Mia's POVThe pendant lay in my palm. Morning sunlight caught the delicate metalwork, creating shadows that danced across my bedroom wall. Gas pressed against my legs, his warm presence grounding me as I traced the intricate pattern with trembling fingers.I was sunable to tear my eyes from the pendant since the morning. Why would Kyle send it now? I'm almost certain it was Kyle who sent it. But why did he always have the pendant? Did Taylor give it to him?"Did Taylor give it to him?" I whispered to Gas, who tilted his head at my voice. The questions swirled in my mind like a storm. I really want to ask Kyle. All of this. No. I couldn't call him. I don't want to dial that well-rehearsed number."Come on, buddy." I grabbed Gas's leash from its hook by the door. "We need some air."He bounded to his feet immediately, tail wagging with enthusiasm. At least someone's mood wasn't complicated.The loose maxi skirt I pulled on still mostly hid my growing bump, though soon even that wouldn
Mia‘s POV"Mommy, where are you?" My voice echoed through our house. The hardwood floors creaked under my mary janes as I searched each room. "I'm gonna find you!"Hide and seek was our special game, the one that always made Mommy smile even on her sad days. And she'd been having more sad days lately, especially after Daddy started working late."Found you!" I giggled, spotting her shadow behind my bedroom door. She swooped me up into a hug that smelled like jasmine and safety."You always do, clever girl." She peppered my face with kisses until I squealed. "Now it's my turn to seek. Remember the rules?"I nodded solemnly. "Don't go past the garden gate. Stay where you can hear me call.""That's my smart cookie." She covered her eyes, starting to count. "One... two..."I ran on tippy-toes, trying not to let my shoes click against the floor. The garden was my favorite hiding spot, full of Mom's roses and the big hydrangea bushes perfect for ducking behind. The afternoon sun painted ev
Mia's POVI'd cried until there were no tears left, until my eyes burned and my throat felt raw. But I didn't allow myself to keep crying. I still had my children. I had to start a new life. I couldn't figure out why fate had arranged this. But I was the one who signed the marriage contract. I had to accept any possible outcome. Everything might be fake, but at least my children were real."Enough, Mia." I whispered.My hand drifted to my growing bump, now impossible to ignore even under loose clothing. The babies seemed extra active this morning. A small kick. I rubbed gentle circles where I'd felt the movement.Gas whined softly from his spot by the bathroom door, his brown eyes full of concern."Thanks, Gas. You are my good boy." I patted his head.My phone buzzed on the counte. A message from Scarlett, probably checking in for the thousandth time since her honeymoon started:Living my best life in Bora Bora! 🌴 Miss your face though! How are my favorite niblings doing? 👶👶Attach
Mia's POVThe knock came again, more insistent this time. Gas's ears perked up, but his usual protective growl was notably absent. If anything, his tail gave a tentative wag. That's really strange."Coming!" I called and made my way to the door. I hadn't even finished turning the handle when Gas bounded forward, nearly knocking me off balance in his enthusiasm. The door swung open to reveal Nate, looking casual but put-together in jeans and a light sweater. His easy smile faltered slightly as his eyes dropped to my midsection, then quickly back to my face.The flowing fabric of my maxi dress did its best to conceal my pregnancy, but at nearly five months with twins, there was only so much clever draping could hide."Oh." The word escaped before I could stop it. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I realized what he must be seeing – what I'd been so carefully hiding during our friendship.For a long moment, neither of us spoke. Gas's tail thumped against the hardwood as he looked between us,
*Mia's POV*I stared at the two men standing in my kitchen, both seemingly ready to escort me to a simple prenatal checkup like I was some kind of precious cargo. The absurdity of the situation made me want to laugh and cry simultaneously. I'm glad I have these sincere friends. But this is too dramatic."Look," I said, trying to keep my voice level. "I appreciate the concern, really. But this is just a routine appointment. I've been managing just fine on my own."Nate leaned against the counter, his casual posture at odds with the determination in his eyes. "Think of it as having a medical consultant on hand. Just in case."Mom watched the exchange with poorly concealed amusement. "They do make some valid points, sweetheart.""Not helping, Mom." I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache building. Gas, the traitor, wagged his tail happily between the two men like this was all terribly entertaining.My phone buzzed – Scarlett, because of course it was:*Please tell me Thomas made it ther
*Mia's POV*Time slowed to a crawl as I watched Taylor's Porsche barreling toward me. My body moved on instinct, survival reflexes kicking in despite my awkward pregnant state. I threw myself sideways, rolling onto the grass strip beside the walkway. The impact sent shooting pain through my ankle, but the soft ground cushioned my fall enough to protect my stomach.The horrific screech of metal on concrete filled the air as Taylor's car slammed into the retaining wall. The sound of the crash echoed off nearby buildings, followed by the tinkle of shattered glass hitting pavement.My hands immediately went to my belly, checking for any signs of distress from the babies. They shifted normally - if anything, more active than usual from the adrenaline coursing through my system. My ankle throbbed, but that was secondary to ensuring my children were safe.With trembling fingers, I pulled out my phone and dialed 911."911, what's your emergency?""Someone just tried to run me over," I said, k
**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
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 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