Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
It was Taylor.
“Those of us who have been toiling for three years still can’t surpass you. Ms. Matterson has been singing your praises in the group chat since learning about your award,” Taylor said sarcastically.
A moment of awkwardness lingered at the dining table.
Mia took in the scene and spoke calmly, “Taylor, initially, I had to take a leave of absence due to financial issues at home.
She continued, “If it weren’t for the award, I wouldn’t have been able to come back to study alongside all of you. I’ve always looked up to you guys.” Gina stepped in quickly, lowering her voice as she spoke to Mia, “”Mia, just ignore her. Taylor is simply being envious.” Mia didn’t dwell much on these trivial matters. After all, compared to the opportunity to resume her studies, these issues seemed insignificant.
After finishing her meal, Riley turned to Mia, saying, “Mia, securing first place in the Fleur International Design Competition holds great prestige within the college.”
“In a few days, there will be an award ceremony for outstanding students, and I’ve secured a spot for you. Plus, there’s a financial grant available to help ease some of your monetary worries,” she explained patiently.
“Thank you, Ms. Matterson.” Mia welcomed the grant—securing a grant would be helpful, especially given her current financial situation.
The meal stretched on for quite some time.
Mia’s phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message from Timothy. “Where are you?” pausing briefly, Mia replied, “I’m grabbing dinner ata restaurant off- campus. I’ll be back later.”
Putting her phone away, Mia couldn’t help but suspect that Timothy’s sudden interest was likely because of Martha.
It seemed unusual, as Timothy had never shown such keen interest in her whereabouts before.
Mia’s response was calculated, giving Timothy a valid reason and making sure Martha wouldn’t grow suspicious if he decided to pick her up.
After half an hour, Mia finished her meal.
Mia stepped out of the restaurant, and her eyes caught the gleam of a sleek black luxury car parked nearby. A subtle anticipation flickered in her gaze¨Cwas Timothy already there?
After a brief pause, Mia turned to Gina and said, “Tell everyone to go ahead. I’ll just step back inside for a moment to use the restroom.”
Retreating into the restaurant, Mia lingered in hiding for a good ten minutes. She waited patiently to make sure most of her classmates had left before making her exit.
Suddenly, her phone rang.
Mia answered, hearing Timothy’s deep voice on the other end. “Come out.”
“I’m on my way.” Mia replied.
Exiting the restaurant with a casual stride, Mia observed her classmates had dispersed. Approaching the sleek black luxury car, she hurriedly opened the door and slid inside.
Timothy’s gaze sharpened. “Since when does attending class come with social commitments?” he questioned.
Mia calmly defended herself, “I just grabbed a meal with some old classmates after going back to college. It’s a casual get¨Ctogether, not a mandatory commitment.”
During the ride, a heavy silence hung between them until they reached their marital home.
As expected, Martha was nearby when Mia arrived. Timothy didn’t seem particularly worried about where Mia had been or what she had been up to. It was as if he didn’t feel the need to act concerned.
In the days that followed, Mia stayed diligent, attending classes with unwavering punctuality. Her schedule was jam¨Cpacked, leaving her little room to dwell on other matters.
While immersed in her studies at the library, Mia’s phone buzzed with a call from Riley. “Remember, Mia, the award ceremony is this afternoon.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Mia assured her.
Being cautious, Mia set an alarm on her phone to ensure she would be punctual and not miss the event.
As she made her way to the lecture hall, Taylor intercepted her path, locking eyes and saying ominously. “Mia,
I know your secret.”
Confusion flashed across Mia’s eyes. Her relationship with Taylor had always been strained, and it seemed that, despite the years passed, little had changed.
“A few days ago, near the restaurant, someone gave you a ride, right?” Taylor interrogated.
A subtle shift in Mia’s expression betrayed her.
Despite her careful approach, Mia hadn’t expected her actions at the restaurant to invite such scrutiny.
Wearing a smug grin, Taylor observed Mia. “Oh be honest now, Mia. Did you leave college because of financial struggles in your family?”
“How else could someone who once dropped out amass such wealth? Could it be connected to that older man with the luxury car?” Taylor pressed further.
Mia’s gaze turned cold. “Taylor, after all these years, you’re still the same. It’s no surprise people whisper about you behind closed doors.”
“What are you implying? What have they been saying about me? Be clear with your words!” Taylor retorted.
Ignoring Taylor, Mia confidently strode toward the lecture hall. Inside, she found her name neatly labeled on a chair.
Being back in this academic setting felt surreal, like stepping into a dream.
Soon, the anticipated award ceremony will begin.
As Mia scanned the venue, she noticed Kennedy, the principal, entering with a group.
Among them, Timothy stood out in a sleek dark suit that accentuated his refined and handsome appearance.
Seeing Timothy on campus took Mia by surprise.
Indeed, it was a small world after all.
Mia found herself among a group of fellow students, all poised and ready to take the stage.
Suddenly, a nervous¨Clooking young woman beside her blurted, “You’re the renowned ¡®Mia Bowen,¡® aren’t you?”
With a hint of humility, Mia cleared her throat and responded, “I wouldn’t exactly call myself a big shot.”
“Mia, could I please have your autograph? I really admire you!” another student eagerly asked.
Before long, Mia found herself surrounded by a group of students, diverting her attention.
As Timothy approached, his gaze swiftly fell upon Mia.
Was Mia really this popular at school?
Timothy’s eyes fixed on the young man seated next to Mia, observing his attentive gestures as he poured water for her and snapped photos. A subtle sense of unease crept into Timothy’s heart.
Noticing Timothy’s focused gaze, Kennedy interjected, “Mr. Barrett, that young woman secured first place at the Fleur International Design Competition. Would you like to have a chat with her?”
Following Kennedy’s words, unease washed over Mia like an unwelcome tide.
She shot a hesitant glance toward Timothy, silently pleading with her eyes.
Timothy responded casually saying, “It’s alright.”
A sense of relief flooded Mia as she watched Kennedy usher Timothy his seat.
Timothy sat in the front row, signifying his esteemed position.
Puzzled, Mia wondered about Timothy’s unexpected presence, considering his demanding schedule.
However, the reason would soon unfold.
As Mia ascended the stage, Timothy, the generous sponsor behind the financial grant, took the initiative to personally bestow the awards upon the worthy recipients.
Mia observed Timothy’s polished appearance and graceful demeanor.
With the award certificate in hand, he cast a patronizing glance her way, remarking, “Keep up the good work.”
Suppressing her true sentiments, Mia offered a forced smile as she took the certificate, momentarily entertaining a rebellious urge to confront him head¨Con.
The award ceremony concluded swiftly, and without glancing behind her, Mia exited the lecture hall.
She believed that by maintaining her brisk pace, she could avoid any unwanted encounters.
Kennedy seemed keen on introducing her to Timothy, perhaps even extending a dinner invitation afterward.
However, she had no interest in attending.
As expected, before reaching the study hall, her phone buzzed with a call from Riley.
She chose not to pick up.
Later in the evening, Mia returned Riley’s call, explaining, “I apologize for missing your call, my phone was on silent while I was in the study hall.”
“It’s alright,” Riley responded. “Mr. Shaw had hoped to invite you for dinner, especially given our esteemed guest today. But the moment had passed.”
Mia’s gut feeling proved accurate. She felt relieved and grateful for her timely escape.
After ending the call, Mia left the study hall and headed back to her marital home.
As she entered, she found Timothy casually seated on the couch, clad in relaxed attire, deeply engrossed in his tablet.
Timothy acknowledged her entrance, commenting, “You seem busier than I am.”