closer, bridging the gap between them.
Undeterred, Mia stood her ground, meeting his gaze earnestly.
“It’s not just the pain. I also feel deeply regretful,” Timothy whispered.
Mia remained silent, her lips pressed together. “Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for regret in this world.”
“I understand, but despite the apparent hypocrisy, I’ve chosen to stay,” Timothy affirmed.
“But don’t you feel ashamed?” Mia questioned.
“You might see it as embarrassing. But truthfully, I’m completely okay with it,” Timothy countered.
Observing Timothy’s unabashed demeanor, Mia found herself momentarily speechless. In the past, Timothy would likely have left by now.
But now, regardless of what was said, Timothy remained as steadfast as a rock.
Taking a seat on the couch, Timothy turned to Ginger and asked, “Are you sure you don’t want any of the other gifts?”
Ginger shook her head firmly. “I already have plenty. Let’s donate them to other children.”
Timothy paused briefly before continuing, “And what about your brother?”
However, Sage remained completely indifferent, paying him no attention at all.
After a brief contemplation, Ginger proposed, “Let’s hold onto the telescope, but we can donate the rest. Sage isn’t particularly red in toys, anyway.
Addressing Heath, Timothy instructed, “Did you hear that? Please take care of the remaining items.”
Heath promptly obeyed, efficiently clearing away the excess gifts.
However, Mia couldn’t help but notice that there were still quite a few presents remaining. “What are these for?”
“These gifts are for Aunt Patricia. Should they be taken away as well?”
“If they’re intended for Aunt Patricia, then they can stay.”
Mia couldn’t be bothered with all of this.
Before long, they found themselves seated around the dinner table, ready to eat.
A gentle smile graced Patricia’s lips as she envisioned the bliss of having her entire family gathered together harmoniously.
After the meal, Patricia couldn’t help but notice the array of gifts Timothy had brought. “Why did you buy so many things for me? I couldn’t possibly eat all of this by myself.”
Standing up from his seat, Timothy reassured her. “It’s the least I could do.”
“Mia, would you mind showing Mr. Barrett to the door?” Patricia requested.
“Aunt Patricia, please, just call me Timmo,” Timothy interjected.
Mia was caught off guard by Timothy’s words, feeling a slight twinge of discomfort.
As they walked outside, she turned to Timothy and quipped, “Timmo?”
It seemed that Timothy was quite the performer.
Previously addressing him as “Mr.
“Mr.
Barrett” would have drawn out his icy demeanor. Yet, to Mia’s surprise, he now preferred the informat “Timmo”.
With a composed demeanor, Timothy replied, “I’ll be heading out now. If there are any issues here, feel free to contact me.”
“It’s alright, I can handle these minor matters myself,” Mia responded confidently.
Timothy was suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of defeat, his confidence shaken, uncertain of his next move.
Noticing Timothy’s deflated expression, Mia couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of satisfaction.
However, just as Timothy started to walk away, he abruptly turned back.
Mia cast a sidelong glance at Timothy as he turned back, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. What could he possibly be planning now? Timothy stood tall, his authoritative demeanor exuding an aura of intimidation that left Mia feeling somewhat uneasy.
He pressed his lips together nervously before softly saying, “Goodnight.”
With that, Timothy turned on his heel and walked away.
Mia remained rooted to the spot, completely baffled.
Was this some peculiar display of heterosexual romance?
As Mia turned around, her attention was caught by Ginger and Sage standing by the door, their small heads peeking out.
Clearing her throat awkwardly, she stuttered, “W-Why are you both here?”
Ginger’s hand flew to her mouth upon hearing Mia’s words. “Sage asked me to come along,” she blurted out nervously.
Sage shot Ginger a disapproving glance, surprised by her quick admission.
Stepping forward casually, he remarked, “I just wanted to get some fresh air.”
Despite Sage’s nonchalant demeanor, Mia could easily sense his underlying motive. He clearly wanted to come out to keep an eye on things.
As Mia approached Ginger and Sage, she clasped their hands gently. “Shall we make our way back? It’s time to get ready for bed,” she suggested.
Sage glanced up at Mia with a curious expression. “Why didn’t you tell me about the telescope?”
If he had known it was a gift from Timothy, he certainly wouldn’t have accepted it.
Mia affectionately ruffled Sage’s hair, transforming his tidy look into a playful mess.
With a satisfied smile, she remarked, “Why are you being so uptight? He’s simply trying to make things right, so it’s only fair he showers you with gifts. If you like it, keep it. If not, consider passing it on to someone who will.”
Unmoved, Sage maintained his stoic demeanor. “But I don’t want anything from him.”
“It seems like you care more than you’re letting on,” Mia teased.
“Who said I care about him?” Sage shot back, his annoyance evident.
Observing the same stubborn expression on Sage’s face that Timothy often wore, Mia couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “If you net truly didn’t care, why are you s bothered by his gifts? Look at your sister. She’s as cool as a cucumber.”
“I’m not as easy to please as she is,” Sage retorted.
Meeting Sage’s gaze directly, Mia advised, “If there are issues between you and him, it’s best to resolve them directly. Don’t involve me in the middle.”
Sage lifted his head, visibly distressed. “Mommy, are you just going to forgive him like that? He caused you so much pain back then!”
“To be fair, it wasn’t solely his fault. We were both manipulated. As for our past, it’s not something you need to worry about. Anyway, it’s bedtime.”