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 this

but despite the apparent hypocrisy, I've

don't you feel ashamed?"

embarrassing. But truthfully, I'm completely okay with it,"

speechless. In the past, Timothy would likely have

said, Timothy remained as steadfast as

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

have plenty. Let's donate them to other

briefly before continuing, "And what about

completely indifferent, paying him

hold onto the telescope, but

in toys, anyway.

hear that? Please take care

efficiently clearing away the

Mia couldn't help but notice that there were still quite a few presents remaining.

Should they be taken away as

they're intended for Aunt Patricia, then they

be bothered

seated around the dinner table, ready to

Patricia's lips as she envisioned the

meal, Patricia

notice the array of

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