Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Was there some unresolved history between Connor and Maya?
Meanwhile, Connor appeared somewhat impatient as he addressed Maya, “I’ve told you before that I’m busy with work. I don’t have time to attend your engagement.”
“But Dominic assured me that you would find time. I wouldn’t want my engagement to go by without a single family member present. It would deeply hurt me.”
“If you’re adamant about having your family present, why did you turn down Dominic’s offer to help you locate your biological family?” Connor questioned.
Upon hearing this, Maya’s complexion grew pale.
A flicker of guilt crossed Maya’s eyes; she harbored no desire to be reunited with her biological family.
Being discarded in the past signified their lack of desire for her, or perhaps an inability to provide for her.
With the Lane family offering such favorable conditions and Maya holding the title of heiress, she wondered if it was necessary to search for her birth parents.
Was biological family really that important?
Having experienced hardships in the orphanage, Maya recognized the significance of wealth and social standing. Hence, she had no interest in reconnecting with her birth family.
With a hint of reluctance, Maya responded, “Regardless of whether I find my biological family or not, it doesn’t impact my engagement.
“You all are my family now, and that’s why I sincerely hope you can join me and Timothy for our engagement ceremony.”
Connor observed her with a scrutinizing gaze. “Maya, you’ve achieved your goal. I’ve agreed to perform the surgery on Grandma. There’s no need to be overly demanding.”
“But Connor, I’m a part of the family too. How can asking for your presence at my wedding be considered greedy?”
*Dominic was the one who brought you back initially. Honestly, I never supported Dominic’s decision, so I’ve never really regarded you as my sister.
“And let’s not forget, Maya, the years you’ve spent claiming the title of the Lane family heiress¨Cyou’re well aware of your actions.
“I know precisely what kind of person you are, so it’s in your best interest to show some restraint.”
Due to Connor’s understanding of Maya’s nature, he decided to conceal her identity and refrain from publicly disclosing Mia’s, aiming to prevent any potential drastic actions from Maya.
With this revelation. Maya’s last glimmer of hope was shattered as she realized that pretense was no longer a viable option.
During her childhood, Connor had seen through her facade on several occasions. As a result, she had always kept her distance from him, fearing that he might expose her true identity.
Brushing away the tears in her eyes, Maya responded calmly, “Connor, Dominic assured me that you and the others would be present at my engagement.
“If not, I’ll be left with no choice but to inform Grandma.”
“You wouldn’t dare!” Connor snapped.
“Connor, I don’t want to disturb Grandma’s peace, considering her kindness toward me over the years. All I’m asking is for my family to be there with me during the engagement ceremony¨Ca simple request.”
With her words lingering in the air, Maya gracefully turned and walked away. However, her expression was notably grim, She hadn’t anticipated Connor to unveil everything so directly.
Nevertheless, it didn’t matter. Once she married Timothy, she wouldn’t have to endure such humiliation anymore.
As Maya departed, Mia emerged from around the corner. Approaching Connor, she cautiously began, “Connor, is that you?”
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Initially feeling a bit agitated, Connor’s demeanor shifted to surprise upon hearing Mia’s voice. “Mia, why are you at the hospital? Are you feeling unwell?”
“I came for a prenatal checkup and thought I’d drop by to see you: I didn’t expect to find you talking to Maya, so I decided not to interrupt,” Mia explained.
Connor’s expression grew uneasy. “You saw us?”
Mia nodded. “Connor, do you happen to know Maya?”
To Mia, it appeared they were more than mere acquaintances, almost as if they shared a deeper connection.
Connor’s mind raced, and he quickly clarified, “Maya approached me to discuss Grandma Laura’s surgery. I’ll be performing the procedure this time.”
“Oh, I see. With your expertise, I trust you’ll handle it well,” Mia replied.
She was aware of the intricate nature of this surgery, requiring collaboration among several doctors, but she hadn’t expected Connor to be involved.
Relieved that Mia accepted his explanation, Connor instinctively let out a sigh.
Fortunately, she harbored no suspicions. He had come dangerously close to slipping up just moments ago.
Mia spoke up. “Connor, given your Involvement in this surgery, please Inform me promptly if there’s any update on Grandma Laura’s condition.”
Indeed, Mia was genuinely concerned about Laura’s wellbeing.
Observing Mia’s compassionate demeanor, Connor couldn’t help but sigh. “Mia, don’t worry. Grandma Laura will be just fine. I promise.”
Connor would undoubtedly put forth his best effort in performing the surgery, ensuring that Mia could sever all ties with the Barrett family.
After Mia’s departure. Connor called Dominic and inquired, “Hey Dominic, when did I agree to attend Maya’s engagement ceremony?”
Clearing his throat, Dominic explained. “Well, didn’t I mention that I won’t be able to make it?”
“Come on, Dominic. If you made a promise, it’s your responsibility to follow through. I never agreed to attend Maya’s engagement ceremony in the first place.” Connor retorted.
He disapproved of Maya’s manipulative tactics¨Cusing Laura as leverage.
If Maya were obedient and compliant, it would be a different story. However, Maya’s actions contradicted the innocent facade she portrayed.
Indeed, Connor harbored a profound disdain for individuals who exhibited a two¨Cfaced character.
Sighing on the other end of the line. Dominic conceded, “Alright, I’ll make a trip to Bern City in a couple of days.
“Given the unfair accusations against Mia, Eva and I have decided to go over personally and assess the situation for our peace of mind.
“Regarding Maya’s engagement, here’s my plan…” Dominic proceeded to share his thoughts.
Connor pondered for a moment. “I think that could work, but I’m unsure if Maya will agree. It’s still worth a shot.
I
“However, I hope we can keep Mia’s presence under wraps. I’m concerned it might bring harm to her.
“Con, Maya wouldn’t stoop to that level,” Dominic reassured.
Upon hearing this, Connor was at a loss for words.
Despite Dominic’s seemingly aloof exterior, he harbored a deep sense of trust for his family, extending that trust even to Maya, who had been adopted into their family.
In the end, Connor didn’t press further. As long as Maya married Timothy and remained in Bern City, that would suffice.
Once Mia returned to Nord City in the future, nobody would dare mistreat her.
Upon the birth of Mia’s child, they would seamlessly become a cherished member of the Lane family.
Mia would also be able to enjoy a sense of autonomy and protection in Nord City, with no external interference.
Considering these factors, attending Maya’s engagement ceremony seemed like a sensible choice for Connor.
After all, it could be seen as his final farewell to Maya.
Returning home to rest, Mia found herself greeted by an intriguing revelation the next day¨CMaya’s impending engagement had seized the media’s attention, dominating the entertainment headlines.
Mia stumbled upon photos of Maya trying on her wedding dress, the very same dress she had glimpsed at Maya’s villa.
With the engagement date now revealed, Mia remained unfazed, having anticipated this development.
She attended her college classes as usual and then went to the studio for work.
Having repeated a grade, she found herself less acquainted with her current classmates and had no inclination to form close bonds with them.
Upon entering the studio, Mia observed that Wilhelmina’s workspace had been vacated, devoid of any personal items.
Reflecting on Wilhelmina’s downfall, Mia couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.
After all, Wilhelmina was once a proficient designer, showcasing her talent by securing second place in the esteemed Fleur International Design competition.
Unfortunately, she had taken a wrong turn in her career, leading to a downward spiral.
Mia’s thoughts then drifted to her marriage with Timothy, drawing eerie parallels to Wilhelmina’s predicament.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
Upon seeing the caller’s number, a subtle squint emerged in Mia’s eyes. She hadn’t spoken to Mary in quite some time.
The unexpected call from her already hinted at troubling news.
Mia glanced at her phone but refrained from answering, sensing that it probably wasn’t good news she was about to receive.
The persistent ringing, however, showed no signs of stopping.