《The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins》全部章節：第 431 章 - 第 440 章

Mia's POVThe dress hangs on the back of my bedroom door, swaying slightly in the draft from the heating vent that never quite closes properly. Navy blue. Simple. The kind of dress that says "I'm taking this seriously" without screaming "I'm trying too hard."I bought it three weeks ago at Nordstrom, spent twenty minutes in the fitting room staring at myself from different angles, then bought it. Returned it two days later because it felt too formal. Then bought it again last week because everything else I tried on felt wrong.My hands are shaking as I reach for the zipper. Not a lot. Just enough that when my fingers first touch the metal pull, they slide off and I have to try again, catching it on the second attempt and pulling it up slowly. The sound of metal teeth meeting fills the quiet room, and I can hear my own breathing underneath it, slightly too fast, slightly too shallow.Through the wall, I can hear Alexander's voice, high and excited and talking so fast the words blur tog

Mia's POVThe courthouse steps are wider than I remember.Gray granite. Each step slightly worn in the center where thousands of feet have walked over decades. The wearing makes a gentle dip. Like a shallow bowl.Madison stops at the bottom step.Her hand squeezes mine. Three times. Quick pulses."Hey," I say quietly. "We're okay."She nods but doesn't move.Behind us, the others are getting out of cars. Morton's black SUV. Thomas's sedan. Sophie arrived in something red and expensive that probably costs more than most people's houses.Gas is pulling on her leash. Alexander is holding the other end, letting himself be dragged forward."Gas wants to go in!" Alexander announces. "She's excited!""The dog is not excited," Ethan says. "The dog smells something. Probably food. There's always food at courthouses because people have to wait a long time and they get hungry.""How do you know that?""I read about it.""You read about people being hungry at courthouses?""I read about a lot of t

Mia's POVJudge Patterson calls the social worker next.Her name is Linda Morrison. She's been assigned to Madison's case since Victoria's arrest.She stands. Walks to the front. Swears to tell the truth."Ms. Morrison," Judge Patterson begins. "You've been overseeing Madison's placement with Ms. Williams. Can you describe your observations?"Linda pulls out a file. "I've conducted five home visits over the past six months. Each time, Madison appeared happy, healthy, and well-cared-for. The home is clean, organized, and safe. Madison has her own bedroom, which she decorated with Ms. Williams's help. She has school supplies, clothing, toys. All her medical needs are being met—she's current on vaccinations, has regular dental checkups, and is seeing a therapist weekly.""What about her relationship with the family?""Excellent. Madison has bonded with Alexander and Ethan. .""And Madison's adjustment?""Better than expected. Initially she had nightmares. Some separation anxiety. Difficu

Mia's POVSophie appears beside us. The champagne bottle is nearly empty."No," she announces. "Absolutely not. We are not ending this celebration in a parking lot like peasants. We are going somewhere fabulous. Somewhere with food and more champagne and possibly dancing.""It's one in the afternoon," Scarlett points out."So? The French eat lunch at one. We are being culturally appropriate.""You just want an excuse to drink more.""I don't need an excuse. I'm French. We don't believe in excuses for champagne. We believe in champagne for everything."Thomas is standing next to Sophie. Close. His shoulder almost touching hers."She has a point," he says."You're enabling her," Morton observes."Someone should."Sophie spins to face Thomas. Her red dress swirls. "Did you just agree with me?""Don't let it go to your head.""Too late. It's already there. Swimming in all the champagne."Scarlett is watching this exchange. Her arms are crossed. Her expression is carefully neutral but her

Mia's POVHugo's voice shifts. Gets that particular storytelling quality that makes even adults lean in."The knight had three loyal companions," he begins. His hands gesture like he's painting the scene in the air. "A falcon who could fly faster than the wind. A hound who never tired. And a small dragon who—""DRAGONS!" Alexander nearly falls out of his chair. "I KNEW there would be dragons!""How big is the dragon?" Madison asks breathlessly."About this big." Hugo holds his hands maybe three feet apart. "Young. Still learning to fly properly.""That's not very big for a dragon," Ethan observes. "Most dragons in literature are depicted as enormous. Large enough to—""This is a special dragon," Hugo interrupts gently. "A rare breed. They stay small but they're very strong."Across the table, Scarlett reaches for the prosecco bottle again. Her aim is slightly off. The bottle wobbles.Morton catches it before it tips. "Scarlett—""I'm fine." She over-enunciates each word. "Perfectly. F