Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

‘Forget about it?’

Ronald was almost convinced that he had misheard Timothy and unknowingly asked, “Are you telling me not to, Mr. Barker?”

Although Timothy never admitted anything, Ronald could clearly see that he cared deeply about Samantha. It was completely different compared to other women!

Penelope might have been by Timothy’s side for the past two years, but he always treated her in a lukewarm manner even though he gave her whatever she wanted. As for those women who took the initiative to court him, he would not even think twice to look at them.

Samantha was the only one who had a repeated effect on his emotions and made him look like any ordinary man.

That was why he could never understand Timothy’s lack of desire to pull himself through a tricky situation.

Ronald was hesitating whether or not to speak up and remind Timothy about the undesirable qualities of such behavior, but then heard Timothy’s charming voice. “You said that Tiana had been showing concern about me these past couple of days? Did she constantly ask about my recovery progress?”

Ronald swallowed back all the advice that he was prepared to give Timothy. Although he could not wrap his head around why Timothy would care so much about Tiana, he replied nevertheless, “Yes. She asks about you every day, and says that she can take care of you at any time if needed.”

“Really?” Timothy’s lips curled into a smile. “If that’s the case, let her have this opportunity then.”

That last sentence startled Ronald, after which he was given a shock!

Timothy was a clean freak who loathed it when strangers touched him. As far as Ronald knew, Timothy had only a rough idea of who Tiana was based on their daily interactions. Did he just appoint her to take care of him?

Could Timothy have been moved by Tiana’s daily greetings? Or was he simply angry because of Samantha’s refusal?

Ronald could never figure out Timothy’s train of thought, but he did not dare to ask further and merely sought confirmation quietly.

“Mr. Barker, are you telling me that you want Tiana to come here and accompany you?”

Timothy had already turned around. As he walked into the room, he said, “No.”

“No?”

The man kept on walking and uttered a couple of words lazily.

Ronald was completely taken aback by what Timothy said and froze as his mind turned blank.

As it turned out, Timothy not only lacked the desire to extirpate himself from thorny circumstances, he also loved playing with fire!

…

At the villa.

Old Madam Barker had lived a long life and her judgment of character was quite accurate. Although Samantha feigned nonchalance before her in the past few days, she was unable to hide it all from the old lady’s eagle eyes.

Adding to that was the fact that Timothy had not come back for several days and there was no news about him. The old lady knew right then that the young couple was facing problems yet again.

She felt saddened.

Since she was already very old, there was no telling when she would be kicking the bucket. For that reason, she wanted to help Timothy and Samantha get together while she still had the mental strength to do so.

Once the young couple’s relationship stabilized, little Timmys and little Sammys would come into the world and she no longer needed to worry that much. By the time she went to heaven to meet her husband, she would not have to feel ashamed.

She held her husband’s photograph and spoke to him for some time, but soon heard Aunt Julia announce Samantha’s return. After putting away the photograph, she stood up and went downstairs.

“Grandma.” Samantha walked over with the fruits she bought. “These are huge and really sweet. I bought you some to try.”

“That’s nice of you.” Old Madam Barker patted Samantha’s head and led the girl to the living room, where they sat down on the sofa. She asked softly, “How’s Corey doing? Is he alright?”

Samantha picked up the fruit while answering, “He’s recovering slowly. If he can keep that up, he might be discharged from the hospital and allowed to stay at home.”

“That’s good to hear. I’m glad.” Old Madam Barker was someone who showed concern for everyone around the people she cared for. She sympathized with Corey as well because he had been ill since childhood. “You can always talk to me if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Grandma,” Samantha replied appreciatively and smiled sweetly.

She then chose a few fruits and said to the old lady, “I’ll go and cut these up for you.”

“Let Julia cut them. I have something to tell you.” Aunt Julia had been waiting at one side and Old Madam Barker gave her a look.

Aunt Julia understood at once. She stepped forward and took the fruit in Samantha’s hand, “I’ll slice them for you, Mrs. Barker.”

Old Madam Barker held Samantha’s hand and pretended to ask casually, “What’s Tim up to these days? How can he leave you alone all the time when the two of you are newlyweds!”

Samantha had a hunch that Old Madam Barker would mention that, but it still came as a shock that her sixth sense would be so accurate.

Then again, it should not have come as a surprise, for Old Madam Barker stayed there because she wanted to monitor Samantha and Timothy.

Samantha was, fortunately, able to respond promptly. Her expression remained unchanged and her tone was calm as she replied naturally, “You know that Timot— Tim has plenty of work to do at the company. Business matters are urgent and I can understand that.”

After a pause, she added, “We still call every night though.”

It was not as though Old Madam Barker would check her cell phone just to see if she called Timothy every night. That was why Samantha could say that without any burden.

However, the elder generation was always wiser than the younger ones. Old Madam Barker put on an extremely kind smile, but she then said, “That would mean you haven’t made any calls yet today, right? He can’t be so busy that he has no time for dinner. Give Tim a call and tell him to come back for dinner tonight.”

In order to prevent Samantha from making further excuses, Old Madam Barker immediately added, “The Barker Group won’t just collapse if he isn’t there for a couple of hours!”

Samantha was no longer able to refute her.

Sure enough, Old Madam Barker was not to be underestimated! It was no surprise then that Timothy looked for Samantha to put on an act!

From the looks of it, that call had to be made!

Samantha took out her cell phone slowly and entered his number at a snail’s pace. Finally, she pressed the dial button under Old Madam Barker’s watchful gaze.

‘That sweet-voiced woman better not pick up again, otherwise, I’d have to lie for that b*tard Timothy!’

Luckily for her, Timothy was the one who answered the call. His low and deep voice said, “Hey.”

Samantha secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She opened her mouth and was about to speak, but then stopped herself again.

Timothy did not know that Old Madam Barker was listening just beside her. If he put on a bad attitude, then the image of a loving married couple would shatter right away.

How could she surreptitiously remind Timothy that she was acting?

Samantha frowned in thought but an idea popped into her mind amidst her anxiety. She coughed slightly, and spoke softly, “Hubby…”

As soon as she said that, her heart skipped a beat and she got goosebumps all over her body.

There was a sudden silence on the other end of the line. Had it not been for Timothy’s breathing, she thought that he had hung up.

Samantha’s heartbeat quickened unknowingly. Timothy ought to pick up on her hints and realize that there was a reason for her to act all weird.. She could only hope that his first words would not be the likes of, ‘Are you sick or something?’