Meet My Brothers by Red Thirteen

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.

silent, her lips pressed together. "Unfortunately, there's no quick

the apparent hypocrisy, I've

feel ashamed?"

But truthfully,

found herself momentarily speechless. In the past, Timothy would likely have left

now, regardless of what was said, Timothy remained as

turned to Ginger and asked, "Are you sure you don't want

head firmly. "I already have plenty.

paused briefly before continuing, "And what about your

remained completely indifferent, paying him no attention at

"Let's hold onto the telescope, but we can donate the rest. Sage isn't

in toys, anyway.

hear that? Please take care of the remaining

clearing away

that there were still quite a few presents remaining. "What are

Should they

Aunt

couldn't be bothered with all of

they found themselves seated around the dinner

as she envisioned the bliss of

the meal, Patricia couldn't

the array of

for