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 POV"Taylor. New phone number?" I found the voice recording button on my phone. This is what I have learned from past experience."You think you're so clever." Taylor's voice dripped venom. I quickly hit record, grateful for the app I'd installed after our last encounter. "You and your little friends tried to ruin everything.""I'm hanging up now. I don't have time to listen to this nonsense.""No you don't!" She was practically sputtering. "I know you're behind this. You're just jealous because I have what you never could."A laugh escaped before I could stop it. "What exactly do I have to be jealous of, Taylor? Your relationship with Kyle? Or maybe your relationship with Alexander Morton?"She made a sound like a strangled cat. "You-"Everything was really strange. I petted Gas's head. A few months ago, I was indeed jealous of Taylor having Kyle's love. But now, things seemed to have changed subtly."Hey, Taylor." Calm settled over me, surprising in its completeness. "Save you
Mia's POV The Waldorf-Astoria's grand ballroom had been transformed into something out of a fairy tale. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across thousands of white roses, their perfume mixing with the subtle notes of jasmine and vanilla from carefully placed arrangements. Everything is sparkled. Everything from the diamond-dusted centerpieces to the hand-painted ceiling murals. The media hadn't exaggerated when they'd called it the wedding of the century.I stood in the bridal suite, watching stylists fuss over Scarlett's already perfect hair. Even the getting-ready room was extravagant. All cream silk walls and gilded mirrors. A far cry from the quiet registry office where I'd signed my marriage contract with Kyle. There had been no flowers, no music, no family to witness, just Linda with her tablet, efficiently scheduling Kyle's next meeting while we waited for the clerk. I'd never even worn a wedding dress. Just one of my better work suits, because Kyle had a board meeting th
Mia‘s POVThere's something magical about watching your best friend get married, even when you know it started as a business arrangement. Scarlett's face glowed as she recited her vows, her eyes never leaving Morton's. For someone who claimed this was just a contract, she certainly looked like a woman in love.The afternoon light streamed through the stained glass windows, casting rainbow patterns across her white dress as Morton slipped the ring onto her finger. His hands were steady. The ancient cathedral's acoustics carried their voices to every corner. Scarlett's clear and strong, Morton's deeper but somehow gentler than I'd ever heard him speak. Their words echoed off centuries-old stone, witnessed by marble saints and gilded angels."I now pronounce you husband and wife."The cheer that erupted seemed to shake the crystal chandeliers. I know one thing that no one would refuse, no matter if you come from a poor or wealthy background, and that is happiness. I think everyone here w
Mia's POVThe orchestra switched to something slower, more intimate. Couples drew closer together on the dance floor, lost in their own worlds. No one seemed to notice us in our corner.“Let me go,” I glared at him, "They're coming over."He looked at me for a few seconds. Kyle released my wrist, taking a careful step back. I could already feel bruises forming beneath the delicate bracelet."There you are!" Scarlett's voice cut through the tension like a champagne cork popping. She appeared beside us in a whirl of white silk and diamonds, her cheeks flushed from dancing.She pushed Kyle away. "Mia... what's wrong?"Jeo looked at me with some tension. He and Scarlett were quite hostile towards Kyle, especially after all the things I had been through with my divorce.“Nothing.” I left with Scarlett and Jeo.Behind us, I heard the distinct sound of crystal shattering. When I glanced back, Kyle stood alone, surrounded by the wreckage of what had once been a very expensive champagne flute.
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 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
Mia's POVPain unlike anything I'd ever known tore through my body, a white-hot blade slicing from my spine to my abdomen. The contractions were relentless now, coming one after another without respite, each one stronger than the last. I could feel myself slipping, the edges of my consciousness growing dim."Her blood pressure is dropping again—80/40," a nurse called out, her voice tight with tension. "Heart rate 135.""She's hemorrhaging," Dr. Levine's voice cut through the haze. "Looks like a partial placental abruption. We need to get these babies out now."A mask was placed over my face, the rush of oxygen cool against my skin. The room swam before my eyes, faces blurring into indistinct shapes as blood loss pulled me closer to unconsciousness."Type and cross for four units of packed cells, two units of fresh frozen plasma, and one unit of platelets," Dr. Levine ordered. "And get me an OR. We're doing an emergency C-section."My body felt foreign to me now—heavy and light simulta
Kyle's POVPain. Unimaginable pain.My consciousness came in waves, each one bringing a fresh torrent of agony. The bullet had torn through me like fire, leaving devastation in its wake. I could hear voices around me, urgent and clinical, but they seemed to be coming from underwater, distorted and distant."BP dropping again!""More blood, now!""We're losing him!"I felt myself slipping. The pain began to recede, replaced by a strange weightlessness that should have alarmed me but instead felt oddly peaceful. Was this what dying felt like?The operating room faded around me. The harsh lights, the metallic clink of instruments, the desperate commands of the surgical team. All of it dissolved into a soft darkness.And then, unexpectedly, light.I was small again. Six years old, terrified, huddled in the corner of a damp warehouse. The ropes had cut into my wrists, leaving them raw and bleeding. I could still feel the ache of hunger, the desperate thirst that had made my tongue stick to
Mia's POV"KYLE!" My scream echoed through the hospital corridor as they wheeled him away, his blood leaving a horrifying trail on the white floor. The medical team moved with terrifying urgency, their faces grim."BP critical at 70/30!" "He's tachycardic, pulse 140!" "Blood loss approximately two liters!" "Move, people! We're losing him!"I lunged forward, desperate to reach him, my hands outstretched toward his motionless form. His face had turned an ashen gray, lips tinged blue, eyelids still. So still. Not like Kyle at all."Ma'am, STOP!" A nurse blocked my path as they rushed Kyle through swinging doors marked AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY. "You can't go in there.""He's dying!" I sobbed, my voice breaking. "He took that bullet for me!""If you want him to live, you need to let the surgical team work," she said firmly, gripping my shoulders. "And you—" her eyes dropped to my blood-spattered belly, "—need immedia
Kyle's POVMia.She was alive.The maintenance door opened into a utility closet adjacent to the main room. Through a narrow ventilation grille, I could see part of the penthouse interior—plush furnishings, expensive artwork. A man's voice continued speaking, the tone cultured and cold."...the Branson bloodline ends today."I'd heard enough.The door burst open under my shoulder, splinters flying as the reinforced wood gave way. The scene unfolded before me with crystal clarity—Mia, bound and terrified. Charles Porter, gun raised. Nate Pierce, lunging forward too late.My first shot took Porter in the shoulder, spinning him away from Mia. The second caught him in the upper chest, not immediately fatal but debilitating.Our eyes locked across the room—his filled with shock and hatred, mine with the cold certainty of a man protecting what was his."Kyle," Mia gasped, her voice breaking through the ringing in my ears.Porter recovered with surprising speed, raising his weapon toward me
Kyle's POVTime became a physical entity, something I could feel slipping through my fingers as I raced across the Atlantic. Seven hours had never felt so eternal.As soon as the plane touched down in New York, I was already on my phone. "Status update," I demanded, not bothering with pleasantries."No response from Ms. Williams," Matthew replied, his usual professional detachment wavering slightly. "Her phone appears to be turned off. We've checked her apartment—she's not there. Her mother hasn't seen her since this morning.""And Nate Pierce?""Still tracking. His digital footprint is... unusual. Almost professionally scrubbed.""What about the surveillance feeds? I know you have access."Matthew hesitated. "We've been searching traffic cameras near her building, sir. Nothing conclusive yet.""Keep looking," I said, already striding toward the waiting car. "And tell the security team at her apartment to stay alert. I want to know the instant she returns."But she hadn't returned. Fo
Mia's POVThrough my tears, I recognized the man—it was Nate.I hadn't seen him in so long, and he seemed different from the Nate I remembered. Seemed thiner, taller. His usually compassionate features were hardened.My heart surged with relief and confusion. Had he come to save me?"Uncle Charles, don't kill her," Nate said, his voice steady but urgent.Uncle Charles? I blinked in confusion, my mind struggling to process this new information as it tried to fit the pieces together.The man named Charles turned to face me, sizing me up through the rim of his glass. "Wasn't that your decision? You lost Carol, and now you want Alexander Branson and Kyle Branson to lose their wives too. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."My head was about to explode. The fragments suddenly aligned, and I finally understood the truth.Diana's daughter was Carol.Carol was Nate's wife.Nate's expression was filled with sorrow. He looked at me, then back at Charles, his posture tense with indecision.C