Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Beside her, Martha noted, “Mrs. Barrett, we understand that a pregnant woman’s preferences on food can shift.
“These dishes are tailored to your usual tastes. Please let us know your favorites, and we’ll make sure they’re consistently served.”
Looking at the assortment of dishes before her, Mia was captivated by the extravagant pleasures that wealth could provide.
With utensils in hand, she indulged in the exquisite flavors, feeling every bit like royalty as she relished the finest delicacies during her pregnancy.
However, some dishes were placed far from her, briefly escaping Mia’s notice.
Suddenly. Timothy’s utensils appeared in front of her. He had scooped some dishes to serve on her plate. De paused, then calmly said, “Thank you, honey, but don’t forget to enjoy your meal as well.”
Sporting a teasing smile, Mia picked a dish she knew Timothy wasn’t fond of and served it on his plate
Timothy surveyed his plate calmly before placing his utensils down.
Observing the nuances in their interaction, Martha gave a nod of approval, making a mental note to update Laura on the situation later.
After savoring her meal, Mia gently massaged her belly, confessing. “I might have indulged a tad too much”
“Mr. Barrett, perhaps you could join Mrs. Barrett for a stroll? It’s beneficial for both the mother¨Cto¨Cbe and the baby.” Martha proposed.
After a brief pause, Mia responded, “I think I’ll pass.”
For Mia, a solitary walk seemed more appealing than having Timothy by her side.
Next to her, Timothy’s voice remained steady as he said, “Very well*
Putting on a strained smile, Mia added, “I can manage on my own.”
Timothy tenderly draped his arm around her shoulders, his tone persuasive, “Come on, walking is beneficial for expectant mothers. Shall we?”
Reluctantly, Mia followed him onto the neighborhood path. The summer evening greeted them with a gentle coolness, its night sky adorned with twinkling stars, setting a serene backdrop for their walk.
As they moved along, their elongated silhouettes blended seamlessly on the path.
Mia grappled with a sense of guilt, realizing she had persuaded the industrious Timothy to set aside time for this walk. She couldn’t help but feel that she was consuming his valuable time.
In an attempt to dispel the silence, Mia remarked, “There’s no need for you to go out of your way to accompany me. It might seem insincere.”
Timothy shot back, “Grandma specifically instructed Martha to handle things. Whether genuine or not, we’ve got to keep up the act.”
How did Mia miss Timothy’s knack for acting?
Suddenly, a large dog dashed out from a nearby bush, startling Mia.
Without a second thought, Timothy swiftly drew her close, enveloping her in a protective embrace.
Clutching his shirt tightly, Mia exclaimed, “Oh goodness, there’s a dog!”
Seeing her distress, a subtle smirk crept onto Timothy’s face, intrigued by her unease toward the animal
Peering cautiously over his shoulder, Mia asked, “Has the dog lett?
Timothy glanced back. “Not yet.”
The dog stayed put, wagging its tail energetically, showing affection toward Mia.
Still within Timothy’s protective hold, Mia yeared to be anywhere else but here, her voice betraying a touch of anxiety as she questioned, “What’s our next move?”
Locking eyes with the dog. Timothy confidently commanded. “Sit.”
Without hesitation, the dog promptly obeyed, showcasing impeccable behavior.
Observing the dog’s compliance, Mia looked at Timothy with a blend of surprise and admiration, saying, “It heeded your commands.”
With a playful grin, Timothy teased, “So, dogs make you nervous?”
“Yes,” Mia confessed, “Back at the orphanage, the director had a dog that once bit me. After that, it seemed determined to chase and snap at me whenever possible.
“I was always on edge but never found the courage to voice my fear.”
Sensing the need for a change, Mia swiftly changed the topic, recognizing the stark differences in their upbringings.
Given Timothy’s privileged background, she wondered if he could really understand the challenges faced by those less fortunate than him.
*Have you ever been vaccinated? Timothy inquired.
Shaking her head, Mia replied, “Survival was the main concem during those times. Vaccinations felt like a distant luxury. Thankfully, I’ve managed to get by without any major health issues.”
After a brief pause, Timothy responded, “If there haven’t been any complications so far, then you should be alright.”
Mia looked at him with a hint of surprise, commenting, “I must admit, I didn’t expect such reassuring words from you.”
Timothy turned to face her, his gaze deep and probing. “Then, in your eyes, what kind of person do you see me as?*
Mia hadn’t anticipated Timothy revisiting this question, and it was getting increasingly difficult for her to respond.
With a hint of condescension, Timothy watched her struggle. “Having trouble answering?” he teased.
“Not exactly.” Mia replied, pausing briefly as she met his gaze. “So, would you prefer the truth or a fabrication?
* she asked.
“… Perhaps silence would be best.” Timothy retorted indifferently before walking away.
As Mia took a step forward, she noticed the dog standing beside her, its tail wagging eagerly as it looked at her.
She stopped in her tracks, and instinctively stepped back. “Please, stay right there,” she implored, her eyes fixed on the dog.
While she held no ill will toward the creature, suppressed childhood fears surfaced as the dog moved closer.
“Here, boy.”
Just as Mia contemplated a quick escape, Timothy, who had just disappeared into obscurity moments ago, reappeared to rescue Mia.
Beneath the soft glow of the streetlight, he reached out his hand to her.
At the sight of Timothy, the dog promptly sat down, its tail wagging gently.
“The dog is sitting now. Walk to me, Mia.”
¡®I … I can’t do it!” Mia stammered.
“You’ve got a count of ten,” Timothy declared.
Mia wondered why Timothy didn’t simply approach her himself.
Still, she understood Timothy’s character¨Cwhen he said “ten seconds,” he meant precisely that.
Gathering all the courage within her, Mia swiftly ran toward Timothy.
Timothy’s gaze softened as he watched Mia sprinting courageously toward him. A faint smile played at his lips, recognizing that some emotional wounds required a gradual approach for genuine healing.
Suddenly, Mia found herself enveloped in Timothy’s arms once again.
Timothy stood still, his once¨Cextended hand now gracefully lowering.
For a fleeting moment, his fingers rested gently on her back before tightening ever so slightly.
With a trace of anxiety in her voice, Mia asked. “The dog didn’t follow us, right?”
Timothy reassured her. “No, it didn’t.”
Mia eventually mustered the courage to look back, relieved to find the imposing dog had vanished. “I was really terrified just now,” she admitted.
Moving past the spot where the dog had been, a lingering fear gnawed at her. She feared it might suddenly reappear and lunge at her.
From a higher vantage point, Timothy’s calm voice resonated, “How much longer do you plan to cling on?”
Mia’s hand hesitated. Then, she loosened her grip and took a step back. “Ahem, my bad. It was just a reflex!”
With a hint of mockery. Timothy teased, “Consider that your one free pass.”
At Timothy’s comment, Mia’s expression soured instantly. She was irked by it.
“Seriously, I’m carrying a child. Would you leave me if a dog were to chase me? I might complain to Grandma about your inaction,” Mia warned.
“You’re more intimidating than that dog, you could have easily scared it away yourself. After all, you’re not really pregnant right now.”
“Who says I’m no¨CMy point is, if we’re going to put on a show, let’s make it convincing, so we don’t blow our cover.”
Mia caught herself just in time, realizing she was close to revealing too much.
Acting required skill, and she had to tread carefully.