The Billionaire Regretted Losing His Invisible Wife novel Chapter 85

Chapter 8y Two Men

Mia’s POV

The knock came again, more insistent this time. Gas’s ears perked up, but his usual protective growl was notably absent. If anything, his tail gave a tentative wag. That’s really strange.

“Coming!” I called and made my way to the door.

I hadn’t even finished turning the handle when Gas bounded forward, nearly knocking me off balance in his enthusiasm. The door swung open to reveal Nate, looking casual but put-together in jeans and a light sweater. His easy smile faltered slightly as his eyes dropped to my midsection, then quickly back to my face.

The flowing fabric of my maxi dress did its best to conceal my pregnancy, but at nearly five months with twins, there was only so much clever draping could hide.*

“Oh.” The word escaped before I could stop it. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I realized what he must be seeing – what I’d been so carefully hiding during our friendship.

For a long moment, neither of us spoke. Gas’s tail thumped against the hardwood as he looked between us, clearly pleased with himself for some reason.

“I brought coffee,” Nate finally said, holding up a carrier with what looked like specialty drinks from my favorite café. “Though I’m guessing you’ll want the decaf option.”

A startled laugh escaped me. “You don’t seem very surprised.”

His smile turned gentle. “I am a doctor and a friend that know you well, Mia. And while obstetrics isn’t my specialty, I do know the signs.” He paused, then added softly, “Plus, you’ve been avoiding caffeine for weeks.”

“I’m sorry.” The words tumbled out. “I should have told you. I just… I didn’t want things to get weird.” It is indeed difficult for me to say that I am pregnant with my ex-husband’s child.

“Mia.” He cut me off gently. “Can I come in? This seems like a conversation better had sitting down.”

I stepped back, letting him enter. Gas immediately pressed against his legs, clearly recognizing a friend.

“Mom?” I called toward the kitchen. “We have company.”

“Who-Doctor Pierce!” Mom tried to stand as we entered, wincing as she put weight on her injured ankle.

Nate saw it, “Sarah, you okay?”

“Just a small accident with gravity and some coffee grounds,” Mom tried to wave it off, but I saw her flinch again as she shifted.

“May I?” Nate already moved to examine her ankle with careful hands. “Any numbness? Sharp pain when I press here?”

Mom answered his questions as he worked, his movements efficient but gentle. I watched from the doorway. Nate doesn’t seem angry at all about my pregnancy. This makes me feel a little ashamed. I underestimated Nate. He seems more noble than I thought.

“It’s likely just a moderate sprain,” he concluded after a thorough examination. “But you’ll want to stay off it for at least a few days.”

“Thank you,” Mom said, studying him with that particular look she got when she was reassessing someone. “That’s very kind.”

“Just doing my job.” But his smile was warm as he turned to me. “Now, Mia. Perhaps you would feel like talking to me?”

“Um, yeah…sure.”

We settled at the kitchen table, Mom’s ankle propped carefully on its pillow tower while Gas sprawled across my feet like always.

Chapter 26 MAT TRUTH

+20 Bonus

“you really should leave before my mom opens the door.” I stopped looking at him.

I think my mother heard me.

“Mia?” The door behind Kyle opened, revealing Mom in her morning robe.

“Mrs. Williams.” Kyle straightened slightly, some of his usual polish returning.

Mom’s voice could have frozen hell itself. She moved to stand beside me, one arm wrapping around my shoulders. “My daughter doesn’t need any more of your apologies or explanations, Mr. Branson.”

“Please,” The cool morning breeze ruffled his disheveled hair as he stared at me, something desperate in his storm-grey eyes.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify