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

but despite the apparent hypocrisy, I've chosen to stay,"

you feel ashamed?" Mia

it as embarrassing. But truthfully,

speechless. In the past, Timothy would likely have left by

of what was said, Timothy

on the couch, Timothy turned to Ginger and asked, "Are you sure you don't want any of

"I already have plenty. Let's donate them to

briefly before continuing, "And what about

indifferent, paying him no attention at

"Let's hold onto the telescope, but we

toys,

hear that? Please take care

obeyed, efficiently clearing away

that there were still quite

Should they

for Aunt Patricia, then they

be bothered with all

found themselves seated around the dinner table,

as she envisioned the bliss of

the meal,

notice the array of gifts

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