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.

just the pain. I

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

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

you feel ashamed?" Mia

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

momentarily speechless. In the past,

was said, Timothy remained

asked, "Are you

already have plenty.

before continuing, "And what

paying him

a brief contemplation, Ginger proposed, "Let's hold onto the telescope, but we can donate the rest. Sage isn't particularly red in

instructed, "Did you hear that?

obeyed, efficiently clearing

there were still quite a few presents

Patricia. Should

they're intended for Aunt Patricia, then

be bothered with all of

long, they found themselves seated around the dinner table, ready to

the bliss of having