Chapter 61 – Mia Bowen and Her Brothers Novel

Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel

After a brief pause, Connor responded, “The registration and payment details displayed the name ¡®Timothy.¡® A

single glance was enough for me to recognize it.”

A sudden realization dawned on Mia. She hadn’t been aware that Timothy had also taken care of her medical expenses.

She delicately touched her belly, feeling a wave of gratitude for running into Connor. Without his unexpected appearance, concealing her pregnancy today would have been a challenge.

If Timothy had urged Mia to follow the prescribed medication, she might have felt compelled to disclose the truth for the safety of her unborn child.

Connor’s attention turned to Mia’s belly. “Mia, are you planning to keep the baby?”

Mia’s hand paused, her resolve evident. “Yes, Connor, I’ve decided to keep this child. I’ll work tirelessly to make sure we have everything we need.”

“It’s not just about the finances, Mia. Why would you want to keep the child of such a scoundrel?”

“Because, for the first time, I won’t be alone,” Mia confessed.

A sudden pang gripped Connor’s heart. He momentarily shielded his face before regaining his composure. “If that’s what you truly want, then so be it.”

“By the way, Connor, I haven’t shared my pregnancy with anyone, not even Aunt Patricia. Can you help me keep it confidential?”

“Of course. And for now, it might also be wise not to inform Dominic. He may be understanding most of the time, but he can be impulsive. I don’t want him to push you into any hasty decisions about the pregnancy,” Connor agreed.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but Dominic may have concerns about you taking on the role of a single mother,” Connor advised.

Mia nodded appreciatively. “I understand, Connor. Thank you.”

For Mia, she wasn’t just facing single motherhood¨Cshe was also navigating the complexities of being an unwed mother.

In many ways, the two roles seemed intertwined.

Yawning slightly, Mia felt a wave of drowsiness wash over her. She shifted her gaze to Connor’s pocket and remarked, “Connor, noticed your phone lighting up earlier. Did someone try to call you?”

Glancing briefly at his phone, Connor noted a missed call from Maya.

A hint of remorse flickered in his eyes as he casually pocketed the device. “It’s not urgent. Anyway, you should prioritize staying hydrated and getting some rest.”

Heeding his advice, Mia took a few sips of water before settling down to rest.

Connor lingered nearby. As his gaze drifted momentarily to Mia’s belly, a surge of emotions welled up within him.

Heaven forbid he ever discovered the identity of the child’s father!

Should the truth come to light, there would undoubtedly be severe repercussions.

The mere thought filled Connor with a boiling rage.

As Genevieve approached the infusion room to speak to Connor, he emerged, interjecting, “What’s the matter?”

“Dr. Lane, there’s someone here to see you. She claims to be your sister,” Genevieve relayed.

A frown creased Connor’s forehead. “I’m preoccupied now and don’t have the time.”

Connor harbored deep reservations about the Barrett family at the moment.

Just moments ago, Timothy had gone out of his way to accompany Mia to the hospital.

Would someone of Timothy’s status, the heir to such a notable family, involve himself with Mia, a mere caregiver?

As a man, Connor could discern Timothy’s underlying motives with clarity.

If it were anyone else, Connor might have overlooked it. But when it concerned Mia, the stakes were entirely different.

How could someone like Timothy be deemed suitable for his sister?

However, just as Connor was about to turn away, he caught sight of Maya emerging from the adjacent elevator, and their eyes met in a direct gaze.

Upon spotting Connor, Maya dashed toward him, her face lit up with surprise and joy. “Connor, is that really you? I almost thought I was imagining things.”

Connor furrowed his brow subtly and instinctively moved away from the infusion room, aiming to avoid being seen by Mia.

Honestly, he now felt a twinge of regret. Why did he ever agree with Dominic to bring Maya home as a replacement sister?

Now, each time he encountered his biological sister, Mia, a pang of guilt washed over him.

Taking another look at Maya, Connor recognized the absence of a profound emotional bond between them.

Given that Maya typically resided with Laura and seldom interacted with him and his brothers, their sibling connection lacked depth.

Yet, from a young age, Maya consistently gravitated toward them, often displaying overt efforts to gain their approval.

This lingering dynamic was also a reason for Connor’s lukewarm feelings toward Maya.

With a strained smile, Maya questioned, “Connor, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

“Not particularly. Anyway, why were you looking for me?”

“Connor, I’ve been trying to reach you earlier with no luck. You didn’t answer calls or respond to my WhatsApp messages. Seeing you here in Bern City, do you know how thrilled I am?”

With Connor in Bern City, Maya felt a surge of optimism.

Could his presence there mean that she was close to gaining his consent for Laura’s surgery?

Maintaining his stoic expression, Connor replied, “Work has been keeping me occupied.”

“Connor, I get why you kept your presence in Bern City a secret. But I genuinely care for Timothy.

“If you help with his grandmother’s surgery, he’ll agree to marry me. You know I’ve rarely asked you for anything. Can’t you help me just this once?”

Maya pleaded with a puppy¨Cdog eyes. Her hunched stance made her look pitiful.

At the mere mention of Timothy’s name, Connor’s expression hardened. “No way!”

If Maya were to marry Timothy, wouldn’t that mean regular interactions between the Barrett and Lane families? Furthermore, what exactly was so appealing about Timothy anyway?

Maya’s expression soured slightly. “Connor, why not? The Barrett family’s prominence in Bern City is undeniable, and Timothy is incredibly capable. He’d be a suitable match.”

“He’s been through a marriage.”

“But I’m okay with that.”

“I’m not.”

With a stern tone, Connor asserted, “Maya, I’ll say it once more: I won’t perform the surgery, nor will I support your union with Timothy. I’m doing this for your well¨Cbeing.”

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Maya standing by herself, her face etched with discontent.

Observing Connor’s departure, she grappled with the reasons behind his strong opposition.

Yet, amid her confusion, there was a sliver of solace: Connor’s actions seemed to stem from a place of concern for her well¨Cbeing.

This suggested that there was still an opportunity to sway his decision.

After all, she was the cherished young lady of the Lane family.

She swiftly dialed Blake, her assistant. “Blake, Connor has been at the public hospital in Bern City for some time now. Why wasn’t I informed?

“You’ve been searching extensively yet couldn’t determine Connor’s whereabouts?”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Lane. Dr. Lane values his privacy and has never been fond of having an assistant around. Keeping tabs on him, particularly when he chooses to be elusive, is quite the challenge.”

“This is unacceptable! Investigate why Connor is in Bern City and explore any possible history between him and Timothy. Conduct a thorough investigation.”

With a sense of exasperation, Maya ended the call.

Apart from the incident three years ago, was there another reason why Connor harbored such strong resentment toward Timothy?

The intensity of Connor’s disapproval toward Timothy seemed to have amplified over time.

Awakening from her slumber, Mia immediately recognized the familiar scent of hospital disinfectant, confirming she was still within the hospital premises.

Nonetheless, her condition had improved.

It was evident that the medicine Connor recommended had worked effectively.

“Ms. Bowen, you’re awake. Do you need assistance to go to the restroom, or would you prefer something to eat?”

Mia looked at the caregiver beside her, puzzled. “Who are you?”

“I’m Ursula, the caregiver arranged by your family.”

It seemed that Connor had arranged for a caregiver to assist her.

Feeling hungry, Mia politely asked, “Could you please bring me some chicken soup? I’d prefer something light.”