Chapter 7 One Thing After Another
Mia’s POV
White 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 you, apparently.”
Jeo shifted uncomfortably. “This isn’t the time=”
“Then when is the time?” Scarlett demanded. “When she’s completely broken? When that bastard and his mistress have
destroyed her?”
“Jeo, can you step out for a minute?” I asked softly. “I need to talk to Scarlett alone.”
Jeo nodded.
Once we were alone, she sat on my bed. “Spill. Everything. When did you find out?”
*Two weeks ago.” I twisted the hospital blanket between my fingers. “I found out I am pregnant.”
“And tonight? At his parents‘?”
“His mother kept talking about grandchildren.” My voice cracked. “And Kyle just sat there, saying children would be
inconvenient‘ for his business plans.”
“That bastard”
I closed my eyes. “And on the drive home, I found Taylor’s lipstick under the car seat. Her favorite shade of Dior. She’d left it there on purpose.”
“That manipulative witch” Scarlett’s voice shook. “And you’re still protecting him? Still keeping his precious contract marriage secret?”
It’s complicated-”
“No, it’s not” She grabbed my hands. “You’re carrying his children, Mia. His babies. And he’s out there sleeping with your step
-sister!”
“I know.” Tears spilled down my cheeks. “I know I should leave.”
“Then why don’t you?”
Chapter 7 One Thing After Another
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“Because…Because I still love him.”
“That’s exactly why you should leave. Love shouldn’t hurt like this.”
None of us spoke. A nurse entered. “All your tests are complete, Mrs. Branson. You’re free to go, but please remember the
doctor’s warnings about rest.”
As we headed toward the exit, familiar voices made me freeze.
“Kyle, come here.” Taylor’s voice drifted down the corridor.
They rounded the corner. Kyle stopped short when he saw us, his eyes narrowing at Jeo’s protective stance beside me.
“What are you doing here?” His voice was cold.
Before I could answer, Taylor gasped dramatically. “Oh, Mia! What a surprise! I felt so awful last night, and Kyle was sweet
enough to rush to my rescue.” She touched his arm possessively. “He’s always been so attentive to me.”
I saw Scarlett’s hands ball into fists. “Don’t,” I whispered.
“Why not?” Scarlett’s voice rose. “Why shouldn’t I tell this shameless homewrecker exactly what I think of her?”
“Mia,” Kyle’s tone held a warning. “Control your friend’s language.”
“Control my language?” Scarlett laughed harshly. “That’s rich coming from you. Tell me, does your board know you’re
screwing around on your wife?”
“Scarlett, please,” I begged.
“No, let her continue,” Taylor smiled sweetly. “It’s amusing watching someone so… common… try to interfere in matters they
don’t understand.”
“Common?” Scarlett stepped forward. “I’ll show you common, you plastic–surgery disaster-
“That’s enough!” Kyle’s voice echoed in the hallway. “Mia, I won’t have your friends speaking to Taylor this way.”
“Your wife is in the hospital,” Scarlett spat, “and you’re defending her? You make me sick.”
“Scar,” I grabbed her arm. “Let’s just go.”
I had to practically drag Scarlett to the elevator. As the doors closed, I caught one last glimpse of Kyle’s face. For a moment, his mask slipped, and I saw something that looked almost like regret. 1
1
But then Taylor whispered something in his ear, and his expression hardened again.
“I should have slapped that smirk right off her face,” Scarlett fumed as we left the hospital.
“Violence isn’t the answer,” Jeo said quietly.
“No?” Scarlett turned on him. “Then what is? Because watching Mia destroy herself for that man isn’t working either.”
1 wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly exhausted,
“Come on,” Scarlett said. “You’re staying with me tonight. No arguments.”
As Jeo helped me into his car, I couldn’t help looking back at the hospital. Somewhere inside, Kyle was comforting Taylor, playing the attentive lover.
While I carried his children alone.
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