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.

the pain. I also feel deeply

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

hypocrisy, I've chosen to

don't you feel

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

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

regardless of what was said, Timothy remained as steadfast as

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

her head firmly. "I already have plenty.

briefly before continuing, "And what about

completely indifferent, paying him

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

Heath, Timothy instructed, "Did you hear that? Please take care of

clearing away the

that there were still quite a few presents remaining.

Should they be taken away as

Aunt Patricia, then

bothered with

themselves seated around the dinner

she envisioned the bliss