**Mia's POV**The hostess guided me through La Maison's elegant dining room, weaving between tables filled with the city's well-dressed lunch crowd. My lower back ached slightly as I followed her. Side effect of carrying twins."Just over there," she said, gesturing toward a corner booth where I immediately spotted Scarlett's unmistakable red hair. Scarlett was laughing at something Morton had said, her head thrown back in that carefree way I'd always envied. They hadn't noticed me yet, giving me a moment to observe them unguarded.Something about Scarlett looked different. She was still stunning, of course - impeccably styled in what was probably this season's latest designer outfit. But there was something else, something new. A softness around her edges, perhaps? A contentment I'd never associated with my perpetually restless best friend.Oh, I guessed I found the word. Scarlett was happily married.Morton leaned in, saying something that made her smile again. He looked every bit
**Mia's POV**Paris.The word lingered in my mind like the aftertaste of expensive wine. I watched Scarlett's animated face as she continued outlining her vision for our Paris trip, her hands moving while Morton looked on her."We could stay at Le Meurice," Scarlett was saying, scrolling through something on her phone. "Their suites have the most gorgeous views of Tuileries Garden."I pushed my half-eaten salad around the plate, considering the possibility with surprising seriousness. "I don't know, Scar. Paris is a long flight for someone who has to pee every twenty minutes," I said, but my tone lacked conviction.The truth was, the idea had taken root. I wasn't too far along yet—just starting my sixth month. Flying was still safe according to Dr. Matthews, and travel would become increasingly uncomfortable as the twins grew. If I was ever going to see this architecture firm, now might be the perfect window."First class has bathrooms," Scarlett countered immediately. "And we can re
Mia's POVI rubbed absently at my lower back where one of the twins was pressing uncomfortably. I had to talk to Nate about it. The thought came unbidden, surprising me with its immediacy. Not just because he'd suggested the firm originally, but because... well, because I wanted his opinion. Because something about our last conversation still felt unfinished.Gas came bounding to the door when I arrived home, his entire body wiggling with excitement as if I'd been gone for days instead of hours. I crouched awkwardly to scratch behind his ears, my center of gravity shifting daily as the twins grew."Hey buddy," I murmured as he pressed his head against my hand. "Miss me?"Mom appeared in the hallway, looking refreshed after her afternoon rest."How was lunch?" she asked, moving to help me with my coat. "Scarlett still trying to set you up with her brother?"I laughed. "Now you know too, Mom? Scarlett is really crazy!""Please. That girl's been playing matchmaker since you were both in
Mia's POVThe next morning brought sunshine streaming through my curtains and the insistent buzz of my phone. I reached for it blindly, still half-asleep, and squinted at the screen. Five missed calls from my lawyer, three texts from Scarlett (already sharing links to Paris apartments "just in case you fall in love with the city!"), and one unexpected message from Kyle.*Morning. Hope you're feeling well. The trust paperwork is ready when you are.*My fingers hovered over the screen. The trust paperwork. Of course. Despite everything, Kyle was still ensuring the twins would be financially secure. It was the responsible thing to do, the practical thing. I told him I would raise my child by myself, but he obviously doesn't care what I think. Fine.I set the phone aside without replying.Gas stretched beside the bed, his morning routine of downward dog followed by an enthusiastic full-body shake that always made me smile."Morning, buddy," I said, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed
Mia's POVNate's response was simple and polite.*Bernard Leblanc is still there, and would definitely meet with you. When are you going? I can set something up.*The knot of anxiety in my chest loosened slightly. *Around the 15th, for two weeks. Still finalizing details. Would really appreciate the introduction.*Three dots appeared, disappeared, then reappeared.*Absolutely. I'll email him today. How are you feeling these days? *We all silently agreed not to mention what happened last time.*I am okay. How are your dogs?**Missing their friend Gas. Marie keeps checking his usual spots when we go to the park.*So did Gas. I smiled.*He misses them too. Actually, I was wondering if you might be able to help with something else. If I go to Paris, I'll need someone to check on Gas during the day. Mom will be with him at night, but she's still not up for walks. Would you be interested? He loves your dogs, and they already have a routine.*The three dots appeared almost immediately.*Of
Mia's POVThe next day, Dr. Matthews officially cleared me for travel, with the usual cautions about staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks. And Scarlett, of course, sent daily updates about itinerary adjustments and accommodation options each more luxurious than the last. And Kyle continued to text about the trust paperwork. For some reason, I gave him a perfunctory reply. And I delayed the meeting we had previously agreed upon. Kyle always makes me unhappy. I hate that he has this power over me. So I tried to save myself by not seeing him.Then Wednesday arrived.The West End Cafe was quiet at three o'clock, the lunch crowd long gone and the after-work rush not yet begun. I spotted Nate immediately at a corner table, already waiting despite my being five minutes early. "Mia," he smiled, pulling out a chair for me. "You look well.""Thanks," I settled into the seat, grateful to be off my feet. "Though 'well' is a relative term these days. Pretty sure I've officially entered th
Mia's POVDust motes that danced in the air like tiny stars when I woke up. I watched them for a moment, mesmerized by their silent ballet, before my phone's alarm shattered the peaceful moment."Alright," I muttered, reaching to silence it.My prenatal appointment was in two hours. The last one before Paris. I should have been excited. Dr. Matthews had promised detailed ultrasound images today.Gas shifted at my feet, his warm weight a comforting presence. He sensed my mood, as he always did, and crawled up beside me to rest his head on my growing belly."Thanks, buddy," I whispered, scratching behind his ears. "Always looking out for us, aren't you?"My phone buzzed with an incoming text. Scarlett, of course.Good luck at your appointment today! Tell those twins their fabulous Aunt Scarlett says NO growing too big before Paris! I have outfits planned!I smiled, typing back: I'll relay the message, but they don't seem to listen to anyone these days.Getting out of bed had become a st
Mia's POV"Catherine," I managed, suddenly self-conscious about my casual attire and still-damp hair. "This is unexpected.""I should have called first," she acknowledged, setting her handbag on the entry table. "But I was in the neighborhood for an early meeting, and I thought..." She hesitated. "I hope I'm not intruding.""Not at all," Mom said smoothly, always the gracious hostess. "Would you like some coffee? Tea?"I knew my mother has a complicated attitude towards Catherine. She had heard all the things I have told her about Catherine. She knew that Catherine is kind to me. But mom also can be uncontrollably angry about everything to do with Kyle."Tea would be lovely," Catherine smiled, moving further into the apartment.Her gaze swept over our modest living room—so different from the palatial spaces she was used to. If she found it lacking, she gave no indication."Sarah, your home is charming," she said, settling onto our couch. "So warm and inviting.""Thank you," Mom replie
Mia's POVA knock at the door interrupted our banter. Morton poked his head in, looking slightly apologetic."Dinner's almost ready," he announced. "Nothing fancy, but there's roast beef, potatoes, and some vegetables. Mia, I assumed you'd stay? There's plenty."Gas perked up at the mention of food, his tail wagging hopefully."Don't worry, buddy," Morton assured him. "I've got something for you too."By the time we finished eating, however, Scarlett was visibly flagging, the brief burst of energy from leaving her sickbed rapidly depleting."You should get back to bed," I said gently, noting the renewed flush in her cheeks. "Your fever's coming back."She nodded, too tired to argue. "I hate being sick. It's so boring.""It's your body telling you to slow down," Morton advised, already moving to help her up. "Even Scarlett Wallace-Morton needs rest occasionally.""Wallace-Morton," she repeated, leaning heavily against his arm. "That still
Chapter 178Mia's POVI took her hand, squeezing gently. "Mom sent chicken soup. The magical cure-all kind that she used to make when we were kids.""Your mom is a saint," Scarlett sighed, sinking back into her pillows. "Morton's been amazing, but he's clueless about the whole sick day thing. Keeps asking if I need a specialist or if we should go to the emergency room.""He's worried about you," I observed.Something soft flickered across her fever-flushed face. "Yeah. It's... nice."This was new territory for Scarlett, who had always fiercely maintained her independence."When did you start feeling sick?" I asked, changing the subject before she could retreat behind her usual sardonic defenses."Yesterday afternoon," she admitted. "Just a headache at first. I thought it was from staring at spreadsheets too long. Then around dinner time, I started feeling achy all over. By bedtime, Morton said I was burning up.""And you didn't call
Mia's POV"Scarlett's sick?" I sat up straighter, worry immediately replacing my fatigue."She came down with something last night. Started with a headache, then progressed to a fever this morning." There was genuine concern in Morton's voice."Is she okay? Did you call a doctor?" The questions tumbled out of me in rapid succession."Dr. Klein saw her this morning. Nothing serious. But you know Scarlett—she's not exactly a model patient."I could almost see her, red hair wild against her pillows, indignantly refusing medicine and insisting she was perfectly fine while burning up with fever. That was Scarlett, stubborn to the core."I want to talk to her," I said, already calculating how quickly I could get to their place."She's resting now," Morton replied. "Finally convinced her to take something for the fever and she dozed off about twenty minutes ago.""Tell her to call me when she wakes up, please?""Of course. She actually asked me to call you earlier, then changed her mind. Sai
Mia's POV"So we'd be each other's beards? Hiding from your mother and my ex-husband?"His lips quirked into a small smile. "Something like that, yes."I considered it for a moment. There was a certain appeal to the idea.There was a small part of me that liked the idea of Kyle seeing me move on with my life. Realizing that his romantic grand gestures wouldn't automatically win me back, that I had other options, and that I wouldn't just sit around waiting for him."What about when the twins are born? We couldn't maintain this charade indefinitely. And what if you meet someone you actually want to date?""We'll cross those bridges when we come to them," Thomas said with a casual confidence I envied. "For now, it would just be a few weeks of strategic public appearances to establish a counter-narrative."I looked at him intently for the first time. Thomas had always presented himself as a classic, clean-cut, handsome man. He was tall and fit, with strong features that were at the same t
**Mia's POV**Thomas is really here.My goodness, we haven't seen each other since we got back from Paris.He's dressed casually but expensively in dark jeans and a charcoal sweater that highlights his athletic build. His dark blonde hair is slightly windblown, and he's wearing sunglasses despite the overcast day—probably an attempt at discretion."I told you," Javier murmurs, gesturing toward Thomas. "Your security detail verified his identity but wouldn't let him enter the site without your permission."I sigh, unsure whether to be touched by Thomas's unexpected appearance or annoyed at yet another complication in an already chaotic day."Thank you for everything, Javier," I say, handing him the annotated plans I've been marking up during our inspection. "Make these adjustments and send the revised specifications to my office by tomorrow.""Of course, Ms. Williams." He accepts the documents with a professional nod. "I'll have someone escort
**Mia's POV**His expression darkens. "I'm not sure. Let me check." He speaks rapidly into his walkie-talkie, listening to the response with a deepening frown."Reporters," he says finally, turning back to me. "Three or four of them, trying to get onto the site. They're claiming they're doing a piece on innovative architectural design, but..."He doesn't need to finish the sentence. We both know they're not here for the architecture."My apologies, Ms. Williams," he continues. "This is a closed site. They shouldn't be able to get in, but perhaps we should continue our inspection indoors."I consider the suggestion. Part of me wants to retreat, to avoid the confrontation. But another part—the part that's increasingly tired of being pushed around—rebels against the idea."No," I decide firmly. "This is my project, my site visit. I won't be chased away."Javier looks surprised but nods. "As you wish. I'll have security reinfo
**Mia's POV**The next morning I wake feeling more refreshed than I expected, the long sleep having restored some of my depleted energy reserves.Gas greets me with his usual enthusiasm, his entire body wiggling with joy as if he hasn't seen me in weeks rather than hours. The simple, uncomplicated love of a dog is exactly what I need this morning."Gas baby," I murmur, scratching behind his ears, "Mommy loves you too."In the kitchen, Mom is already preparing breakfast, the scent of coffee and toast filling the air. "You're up early," she comments, eyeing me with mild surprise. "Feeling better?""Much," I confirm, accepting the glass of orange juice she offers. "And I've been thinking. I need to get out of this apartment."She frowns."I can't hide forever, Mom," I point out. "Besides, I have a site inspection scheduled at the children's center today. It's important.""I could call and reschedule," Mom suggests. "I'm sure they'd understand."
**Mia's POV**Kyle stands in the hallway, looking simultaneously immaculate and disheveled. His gray eyes are intense, almost feverish as they lock onto mine."Mia," he says, my name a breath of relief on his lips."Come," I inform him coolly, stepping back to allow him entry. "I'm not feeling well, and I need to rest. So spit it out."He enters cautiously, his gaze sweeping over me with an assessment that's both professional and intimately familiar. "You look pale. Have you eaten today?"The question irritates me more than it should. "My eating habits aren't your concern, Kyle," I reply, closing the door behind him. He moves into the living room but remains standing. "You've seen the press conference," he says. "The entire world has seen the press conference," I counter. A muscle ticks in his jaw. "It wasn't a publicity stunt, Mia.""Oh?" I raise an eyebrow. "Then what would you call it? A spontaneous declaration of undying love? In front of cameras, reporters, the entire busine
**Mia's POV**Fury doesn't begin to describe what I'm feeling. The media is going to be all over this. They're going to be all over me.Thanks for Kyle Branson's grand gesture, apparently.I tries to calm myself down , taking a deep breath. Getting worked up isn't good for the twins. Dr. Matthews would have my head if my blood pressure skyrocketed again."I need to call him," I decide suddenly. "Right now.""Mia—" Scarlett begins, but I've already ended our call.My fingers move on autopilot, pulling up Kyle's contact information. His newest number, the "secure" one he texted me after his previous phone was compromised. I hit dial before I can talk myself out of it.The line rings once, twice, and I rehearse the blistering tirade I'm about to unleash. How dare he hijack our carefully worded statement with this self-indulgent performance? Three rings, four. Maybe he's still in the press conference. Maybe he's being mobbed by journalists demanding more details.I hang up before the ca