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.

lips pressed together. "Unfortunately, there's

understand, but despite the apparent hypocrisy, I've chosen to

you feel

might see it as embarrassing. But truthfully, I'm completely

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

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

Ginger and asked, "Are you sure

shook her head firmly. "I already have

paused briefly before continuing, "And

Sage remained completely indifferent, paying him no attention at

brief contemplation, Ginger proposed, "Let's hold onto the telescope, but we can donate

in toys,

instructed, "Did you hear that? Please take care of the remaining

obeyed, efficiently clearing away

but notice that there were still

for Aunt Patricia. Should they be taken away

for Aunt Patricia, then

be bothered with

long, they found themselves seated around the

smile graced Patricia's lips as she envisioned the bliss

the meal,

array of

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