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.

I also feel

there's no

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

don't you feel

see it as embarrassing. But truthfully,

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

regardless of what was said, Timothy remained

and asked, "Are you

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

continuing, "And what about your

indifferent, paying

proposed, "Let's hold onto the telescope, but we can donate the rest. Sage isn't

hear that? Please

clearing away the excess

still quite a few presents remaining. "What are these

Should

they're intended for Aunt Patricia,

be bothered

themselves seated around the dinner table, ready

Patricia's lips as she envisioned the bliss of having her