Mia's POVConsciousness returned slowly, like swimming up through deep water. The first thing I noticed was the steady beeping of monitors—not my own, I realized, but from the bed next to mine."What happened?" I asked, my voice rough from sleep.A nurse appeared at my side, adjusting something on the monitor. "You fainted, dear. The stress and exhaustion finally caught up with you."I pushed myself up carefully, my head spinning slightly. "How long was I out?""Just a couple of hours." She helped arrange my pillows. "Dr. Pierce said it was pure exhaustion. When was the last time you ate anything?"I tried to remember but couldn't. The nurse clicked her tongue disapprovingly."That's what I thought. You need to rest and eat something substantial." She checked my vitals with efficient movements. "Your mother's doing very well, by the way. The surgery was completely successful."At the mention of Mom, I turned to study her in the next bed. She lay peaceful in the post-surgical quiet, he
**Mia's POV**The hospital corridors had become familiar territory over the past four days. Every morning, I'd arrive just as the sun began to paint the city skyline in shades of gold and pink. The nurses on the early shift knew me by name now, greeting me with gentle smiles as I made my way to Mom's room.Today was no different. Emma, the head nurse, looked up from her station with a warm smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Branson. Your mother had a peaceful night.""Any changes?" I asked, the question as automatic as breathing by now."All her indicators are holding steady." Emma's smile widened slightly. "Dr. Pierce just went in to check on her, actually."I found Nate standing by Mom's bed, studying her charts with intense concentration. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his usually immaculate appearance showed subtle signs of wear - his sleeves rolled up carelessly, his collar slightly askew."Nate?" He looked up, his professional mask softening into a genuine smile. "Mia. I was hopin
**Mia's POV**My laptop screen glowed softly in the fading afternoon light as I opened the group chat. Three faces appeared in their respective windows – Scarlett's fiery red hair unmistakable even in the small frame, Jeo's familiar warm smile, and my own tired reflection staring back at me."There she is!" Scarlett's voice crackled through my speakers. "Our brilliant architect finally graces us with her presence.""Sorry I'm late," I said, adjusting my screen. "I was reviewing the latest site surveys.""Speaking of which," Jeo held up a stack of papers, "I have some thoughts about the therapeutic garden layouts. The integration with existing vegetation is inspired, Mia, but have you considered adding a butterfly garden? The kids would love it.""That's... actually brilliant." I reached for my sketchpad, already visualizing the possibilities. "We could create a dedicated space near the sensory garden, using native plants to attract local species.""And," Scarlett chimed in, "I've been
**Kyle's POV**I heard the crash of breaking glass followed by Mia's cry, sharp with fear. Something in her voice made my blood run cold. Not her usual quiet distress, but raw panic.My feet were moving before conscious thought kicked in. Taking the stairs two at a time, I reached her room just as another cry echoed through the darkness."Help! Somebody help!"The sight that greeted me stopped my heart. Mia was on the floor, surrounded by glittering shards of what must have been the crystal vase from her nightstand. Blood seeped from her foot where she'd stepped on broken glass, but it was her face that caught me—the unfocused eyes, the desperate way her hands reached out into empty air."Mia?" I moved carefully through the glass. "What happened?""I can't—" Her voice broke, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I can't see. I can't see...anything."In twenty years of running K.T. Enterprises, through mergers and crises and billion-dollar deals, I'd never felt anything like this primal fea
Mia's POVConsciousness returned slowly, like swimming up through dark water. My head felt thick and heavy, the pain dulled by whatever medication they'd given me yesterday. The darkness remained absolute - not the normal darkness of a closed room or nighttime, but something complete and impenetrable.A subtle movement of air touched my skin as someone shifted nearby. Then I caught it - that familiar scent of expensive cologne mingled with something uniquely Kyle. My other senses seemed to have sharpened to compensate for my lost vision, making his presence almost painfully clear.I tried to push myself up, my hands uncertain on the unfamiliar hospital sheets. Immediately, I felt Kyle move closer, the mattress dipping slightly as he leaned in."Careful," his voice came from my left, rough with what sounded like sleep. He must have been dozing in the chair beside my bed. "Let me help you sit up.""I can manage," I said.His hands were gentle but firm as he helped adjust my position, ar
**Mia's POV**Darkness has its own texture. By my fourth day without sight, I'd learned its subtle variations—the soft darkness of early morning, different from the heavy darkness of midnight. The doctors kept assuring me it was temporary, just my body's response to stress and dangerously high blood pressure. But knowledge didn't make the fear less real.The gentle chime of my phone cut through my thoughts. I fumbled for it, fingers finding the smooth glass by muscle memory. After three days of practice, I'd finally mastered the voice commands."Hey gorgeous!" Scarlett's voice filled my room through the text-to-speech function. "The contractors need final approval on those therapy room colors. Want to grab lunch and go over samples?"My throat tightened. I hadn't told her about my condition. Scarlett had already taken on so much—coordinating with suppliers, reviewing materials, attending site meetings on my behalf."Sorry, swamped with deadlines," I dictated carefully. "Can you handle
**Mia's POV**"Mia?" His voice confirmed my guess. "Mind if I come in?""Of course not," I said, automatically turning my face toward his voice. The darkness that had become my constant companion pressed in around me."I was starting to worry," he said, settling into what sounded like the chair beside my bed. "You haven't responded to any messages about the children's center."A small laugh escaped me despite everything. "Am I that predictable?""Let's just say I've noticed you're not the type to leave work messages unanswered." His tone held gentle amusement. "Even at three in the morning.""I didn't realize I was so transparent," I said, feeling heat rise in my cheeks. "Though we haven't known each other long, it seems you've figured me out pretty well.""Professional dedication is easy to spot." Papers rustled - he must be reviewing my charts. "Speaking of which, I have talked with your doctor. And I have some good news about your condition."My hands twisted in the blanket. "Oh?"
**Mia's POV**"Your vision is definitely improving," Dr. John said as he clicked off his penlight. "Though I have to say, you're recovering faster than expected."I blinked away the afterimages from the examination. "Fast enough to go home?""Eager to escape?" He raised an eyebrow, making another note on my chart."I have materials I need from my room." I tried not to fidget. "And hospital lighting isn't exactly ideal for design work.""Already thinking about work?" He gave me that knowing look doctors seem to perfect in medical school. "Why am I not surprised?"" I managed my best innocent smile. "Please? I'll take it easy, I promise.""Hmm." He studied my chart for what felt like ages. "Blood pressure is stable... vision improving... alright. But there are conditions.""Anything.""Minimal screen time. No driving - get a car service if you need to go somewhere. Sunglasses outside, no exceptions - your eyes will be sensitive for a while." He fixed me with a stern look. "And if you ex
**Mia's POV**I spent the whole night thinking nonsense, so I didn't sleep well.A soft whimper from Gas drew my attention. He lay curled in his bed by the window, paws twitching as he chased dream rabbits. I envy Gas. He always gets a good night's sleep.My phone screen illuminated softly. It is 6:17 AM now. The date glowed also, October 15th. My "old" wedding anniversary. For the first three years, I always prepared for this day in advance. People can adapt easily. I almost forgot this day.To be honest, I had hoped that after the divorce, Kyle would disappear from my life completely. That I could never have to think about this man again. But I had underestimated things. Would Kyle give up my babies? And there was the kidnapping thing. Should I tell Kyle?Sometimes I feel so sad that Kyle and I met so early in life. I was so hopelessly in love with him years after. It seemed like our lives were so intertwined. But, sadly, we were still unable to find happiness.There were some thing
Mia's POVI listen to my mother's phone conversation with her lawyer. I can tell she truly wants to send her ex-husband to prison. I sit on the sofa and try to find a comfortable position, as my belly is getting bigger and bigger. Gas lies at my feet.“Yes, I understand the implications,” Mom's voice came from the kitchen, her usual shrill tone when she was dealing with legal matters. ”But I need the records from 1995 to 2000. All of them.”Gas nudged my ankle with his nose, placed his favorite rope toy on my lap, and his eyes filled with hope. I smiled and picked up the worn-out piece of string. Our games had become more gentle since I became pregnant. Gas had made his compromises for me.“Be careful, Mommy,” I murmured as we played a modified version of catch, throwing the toy very close. Gas ran over happily.I picked up the stack of papers Mom had left on the coffee table: bank statements, property records. Mom had really done her work.I flipped to “James Young Investigation,” th
*Mia's POV*I decided to take a nap, but then I suddenly realized something. Kyle didn't say anything about Taylor bumping into me yesterday. It was almost the first time he had ignored Taylor. With second thought. Of course he hadn't mentioned Taylor. He no longer saw Taylor as the girl. Naturally, he wasn't interested in Taylor anymore. He now knew that I was the girl.It seemed like I had finally defeated Taylor. I'd finally "won." But the thought didn't make me feel happy at all. Kyle's love had become something cheap, as it wasn't love at all."Nate?" My voice sounded small in the quiet car. "Have you ever been in love?"He glanced at me briefly. For a moment, I thought he wouldn't answer. I don't know why but I thought he must have felt that I was stupid.But he still answered, ‘Yes.” The word held weight, like stones dropping into still water."What was it like?" I pressed. "How did you know it was real?"His hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. "You're really aski
*Mia's POV*The café was exactly halfway between our old house and my new apartment. Neutral territory, my lawyer had called it when suggesting the location. Through the window, I could already see Kyle at a corner table, looking impeccable as always in one of his perfectly tailored suits. He was early.My phone buzzed with a message from Robert: *Remember, you're not obligated to agree to anything today. This is just a preliminary discussion.*I took a deep breath, smoothing my sweater over my clearly visible bump. No point trying to hide it now—my pregnant status was splashed across every gossip site and society blog in the city. The headlines ranged from sympathetic ("Pregnant Ex-Wife of Business Tycoon Targeted in Shocking Attack") to scandalous ("Kyle Branson's Secret Love Child Drama").Kyle stood as I approached, something flickering in his eyes as they dropped to my stomach. For a moment, neither of us spoke."You're looking well," he said finally, his voice carefully neutral.
*Mia's POV*The banging continued, each thud making my heart race faster. My father's voice carried through the door, that familiar entitled tone that had terrorized my teenage years: "Mia Williams, open this door immediately!"I caught Mom's eye across the room. Her face had gone hard. After my mother regained consciousness, she never saw my father again. I don't know what my mother's feelings were like. I know that she, too, once prayed for her husband's love, just like I did. But my father was clearly a complete user. He may even have tried to kill her to get her property."Stay seated," she told me firmly, her voice brooking no argument. "Your ankle needs rest.""I'll handle this," Mom said, her chin lifting as she moved toward the door with surprising grace despite her own injured ankle. Scarlett squeezed my hand.Mom opened the door just enough to reveal my father's imposing figure. He stood there in one of his expensive suits, designer briefcase in hand, looking every inch the
Mia's POVMorning brought a fresh wave of chaos. Scarlett arrived like a hurricane at 7 AM, somehow having convinced the police officer to let her in. She burst into my bedroom, still wearing what looked like resort clothes, her face bare of makeup and creased with worry."Oh my god!" She flung herself onto my bed, barely missing Gas, who scrambled away with an indignant huff. "I almost had a heart attack when I saw the news! Are you okay? Let me see your ankle. Did they get that bitch in jail? I swear to god, Mia, if you ever keep something like this from me again—""Scarlett," I managed, sitting up groggily. "Breathe.""Breathe? BREATHE?" She pulled back to glare at me. "My best friend almost gets murdered and you want me to breathe?""Yes, because you're going to hyperventilate." I grabbed her flailing hands. "I'm okay. Really. Just a sprained ankle and some bruises."She studied my face intently, as if looking for hidden damage. Finally, her shoulders slumped. "I was so scared," s
Mia's POVI stared at the message, my mind racing. There were only two options: reply or ignore. Either way, Kyle would eventually confront me about the twins. The question was whether I wanted that confrontation on my terms or his.I need to call Robert. If Kyle's going to push for custody, I need to be prepared.I thought for a moment, then typed: *Not tonight, Kyle. I need rest. We can talk tomorrow.*His response came instantly: *Are you alright?*The simple question caught me off guard. Was it concern for me, or for his unborn children? I hesitated and decided not to reply.Three dots appeared, disappeared.Nate cleared his throat. "You should try to sleep. Both of you." He glanced between Mom and me. "Will you be okay if I leave? I can stay if you're concerned about security.""The police officer is outside," Mom reminded him. "And Gas is better than any security system."At the sound of his name, Gas's tail thumped against the couch cushions."Besides," I added, "you've already
Mia's POVThe journalists wanted to eat me.Martinez frowned. "We can take you in through the service entrance.""I'll handle them," Nate said firmly. "You focus on getting Mia inside safely."He stepped out first, Gas at his heels. The reporters descended immediately, microphones extended, questions overlapping:"Sir, what's your connection to Mia Williams?""Is it true Taylor Matthews attempted murder?""Dr. Pierce, are you and Ms. Williams romantically involved?"Martinez held up his hands, his posture straight and commanding. "Ms. Williams has no comment at this time. She's been through a traumatic experience and asks for privacy as she recovers."His authoritative tone made several reporters step back. Gas positioned himself protectively between the cameras and the car door as Martinez helped me out. The flashes were blinding, making me stumble slightly."Ms. Williams! Is it true you're pregnant?"The question hit like ice water. I froze."No questions," Martinez said firmly, shi
**Mia's POV**Officer Martinez guided me back toward the squad car. I glanced back at our apartment building."Don't you want to spare her worry?" Officer Martinez asked, following my gaze. Her badge caught the afternoon sunlight as she shifted, the name "Martinez" gleaming against the metal."Yeah. She's still recovering. She doesn't need this kind of stress right now." A strange calm settled over me. After everything that had happened.I felt almost detached. Martinez nodded. "We'll need you to come to the station and make a formal statement. The paramedics can examine you more thoroughly there.""Okay." We reached the patrol car. Taylor was already secured in the back of another vehicle. Martinez followed my gaze. "We'll charge her with attempted murder, and possibly other offenses, pending our review of the surveillance footage. The prosecutor will determine the final charges." She helped me toward the passenger side door. "Do you have a lawyer?""Yes. I'll call them from the sta