Chapter 1 Chapter 1 You Are Pregnant

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 expression grew more serious. “Well, pregnancy can happen even with contraception, but…” She trailed off, looking at me with concern. “Don’t you want your baby?”“No,” I murmured. “I didn’t think I could get pregnant.” She helped me wipe the cool gel from my stomach. "Well, what matters now is ensuring your health and the babies' health. I must warn you though," her expression grew serious, "your uterus condition requires extra attention. You'll need proper nutrition, regular rest, and frequent check-ups." I nodded mechanically, my hand drifting to my still-flat stomach. Two lives. Two tiny beings growing inside me. Kyle's children. Our children. I thanked Dr. Ray and left the hospital. I got into the car, my hands gripping the steering wheel as I tried to breathe. The drive home was a blur. I kept thinking about the contract's words. Clause 6 - Regular contraception required. No pregnancies permitted. The terms of our marriage were clear, clinical, like everything else about our relationship. I should not get myself pregnant as my entire life was built on pretending to be his wife while the world—and he—saw me only as a secretary. I pulled into our driveway, killing the engine but remaining in the car. Marriage was supposed to be about love, trust, and building a life together. But when your husband sees it as merely a business arrangement, those dreams become nothing more than wishful thinking. Kyle had made that crystal clear from the beginning. "This is a deal," he'd said, sliding the contract across his mahogany desk. "I hope you don't have any other ideas." But I did have other ideas. I had love - years of it, carefully hidden love. So I'd signed, clinging to the hope that maybe, just maybe, time would help him see me differently. Three years later, that hope had proven as substantial as morning mist. Our relationship existed primarily in the darkness of our bedroom, mechanical and devoid of emotion. During daylight hours, I was just another employee at K.T. Enterprises, our marriage a secret known only to Linda, his personal assistant. When I arrived home, I moved mechanically, my hands trembling as I prepared a quick meal. Maybe it was just my nerves, but I felt hungrier than usual. I allowed myself to eat more, knowing I needed to maintain my strength. After eating, I took a shower quickly. Standing in front of the mirror, I stared at my reflection. My body hadn't changed yet—not visibly, anyway. My stomach was still flat, no sign of the growing life inside me. But the reality of it was there, and the idea of two little beings growing inside me made my heart race. Would they look like me? Would they have my green eyes? Or would they inherit their father's dark, stormy gaze? I couldn’t help but wonder about them. What this pregnancy would mean for our future? Would they bring hope? Or just more disappointment? When I finished getting dressed, I settled on the couch, waiting for Kyle to return. I wasn’t sure how long I had been sitting there. My mind raced, playing out every possible scenario in which I would break the news to him. The evening stretched endlessly. My hand kept returning to my stomach, trying to forge a connection with the tiny lives within. But Kyle was late today. The minutes dragged on, stretching into hours until I finally started to doze off. I awoke to familiar hands on my skin, and my heart rate immediately spiked. When I wake up, I'm already in bed, and Kyle has already taken off my clothes. “Kyle, you're home,” I feel nervous, and my lower abdomen twitches slightly. "You missed work today," he murmured against my neck, his breath warm. His lips brushed, a quick, possessive gesture, before he bit me lightly. I gasped, my body tensed.“You didn't go to work today.”“I didn't feel well, so Linda and I took the day off.” Kyle's tongue slipped into my mouth. I realized what he was going to do, but not today. I turned my face away. "Kyle," I looked up at his handsome face. He had the kind of cheekbones a sculptor would create, and his jawline would never stop. His eyes were the most amazing shade of grey, and at the moment they were full of lust. "Open your legs," he said. His hard part was already against my entrance. "No, Kyle. Not today.” He stopped. He pulled back, his grey eyes darkening. "Why?" "My stomach's upset," I said, the partial truth bitter on my tongue. The warmth in his expression frosted over instantly. He stood, wrapping his robe around himself as he headed for the bathroom. "Make sure you see John about it," he called over his shoulder. John was our personal physician. I wasn't stupid enough to go to him for a pregnancy test. I bit my lip. "Kyle, there's something I want to tell you." I began, but my words were drowned out by the sound of running water. I sat up slowly, deciding to wait for him to finish his shower. That's when his phone lit up on the nightstand. A message notification caught my eye. Despite myself, I looked. The name made my blood run cold: Taylor. "I miss you, babe. Come see me on Thursday." I was familiar with the name. Everyone who worked at K.T. was probably familiar with it. Kyle Branson had built the most legendary company in ten years. This seemingly cold and rational man named his business after him and the woman he loved the most. Their initials as K.T. Enterprises. A constant reminder of the woman he truly loved, emblazoned across every building, every document, every paycheck. I may know Taylor a little better than others because she is my younger stepsister. Then his phone rang again, calling from Taylor.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2 The Other Woman

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's when I learned the ugly truth. Dad had been seeing them behind Mom's back for years. He'd only married my mother for her money. Taylor's mother had been his true love all along. I got up from the bed, needing to move. The bedroom suddenly felt small and suffocating. I walked to the window, pressing my forehead against the cool glass. Outside, the city lights twinkled like nothing was wrong. The sound of Kyle's voice grew louder as he walked past the bedroom door. "Thursday works perfectly. I'll make reservations at your favorite restaurant." My fingers curled against the glass. Thursday. He was planning a date with her while I stood here carrying his children. Children he didn't want. Children that violated our contract. I remembered the day Taylor first came to our house. She was thirteen, two years younger than me, but she acted like she owned the place. Maybe she did. Within days, my father had moved all of Mom's things to the attic. Within weeks, he'd redecorated the entire house to Taylor's mother's taste. It was like Mom had never existed. "You're just like your mother," Taylor would say to me at school, her voice dripping with contempt. "Always in the way. Always trying to hold onto things that don't belong to you." The bathroom door opened, and Kyle walked back in. I quickly wiped my eyes, but I couldn't hide how pale I was. My reflection in the window showed a ghost of a woman. "You look sick," Kyle said, his voice cool and detached. So different from how he'd spoken to Taylor moments ago. "Go see a doctor tomorrow." I turned to face him, wrapping my arms around myself. "Would you speak to Taylor like this?" The words slipped out before I could stop them. Kyle's expression hardened. "You shouldn't mention that name. And don't compare yourself to her." His words hit me like a physical blow. Of course. How could I forget? I was just the backup plan. The convenient wife who stayed in the shadows while he pursued his true love. "You're right," I said, my voice trembling. "I'm not worthy. I'm just the girl you married because your board of directors insisted you needed a stable image. I'm just your secretary who pretends to be your wife." Kyle's jaw tightened. " We had an agreement, Mia. You knew what this was from the start. Don't try to make it something it's not." I laughed, but it sounded more like a sob. "A contract. That's all our marriage is to you, isn't it? Just another business deal. "Yes," he said coldly. "That's exactly what it is. Make sure you stick to that." My hand instinctively moved to my stomach before I caught myself. But Kyle had already turned away, heading for the door. "I have an early meeting tomorrow. Don't wait up." The door closed behind him with a final click. I sank onto the bed, my legs no longer able to hold me up. The tears I'd been holding back finally spilled over. How had I ended up here? When did I become this pathetic woman who accepted crumbs of attention from a man who loved someone else? Someone who happened to be the same person who had made my teenage years a living hell? I remembered the first time I saw Kyle. It was at a high school party - one I wasn't supposed to be at. Taylor had made sure I knew I wasn't welcome, but I went anyway. Kyle was there with his friends, tall and handsome in his football jersey. He only had eyes for Taylor. Everyone knew they were the perfect couple. Kyle Branson, the star quarterback from the wealthy family. Taylor Matthews, the beautiful cheerleader with the perfect life. And me? I was just the awkward stepsister who didn't belong anywhere. But I fell for him anyway. Quietly, hopelessly, I fell in love with Kyle. Even after high school, when I got the job as his secretary at K.T. Enterprises, my feelings didn't change. If anything, they grew stronger. Then came the scandal. Kyle's reputation was at risk, and the board insisted he needed to clean up his image. He needed a wife - someone quiet, someone who wouldn't cause problems. Someone who would sign a contract and stay in the shadows. I was the perfect candidate. The quiet secretary who already knew how to be invisible. The girl who loved him enough to accept any terms, just to be near him. Now here I was, three years later, carrying his twins while he planned dates with my stepsister. I got up and walked to my purse, pulling out the ultrasound picture. In the darkness of the room, I could barely make out the two tiny dots that would change everything. My babies. Our babies. Even if Kyle never loved me, even if this pregnancy violated our contract, I couldn't give them up. My phone buzzed with a text. It was from Linda, Kyle's assistant - and the only person who knew about our marriage. "Are you okay? You seemed off today." I stared at the message, my vision blurring with fresh tears. No, I wasn't okay. I wasn't okay at all. But I had to be strong. For my babies, I had to find a way to be strong. I texted back a simple "I'm fine" and turned off my phone. Tomorrow, I would have to go back to work. I would have to sit at my desk and pretend everything was normal. I would have to watch Kyle and Taylor together, knowing I carried his children under my heart. As I lay in bed, one hand resting protectively over my stomach, I made a decision. I wouldn't tell Kyle about the pregnancy. Not yet. Not until I figured out what to do. These babies were mine. They are the only real thing in this fake marriage. And I would protect them, no matter what it cost me. The sound of Kyle's car starting in the driveway made me flinch. He was leaving, probably heading to his penthouse apartment downtown. The one where he stayed when he didn't want to play house with his contract wife. I curled up tighter under the blankets, trying to find warmth in the empty bed. Tomorrow would be another day of being the invisible wife. But tonight, in the darkness of our bedroom, I allowed myself to cry for everything I might lose when the truth finally came out.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Make Waves

Mia's POV The 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. "How nice to see you, Mia." I set the cups down carefully, trying not to let my hands shake. "Your coffee, Mr. Branson.""That's not how I like my coffee," Taylor pouted. She picked up the cup and took a sip. "Too much sugar. Be a dear and get me another one." I clenched my fists. "I didn't make the coffee, Miss Matthews. Perhaps you should specify your preferences to the coffee shop directly." Taylor's eyes narrowed for a moment before she laughed. "Oh, Kyle, isn't she adorable? So defensive over a cup of coffee." She turned to me, her smile never reaching her eyes. "You know, Mia, attitude like that is probably why you're still just a secretary." Kyle didn't even look up from his computer. "That will be all, Mia." I turned to leave, but Taylor wasn't done. "Actually, Mia, wait." She stood up, smoothing her dress. "Could you show me to the ladies' room? This building is so big, I always get lost." I knew it was a trap. But with Kyle sitting right there, I couldn't refuse. "Of course." The moment we entered the bathroom, Taylor's sweet facade dropped. She checked every stall before turning to me, her eyes cold. "I know what you're doing," she hissed. "Playing the perfect employee, always so helpful, so eager to please. Everyone knows you’ve always been desperate for any scrap of attention. You’re just like your mother—always looking for something that isn’t yours" My hands trembled. "Don't talk about my mother.""Why not? Everyone knew what she was - a gold-digger who trapped my father with her money. And now look at you, following in her footsteps.""That's not true." My voice shook. "My mother loved Dad. She didn't know—""She didn't know he was already in love with my mom?" Taylor laughed. "Please. She knew exactly what she was doing. Just like you know exactly what you're doing with Kyle.""I don't know what you're talking about." Taylor stepped closer. "Don't play innocent. I've seen how you look at him. How you've always looked at him. It's pathetic, really. Do you think he'll ever see you as anything more than what you are? A convenient employee he can use?""Stop it." My stomach churned. Whether from morning sickness or stress, I wasn't sure. "You know what's funny?" Taylor continued. "Kyle tells me everything. About his little arrangement. About how the board forced him to find a wife quickly after that scandal. And guess who was there, so eager to sign whatever contract he put in front of her?" I felt the blood drain from my face. Kyle had told her about our marriage? "Oh, don't worry," Taylor smirked. "Your secret is safe with me. It's too amusing to spoil. Kyle's fake wife, pining away while he spends his nights with me.""You're lying." But my voice sounded weak even to my own ears. "Am I? Where do you think he goes when he's not at your little love nest? Who do you think he's with?" She pulled out her phone, scrolling through photos. "Look. Last night, after he left you. And the night before that." The photos showed Kyle and Taylor at various restaurants, clubs, looking intimate. Happy. Real. "Stop." My voice cracked. "You'll never be anything to him, Mia. I have told you, you're just like your mother, trying to hold onto things that don't belong to you. But you should remember what your mom got. " Something in me snapped. I couldn't take it anymore. The slap echoed in the tiled bathroom. Anger flared inside me, and before I could think, my hand flew up, landing a hard slap across her face. The sharp sound echoed in the empty hallway. Taylor's head snapped to the side. For a moment, there was absolute silence. Then she started to smile. "Oh, Mia," she said softly. "You shouldn't have done that." She grabbed her own arm and squeezed hard, leaving red marks. Then she messed up her hair slightly and let tears fill her eyes. The bathroom door burst open. Kyle stood there, his face dark with anger. "Kyle!" Taylor sobbed, running to him. "I don't know what happened! I was just trying to be friendly, and she attacked me!""She's lying!" I said. "Kyle, she—""I saw enough," Kyle cut me off. His voice was ice cold. "Taylor, are you alright?" She buried her face in his chest, her shoulders shaking with perfectly timed sobs. "I just wanted to talk to her. To try and be friends. I know our past is complicated, but..." Kyle wrapped his arms around her protectively. The sight made me feel sick. "Please," I whispered. "Kyle, let me explain." Taylor touched her cheek, her expression shifting instantly to one of hurt innocence. “Kyle, I… I didn’t mean to upset her,” she said, her voice soft, pleading. “Please, don’t be angry with her.” Kyle’s gaze was cold as he looked at me. “Apologize, Mia,” he ordered, his tone hard. I met his gaze, refusing to back down, my heart breaking anew. “No,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I won’t apologize.” Kyle’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought I saw something in his eyes—disappointment, maybe, or frustration. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared. “Fine,” he said coldly. “You’re suspended. I’ll let Linda handle your work until further notice.” The words were a knife in my heart, but I lifted my chin, refusing to let him see how much they hurt. “Understood.” I walked away without another word, my heart aching, feeling like I had left a piece of myself behind.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4 A New Job

Mia's POV I 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 beautiful as ever." I blushed, unused to such open affection. "You look good too, Jeo.""I ordered you hot chocolate instead of coffee," he said as we sat down. "You never could stomach coffee in the morning." The simple fact that he remembered made my throat tight. When was the last time someone had noticed such a small detail about me? "So," he began, "I heard you're working at K.T. Enterprises?" I nodded, stirring my hot chocolate. "In HR.""Really?" His eyebrows rose. "The girl who painted that incredible mural in the university hall ended up in HR?""Things change," I said softly. "They don't have to." He leaned forward. "That's actually why I wanted to meet. My design firm just landed a huge project. We're looking for fresh talent, and I immediately thought of you.""Me?""Don't act surprised, Mia. You were always the most talented girl . Remember that scholarship you turned down?" I did remember. It had been right after Kyle hired me as his secretary. I'd convinced myself that being close to him was more important than pursuing my dreams. "I don't know, Jeo. It's been years since I've drawn anything.""Just come see the studio," he pleaded. "No pressure. Just look around." His enthusiasm was infectious. For the first time in days, I felt myself smiling. "Maybe I could—""Mia." That voice. My smile froze. Kyle stood at our table, his expression unreadable. He wore a crisp black suit. He looked perfect, untouchable. "Mr. Branson," I said automatically, my voice small. Jeo stood, extending his hand. "Kyle Branson? I'm Jeo Parker. I went to college with Mia." Kyle ignored his hand. His eyes were fixed on me. "A word, Mia." It wasn't a request. I stood shakily, avoiding Jeo's concerned look. "Mia," Jeo called after me. "Think about what I said, okay?" Kyle's jaw tightened. He led me outside, his hand on my elbow. His touch burned through my sleeve. "Who is he?" Kyle's voice was low, dangerous. "Just an old friend.""Friends don't look at each other that way." I pulled my arm free. "What way? The way you look at Taylor?" His eyes flashed. "That's different.""How? How is it different, Kyle?""Because you signed a contract." He stepped closer, crowding me against the wall. "You agreed to certain terms. No relationships with other men during our marriage." I laughed bitterly. "Our marriage? Is that what you call this arrangement?""It's still legally binding." His breath fanned across my face. "Or have you forgotten?""No," I whispered. "I haven't forgotten anything. Including where you've been the past three days." Something flickered in his eyes. Guilt? Anger? I couldn't tell anymore. "What I do is none of your concern.""But what I do is your concern?" I challenged. "That's not fair, Kyle.""Life isn't fair." He straightened his tie. "Remember our agreement, Mia. Don't make me remind you again." He turned to leave, then paused. "And tell your friend to stop wasting his time. You're not available.""He's offering me a job," I said to his back. Kyle stopped. Turned slowly. "What?""A job. At his design firm." I lifted my chin. "I used to paint, before...""Before what?""Before I became your secretary." The words tasted bitter. "Before I signed your contract." Kyle's expression darkened. "You're not considering it.""Why not? You've suspended me anyway.""Temporarily." He stepped closer again. "You're my wife, Mia.""Your wife?" I met his gaze. "Because it seems like I'm only your wife when it's convenient for you. When you need to show the board how stable you are. When you need someone to warm your bed." His hands clenched into fists. "That's not true.""Then where were you these past three days, Kyle? With Taylor?" Kyle grabbed my wrist, not hard enough to hurt, but firm. "You knew what this was from the beginning. Don't act like I deceived you.""No," I whispered. "I deceived myself. I thought maybe... maybe if I was patient enough, kind enough, if I followed all your rules..." I pulled my wrist free. "But I was wrong, wasn't I?" Something flickered in his eyes. "Mia...""You don't get to control every aspect of my life, Kyle. Not anymore.""The contract—""The contract says I can't have relationships with other men. It doesn't say anything about taking a job." I straightened my spine. "Unless you're jealous?" His laugh was harsh. "Jealous? Of him? Don't be ridiculous.""Then there's no problem, is there?" We stood there, staring at each other. For a moment, I thought I saw something in his eyes. But then his mask slipped back into place. "Fine," he said coldly. "Take the job. But remember your place, Mia. You're still my wife.""No, Kyle. I'm your employee who happens to have signed a marriage contract. There's a difference.""We'll discuss this at home," he said finally. Without another word, he turned and walked away. This time, I let him go. My phone buzzed with a message from Jeo. "Are you okay? Want to finish our conversation about the job?" I stared at the message for a long time. And I typed back: "Tell me more about the position."

Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Unwanted Feelings

Kyle's POV I 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 her work environment. Linda knocked and entered with a thick file. "Jeo Parker's background, sir." I flipped through it, my frown deepening with each page. Award-winning independent designer. Guest lecturer at prestigious art schools. His work had been featured in major galleries across Europe. Forbes' 30 Under 30. Private commissions from celebrities and royalty. Something uncomfortable settled in my stomach. "Find out more about his personal life." Linda hesitated. "Sir?""Is he married? Dating anyone?""I'll check." She paused. "There's something else you should know." I looked up. "Miss Williams was an art major in college. She had a full scholarship offer to Paris." I stared at her. "What?""She turned it down when you hired her as your secretary." Linda's voice was careful. "Her professors said she was exceptionally talented." The uncomfortable feeling in my stomach grew. Why hadn't I known this? Had I ever asked Mia about her interests? Her dreams? "Should I look into acquiring his company?" I asked abruptly. Linda gave me a long look. "Is that really what this is about, sir?""Get our lawyers to—""Mr. Branson," Linda interrupted, something she rarely did. "Maybe you should talk to your wife instead of trying to buy her colleague's company." I dismissed her with a wave. My phone buzzed. Taylor. I ignored it. Taylor. She used to mean everything to me. Now... now her calls felt like interruptions. When had that changed? I drove home early, something I never did. The house was quiet when I entered. Mia was in the living room, sketching something in a notebook. She looked up, surprised to see me. "You're home early." I walked over, studying her face. She looked tired. Pale. Was she working too hard? Was she sick? Or was she just excited about her new job with him? Without thinking, I pulled her up from the couch. She felt small in my arms, familiar. Right. I lowered my head to kiss her. She turned away suddenly, her hand flying to her mouth. Before I could react, she ran to the bathroom. I heard her retching. "Mia?" I followed her, concern overriding my annoyance. "Are you sick?" She emerged pale, wiping her mouth. "I'm fine.""You don't look fine." I reached for her, but she stepped back. "I won't be your backup plan anymore, Kyle." Her voice was tired. "I won't share you with Taylor.""This isn't about Taylor." The thought of Taylor felt distant, unimportant. "Then what is it about?" Her green eyes challenged me. "Why are you really here?" Because I can't stand the thought of you working with him. Because the idea of another man making you smile makes me want to destroy something. Because— "Because you're my wife.""Your contract wife," she corrected bitterly. I noticed her reaching for something in the bathroom cabinet. A pill bottle. "What are those?""Nothing." She tried to hide them, but I caught a glimpse of the label. "You've been taking a lot of pills lately.""They're just vitamins." She clutched the bottle tightly. "For your new job?" I couldn't keep the sarcasm from my voice. "Yes, actually. I need to be healthy." She tried to move past me. I blocked her path. "Tell me about this job.""Why? So you can try to stop me from taking it?""I want to know what you'll be doing." She laughed, but it wasn't a happy sound. "Now you're interested in what I do? After three years of treating me like your convenient bedroom arrangement?" Her words stung more than they should have. "That's not fair.""No? When's my birthday, Kyle? What's my favorite color? What did I study in college?" Her voice cracked. "You don't know anything about me because you never cared to ask.""I know enough.""You know what's in our contract. That's all." She pushed past me. "I need to get ready for bed.""We're not done talking about this job." She spun around. "Yes, we are. You made your choice a long time ago, Kyle. You chose Taylor. Now I'm making my choice.""This isn't about Taylor," I repeated, my voice hard. "Then why did you spend the last three days with her?" Because I was angry. Because I needed to prove I didn't care what you did. Because being with her felt wrong now, and I don't understand why. "That's none of your business.""Exactly." She smiled sadly. "Just like my new job is none of yours." I watched her walk away, feeling strangely helpless. When had everything become so complicated? This was supposed to be a simple arrangement. A marriage of convenience. Nothing more. So why did the thought of her working with Jeo Parker make me want to destroy everything he'd built? My phone buzzed again. Taylor. For the first time, I didn't want to answer. Instead, I found myself walking to my study, opening my laptop. I typed in the name of the pills I'd seen Mia taking. Something wasn't right. She was hiding something. And I was going to find out what. But first, I had another call to make. "Linda? Find out everything you can about art studios. Working hours. Common practices." I paused. "And get me Jeo Parker's complete schedule." I had a feeling I wouldn't be sleeping much tonight. The thought of Mia in his studio, spending hours alone with him... No. I wouldn't let that happen. She was my wife. Contract or not, she belonged with me.

Chapter 6 Chapter 6 His Nonchalance

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 Chanel No. 5 perfume wrapped around me like a comfort blanket. "Mia, sweetheart," she pulled back, studying my face with motherly concern. "You look pale. Has my workaholic son been keeping you up too late at the office?""Mother," Kyle's voice held a warning tone. "Oh, hush," Catherine waved him off, pulling me toward the house. "Come in, come in. Mrs. Reynolds has outdone herself with dinner tonight." The mansion's interior hadn't changed since the last time we visited. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the antique furniture and family portraits. Everything spoke of old money, tastefully displayed yet comfortable. Catherine had always managed that delicate balance. Catherine smiled as the first course was served. A delicate mushroom soup that filled the room with an earthy aroma. "Though I do miss the days when this table was fuller. Remember the Sunday dinners we used to have, Kyle? All your cousins would come...""That was a long time ago, Mother," Kyle replied. Catherine sighed, stirring her soup. "Everything changes, doesn't it? Eva next door just became a grandmother last month. Her daughter had twins." She looked up at us, her eyes twinkling. "Speaking of which, when can I expect grandchildren?" Kyle's fork clattered against his plate. "Mother—""Don't 'mother' me," Catherine cut him off. "You've been married three years. Three years! Do you know how many of my friends are already grandmothers twice over?""Work keeps us busy," Kyle said. "Work!" Catherine's voice dripped. "Always work with you, Kyle. A woman needs more than a busy husband to be happy. She needs to be loved." The word 'loved' hung in the air like a physical presence. "The company is going through an important phase," Kyle said stiffly. "We can discuss children later." Catherine's eyes narrowed. "That's an excuse and you know it. When I was pregnant with you—""Mother, we've discussed this," Kyle cut in, his voice sharp. "My priority right now is expanding the company into international markets. Children would be... inconvenient." Inconvenient. The word hit me like a physical blow. My stomach churned violently as the smell of the food suddenly became overwhelming. Black spots danced at the edges of my vision as waves of nausea washed over me. "May I be excused?" I interrupted, "I need some air." Catherine's expression softened immediately. "Of course, dear. Use the garden. The night blooming jasmine is beautiful this time of year." I wandered through Catherine's immaculate garden, past perfectly trimmed hedges and blooming flowers, until I reached the stone bench by the fountain. My hand drifted to my stomach. Inconvenient, Kyle had called the idea of children. What would he say when he discovered these babies? I closed my eyes, remembering all the times I'd sat in this very spot, dreaming of a future where Kyle would look at me the way he looked at Taylor. Where our marriage would be more than just a contract. Now here I sat, carrying his children, while he still saw me as nothing more than a business arrangement. The irony was almost too much to bear. "I thought I'd find you here." I turned to see Catherine approaching, a cashmere shawl in her hands. She draped it around my shoulders before sitting beside me. "You always loved this spot," she said softly. "I remember the first time Kyle brought you home. You spent hours here, sketching the flowers.""I'm sorry, dear," Catherine continued, taking my hand in hers. "I know my son. I failed him in some ways. After his father died..." she paused, her voice catching. "Kyle threw himself into being perfect. Perfect grades, perfect businessman. He forgot how to feel.""Catherine, I—""Let me finish." Her grip on my hand tightened. "You're good for him, Mia. Better than he deserves. I see how you look at him, how much you love him. ""Mother." Kyle's voice cut through the darkness. "Stop meddling." Catherine stood, turning to face her son. "Take care of your wife, son. Before it's too late." The city lights blurred past us as Kyle drove, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. I gathered my courage, trying to find the right words. "Kyle," I said softly, "what you said at dinner, about children being inconvenient...""What about it?" His voice was cold. "Family is not my thing. You knew this when you signed the contract." My heart sank. Sure. I shouldn't get this idea in my head. I shifted in my seat, trying to find a more comfortable position, when something rolled against my foot. Reaching down, my fingers touched smooth metal. I picked it up. A lipstick tube – Dior Rouge, the exact shade I'd seen on Taylor's lips countless times at the office. The gold case gleamed mockingly in my palm, and I could smell her signature perfume lingering on it. Of course. She'd been in his car. Recently. This wasn't some accident. Taylor never left anything to chance. She'd placed it here deliberately, another cruel reminder that she was the one Kyle truly wanted. "Pull over," I whispered, fighting back bile. "What?""Pull over!" The words came out more forcefully than I intended. "I need air." Kyle's jaw clenched as he pulled to the curb. Without a word, I got out, wrapping my arms around myself in the cool night air. The car engine revved once before he drove away, leaving me alone on the sidewalk. The city lights blurred as tears filled my eyes. How had my life become this? My head spun, whether from pregnancy or emotion, I couldn't tell. "Mia?" Through my tears, I saw a familiar face. Jeo stood there, concern etched across his features. Without hesitation, he shrugged off his leather jacket, draping it over my shoulders. "You're freezing," he said, his hand warm on my arm. "What are you doing out here alone?""I'm fine," I tried to say, but the words slurred. The ground seemed to be moving beneath my feet. "You're not fine." Jeo's voice grew urgent as I swayed. "You need a hospital.""No, I just need—" My knees buckled. "Hospital," Jeo decided, catching me before I hit the ground. "Now."