*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 POVI stared at the message, my mind racing. There were only two options: reply or ignore. Either way, Kyle would eventually confront me about the twins. The question was whether I wanted that confrontation on my terms or his.I need to call Robert. If Kyle's going to push for custody, I need to be prepared.I thought for a moment, then typed: *Not tonight, Kyle. I need rest. We can talk tomorrow.*His response came instantly: *Are you alright?*The simple question caught me off guard. Was it concern for me, or for his unborn children? I hesitated and decided not to reply.Three dots appeared, disappeared.Nate cleared his throat. "You should try to sleep. Both of you." He glanced between Mom and me. "Will you be okay if I leave? I can stay if you're concerned about security.""The police officer is outside," Mom reminded him. "And Gas is better than any security system."At the sound of his name, Gas's tail thumped against the couch cushions."Besides," I added, "you've already
Mia's POVMorning brought a fresh wave of chaos. Scarlett arrived like a hurricane at 7 AM, somehow having convinced the police officer to let her in. She burst into my bedroom, still wearing what looked like resort clothes, her face bare of makeup and creased with worry."Oh my god!" She flung herself onto my bed, barely missing Gas, who scrambled away with an indignant huff. "I almost had a heart attack when I saw the news! Are you okay? Let me see your ankle. Did they get that bitch in jail? I swear to god, Mia, if you ever keep something like this from me again—""Scarlett," I managed, sitting up groggily. "Breathe.""Breathe? BREATHE?" She pulled back to glare at me. "My best friend almost gets murdered and you want me to breathe?""Yes, because you're going to hyperventilate." I grabbed her flailing hands. "I'm okay. Really. Just a sprained ankle and some bruises."She studied my face intently, as if looking for hidden damage. Finally, her shoulders slumped. "I was so scared," s
*Mia's POV*The banging continued, each thud making my heart race faster. My father's voice carried through the door, that familiar entitled tone that had terrorized my teenage years: "Mia Williams, open this door immediately!"I caught Mom's eye across the room. Her face had gone hard. After my mother regained consciousness, she never saw my father again. I don't know what my mother's feelings were like. I know that she, too, once prayed for her husband's love, just like I did. But my father was clearly a complete user. He may even have tried to kill her to get her property."Stay seated," she told me firmly, her voice brooking no argument. "Your ankle needs rest.""I'll handle this," Mom said, her chin lifting as she moved toward the door with surprising grace despite her own injured ankle. Scarlett squeezed my hand.Mom opened the door just enough to reveal my father's imposing figure. He stood there in one of his expensive suits, designer briefcase in hand, looking every inch the
*Mia's POV*The café was exactly halfway between our old house and my new apartment. Neutral territory, my lawyer had called it when suggesting the location. Through the window, I could already see Kyle at a corner table, looking impeccable as always in one of his perfectly tailored suits. He was early.My phone buzzed with a message from Robert: *Remember, you're not obligated to agree to anything today. This is just a preliminary discussion.*I took a deep breath, smoothing my sweater over my clearly visible bump. No point trying to hide it now—my pregnant status was splashed across every gossip site and society blog in the city. The headlines ranged from sympathetic ("Pregnant Ex-Wife of Business Tycoon Targeted in Shocking Attack") to scandalous ("Kyle Branson's Secret Love Child Drama").Kyle stood as I approached, something flickering in his eyes as they dropped to my stomach. For a moment, neither of us spoke."You're looking well," he said finally, his voice carefully neutral.
*Mia's POV*I decided to take a nap, but then I suddenly realized something. Kyle didn't say anything about Taylor bumping into me yesterday. It was almost the first time he had ignored Taylor. With second thought. Of course he hadn't mentioned Taylor. He no longer saw Taylor as the girl. Naturally, he wasn't interested in Taylor anymore. He now knew that I was the girl.It seemed like I had finally defeated Taylor. I'd finally "won." But the thought didn't make me feel happy at all. Kyle's love had become something cheap, as it wasn't love at all."Nate?" My voice sounded small in the quiet car. "Have you ever been in love?"He glanced at me briefly. For a moment, I thought he wouldn't answer. I don't know why but I thought he must have felt that I was stupid.But he still answered, ‘Yes.” The word held weight, like stones dropping into still water."What was it like?" I pressed. "How did you know it was real?"His hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. "You're really aski
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
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