Meet My Brothers

Mia gave a slight nod. "Very well," she replied, her voice casting a sudden calm over the living room.

Recalling the earlier exchange, Timothy couldn't suppress a frown. "If you're really into blind dates," he quipped. "Perhaps you should consider a guy who's at least on par with me." What a jerk.

Lifting her gaze, Mia fired back, "That could be quite the challenge, to be honest. After all, it's not easy to find someone beneath you, especially when you've set the bar so low as a despicable ex-husband. "But to find someone better than you? Well, that seems like it wouldn't take much effort at all."

Timothy lapsed into silence, feeling a sting in his chest.

Unfazed, Mia pressed on, "If you have no further business here, you're free to leave. Were you genuinely expecting an invitation to dinner?"

Before Timothy could respond, Ginger dashed out, her gaze fixed on Timothy. "Grand-Aunt Patricia wants to know if you'd like to stay for dinner?"

Mia quickly interjected, "That won't be necessary."

"I'd be happy to," Timothy chimed in.

Stunned, Mia turned to Timothy beside her and retorted, "What's the point of staying? Remember how a certain someone didn't even bother to come meet Aunt Patricia?

"And now, here you are, eagerly wanting to stay. Don't you find that a bit hypocritical?"

As Mia's words faded, Timothy moved closer, bridging the gap between them.

Undeterred, Mia stood her ground, meeting his gaze earnestly.

"It's not just the pain. I also feel deeply regretful," Timothy whispered.

Mia remained silent, her lips pressed together. "Unfortunately, there's no quick fix for regret in this world."

"I understand, but despite the apparent hypocrisy, I've chosen to stay," Timothy affirmed.

"But don't you feel ashamed?" Mia questioned.

"You might see it as embarrassing. But truthfully, I'm completely okay with it," Timothy countered.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Observing Timothy's unabashed demeanor, Mia found herself momentarily speechless. In the past, Timothy would likely have left by now.

But now, regardless of what was said, Timothy remained as steadfast as a rock.

Taking a seat on the couch, Timothy turned to Ginger and asked, "Are you sure you don't want any of the other gifts?"

Ginger shook her head firmly. "I already have plenty. Let's donate them to other children."

Timothy paused briefly before continuing, "And what about your brother?"

However, Sage remained completely indifferent, paying him no attention at all.

After a brief contemplation, Ginger proposed, "Let's hold onto the telescope, but we can donate the rest. Sage isn't particularly

red in toys, anyway.

Addressing Heath, Timothy instructed, "Did you hear that? Please take care of the remaining items."

Heath promptly obeyed, efficiently clearing away the excess gifts.

However, Mia couldn't help but notice that there were still quite a few presents remaining. "What are these for?"

"These gifts are for Aunt Patricia. Should they be taken away as well?"

"If they're intended for Aunt Patricia, then they can stay."

Mia couldn't be bothered with all of this.

Before long, they found themselves seated around the dinner table, ready to eat.

A gentle smile graced Patricia's lips as she envisioned the bliss of having her entire family gathered together harmoniously.

After the meal, Patricia couldn't help

but notice the array of gifts Timothy

had brought. "Why did you buy so many things for me? I couldn't possibly eat all of this by myself."

Standing up from his seat, Timothy reassured her. "It's the least I could do."

"Mia, would you mind showing Mr. Barrett to the door?" Patricia requested.

"Aunt Patricia, please, just call me Timmo," Timothy interjected.

Mia was caught off guard by Timothy's words, feeling a slight twinge of discomfort.

As they walked outside, she turned to Timothy and quipped, "Timmo?"

It seemed that Timothy was quite the performer.

Previously addressing him as "Mr.

"Mr.

Barrett" would have drawn out his icy demeanor. Yet, to Mia's surprise, he now preferred the informat "Timmo".

With a composed demeanor, Timothy replied, "I'll be heading out now. If there are any issues here, feel free to contact me."

"It's alright, I can handle these minor matters myself," Mia responded confidently.

Timothy was suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of defeat, his confidence shaken, uncertain of his next move.

Noticing Timothy's deflated expression, Mia couldn't help but feel a slight sense of satisfaction.

However, just as Timothy started to walk away, he abruptly turned back.