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 POV Kyle 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 fell into a coma. I thought my father would be there for her. I was wrong. A week after that, he brought home his new wife and her daughter Taylor. That's when my whole world fell apart. That
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 POV Linda 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
Mia's POVWhite ceiling. Antiseptic smell. The steady beep of monitors."Her blood pressure is concerningly low. If she continues to neglect her health, she could lose the babies.""What did you just say?" Scarlett's sharp voice cut through my haziness. "Babies?"I opened my eyes to see my best friend's shocked face. Her red hair was messy, like she'd rushed here straight from bed. Jeo stood by the window, his worried eyes meeting mine."You're pregnant?" Scarlett demanded. "And you didn't tell me?"The doctor excused herself, leaving us alone. Scarlett waited until the door closed before exploding." And you've been working yourself to death? With twins?" She ran her hands through her hair. "God, I could kill him!""Scar—""Don't 'Scar' me!" She turned to Jeo. "And you! You've been carrying a torch for her since college, now watching her waste away in that sham marriage—""Scarlett!" I tried to sit up."What? Like it's some big secret?" She snorted. "Everyone knew. Everyone except yo
Mia's POV"Where to?" Jeo started his Audi R8, the engine purring softly."I can't believe that bitch!" Scarlett cut in. "Did you see how she was hanging all over him? 'Kyle was so attentive,'" she mimicked Taylor's voice. "God, I should have—""Scar, please." I leaned my head against the window. "Can we... can we just not talk about them?""Fine," Scarlett huffed. "But only because you look like you're about to throw up. You okay?""Just tired," I whispered.Scarlett leaned forward. "Jeo, find somewhere quiet. And preferably with decent food. She's eating for three now.""I know just the place," Jeo said softly, catching my eye in the rearview mirror. "That new café by the Modern Art Museum. The one with the garden terrace. Actually, the Modern Art Museum just opened their new wing."For the first time in days, I felt a flicker of interest. "The one designed by Foster + Partners?""Look who remembers her architecture," Scarlett smiled.--"Rise and shine!" Scarlett threw open the cur
Mia's POV"Where to, Mrs. Branson?" the driver asked."Branson Industries, please," I replied, making a sudden decision.The gleaming skyscraper of Branson Industries dominated the Manhattan skyline. I'd spent three years of my life working here before becoming Mrs. Branson."Mrs. Branson! What a lovely surprise," Linda, Kyle's longtime executive assistant, exclaimed when I stepped off the elevator at the executive floor. Her eyes immediately went to the twin car seats. "And the babies! Oh, they're beautiful.""Thank you, Linda," I smiled politely. "Who is in charge of the entire company now?"“Mr. Morton will help make some decisions. I think Mr. Branson and he have come to some kind of agreement. Mr. Morton is here today.” Linda said."Then I was hoping to speak with Morton, if he's available." I said."Let me check right away." She bustled off, returning moments later. "He can see you now. Let me help you with one of those carriers."Morton rose when we entered, his perpetually ser
Mia's POVThe Branson Estate looked exactly the same on the outside. It's always imposing, elegant, with manicured grounds that seemed to defy the lingering chill of early spring. I sat in the car for several minutes, staring at the grand entrance where I'd first arrived as Kyle's wife nearly four years ago."Mrs. Branson?" The driver's voice broke through my thoughts. "Would you like me to wait?""Yes, please," I replied, gathering my courage. "This shouldn't take long."I turned to check on the twins in their matching car seats. Both were sleeping peacefully after their morning feeding. The doctor had assured me that a short outing would be fine, but I still felt anxious bringing them out so soon after their homecoming."We'll just be a few minutes," I whispered to them. "Mommy needs to check something."With a deep breath, I rang the doorbell. The familiar chime echoed inside, bringing a rush of memories. Kyle loosening his tie as he walked through the door. Late night conversation
Mia's POV"Do you still love him?"Thomas's question hung in the air between us. I stared at him, caught completely off guard.Do I still love Kyle?A month ago, I would have answered without hesitation. No. Of course not. That chapter of my life was closed.But now.The memories flooded back without warning. Kyle bursting through that door, gun raised. The look in his eyes when he saw me bound and terrified. The way he'd placed himself between me and danger without a second thought. The feeling of his blood, warm and sticky, spreading beneath my hands as I begged him not to die.I looked down at the twins, peacefully sleeping in their matching bassinets. Alexander's tiny fist curled beside his cheek. Ethan's mouth making those dreamy sucking motions. Both of them carrying pieces of Kyle in their features."I'm sorry," Thomas said softly, noticing my silence. "That was unfair of me to ask.""No, it's okay," I replied, tucking Ethan's blanket more securely around his tiny body. "I just
Mia's POV"One last check of the discharge papers, Mrs. Branson, and you'll be all set to go home," Dr. Matthews said, her practiced smile not quite hiding the concern in her eyes. "Remember, the twins still need frequent monitoring. The home health nurse will visit daily for the first week, then we'll reassess."I nodded, scanning the stack of papers before me—medical instructions, follow-up appointments, warning signs to watch for, emergency contacts. So many details to remember, so many things that could go wrong."Are you sure they're ready?" I asked for what must have been the fifth time that morning. Though Alexander and Ethan had made remarkable progress in the six weeks since their birth, they still seemed so small, so fragile."They've met all our criteria for discharge—consistent weight gain, stable temperature, successful feeding, no apnea episodes for over a week. They're ready, Mia. And so are you."I glanced over at my sons, nestled in their identical car seats. Alexande
Mia's POVI sat in the rocking chair, holding Alexander against my chest. He was doing remarkably well as already gaining weight and breathing with minimal assistance. His tiny fingers had wrapped around my pinky with surprising strength, and I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face."Look at you, little fighter," I whispered, gently stroking his cheek with my finger. "So strong already."Nurse Maria approached with Ethan, carefully transferring him from his isolette to my other arm. Though still smaller than his brother, Ethan had made significant progress. The doctors had reduced his ventilator settings yesterday, a positive sign his lungs were developing well."There we go," Maria said softly. "Mama's got both her boys now."It's a magical feeling. Both my sons nestled against me, their synchronized breathing creating a rhythm that seemed to match my heartbeat. Alexander squirmed slightly, his mouth making little movements that the nurses said were early attempts at suc
Mia's POVA week had passed since the twins were born, and my body was slowly healing. Today had been a good day. I'd spent the morning in the NICU with Alexander and Ethan. Both boys were showing improvement—Alexander had been taken off the ventilator yesterday, now breathing with just a little oxygen support. Ethan was still on the ventilator, but the doctors said his lungs were getting stronger every day. I'd been able to hold Alexander for the first time, his tiny body nestled against my chest during our first skin-to-skin contact. The feelings that washed over me were indescribable.Kyle's absence lingered. He hadn't called. I'd tried reaching him twice more, but each time I only got his private nurse, who assured me he was "resting" or "in physical therapy.""It's okay," I said, more to myself than to my mother. "He's recovering too."I was so lost in these thoughts that I almost didn't hear the knock at my door."Come in," I called, expecting Mom or Scarlett with the afternoon
Mia's POVI was finally strong enough to be wheeled to the NICU. The actual sight of my sons—not through a screen—overwhelmed me completely. They were impossibly small. Baby A seemed more active, his little fists waving. Baby B was quieter, more still."Can I touch them?" I asked the nurse."Yes, through the ports. But hygiene is crucial."I reached through the isolette opening for Baby A. His skin was warm, softer than anything I'd ever felt. When I touched his palm, his fingers curled around mine."Hi, baby," I whispered. "I'm your mama."The tears came then, pouring out."Careful," the nurse reminded gently. "We can't let any fluids inside the isolette. Premature babies have extremely compromised immune systems."I nodded, wiping my face with my other hand before reaching for Baby B. He was equally tiny, equally perfect."Have you thought about names?" the nurse asked."Not
Mia's POV"Mia?" The voice was far away. Familiar but distorted.I tried to respond, but my throat was sandpaper. Where was I? What happened?"Mia, sweetie. Can you hear me?" Closer now. Mom's voice. But different. Strained.Slowly, I forced my eyes open. The fluorescent lights above were too bright. I blinked rapidly, tears forming as my vision adjusted."Oh, thank God." That was Scarlett. "She's awake."The room came into focus gradually. Hospital room. Machines everywhere. Tubes running from my arms. A catheter. The smell of antiseptic was overwhelming."What..." My voice came out as a rasp. "What happened?""Shhh." Mom's cool hand on my forehead. "Don't try to talk yet.""Kyle," I managed to croak. "Where's Kyle?"Mom and Scarlett exchanged a glance."Mia, honey, you need to stay calm," Mom said."My babies." Panic rose in my chest. "The twins. Where are they?""They're fine," Scarlett said quickly. "Both of them. Healthy and perfect.""How long have I been...""Three days," Mom s
Kyle's POVPain. My eyelids felt like lead weights, but I forced them open anyway.Hospital room. Stark white. The antiseptic smell burned my nostrils. A heart monitor beeped steadily beside my bed, its rhythm matching the throbbing in my chest. I tried to move, but tubes and wires restrained me. My throat was sandpaper dry when I swallowed."Mr. Branson?" A voice. Female. Sharp. "Sir, can you hear me?""Mia," I croaked. God, my voice sounded like gravel. "Where is she? Is she—""Please don't try to sit up, sir." The nurse—young, efficient-looking—pressed her hand gently on my shoulder. "You've had major surgery.""Answer me.""I'll get the doctor immediately."A doctor bustled in. Older man, silver at his temples. Professional mask in place. "Mr. Branson, I'm Dr. Harrison. You've been through extensive surgery. The bullet—""I don't care about the bullet. I want to know what happen to my wife"Dr. Harrison exchanged a look with the nurses. My stomach dropped. No."Your wife..." He pa