The Billionaire Regretted Losing His Invisible Wife novel Chapter 168

Chapter 190 An Unexpected Kiss

Mia’s POV

+20 Bonus

The brisk winter air felt refreshing against my face as Thomas and I strolled through Madison Square Park. Gas trotted happily ahead of us, his white fur bright against the dormant winter grass. I placed a hand on my lower back, trying to ease the persistent ache that had become my constant companion in these final weeks of pregnancy.

“Are you comfortable?” Thomas asked, his eyes filled with concern. “We can head back if you’re getting tired.”

“I’m fine,” I assured him, grateful for his thoughtfulness. “This was a good idea. I needed to get out of that apartment.”

Thomas had shown up at my door unexpectedly, bearing Mediterranean food and a gentle insistence that fresh air would do me good. After days cooped up with nothing but my troubled thoughts for company, I’d finally relented. My toother was out at another of her mysterious “appointments,” and the walls had been closing in on me.

“I’m glad you agreed to come,” Thomas said, matching his pace to my ungainly waddle. “You seemed… overwhelmed.”

I sighed. “That’s putting it mildly.”

“You do seem to attract a certain level of drama.”

“Not by choice,” I protested.

The twins shifted restlessly inside me, Twin B delivering a particularly enthusiastic kick that made me pause mid-step.

“Everything okay?” Thomas asked immediately.

“Yes, just the twins playing soccer with my internal organs.” I placed my hand over the spot where my stomach visibly moved. ” They’re running out of room in there.”

Thomas watched with undisguised fascination as my sweater shifted with the movement beneath. “That’s incredible.”

He stared at my belly for a long time. I don’t know why, but I felt bashful.

“There’s a bench just ahead,” Thomas pointed. “Should we rest for a bit?”

I nodded.

We settled on the bench, Gas contentedly sprawling at our feet. The late afternoon sunlight slanted through the bare trees, creating long shadows across the park. Despite the winter chill, there were still quite a few people out-other dog walkers, joggers in colorful winter gear, couples strolling hand in hand.

I studied Thomas surreptitiously as he gazed out at the park. He was undeniably handsome-tall and fit, with strong features that were both classically attractive and approachable. His dark blonde hair caught the sunlight, and his profile was worthy of a magazine cover. By any objective measure, he was the perfect catch-successful, kind, attentive.

I shouldn’t be looking at my friend like this. I shouldn’t be having these strange thoughts.

“Everything good?” Thomas asked, breaking into my reverie.

I smiled, embarrassed at being caught staring. “Just thinking how nice this is. Simple. Uncomplicated.”

His eyes softened. “It could always be like this, you know.”

Before I could respond to the implications of that statement, a woman approached with a friendly golden retriever. Gas immediately perked up, tail wagging as he greeted his fellow canine with enthusiasm.

“What a beautiful dog you have,” the woman commented, smiling warmly at us. Her eyes dropped to my protruding belly, and her smile widened. “And what a lovely family you make. When are you due, dear?”

The assumption caught me off guard. I glanced at Thomas, uncertain how to respond without making the situation awkward.

+20 Bonus

“January,” I replied simply, deciding that correcting her misunderstanding would be more uncomfortable than letting it pass.

“Twins,” Thomas added with a simile, playing along with surprising ease. “Two boys.”

The woman beamed. “How wonderful! My sister had twins last year. It’s double the blessing, though she says it’s also double the work.” She laughed warmly. “You two enjoy these quiet moments while you can. Once those babies arrive, quiet will be a distant memory!”

“We’ll keep that in mind,” Thomas replied smoothly, his hand moving to rest lightly on my shoulder in a convincingly familiar gesture.

As the woman moved on with her dog, I turned to Thomas with a raised eyebrow. “That was quite a performance.”

He shrugged, looking slightly abashed. “It seemed easier than explaining the complicated truth. I hope you don’t mind.”

We sat in silence for a few moments, watching Gas interact playfully with another dog.

“We should probably head back soon,” I said, suddenly feeling the need to retreat from whatever was building between us. “My mother will be wondering where I am.”

Thomas nodded, though I thought I detected a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. “Of course.”

As I moved to stand, a wave of dizziness washed over me-a consequence of rising too quickly. I swayed slightly, one hand instinctively reaching out for balance.

Thomas was there instantly, his arm encircling my waist to steady me. “Careful,” he murmured, his face suddenly very close to

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify