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 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 POV"Congratulations," Dr. Ray said with a gentle smile, "you're pregnant."I blinked rapidly, trying to focus. Her smile never wavered as she guided my attention to the screen, pointing to two tiny dots pulsing in sync.“Twins,” she added. “You’re having twins.”Twins? I couldn't even grasp the reality of being pregnant. I had been so careful—so cautious. The pills Kyle had insisted I take every single day were supposed to prevent this. We had a contract—one that explicitly forbade a pregnancy. That was the deal, after all.“I… I’ve been taking the pills,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. My hands shook, and I placed them on the edge of the examination table, trying to steady myself.Dr. Ray glanced at me with a slight frown. “If you've been taking them regularly. Are you sure you've been consistent?”I hesitated, unsure. My memory was hazy. There had been moments when I had been distracted. “I…” My voice cracked, and I shook my head. “I’m not sure.”Dr. Ray’s expressio
Mia's POVKyle walked out of the bathroom. I quickly turned away from his phone, my heart pounding. He picked up the device and left the bedroom without a word to me. The door clicked shut behind him.I pulled my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around them. Even through the closed door, I could hear the low murmur of his voice. He always spoke to her in that gentle tone. That is a tone I'd never heard him use with me.I pressed my face against my knees, trying to hold back my tears. My hand moved unconsciously to my stomach. What would Taylor say if she knew I was carrying Kyle's babies? My stepsister had already taken so much from me. My father, my home, my inheritance - and now she wanted Kyle back.The memories came flooding back, making me feel sick. I was fifteen when my mother died. Cancer took her quickly, leaving me alone with my father. I thought he would be there for me. I was wrong.A week after Mom's funeral, he brought home his new wife and her daughter Taylor. That's
Mia's POVThe morning sickness hit me as soon as I woke up. I barely made it to the bathroom in time. Dark circles under my eyes. Pale skin. I had to look better than this. I couldn't let anyone at work suspect anything.Linda was waiting for me when I arrived at the office. "Are you feeling better?""Yes, much better." I forced a smile. Linda watched me carefully, but didn't push.Linda’s expression as neutral as ever, holding out two cups of coffee. “He asked for these,” she murmured, her tone professional, yet I could sense a hint of pity in her eyes.My stomach churned at the thought of coffee, but I nodded. "Sure."I balanced the two cups carefully. Two cups. My heart sank. I already knew who the second one was for.When I pushed open Kyle's office door, Taylor was perched on the edge of his desk. She wore a tight red dress that probably cost more than my monthly salary. Her perfectly manicured hand rested on Kyle's shoulder."Oh, look who it is," Taylor's voice dripped honey. "H
Mia's POVI 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
Kyle's POVI couldn't focus on work. The image of Mia with that man kept playing in my mind. Jeo Parker. Even his name irritated me."Linda," I called through the intercom. "Get me everything you can find on Jeo Parker.""The designer?" Linda's voice was carefully neutral. "Right away, sir."I loosened my tie. The office felt too hot. What would Mia be doing at his design firm? Would she be alone with him? Would they work late together? Artists do that sort of thing, don't they?The thought of them in his studio made my jaw clench. Would he teach her how to hold a brush? Would his hands touch hers? Would they work on portraits? Would she pose for him?I yanked my tie completely off. The images wouldn't stop. Mia smiling at him the way she used to smile at me. Mia staying late at his studio. Mia letting him get too close."Stop it," I muttered, pouring myself a drink. This was purely professional concern. Nothing more. Mia was my wife. On paper, at least. I had a right to know about he
Mia's POVLinda entered. "Mrs. Branson called. She wants both of you home for dinner tonight."My mother-in-law was the only person who treated our marriage as real, who saw me as more than Kyle's convenient arrangement.Kyle's jaw tightened. "Tell her we're busy.""I already tried, sir," Linda replied, "She insisted. Said, and I quote, 'Tell my stubborn son that if he doesn't bring my lovely daughter-in-law home for dinner tonight, I'll come to his office myself.'""Fine. We'll go." Kyle said.The drive to the Branson mansion was silent. I watched the familiar neighborhoods pass by, each getting progressively more exclusive until we reached the tree-lined street where Kyle had grown up. The mansion stood proud and elegant, its windows warmly lit against the darkening sky.Catherine was waiting at the door, her silver hair perfectly styled, her emerald dress matching her eyes."Finally!" She exclaimed, "My darlings!"She embraced me first, holding me tight. Her familiar Chanel No. 5 p
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