The loser
And just like that, the CEO ceased his nighttime lessons with his wife and dedicated himself to teaching her full time.
Their bedroom lounge served as the classroom, and Shawn devoted all his attention to ensuring Mia comprehended every subject he taught.
Mia appeared to be making progress, though she encountered difficulties with Mathematics, prompting them to concentrate more on that subject.
Although she initially didn’t like the arrangement, over time, she realized it wasn’t a bad idea after all; in fact, it was the best idea.
At school, the teachers focused on all the students collectively, often neglecting the needs of average and struggling students. However, at home, Mia received undivided attention.
And with Shawn being her teacher, she found learning easy. For that, she was extremely grateful to him.
During one of their routine study sessions, Mia couldn’t contain her concern any longer and asked, “You haven’t been going to work because of me, I feel bad. Is it really okay?” Her voice, soft as silk, filled the room.
The man let out a small smile, saying, “Don’t trouble yourself about that.”
The girl gazed at her husband with gratitude in her eyes.
She was aware that he had much work to manage at the office, yet, every day, he stayed back to teach her. Tears of appreciation filled her eyes, her heart swelling with warmth.
Unbeknownst to Mia, while she peacefully slept, her husband would retire to his study at night, burying himself in work until the early hours of dawn, every single day.
—–
Days swiftly passed by, and before one realized it, the awaited day had arrived the following week.
Due to an unexpected business trip abroad, Shawn had to fly out the day before, leaving him unable to accompany his wife to the test center.
However, he made sure to instruct Madam Susan to wake Mia up personally before his departure. Knowing well how much of a sleepyhead the Little One was, the CEO knew that an alarm alone wouldn’t suffice.
After hastily dressing up, Mia rushed out of the house and got in the car. She skipped breakfast, planning to fast intermittently throughout the day.
As she left, the maids wished her well. Having seen the effort the Young Master had put into preparing the Madam, it was a must for her to come out in flying colors in her exam.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
The Young Master’s effort mustn’t go to waste.
Jasper, upon arriving at the exam center, wished the Madam luck as she stepped out of the car amidst the noisy crowd. With hundreds of students taking the exam, the entrance was chaotic, and Mia had to struggle her way through.
Soon, the national college entrance examination commenced. During her first exam, Mia realized why the CSAT was considered the toughest exam. However, being tutored by her scholarly husband, she hoped to manage it.
With the fear of Shawn’s potential disappointment in her if she failed, she remained steadfast throughout the grueling eight-hour ordeal, pouring herself into every question.
—
By the time Mia emerged from the center, the entrance was swarming with people.
Parents, family, friends, and well-wishers of the students who had taken the CSAT at that center were scattered about, carrying flowers, cards, and chocolate boxes, eagerly awaiting their loved ones to exit the exam hall.
Just as she was making her way, she accidentally collided with someone. Looking up to apologize, the person turned out to be her father. Mia froze and her heart immediately began to beat erratically.
The father and daughter locked eyes, their gaze unbroken for quite some time.
Barbara, lost in anticipation of her daughter’s return from the exam hall, noticed that her husband had stopped responding beside her.
She tore her gaze from the exam center entrance and saw the situation. She wasn’t surprised to see her stepdaughter. She knew Mia would also be there since she was taking the CSAT.
She had even prepared a small bouquet for Mia, in case the girl came their way-and she did.
“Ah! Look who we have here!” Barbara exclaimed.
Arnold diverted his gaze at once, clearing his throat.
“How was your exam? I’m sure you aced it and made us proud.” Barbara piped. “I prepared this for you.” She added and hurriedly pushed the bouquet into Mia’s hands.
Arnold frowned, questioning, “Why give that to her? Shouldn’t that be for my daughter?”
Barbara chuckled uneasily, glancing at Mia.
“Honey, don’t say that-Mia’s also your daughter,” She chided in a hushed tone.
He grunted, insisting, “Nonsense. I only have one daughter.”
Mia managed a quiet “thank you” to Barbara.
Although already accustomed to her father’s chilly demeanor, she still felt the sting of his hurtful words. Was he aware of Barbara’s attempt to sell her off and just wasn’t concerned? Her heart sank deeper.
“These days, you haven’t been coming home often. It would be nice to have you around more. Don’t worry about your father’s remarks; he didn’t mean any of the things he said to you that day,” Barbara said gently. “Since you’re done with high school, you should consider moving back in.”
Mia sighed internally, feeling frustrated by her stepmother’s feigned kindness in front of her father. Would the witch ever stop?
Barbara knew Mia would decline her offer, which would further damage her image in her father’s eyes, so she suggested it deliberately.
“I’ll think about it,” Mia replied, trying to keep her emotions in check.
Even with that, Arnold was enraged and wanted to scold the girl. How pompous!
As he opened his mouth to speak…
Right at this moment, Barbara noticed her daughter walking out of the exam center, scanning the area for her parents.
She immediately called out, “Oh, Vivian!” Her face glowed with pride.
Upon hearing this, Arnold’s attention shifted towards Vivian, and a warm smile spread across his face. He completely forgot about the girl beside him.
Watching her father’s affectionate expression, Mia couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. Did he really not love her anymore?
Before Vivian reached them, Mia turned away slowly, her heart heavy with disappointment.
From the corner of her eye, Barbara saw the girl walking away dejectedly and smirked. “That wench,” she thought, “Useless bastard.”
To think she had given her the flowers she intended on giving her daughter… Since Arnold was present, she could only hand over the huge bouquet of flowers to Mia instead of the small one, out of eye service.
It was a great thing Mia knew her place and was walking away like the loser she was. The sooner the little wench realized she had no place in the Thompson family, the better for her.
Barbara turned her full attention to her daughter.
The family of three chatted away happily as they made their way to their car, which soon disappeared from view.
As Mia headed back to the car, she let out a tired sigh, and Jasper held the car door open for her.
Noticing the disappointment etched on the Madam’s face, Jasper furrowed his brow. Was the exam that bad? If only it were possible, he would have gladly taken the test for her.
Mia got in the car begrudgingly and heaved a sigh for the umpteenth time.
With a concerned look, Jasper gently shut the car door and settled into the driver’s seat.
“What’s the matter?” A deep husky voice resonated beside Mia.