**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 POVI adjusted my sunglasses, carefully arranging sketches across my desk. Doctor's orders were clear about resting my eyes, but I couldn't help tweaking the children's center designs. Just a few small changes, I told myself."I knew it!" Scarlett's voice made me jump. She stood in the doorway, shaking her head. "Can't leave you alone for five minutes without you overworking.""I'm just organizing," I protested weakly, trying to hide the fresh sketches under a folder.Scarlett marched over, dropping a large shopping bag on my desk. The contents spilled out - bottles of expensive supplements, vitamins, and protein powders."The hospital nutritionist sent me your blood work results." She pulled out her phone, scrolling through what looked like medical charts. "Have you seen these numbers? Your vitamin D is practically nonexistent.""I already have supplements at home," I said, gesturing vaguely toward the kitchen."Kyle's supplements." Scarlett rolled her eyes, picking up one of t
Mia's POVThe morning sun cast long shadows across the construction site as I surveyed what would soon become the children's center. Yellow tape marked the boundaries of our project, and stakes with bright ribbons outlined where the main building would stand. The autumn breeze carried the scent of freshly turned earth and the lingering sweetness of late-blooming wildflowers."The drainage system needs to be adjusted here," I noted, marking the spot on my tablet. The ground sloped slightly more than our initial surveys had indicated, which could affect the garden terracing. "We'll need to factor in additional retaining walls."Sarah, one of the junior architects, made a note. "Should we modify the existing plans for the sensory garden?""No, let's work with the natural grade." I traced the path with my finger. "The slope could actually enhance the waterfall feature. We'll just need to—"A rustle in the tall grass near the property line caught my attention. At first, I thought it might
Mia's POV"Alright, Gasoline," Dr. Wilson smiled as she finished the examination. "You're a bit undernourished, but otherwise healthy." She scratched behind Gas's ears, earning an enthusiastic tail wag. "He's probably around six months old, and despite his rough start, he seems to have a great temperament."I watched as Gas leaned into the vet's touch, his earlier wariness completely gone. "Any special care instructions?""We'll start him on supplements for the malnutrition," she said, making notes in his new medical file. "I'll also give you deworming medication and schedule his vaccinations. But mostly he just needs good food and lots of love." She smiled. "Though from what I've seen, that won't be a problem."After collecting prescriptions and scheduling follow-up appointments, we headed to PetSmart. Gas sat in the shopping cart like a king on his throne, drawing coos from every employee and customer we passed."You're going to be spoiled rotten," I told him as I added another toy
Mia's POV"Are you okay?" Scarlett asked, noticing that I had fallen silent.I blinked, pulling myself back from the spiral of thoughts threatening to drag me under. The conference room felt too small suddenly, the air too thick despite the building's perfect ventilation system."I'm fine," I lied, shifting in the plush executive chair that was still somehow uncomfortable against my aching back. "I just want to see Kyle."Scarlett studied me with the intense scrutiny that only lifelong friends can get away with, her eyes narrowing slightly."Okay," she said finally. "But promise me one thing, alright?""What?""If things get out of hand, or if the press seems to have noticed your presence, you have to leave immediately. No arguments."I nodded. "I promise." The last thing I wanted was to appear in tomorrow's tabloids, looking emotional and desperate as I confronted my ex-husband. It would only reinforce Taylor's narrative of me
Mia's POV Mom studies my face for a long moment, then sighs. "I'll call Edmund. At least he's a security-cleared driver." "Thank you." I grab my purse and phone, relieved to avoid further argument. Mom makes the call, her voice clipped as she arranges for Edmund to pick me up immediately. When she hangs up, she turns to me with a stern expression. "One hour. That's all. Then you come straight back here to rest." "One hour," I agree, knowing better than to push my luck. Gas whines as he watches me prepare to leave, clearly unhappy about being left behind. "Sorry, buddy," I tell him, crouching awkwardly to give him a quick hug. "I'll be back soon. Take care of Grandma for me." The doorbell rings—Edmund arriving more quickly than I'd expected. Mom gives me one last searching look. "Be careful," she says quietly. "And call me if you need anything—anything at all." "I will," I promise, kissing her cheek before heading for the door. Edmund greets me with professional co
Mia's POV"Don't react," I tell myself, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. "Don't give them what they want."But I can't stop scrolling. It's like watching a car crash—horrifying, but impossible to look away from. Every news site, every gossip blog, every social media platform seems to be exploding with "breaking news" about the scandalous gold-digger who trapped billionaire CEO Kyle Branson with a pregnancy.Me.The New York Times article is predictably more restrained than the tabloids, presenting "allegations" and "sources close to the family" rather than outright character assassination. Still, the implications are clear: I manipulated my way into Kyle's life, used my position as his secretary to seduce him, orchestrated a pregnancy to secure my financial future, and am now engaged in a bitter custody battle while carrying his children.The headline stares back at me: "Branson Billions Battle: The Secretary, The Scandal, and the Surrogate Mother Claims."Surrogate mother claim
Mia's POVNate's call came out of the blue. I stared at my phone screen, his name glowing insistently, my finger hovering over the accept button. I consider not answering.Why was he calling now, after weeks of silence? After leaving without a word?I swiped to answer, my heart already racing. "Nate?""Mia." His voice was low but tense. "Are you alone? Can you talk?"Something in his voice makes me feel weird. I glanced around my apartment, quiet except for the gentle snores of Gas sleeping at my feet. Mom had gone out for her morning walk, a new routine she'd adopted since the doctor cleared her for more activity."Yes, I'm alone. What's going on?""Are you okay?"he said.Am I okay?Well, so is that why he called? To ask if I'm okay.It feels like he's holding back."I'm okay, Nate. Did something happen?" I asked.He was silent for a long time, and I even thought he was going to hang up."I need you to listen carefully." He took a breath, as if steeling himself. "What do you mean,
Mia's POVNothing came to my mind.Sleep seemed even more elusive now, but I forced myself to shut down my laptop and head to bed. Gas followed dutifully, settling at my feet with a contented sigh as I arranged pillows to support my aching back.I persuaded myself that I must sleep. And it worked.Morning arrived with pale winter sunlight filtering through my curtains and the distant sounds of Mom moving about the kitchen. I lay still for a moment, rubbing my eyes.I settled in the living room with my laptop, intending to do some work on the children's center project. The final touches were being implemented, with the grand opening scheduled for just after New Year's. Assuming the twins cooperated and stayed put until their due date in January, I hoped to attend.I couldn't help but think of Nate. Will he come?I always feel like he's avoiding me. I want to get to the bottom of it all. But something stops me.I was deep in correspondence with the contractor about some last-minute adju
Mia's POVI looked at Kyle. "Will you let me know what you find out?"“Nothing important.”He said.I couldn't help the small, exasperated sigh that escaped me. "Okay". I said in a flat tone. At the same time, I studied his face, trying to determine if he was lying to me. I couldn't read Kyle.It's frustrating."Thank you," I said finally. "For everything you shared today. I'm tired. I want to rest."Kyle nodded, then turned to me one last time. "Try to rest, Mia. And call if you need anything. Day or night.""Okay," I agreed, stepping back to allow him passage to the door. As he moved past me, his arm brushed against mine. Even it is the briefest of contacts, but enough to send an unwelcome jolt of awareness through me.After he left, Mom closed the door and engaged the new security locks Kyle's team had installed. "Well," she said, turning to me. "That was informative.""And complicated," I added, moving back to the living room where Gas was waiting."Are you hungry? I could make som
Mia's POV"Mia," he said, his deep voice resonating in the quiet room. "How are you feeling?""Fine," I replied automatically, easing myself onto the sofa with Scarlett's subtle assistance. "Thank you for coming on such short notice.""Of course." He remained standing, though he seemed uncertain whether to move closer or maintain his distance. "My team has been investigating regarding Edward Porter. It's... complicated.""What have you found?" Mom asked."Edward Porter and my father were business partners in the early 2000s. They founded a mining operation in South America—primarily copper and silver. The venture was profitable for several years, but then something changed. My father pulled out abruptly in 2007, liquidating his share of the business at a significant loss.""Why would he do that?" I asked."That's what I've been trying to determine," Kyle replied. "My father wasn't one to walk away from profitable ventures, especially not at a loss. The official reason given in the com
Mia's POV"I still don't understand why Taylor is so fixated on hurting you," Scarlett said, popping another chocolate into her mouth. "I mean, I know she's always been jealous, but this goes way beyond normal stepsister rivalry. She's literally risking life in prison to keep coming after you."I'd wondered the same thing, especially after discovering Edward Porter's involvement. "I think it started as jealousy, but now?" I shook my head."Or it's not about you at all," Mom suggested quietly.Scarlett and I both turned to look at her."What do you mean?" I asked.Mom had a distant look in her eyes, the one she got when piecing together complex puzzles. "What if Taylor is just a pawn in a larger game? What if someone is using her?""Much more reasonable," Scarlett said.Mom nodded. "But why target Mia specifically? What does he gain from harming her?""Revenge against Kyle?" I suggested. "If Porter had a falling out with Alexander Branson, maybe he's trying to hurt Kyle through me and
Mia's POVGas's ears perked up a full minute before the doorbell rang, his keen senses detecting Scarlett's approach well before the elevator delivered her to our floor. His tail began wagging furiously as he positioned himself by the door.Dogs are so smart."Someone's excited," I commented, pushing myself up.Mom looked up from her laptop. "I'll get it. You stay put.""I'm fine," I insisted, already halfway to the door. "I've been 'putting' all day. I need to move a little."She gave me her patented maternal look.I opened the door just as Scarlett raised her hand to knock again. She stood there in sleek black pants and an emerald silk blouse that made her red hair look like living flame, a large designer bag slung over one shoulder and what appeared to be several shopping bags clutched in her other hand."Finally!" she exclaimed, sweeping past me in a cloud of expensive perfume. "Do you know how many security checkpoints I had to go through to get up here? Your lobby looks like the