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 POVThe autumn breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves as I watched Gasoline bound across the park lawn, his golden-brown fur catching the morning light. He raced ahead, then circled back, as if making sure I was still following. For a former stray, he'd adapted remarkably fast and well to domestic life - though his enthusiasm sometimes overwhelmed even me."Gasoline!" I called as he charged toward a group of dogs near the walking path. "Be nice!""Interesting name choice," Nate commented beside me, expertly handling the leashes of his three dogs. "Most people go with Max or Buddy.""He named himself, really." I smiled as Gasoline approached Nate's dogs with typical exuberance. "Your three seem very well-behaved.""Meet the gang," Nate gestured to each dog in turn. "Einstein here is the mastermind," he pointed to a dignified grey Weimaraner. "Schrödinger," a black Scottish Terrier, "is simultaneously well-behaved and chaos incarnate. And this little lady," he scratched behind
**Mia's POV**"Would you like water?" Dr. Sarah Matthews asked, already reaching for the glass carafe on her side table. "You seem tense today.""Just tired," I admitted, accepting the water gratefully. "Gasoline decided 3 AM was the perfect time for a barking concert."She smiled, settling into her chair. "Tell me about him. Pets can be incredibly therapeutic.""He's..." I found myself grinning. "He's chaos incarnate. Yesterday he decided my architectural sketches would make excellent chew toys. But then he gives me those eyes, and somehow I can't stay mad.""Having something to care for can be healing," Dr. Matthews observed. "How are you sleeping, aside from canine concerts?""Better, actually. The nightmares about the stairs are less frequent." I traced the rim of my water glass. "Though sometimes I still wake up thinking I feel them - the babies, I mean. Moving.""That's completely normal," she assured me. "Grief has its own timeline. How do you handle those moments?""I used to
Mia's POVMy phone buzzed again with another message from the unknown number, making me sigh as I opened it."You like to shuttle between different men, sister," Taylor's text read, dripping with familiar venom.My gaze lingered on the attached photo showing Nate and me at the dog park, heads close together in what looked like an intimate conversation. So that's why Kyle called that day. Taylor must have sent him the same photo.I stared at the image, studying the careful angle that made a simple conversation look like something more. Classic Taylor, always manipulating perceptions."Don't you ever get tired of playing this game?" I typed back, surprising myself with how steady my fingers felt. "Stop bothering to follow me, or I will sue you for stalking."The response was immediate: "Is that a threat, dear sister? 😘""No, it's a promise." More messages flooded in:"You think you're so special now?""Just because Kyle's been playing nice?""We both know you'll always be second best.
**Mia's POV**The email from Nate's office arrived just as I was reviewing the construction timeline. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the payment notification - the second installment for the children's center design was more than I'd expected."Mrs. Branson?" Sarah appeared in my office doorway. "The construction team is ready for the final site review.""Coming." I gathered my tablet, still processing the number in my account. Part of me wanted to refuse it - it seemed too generous. But I knew my designs were good. For once, I wasn't going to downplay my worth.The autumn air was crisp as we walked the site. Yellow safety tape marked where my vision would soon become reality. My phone buzzed with Scarlett's distinctive tone - the special ringtone she'd programmed herself months ago."Please tell me you're not bailing on my birthday!" she said before I could even say hello."Would I do that to you?" I smiled, watching the construction team mark foundation points."You would
**Mia's POV**The bass throbbed through my bones as I threw back another shot of tequila. The salt lingered on my tongue, mixing with the lime's tartness in a way that made my head spin pleasantly. Paradise's blue lights painted everything in dreamy shades, making the whole scene feel surreal."Another round?" Daniel grinned, already signaling the waitress. His dancer outfit glittered under the strobing lights, though he'd put on a mesh shirt after his performance. Up close, his warm brown eyes held an intelligence that seemed at odds with the setting."Why not?" I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in months. "It's Scarlett's birthday after all." I gestured vaguely toward where my friend was thoroughly enjoying herself with one of the other dancers."Speaking of Scarlett..." Daniel's eyes twinkled as he poured fresh shots. "She seems to be having an excellent time with Jake."I turned to see Scarlett locked in what could only be described as an enthusiastic kiss with her dancer. "Oh
Mia's POVThe ultrasound room was colder than I remembered. Or maybe it was just my nerves making me shiver as I lay on the exam table, paper crinkling beneath me with every anxious shift. Mom sat beside me, her hand warm in mine."Everything will be fine," she whispered, but I heard the slight tremor in her voice.Dr. Sarah Matthews – not my usual OB, but the only one I trusted after last time – squeezed the gel onto my still-flat stomach. The cold made me flinch."Sorry," she smiled apologetically. "Should warm up in a second. Ready to take a look?"I nodded, not trusting my voice. The last time I'd been in a room like this, Kyle had stood where Mom was now, his face unreadable as the doctor confirmed our pregnancy. Before everything went wrong. Before Taylor. Before the stairs.The machine hummed to life. Dr. Matthews moved the wand slowly, her eyes fixed on the screen I couldn't quite see from my position."Ah," she said softly. "There we are."My heart stopped. "Is something wron
Mia's POVWeekend sunlight filtered through my curtains, painting warm stripes across my bed. For once, I let myself luxuriate in the quiet morning, no alarm pushing me toward meetings or site visits. Gas's gentle snoring from his bed in the corner provided a soothing backdrop as I stretched, my muscles protesting slightly from yesterday's workout."Just five more minutes," I mumbled into my pillow, though I knew it was closer to nine than my usual six AM. The sounds of Mom puttering in the kitchen drifted through my door – the gentle clink of her favorite teacup, the rustle of newspaper pages turning.When I finally dragged myself up, the wooden floor was cool under my bare feet. I padded to the window, pulling back the curtains to reveal a perfect autumn morning. The maple tree outside my window was just starting to turn golden at its edges."Time to adult," I told my reflection as I moved through my morning routine. The face in the mirror looked different lately – more relaxed, may
Mia's POVThe scent of freshly baked apple pie filled my new apartment, wrapping around me like a warm hug from the past. Mom stood at the kitchen counter, her movements slower than before but determined as she crimped the edges of the crust just like she used to when I was little."Mom, you really don't have to—" "Hush." She didn't even look up from her work. "Let me do this for my baby girl.""You just got discharged from the hospital," I protested, though my heart swelled at the familiar sight of her in the kitchen. "You should be resting.""I've rested enough for several lifetimes." Her hands stayed steady as she sprinkled cinnamon sugar over the top. "Besides, Dr. Pierce said light activity would be good for my recovery."As if summoned by his name, my doorbell chimed. Gas bounded toward the entrance, his tail wagging furiously as Nate's voice carried through: "Special delivery for the welcome home party!"I opened the door to find him juggling several bags of takeout while Scar
Mia's POVThe word escaped before I could stop it: "Mommy?"Her eyes fluttered open. I see those familiar green eyes I'd inherited. God. I almost forgot mom's eyes. Now it is so clear and focused for the first time in years. Her hand reached for mine, trembling but determined."Hi baby," she whispered, voice rough from disuse.I couldn't breathe. Couldn't move. After so many months of one-sided conversations, hearing her voice - actually hearing her respond - seemed impossible.Mom. "Is this real?" The question slipped out, small and scared.Mom's fingers tightened around mine. "It's real, sweetheart. I'm here."That broke me. Tears spilled over as I collapsed against her, careful even in my desperation not to disturb the IV lines. Her free hand came up to stroke my hair, that achingly familiar gesture I'd missed so much."Shh," she soothed, just like she used to when I was little. "It's okay.""I missed you so much." The words tumbled out between sobs. "I was so scared you wouldn't
**Mia's POV**The world started spinning the moment Taylor was wheeled away. My lungs seemed to forget how to work, each breath coming in short, painful gasps. I stumbled backward until my shoulders hit the cold hospital wall, legs threatening to give out.Seven weeks. They'd known for seven weeks.The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed too loudly, the sound drilling into my skull. My stomach rolled violently as fragments of Taylor's words played on repeat: Kyle's baby... our son... the nursery..."Focus," I whispered to myself, pressing my palms flat against the wall. The rough texture grounded me slightly, giving me something real to concentrate on. "Just breathe."But my body had other ideas. Black spots danced at the edges of my vision as memories crashed over me in merciless waves – my own blood on marble stairs, Kyle carrying Taylor away while our babies died, and now this. Their baby. Their son. Their future.The dizziness hit harder. I slid down the wall, not caring about who
**Mia's POV**The sharp pain in my neck woke me. I'd fallen asleep at my desk again, surrounded by design sketches for the children's center. The soft weight of a blanket slipped from my shoulders as I straightened, sending a familiar scent, that ridiculously expensive cologne Kyle always wore.My heart stuttered. Had he been here? "Don't be stupid," I muttered to myself, folding the blanket carefully. "Mrs. Chen probably found it somewhere." But my hands lingered on the fabric, betraying my attempt at indifference. I hadn't seen Kyle since our confrontation at Scarlett's engagement party, and that was a good thing. It had to be.Gasoline's wet nose pressed against my hand, his warm brown eyes full of concern. "I'm okay, buddy." I scratched behind his ears, drawing comfort from his solid presence. "Just tired."My phone buzzed with a message from Nate: "Surgery prep starts in two hours. Try to eat something before coming in."Mom's final operation. The hospital corridors felt differ
**Mia's POV**The Grand Majestic lived up to its name tonight. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across marble floors, while arrangements of white roses and orchids transformed the already opulent ballroom into something from a fairy tale. Looking around, this was exactly the kind of over-the-top elegance Scarlett deserved."There's my girl!" Scarlett's voice carried across the room as she hurried toward me, red hair bouncing with each step. Her emerald green gown made her look like a flame given human form. "You're early!""Of course I'm early." I hugged her carefully, mindful of her perfectly styled hair. "Someone has to make sure you don't start the party without your maid of honor.""As if I'd dare." She pulled back, studying my face. "You look gorgeous. That dress is perfect - I told you the blue would work!"I smoothed the silk of my gown self-consciously. The color reminded me of twilight, deep blue fading to silvery gray at the hem. "It's not too much?""It's exactly enoug
**Mia's POV**The steady beep of Mom's heart monitor filled the recovery room, each sound a tiny victory. Dr. John had just finished explaining how perfectly the surgery had gone, but I could barely focus on his words. All I could see was the healthy pink returning to Mom's cheeks, replacing the gray pallor she'd worn for so long."Her vital signs are remarkably stable," Dr. John said, making another note on his tablet. "Dr. Pierce's technique was innovative, but extremely effective."I nodded mechanically, my fingers still intertwined with Mom's. Her hand felt warmer now, more alive. He said gently. "Her body needs time to recove. But Mia," he waited until I met his eyes, "this is good news. Very good news."After he left, I leaned close to Mom's ear. "Did you hear that? You're doing so well. Just keep fighting, okay?" I brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, the gesture achingly familiar. "I have so much to tell you when you wake up."A soft knock drew my attention. Nate stood
**Mia's POV**I couldn't tear my eyes away from the photo on Scarlett's phone. There they were - Kyle and Taylor, captured in perfect high-society harmony at some charity event I hadn't even known about. His hand rested on her lower back with casual intimacy, while she smiled up at him with that practiced adoration I used to believe was real.The same Kyle who, just yesterday, had the audacity to accuse me of inappropriate behavior with other men. The same Kyle who'd made me feel guilty for simply talking to male friends. My fingers clenched around my coffee cup, the ceramic hot against my skin. My coffee turned bitter on my tongue. Just yesterday, he'd been in my bed, accusing me of inappropriate behavior with other men. The hypocrisy made my stomach turn."Ah, Last Thursday, I remember." Scarlett peered at the date stamp. "Yeah, the Children's Cancer Foundation gala. Why?"Last Thursday. While I was reviewing construction plans for the children's center, he was parading around with