Chapter 121

Maya’s sudden approach caught Mia off guard, sending a ripple of discomfort through her.

What move could Maya attempt to pull off next?

Mia withdrew her arm with a cold expression, suggesting some distance might be wise.

“Even if you and Tim part ways, there’s no reason we can’t remain amicable,” Maya retorted.

A glint of irony lit up Mia’s eyes as she remarked, “Ms. Lane, have you ever seen someone befriend the

‘other

woman‘?”

At the mention of “the other woman,” Maya’s expression instantly darkened.

However, under the watchful eyes of Timothy and Grandma Laura, Maya swiftly shifted to feigned

vulnerability. “Mia, why the animosity? I truly desire harmony among us all.”

Without missing a beat, Sharon jumped to Maya’s defense, casting a reproachful glance at Mia.

“Mia, have you no shame? Look at Mia’s generosity. Who are you to label her as ‘the other woman‘?”

Sharon reprimanded.

“Had you not intervened, Maya might have been my daughter–in–law by now. Imagine, three years

have elapsed. They could’ve even had a couple of kids!” she continued.

With irony in her gaze, Mia retorted, “Well then, here’s to a joyful union and a speedy start to family life.

Would that be satisfactory?”

Sharon’s persistence flared when Mia began to walk away.

“Hold it, Mia! What’s with this hostility? My son is on the brink of proposing to Maya. If you dare to

cause any trouble, I won’t let you off the hook,” Sharon warned sharply.

Timothy intervened. “That’s enough.”

Hearing this, Sharon restrained herself from saying more. “Tim, Mia just dropped by with some food for

Grandma. Keep an eye on her. We can’t afford any slip–ups in front of Grandma.‘

A shadow crossed Timothy’s face. “There won’t be any,” he asserted firmly.

Before Sharon could push further, Maya gently restrained her. “Mrs. Barrett, I have faith in Tim’s

discretion.

After all, we’re all here with Grandma’s best interests in mind.”

“Maya seems more level–headed,” Sharon remarked. “Tim, perhaps you could accompany her to

choose

wedding dresses?”

A flicker of anticipation illuminated Maya’s eyes as she awaited Timothy’s response. Yet, he remained

impassive. “I’m occupied. Let’s not forget, this is merely a facade.”

Timothy turned to Maya. “When can we expect Connor?” he inquired.

+15 BONOS

Mia responded with tension, “Soon.”

Sharon shared the news about the surgery being scheduled at the end of the upcoming month. Maya

sighed in relief. “That’s fine. Connor will be available by the end of the month.”

The extended timeframe provided Maya with a broader window to convince Connor.

“Tim, after consulting with an astrologer, I’ve learned that a favorable date is approaching next week.

How do you feel about getting engaged to Maya on that particular day?” Sharon inquired.

Timothy’s face remained unreadable. “It doesn’t matter.”

With those terse words, he exited the room, leaving behind a fleeting look of apprehension on Maya’s

face.

Sensing Maya’s unease, Sharon reassured her, “Don’t worry. Once we’re free from Mia’s interference,

what began as a pretend engagement might very well turn genuine.”

“And when that happens, you must ensure all your brothers are present for the ceremony,” she said.

Maya, trying to exude confidence, affirmed, “If I’m getting engaged, they’ll be there without a doubt.”

With this development, Maya had secured half of her objective.

If Connor agreed to conduct the surgery, her path to marrying Timothy would likely unfold seamlessly.

As Mia left the hospital, a heavy sense of despondency weighed on Mia.

Despite the summer season, an unshakeable chill seemed to surround her.

As the weekend neared, Mia found herself predominantly confined to her studio. The consistent blast of

cold

air from the air conditioning left her feeling as though she was on the verge of catching a cold.