Nicholas stepped forward. "I was the one by Mia's side when she was having a hard time trying to keep Ginger that year. She had to stay in bed in the hospital for a whole month to prevent miscarriage. "You don't know how much she has suffered, so what gives you the right to make decisions when it comes to the child?"Timothy didn't back off. "I didn't know anything about it that year. If I knew what was happening then, I would've stayed by her side to protect them.""Enough. You had your first love with you back then. We won't buy that, we're not fools. I'm not going to let you come close to Mia or hurt her," Nicholas asserted.Nicholas witnessed how Mia overcame her struggles all these years. She suffered a lot in delivering the twins. There was no way he would let Timothy intrude into Mia's life now.Timothy gazed at Mia. "I was wrong that year, so I want to—""But I don't need you to make up for it," Mia interrupted him. "Mr. Barrett, I have everything I need now. I don't n
Noticing Timothy reaching out his hand too, Mia was baffled. She didn't expect him to do the same.Why did he do that? Was he trying to make her choose between him and Nicholas?How naive of him. Just what gave him the right to ask that she stay by his side?She was different from how she was four years ago.Mia merely spared Timothy's hand a glance before walking toward Nicholas. "Nick, you're done with your work already? That's quick."He nodded. "I just went over to hand over a document. It's nothing big."In actuality, he came to the hospital on purpose. He was worried after learning from Connor that Mia was beaten up and hospitalized due to a concussion, so he made an excuse to come over.To his surprise, he found out that Timothy was at the hospital with Mia.As a man himself, Nicholas could tell that Timothy had feelings for her. Otherwise, Timothy wouldn't have become a mere bodyguard for Mia. He would have returned to his position as the president of Barrett Group.
"It's me," Timothy said calmly. Realizing that it was Timothy's voice, Heath's body stiffened. "It is you, Mr. Barrett! Where are you?""Where else can I be? Nord City, of course," Timothy responded."We've been looking all over for you for a long time. I have to lay low in Nord City because the Lanes will send me back again if they catch me," Heath explained.Heath had been hiding himself lately. This was a stark contrast from how he was treated in Bern City. He was treated with respect wherever he went as Timothy's assistant.However, in order to help Timothy win Mia's heart back, Heath had stumbled upon a rough patch recently. He almost broke into tears of joy when he received the call from Timothy.Timothy ordered, "Go to the subsidiary. Find out who's going to collaborate with the Bowens.""Mr. Barrett, I think we should pick you up first. Where are you? The Lanes are looking for us everywhere. If they discover you, they might kill you!""I've met them," Timothy said nonc
Mia's mind buffered for a moment when she heard the voice. "Caleb?"Although she had lost her memories, she had met Caleb on Xavier Island before. She also mistook him for her ex-husband, which turned out to be a huge misunderstanding in the end."Yeah, it's me. I heard that Tim went missing in action after going to Nord City with you. I contacted Heath. According to him, your brothers had taught him a lesson and so they were hiding in Nord City. Then, they lost track of Tim's whereabouts." His tone was anxious. He was so worried these days.Hearing that, Mia asked dubiously, "Timothy's assistant is still in Nord City?"If her memories served her right, she had sent Timothy's men back to Bern City.Before she sent them back, Jason had locked them all up. She then secretly sent them back because she didn't want anything dangerous to happen.Jason didn't question her actions either.Caleb continued, "Then, a few days ago, I read a scandal about you. The bodyguard with sunglasses
Nicholas stole a glimpse of Mia. "Dominic doesn't know that Timothy's with you, does he?"She nodded. "No, but Eva knows. I told her not to tell him. You know his temper. If he finds out that Timothy's with me, things will be way worse."She was aware that Dominic cared for her, but he had a vile temper and impulsive character. She didn't want to see bloodshed happening because of this.Nicholas noded. "I know."Mia reminded him, "Don't let your tongue slip later. Please help me keep this a secret."He promised, "Sure thing."She breathed a sigh of relief. They arrived at the Lane residence. As soon as she showed up, the maids reported, "Ms. Mia is back."She walked into the posh living room, and soon, Eva breezed out of the kitchen. "Mia, you're back. I made your favorite soup. You should have more later."Mia pulled Eva's hand. "Definitely! It's been years since I last tasted your cooking."Eva grinned. "Nicholas, you're here too? Come, come. Let's eat together. It's been
"Dominic, everyone's busy with work nowadays. We leave things like love to fate. That's old-fashioned of you," Mia voiced out, trying to smoothen the conversation over for Nicholas.Dominic was rendered speechless. Everyone could tell that Nicholas had feelings for her, but she was too dense to catch it. Otherwise, why did he stay single all these years?Hearing that, Nicholas felt relieved although he couldn't help the indescribable emotions churning in him.He was aware that Mia didn't feel the same for him. That was why he had been staying by her side to protect her. Did he confess? No.Dominic prompted, "Nicholas, come with me."Although he didn't wish for Mia to marry those bastards out there, Nicholas had been staying by her side for four years. Nicholas was a decent man; he always carried himself properly and was never involved in scandals. On the other hand, Mia was worried when Nicholas was called out by Dominic alone. Did Dominic find out about Timothy's situ
Only then did Mia comprehend the situation. Eva was attempting to match her with Nicholas!Ginger put her spoon down and scurried out of the dining room, leaving the trio behind."Eva, why did you ask that?" Mia wanted to confirm with Eva."Since you're asking, I might as well go straight to the point with you. You've been single for years and you recovered your memories. "You're perfectly fine, so you can think about your love life now. We know Nicholas well enough. He has been staying by your side and looking after Sage for four years. Dominic and I think that he's a good candidate.""Wait, wait, wait. Hold it." Mia quickly poured herself a glass of fruit juice, taking a few sips of it to calm herself down.This entire time, she had never once thought about her love life, let alone about the man who had been by her side.Eva questioned, "Mia, do you not like him?""Eva, Nicholas and I do get along well, but I only see him as my brother. I don't have special feelings for him.
Mia immediately sensed that something was off. Raking her fingers through her hair, she said, "Nick, ignore whatever Dominic told you in the study. They were just kidding."It slipped her mind that Dominic must've summoned Nicholas to the study because of what Eva said to her earlier. She was awash in embarrassment. Clearly, Nicholas hadn't wanted to develop a romantic relationship with her—their relationship was strictly platonic. Dominic's meddling was only making things awkward for them. Nicholas lowered his head and said meekly, "Actually, I don't think I should ignore it."Mia was baffled. "To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised with what Dominic told me earlier."Mia was stunned. Spiraling in bewilderment, she was at a loss for words. As she studied Nicholas closely, she seemed to notice a distinctive glint in his eyes. It finally struck her that he might have feelings for her. Still, she'd failed to spot anything different regarding his attitude toward her. In fac