Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Then, he took his phone out to check the price of the house. Ideas began flooding his mind, pieces clicking into place as he devised a plan to win Mia over.
Since Mia was an orphan, she should be someone who yearned for love. This thought lingered in Felix’s mind.
Patricia and Eva checked in on Mia’s well¨Cbeing when she got home. After learning that Mia had fainted due to malnourishment, Patricia whipped up some chicken soup for her.
Nourishing soups weren’t exactly Mia’s favorite, but she didn’t mind having them for the sake of her baby.
She took a break on the couch and glanced at Eva. “Where’s Dominic?”
“He’s at work. Vista Properties expanded a branch in Bern City. He went over to visit his old friend.”
“I see. That’s great. I was able to buy this house thanks to his friend. Maybe I should treat his friend to a meal”
Eva coughed. “It’s fine. Dominic has repaid the favor. We don’t have to do anything.”
When there were no follow¨Cup questions from Mia, Eva breathed a sigh of relief.
Where could Eva possibly find someone to put on a show for her?
Dominic returned home in time for dinner. His brows furrowed when he first saw Mia. ¡®Mia, you should put more care in what you eat. Look at you. You’re all bones.”
The corner of her lips twitched. He was spouting nonsense. She actually gained a few pounds.
He continued, “Mia, don’t worry about the demolition. I went to see an old friend who works in the construction industry. He said he could personally meet with you to get the contracts signed. Don’t let your adoptive parents bother you. There’s nothing they can do about it.”
The meeting he had was with the boss of that construction company, who was willing to let him pull some strings for this.
It was news worth celebrating for Mia. “Fantastic! Your friend has been a huge help. Maybe I should buy him a meal.”
Dominic was stunned in silence. How could he tell her that he was actually that so¨Ccalled friend?
He quickly shook his head. “No need for that. I already treated him to a meal this afternoon.”
In the end, there was nothing Mia could do about it.
That night, she lay in bed, gently caressing her belly.
Her baby was safe, thankfully.
Mia went to work as usual the next day.
A bouquet of roses rested on her desk without a note.
Mia asked out of curiosity, “Did someone make a mistake?”
Her colleagues teased, “Nope. It is specially for you. We’re jealous.”
Mia sneezed at the flowers, rubbing her nose. “Do you know who the sender is?”
“We don’t. Give it a guess.”
However, her colleagues¡® expressions offered a hint as to who the sender could be.
As Mia had expected, Felix showed up with a box of supplements. “Mia, I heard these are great for women. Your blood sugar is low. You should take them.”
Mia forced a smile before declining politely. “No thank you, Felix.”
The others began squealing, “Take them, Mia. Mr. Quilter looked into it, and we pitched in with recommendations.”
He placed the box on the table. “Remember to take them. I’ve got to get back to work now.”
Mia watched him leave and let out a sigh.
She wasn’t oblivious to his feelings for her, but getting into a relationship wasn’t in her plans right now.
Mia handed in her assignments at college, then went shopping with Gina. It had been a while since they last hung out together.
Gina was all smiles. “Mia, I heard your house is going to be demolished. You’re going to be rich! I’m so happy for you!”
“Thanks. I honestly didn’t expect the demolition. But I doubt the compensation will be generous.”
They entered the mall when Mia received a phone call from Felix.
“Mia, where are you? I don’t see you in the office.”
“I’m shopping with my best friend.”
“I see. How about we have dinner together? Bring your friend along too.”
She hesitated momentarily. “Felix, I have dinner plans with my family. My eldest brother and his wife just returned from Nord City.”
Only then did Felix drop the dinner invite.
The call ended, and Gina chimed in. “Why didn’t you say yes? It’s Felix who asked you out for dinner. Don’t worry about me. I won’t be a third wheel*
“Gina, you know I was married. Felix will never accept a divorced woman. Besides, she was carrying her ex- husband’s baby.
No man could ever accept their partner to be like that.
“You’re playing by old rules, Mia. Felix is a great boss and he’s got the potential. Just think about it. Come, I’ll bring you somewhere nice for a manicure. A new nail salon just opened.”
*Count me out. I’m sensitive to the smell.” A pregnant woman like her wasn’t suited for a manicure.
The duo sat down in the nail salon and a pungent smell of perfume wafted their noses. It was so strong that it was repulsive.
Pinching her nose, Mia looked across her shoulder to see a familiar person.
She knew that it wasn’t common for someone to wear so much perfume.
It was Shelly!
Shelly’s high heels clicked as she approached the duo. She sneered, “Mia, do you know how much it costs to get your nails done nere? If you can’t afford it, don’t even try to step foot into the place. It’s not a place for you.”
Gina, never one to back down, barked back, “Only someone as shallow as you would think that a manicure is a luxury privilege. Guess it’s understandable, given that you use up half a bottle of perfume every single time.”
Watch your mouth. Poor people like you only deserve to come with discount vouchers in their hands. The
Alta faked a smile. Hahten up your belt, will you? Your cards are frozen. Best not to humiliate yourself while You’re struggling to pay bills.”
Furious, Shelly raised her voice. That is all your faulll¡®
The mention of the maller set Shelly on edge. She retorted, “Ms. Lane gave me a card, though. I can spend the money however I want. After all, her wedding gift is extravagant.”
Shelly continued, ¡®Mrs. Lane Senior spoils her rotten. I bet Ms. Lane has received a lot of assets, unlike someone who keeps trying to rub shoulders with the rich without knowing her place,”
Gina chuckled. ¡®You blabber with so much confidence that I thought that it was your own money. Turns out it Isn’t. Why are you so pleased about spending someone else’s money?”
Shelly couldn’t find any words to rebut and turned to Mia. “The engagement ceremony is this weekend. Ms. Lane’s brothers will be there. Don’t be jealous,”
Timothy and Maya were about to announce their engagement this weekend?
Mia knew it all along, but it somehow stifled her chest to hear it from Shelly.
Gina snorted. “Well, let’s give that bastard and slut our best wishes then. Besides, Mia’s house is going to be demolished soon. She can find herself a better man at any moment now.”
It was so funny to Shelly that her stomach hurt from laughter. “It’s just a demolition. How can the money change her circumstances for the better?”
Mia pulled Gina away, leaving the place together before things got physical.
Shelly was the daughter of the Barrett family, not someone they could mess with.
Shelly called Wilhelmina while watching Mia leave. “Hey, I heard Mia’s house is getting demolished. Look into the details for me.”
“Okay.” Wilhelmina hung, feeling the cruelty of fate.
Why did get Mia so lucky to have her house demolished?
It was just unfair!
Mia dragged Gina to another floor. Gina couldn’t understand Mia’s reaction. “What’s worrying you, Mia? I could’ve torn her mouth apart. You’re going to be rich because of the demolition, and that bitch is just being jealous.”
Mia sighed. “That’s not jealousy, Gina. It’s mockery.”
“Wait, is your ex¨Chusband that rich?”
Silence hung in the air for a moment before Mia pointed at the advertisement in front of them. “He’s the president of this company.”
“What? Your ex¨Chusband is Barrett Group’s-” Gina covered her mouth in disbelief. “Mia, how could you keep this from me?”
“I signed a prenuptial agreement. I’m prohibited from telling anyone about my relationship with him. Besides.
the self¨Cabasement keeps me from revealing it. Thank God I didn’t tell anyone about it. Otherwise, they would’ve poked fun at me now that I was driven out of the place,” Mia explained.
It took Gina a while to process it all. Eventually, a sigh escaped her lips. “It’s fortunate you’re divorced. You don’t have to endure the Barrett family’s mistreatment anymore.