Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Nonetheless, she patiently escorted Shelly and Maya to the city’s most prestigious home¨Cfurnishing establishment.
As they stepped into the upscale mall, gentle tunes filled the air. However, the cool air from the air conditioning added to Mia’s discomfort, especially since she was already under the weather.
Shelly walked ahead impatiently. “Mia, keep up,” she urged.
Suppressing her discomfort, Mia quickened her steps.
As they approached the renowned bedding store, a familiar and imposing figure caught her attention.
Spotting that familiar figure from behind, Mia initially doubted her own eyes.
Why would Timothy be here?
Maya approached him cheerfully and quipped, “Tim, what brings you here today?”
Timothy, clad in a sharp dark suit, was surrounded by a group of individuals who stood with a sense of formality and order.
Timothy remained impassive toward Maya. As Timothy’s gaze wandered past her, he caught sight of Mia, and a hint of confusion shadowed his expression.
Quick to explain, Maya said, “I’ve been considering a home renovation, and Ms. Bowen’s design studio is renowned for its expertise.”
“Though I enlisted her services, I didn’t anticipate her making a personal visit today,” she quickly added.
Shelly directed Mia, “Mia, why are you lingering outside? Come in and help us with the selection.”
Steeling herself, Mia approached, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Timothy.
Maintaining professionalism, Mia inquired, “Ms. Lane, what specifications are you seeking in a mattress?”
Maya turned to Timothy, seeking his input. “Tim, which mattress collection would you recommend? Which one promises the utmost comfort?”
Timothy gestured to the store manager beside him, saying, “Please, go ahead and show us around.”
The store manager eagerly stepped forward, elaborating on the features of different mattress collections.
Meanwhile, Mia felt uncomfortably cold due to the mall’s air conditioning, experiencing both shivers and a growing sense of queasiness.
After the manager’s pitch, Maya deliberately shifted her gaze to Mia, prompting, “Ms. Bowen, what are your thoughts?”
Although Mia missed most of the store manager’s presentation due to her discomfort, she mustered a polite smile, responding, “Honestly, any could suffice, depending on your preferences,”
Maya insisted, “But as our designer, I’d value your recommendation, Ms. Bowen.”
Mia impulsively gestured toward a mattress, only to suddenly feel a hush fall around her. It appeared that numerous onlookers had turned their attention her way.
Trying to maintain her poise, Mia tried to decipher the description of her chosen mattress. It read, “Oversized latex water bed, designed to enhance intimacy.”
A wave of realization washed over Mia¨Cshe had unintentionally selected a rather risqu¨¦ mattress. Suppressing her laughter with a hand over her mouth, Maya turned to Timothy, jesting, “Tim, what’s your take
Shelly chimed in playfully, “Mia, you truly have a knack for choosing. Perhaps that’s why you’re such a hit with the men.”
With a pointed stare, Maya cautioned, “Shelly, let’s refrain from baseless remarks.”
“Well, it appears that some individuals dare to act but lack the bravery to acknowledge it,” Shelly remarked with a hint of disdain.
Growing tired of Shelly’s insinuations, Mia furrowed her brow, trying to redirect the conversation. “Ms. Lane, have you settled on a choice?”
Exasperated, Shelly interjected, “Mia, are you planning to leave already? Is this the level of service we should expect from your studio?”
Maya added, “Plus, we haven’t finalized the details for the photo wall.”
Suddenly, Mia’s vision darkened. In a moment of panic, she reached out to steady herself. She inadvertently clutched someone’s wrist, and managed to regain her balance.
Upon reopening her eyes, she murmured a feeble “Thanks.”
“Your complexion looks concerning,” a deep voice replied.
Realizing it was Timothy’s voice, Mia was surprised to find she had unwittingly grabbed his hand.
As she attempted to pull away, he firmly held onto her wrist and instructed, “Sit down.”
At this moment, Shelly angrily turned around and exclaimed, “Mia, what are you doing? Let go right now!”
Noticing Mia and Timothy’s intertwined hands, Maya’s expression tensed.
Mia swiftly pulled her hand away from Timothy’s grasp, meeting his gaze with a reserved demeanor. “I’m fine. This is just part of my job,” she asserted.
Timothy’s voice adopted a chilling edge. “Why risk your well¨Cbeing for work?”
As Mia took a few steps, her vision blurred, and she collapsed.
Instinctively, she braced for a hard impact, but just before hitting the ground, a pair of arms caught her. She was pulled into an embrace that felt both familiar and distant.
Struggling to focus, Mia found it difficult to discern the face above her.
Timothy gently held Mia, deeply alarmed by the cold sweat that covered her and the evident paleness that had washed over her lips.
His eyes narrowed with concern, and without a second thought, he swiftly carried her out of the mall.
Maya hurried to catch up, calling out urgently, “Tim!”
However, she was a moment too late, and the elevator doors shut, leaving her behind.
A scowl darkened Maya’s face. “Do you think Mia orchestrated this?” she asked.
Shelly caught up, remarking, “It’s quite suspicious. Just moments ago, Mia seemed fine, and now she suddenly collapsed, conveniently ending up in Timothy’s arms.”
“Given Mia’s flair for acting, it seems Timothy might be playing right into her hands,” she said snidely.
With a determined gaze, Maya watched as the elevator’s indicator halted at the basement level, likely indicating that Liam was rushing Mia to the hospital.
Maya pushed the elevator button decisively before instructing, “We’re going to the hospital too.”
Aware of Mia’s tactics, Maya remained resolute, refusing to be swayed by Mia’s potential attempt to play the victim.
Mia found herself being cradled in a car, her head resting against a man’s chest.
She sensed a gentle touch on her forehead, followed by the soothing sensation of a towel wiping away her perspiration.
Shivering uncontrollably, Mia gravitated toward the warmth of the man holding her.
Timothy looked down as Mia nestled closer. If he hadn’t known she was unwell, he would have thought she was deliberately acting this way.
Timothy removed his suit jacket and draped it over Mia, making sure she was secure in his embrace.
He leaned forward, instructing the driver, “Head to the nearest major hospital¨Cmake it quick.”
The driver sped toward the nearest public hospital.
Timothy once again felt Mia’s forehead, noting the alarming rise in her temperature.
The car pulled up outside the hospital, and Timothy quickly carried Mia toward the emergency room.
As a gust of wind brushed past them, Mia felt a surge of clarity.
Her eyes opened, locking onto Timothy’s chiseled jawline and tightly pursed lips¨Ccould it truly be him?
She quickly looked away, the bright hospital lights snapping her back to awareness. “Timothy, let me down.”
“Stay still.”
pote
“I don’t need to go to the hospital! I’m perfectly fine!”
Recognizing the potential dangers that standard treatments could present to her unborn child, Mia hesitated.
As a pregnant woman, she understood that even routine remedies for ailments such as colds or fevers might carry risks.
Despite her earlier discomfort, this concern compelled Mia to prioritize returning home for rest over seeking immediate medical attention.
Furthermore, if the doctor were to uncover her pregnancy, it could jeopardize everything for Mia.
Mia was determined to keep her condition a secret from Timothy.
After all, she was merely a month away from finalizing her divorce from him.
“Stay still, Mia,” Timothy cautioned. “I might have to set you down if you don’t.”
Despite his warning, Timothy’s grip remained steadfast as he carefully carried her to a bed in the emergency room and gently eased her down. “Please stay put and wait for the doctor,” he urged.
“I don’t need medical attention. I’m feeling much better,” Mia protested, attempting to sit up.
Ignoring her resistance, Timothy firmly held her in place, hands on either side of her, his gaze unwavering.” Have you lost your mind?” he questioned.