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 fix for regret in

apparent hypocrisy, I've

you feel ashamed?"

embarrassing. But truthfully, I'm

In the past, Timothy would likely have left by

regardless of what was said, Timothy remained

Timothy turned to Ginger and asked, "Are

head firmly. "I already have plenty. Let's donate them

continuing,

indifferent, paying him

Ginger proposed, "Let's hold onto the telescope,

toys, anyway.

that?

efficiently clearing away

were still quite a few presents remaining. "What are these

gifts are for Aunt Patricia. Should they be

for Aunt Patricia,

be bothered

they found themselves seated around the dinner table, ready

envisioned the bliss of

meal,

array

did you buy so many things for me? I couldn't possibly eat all