Chapter 4 A New Job

Mia's POV

I sat in the dark living room, watching the hours tick by. The house felt emptier than usual. Kyle hadn't come home since the incident at the office three days ago. I knew he was punishing me, but I still waited.

The clock struck midnight. Then one. Then two. No Kyle.

My phone buzzed, startling me. A message from an old college friend lit up my screen.

"Hey stranger! Long time no see. Coffee tomorrow?"

Jeo Parker. I hadn't heard from him in ages. Back in college, we'd spent countless hours together in the art studio. He'd always believed in my talent, even when I didn't.

I hesitated before replying. A coffee wouldn't hurt, would it?

"Sure. Where?"

The next morning, I found myself at a quiet café downtown. Jeo was already there, his familiar smile warming the room. He stood when he saw me, and I was struck by how well time had treated him. His dark hair was stylishly messy, his blue eyes as kind as I remembered.

"Mia Williams," he said, pulling me into a gentle hug. "Still as beautiful as ever."

I blushed, unused to such open affection. "You look good too, Jeo."

"I ordered you hot chocolate instead of coffee," he said as we sat down. "You never could stomach coffee in the morning."

The simple fact that he remembered made my throat tight. When was the last time someone had noticed such a small detail about me?

"So," he began, "I heard you're working at K.T. Enterprises?"

I nodded, stirring my hot chocolate. "In HR."

"Really?" His eyebrows rose. "The girl who painted that incredible mural in the university hall ended up in HR?"

"Things change," I said softly.

"They don't have to." He leaned forward. "That's actually why I wanted to meet. My design firm just landed a huge project. We're looking for fresh talent, and I immediately thought of you."

"Me?"

"Don't act surprised, Mia. You were always the most talented girl . Remember that scholarship you turned down?"

I did remember. It had been right after Kyle hired me as his secretary. I'd convinced myself that being close to him was more important than pursuing my dreams.

"I don't know, Jeo. It's been years since I've drawn anything."

"Just come see the studio," he pleaded. "No pressure. Just look around."

His enthusiasm was infectious. For the first time in days, I felt myself smiling. "Maybe I could—"

"Mia."

That voice. My smile froze.

Kyle stood at our table, his expression unreadable. He wore a crisp black suit. He looked perfect, untouchable.

"Mr. Branson," I said automatically, my voice small.

Jeo stood, extending his hand. "Kyle Branson? I'm Jeo Parker. I went to college with Mia."

Kyle ignored his hand. His eyes were fixed on me. "A word, Mia."

It wasn't a request. I stood shakily, avoiding Jeo's concerned look.

"Mia," Jeo called after me. "Think about what I said, okay?"

Kyle's jaw tightened. He led me outside, his hand on my elbow. His touch burned through my sleeve.

"Who is he?" Kyle's voice was low, dangerous.

"Just an old friend."

"Friends don't look at each other that way."

I pulled my arm free. "What way? The way you look at Taylor?"

His eyes flashed. "That's different."

"How? How is it different, Kyle?"

"Because you signed a contract." He stepped closer, crowding me against the wall. "You agreed to certain terms. No relationships with other men during our marriage."

I laughed bitterly. "Our marriage? Is that what you call this arrangement?"

"It's still legally binding." His breath fanned across my face. "Or have you forgotten?"

"No," I whispered. "I haven't forgotten anything. Including where you've been the past three days."

Something flickered in his eyes. Guilt? Anger? I couldn't tell anymore.

"What I do is none of your concern."

"But what I do is your concern?" I challenged. "That's not fair, Kyle."

"Life isn't fair." He straightened his tie. "Remember our agreement, Mia. Don't make me remind you again."

He turned to leave, then paused. "And tell your friend to stop wasting his time. You're not available."

"He's offering me a job," I said to his back.

Kyle stopped. Turned slowly. "What?"

"A job. At his design firm." I lifted my chin. "I used to paint, before..."

"Before what?"

"Before I became your secretary." The words tasted bitter. "Before I signed your contract."

Kyle's expression darkened. "You're not considering it."

"Why not? You've suspended me anyway."

"Temporarily." He stepped closer again. "You're my wife, Mia."

"Your wife?" I met his gaze. "Because it seems like I'm only your wife when it's convenient for you. When you need to show the board how stable you are. When you need someone to warm your bed."

His hands clenched into fists. "That's not true."

"Then where were you these past three days, Kyle? With Taylor?"

Kyle grabbed my wrist, not hard enough to hurt, but firm. "You knew what this was from the beginning. Don't act like I deceived you."

"No," I whispered. "I deceived myself. I thought maybe... maybe if I was patient enough, kind enough, if I followed all your rules..." I pulled my wrist free. "But I was wrong, wasn't I?"

Something flickered in his eyes. "Mia..."

"You don't get to control every aspect of my life, Kyle. Not anymore."

"The contract—"

"The contract says I can't have relationships with other men. It doesn't say anything about taking a job." I straightened my spine. "Unless you're jealous?"

His laugh was harsh. "Jealous? Of him? Don't be ridiculous."

"Then there's no problem, is there?"

We stood there, staring at each other. For a moment, I thought I saw something in his eyes. But then his mask slipped back into place.

"Fine," he said coldly. "Take the job. But remember your place, Mia. You're still my wife."

"No, Kyle. I'm your employee who happens to have signed a marriage contract. There's a difference."

"We'll discuss this at home," he said finally. Without another word, he turned and walked away. This time, I let him go.

My phone buzzed with a message from Jeo.

"Are you okay? Want to finish our conversation about the job?"

I stared at the message for a long time. And I typed back: "Tell me more about the position."