Chapter 53 It Was Better This
Mia’s POV
+25 BONUS
I adjusted my sunglasses, carefully arranging sketches across my desk, Doctor’s orders were clear about resting my eyes, but I couldn’t help tweaking the children’s center designs. Just a few small changes, I told myself.
“I knew it!” Scarlett’s voice made me jump. She stood in the doorway, shaking her head. “Can’t leave you alone for five minutes without you overworking.”
“I’m just organizing,” I protested weakly, trying to hide the fresh sketches under a folder.
Scarlett marched over, dropping a large shopping bag on my desk. The contents spilled out – bottles of expensive supplements, vitamins, and protein powders.
“The hospital nutritionist sent me your blood work results.” She pulled out her phone, scrolling through what looked like medical charts. “Have you seen these numbers? Your vitamin D is practically nonexistent.”
“I already have supplements at home,” I said, gesturing vaguely toward the kitchen.
“Kyle’s supplements.” Scarlett rolled her eyes, picking up one of the bottles. “Let me guess–all chosen by his personal nutritionist?” She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Let me do this for you, okay? As your friend who actually cares about what you need.”
I fiddled with my pencil, touched by her concern. “You don’t have to-”
“Yes, I do. Now come on.” She tugged at my arm. “We’re going shopping”
“But-”
“No buts. Doctor’s orders include getting out of this house occasionally.”
The boutiques Scarlett chose were nothing like the conservative shops where I usually bought my clothes. Walking in felt like entering a different world – one full of color and life instead of the muted tones Kyle preferred.
“Try this.” Scarlett thrust a silk blouse in deep purple into my arms. “And these.” She piled on more items – flowing dresses, fitted blazers in jewel tones, delicate lingerie wrapped in tissue paper.
I winced. “Scar, this is too much-”
“It’s exactly enough.” She fixed me with that look that brooked no argument, then softened. “When’s the last time you bought something just because it made you feel pretty?”
My silence was apparently answer enough.
Back home, I settled into a new routine. Kyle had returned to his usual schedule – leaving early, returning late, maintaining careful distance. I told myself it was better this way, even as I caught myself listening for his car in the driveway.
On the third evening, we ran into each other in the kitchen. I was plating my dinner – spicy pad thai from the little place downtown I’d always wanted to try but never had.
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Chapter 53 It Was Better This Way
+25 BONUS
“Your eyes look better,” Kyle said, loosening his tie. He looked tired, I noticed – small creases around his eyes that his perfect suit couldn’t hide.
“They are.” I kept my tone neutral, focusing on arranging the noodles. “The medication is working well.”
His eyes widened slightly at the aromatic steam rising from my plate. “Thai food?”
“Mmhmm.” I added extra chili sauce, something that would have horrified him a few weeks ago.
“I didn’t know you liked spicy food.” He sounded genuinely surprised.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about what I like.” I couldn’t keep the edge from my voice.
He was quiet for a moment, watching me prepare my meal. “Why didn’t you ever mention it?”
I set down my chopsticks carefully. “Would it have mattered? You had very specific preferences about everything – food, wine, how I dressed, how I behaved. I just… adapted.”
“I never asked you to change.”
“No.” I met his gaze steadily. “You didn’t have to. I wanted so desperately to be what you wanted that I changed everything myself. But I’m done pretending now.”
He studied me with that unreadable expression I knew so well. “You’ve lost too much weight,” he said finally.” It doesn’t suit you.”
The c
criticism hit harder than it should have. Why he suddenly mentioned my weight?
“Really?” My voice shook slightly. “That’s what you’re going with? Criticizing my appearance?” 1
“I merely meant-”
“Save it.” I gathered my food, needing to escape. “I don’t need your approval anymore, Kyle. I don’t need anything from you.”
I walked away, my steps steady despite my shaking hands. In my room, I caught my reflection in the mirror. The new silk blouse Scarlett insisted on brought out the green in my eyes. My hair fell in soft waves – not the severe styles I’d adopted to look more “professional.”
Am I too thin? Oh, fuck him. I am perfectly good.
My phone chimed with a message from Scarlett: “Did you take your supplements?”
Yes, that’s what I need. My girl and her…supplements.
The Thai food was delicious spicy enough to make my eyes water in the best way. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten something simply because I enjoyed it, without worrying about anyone else’s preferences.
Two more messages lit up my phone:
Scarlett: “Wear the green
dress tomorrow. Show that man what he’s missing”
Nate: “Hope you’re resting those eyes. Still interested in discussing that opportunity in Paris?”
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Chapter 53 It Was Better This Way
+25 BONUS
I pushed the messages aside, pulling out my sketchbook instead. The children’s center designs needed refinement, and for once, I was going to trust my own vision. No more second–guessing, no more trying to please everyone else.
I heard Kyle’s footsteps pause outside my door. For a moment, I thought he might knock. But then the steps continued down the hall, fading away.
It was better this way, I told myself.
Small steps, I thought. Small steps toward becoming myself again.
