Mia's POVMy morning sickness had finally started to ease. But sleep was becoming my new enemy sometimes. my dreams were filled with storm-grey eyes that had once known every inch of me. I'd wake gasping, only to find myself in my new apartment with Gas snoring softly from his bed. This morning was no different. I lay in bed, watching dawn paint my ceiling in shades of pink and gold while my hands rested on my slightly rounded belly. Ten weeks. The babies were the size of small limes now, according to my pregnancy app.My phone buzzed with Scarlett's familiar tone:"Get dressed! We're going out tonight! 💃🏻"I texted back: "Can't drink, remember? Doctor's orders."Her response was immediate: "So? You can still have fun! Besides, I need my best friend. "I smiled despite myself. "Fine. But I'm leaving by 10.""Deal! Wear that green dress that makes your boobs look amazing! Love you! 😘"Speaking of boobs... I glanced down at my chest, which had definitely gotten fuller lately. Soon I
Mia's POV"Are you sure this dress hides everything?" I twisted in front of my bedroom mirror, studying my reflection critically. The loose navy silk skimmed over my small bump, but I swore it was more noticeable than yesterday.Mom appeared in the doorway, already dressed in her favorite cream blazer. Her taste seems didn't change. "You look beautiful. Stop fussing.""I'm not fussing. I'm being cautious." I smoothed the fabric again. "You know how observant Linda Morgan is.""Scarlett's mother has always been too nosy for her own good." Mom checked her watch. "Now come on, we're going to be late."The Morgan estate hadn't changed since I was a teenager. Same elegant fountain gurgling in the circular driveway. Memories of countless sleepovers with Scarlett flooded back as we pulled up to the entrance."There you are!" Scarlett bounced down the front steps, looking effortlessly glamorous in a red wrap dress. She hugged me carefully - she'd been treating me like I might break since lear
Mia's POV"Hold still, you big baby." I ran the brush through Gas's fur as he wiggled happily on the living room floor. "How are you this excited about grooming?"He just wagged his tail harder, rolling onto his back for belly rubs. Lately, he'd developed a new habit – pressing his head against my growing bump whenever possible. The vet said dogs could sometimes hear baby heartbeats before humans could feel them. "You're going to be the best big brother," I told him softly. He responded by army-crawling closer until his ears were pressed firmly against my stomach."He's been doing that a lot lately." Mom's voice made me look up. She stood in the doorway holding a large accordion file, her expression unreadable."Yeah, the babies have a new bodyguard." I scratched Gas's ears. "What's all that?"She moved to the couch, setting the file on our coffee table. "We need to talk about some things."Something in her tone made me sit up straighter. "Mom?""First," she pulled out a stack of pap
**Mia's POV**"This is ridiculous," I muttered, squinting at yet another spreadsheet. Gas lifted his head from his spot by my feet, giving me his signature head-tilt of concern. I lifted him up into my arms."Gas, look at these numbers. How does a project go thirty percent over budget without anyone noticing?"Gas woofed softly. "Yeah, that's what I thought too." I rubbed my eyes, trying to make sense of Williams Construction Group's financial reports. The screen blurred slightly as I'd been at this for hours, and the numbers were starting to swim. "Who knew saving a company would be this complicated, huh?"And the progress report from its biggest project, now six months behind schedule. I clicked through photos of the half-finished building, noting obvious issues even my limited construction experience could spot. Sloppy work, poor planning, zero oversight."If my great-grandmother could know, Great-grandma would have a fit," I told Gas, who had moved to press his head against my sli
**Mia's POV**Nate looked stunning. He was indeed one of the most handsome doctors I had ever seen. If I hadn't met Kyle and gone through those crazy infatuated times with him, I would have been happy to meet a man like Nate. But things didn't turn out that way. Everything was out of place.He opened the passenger door with exaggerated formality. The leather seat was butter-soft as I slid in, that new-car smell mixing with whatever expensive cologne he wore. I felt nauseous immediately. “Nate, can I open the windows?”"Sure." He closed my door before circling to the driver's side. “Are you not feeling well?”“No, I think I ate too much fried chicken for lunch.” I lied."Okay.If you need anything, let me know." I nodded and fastened my seat belt."So...are you going to tell me why you've been avoiding me these day?""I haven't—" But the words died at his raised eyebrow. "Okay, fine. Maybe a little."The engine purred to life as he pulled away from the curb. Neither of us spoke for a m
Mia's POVThe nausea hit again without warning. One moment I was hanging up Nate's jacket in my closet, thinking about the baklava that had tasted so perfect at Yiayia's, and the next I was sprinting to the bathroom. My knees crashed against the cold tile as everything I'd eaten came rushing back up.Gas's nails clicked frantically on the hardwood as he followed me, his concerned whines echoing off the bathroom walls. He pressed against my leg, warm and solid, as I clutched the toilet bowl."Not now, buddy," I gasped between heaves. "I'm okay, I promise."But he stayed, tail drooping, as I emptied what felt like everything I'd ever eaten. The grilled meats, the fresh bread, even that perfect baklava. It all tasted significantly less wonderful when coming back up."Mia?" Mom's soft knock preceded her entrance. "Oh, sweetheart."She moved with quiet efficiency, setting down a glass of water and dampening a washcloth at the sink. The familiar scent of her lavender hand cream mixed with t
Mia's POV"Could this fucking be true?" Scarlett desperately swiped her phone, and I remember that I took a picture of them that day. ”Gosh, this bitch is literally everywhere!”"Look!" She finally pulled up the photo she'd taken that day. Taylor wrapped around a man who was very definitely Morton's younger brother. "It's his brother!!!" Gas was startled by Scarlett's scream through the screen."Holy shit." Scarlett sat up so fast her wine nearly spilled. "Taylor's been sleeping with Morton's brother? While she's supposedly with Kyle?"I take back the thought I just had about “I've learned the truth about Taylor.” She can always do something that I can't understand. One second she's saying she's pregnant with Kyle's baby, and the next she's dating Alexander Morton. Has she ever told the truth?My hand drifted instinctively to my stomach, where my babies grew oblivious to all this drama. "I guess she's not as devoted to Kyle as she pretends.""Should we tell him?" Scarlett asked caref
Mia's POVThe gentle hum of hair dryers filled the air. I settled into the plush salon chair, letting myself relax for the first time in what felt like weeks. The stylist's fingers worked on my scalp, and I couldn't help but close my eyes."You look like you're about to fall asleep," Scarlett commented from the chair next to mine. "When's the last time you actually treated yourself?""Too long," I admitted, closing my eyes as the stylist worked the treatment through my hair. The warmth from the scalp massage was making me drowsy. "When did you even find time to book this place? It usually takes weeks to get an appointment.""Please." Scarlett snorted from the chair next to mine. "They always have space for me. Though I had to promise Clara I'd bring Morton to her cousin's gallery opening next month.""Using your fiancé's name already?" I teased, opening one eye to look at her."Using his family's connections," she corrected primly. "Besides, he owes me after what happened yesterday."
Mia's POVWhat the fuck with Kyle?My phone rings—Scarlett. I answer on autopilot, still reeling from what I've just read."Tell me you're watching this," she says without greeting. "Kyle has lost his fucking mind.""I saw the article," I manage. "Is it—is it really as bad as it sounds?""Worse," she assures me. "He's on every major news channel right now. I'm sending you the video."Moments later, my phone pings with an incoming message. I open it with trembling fingers, bracing myself for whatever I'm about to see.The video shows Kyle standing at a podium bearing the Branson Industries logo, his expression serious but determined. He looks immaculate as always, in a perfectly tailored suit that emphasizes his broad shoulders and lean frame. But there's something different about him—an intensity, a barely contained energy that radiates through the screen."Good morning," he begins, his deep voice steady. "I a
Mia's POVI wake before my alarm, the twins already active. Gas lifts his head from his spot at the foot of the bed, watching as I push myself up with a quiet groan."Morning, buddy," I murmur, scratching behind his ears.My phone chimes with an incoming email as I'm brushing my teeth. From Kyle's assistant, Linda:Subject: Statement for Review As requested, please find attached the statement that will be released to the press at 9:00 AM. Mr. Branson would appreciate your feedback as soon as possible, if you have any concerns.I finish brushing my teeth before opening the attachment, taking a deep breath as I prepare for whatever Kyle has concocted as damage control.The statement is brief, professional, and surprisingly straightforward:"Branson Industries wishes to address recent speculation regarding the personal life of CEO Kyle Branson.The marriage between Kyle Branson and Mia Williams was a genuine relationship entered i
Mia's POVUnderstanding then happiness in his face. "You saw me in the hallway."It's not a question, but I nod anyway.Kyle visibly brightened up. "You saw me in the hallway." He repeated.I wanted to tell him that I was not deaf.But he quickly added, "With Alexis Moore," he continues. "My new PR director.""Oh. "I looked away. “Okay.”So that's who she is. His PR director. I keep my expression carefully neutral. "It doesn't matter who she is, Kyle. I just needed to know what you're doing about these articles. The lies they're spreading about me. About us."I could tell Kyle was studying my expression carefully. “Are you jealous, Mia?”I rolled my eyes. This bastard. "I think I should tell my mom that the five minutes are up."He stopped me.He cleared his throat. "That's exactly what Alexis and I were discussing," he says. "Our strategy for addressing the media situation.""And?" I prompt when he doesn't continue."And I'm handling it," he says. "Robert is filing injunctions, as I'
Mia's POVThe car ride home fast. I can't stop seeing them. Kyle and that woman, even when I close my eyes.Why am I so angry? Kyle and I are divorced. He's free to see whoever he wants, talk to whoever he wants, laugh with whoever he wants."You're awfully quiet," Scarlett raised eyebrow.When we arrive at my building, Edmund jumps out to open my door."I'll come up with you," Scarlett says, not a question but a statement."You don't have to. Scar, I know you need to get back to the office. I already felt that I owe you so much." I leaned over and gave her a hugShe just told me she would always be there. My dear Scarlett.Mom is waiting when we enter the apartment, her expression is a I-told-you-so. Gas bounds over, his entire body wiggling with delight at my return. At least someone is happy to see me."How did it go?" Mom asks, watching as I lower myself onto the sofa."It didn't. Kyle was in meetings. I didn't see him." I said."I told you it was a waste of time," Mom says, "You
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