The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 29

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Chapter 29 Unexpected Triggers

Mia’s POV**

Sleep had been elusive, leaving me tossing and turning in sheets that still held traces of Kyle’s cologne. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face in the moonlight, felt the ghost of his touch. Catherine’s potion had finally worn off, but the memories remained, sharp and clear in the endless night hours.

Dawn found me exhausted, dark circles beneath my eyes that even expensive concealer couldn’t quite hide. I pulled on a simple cream sweater and black pants, armor against whatever this day might bring.

The sound of clattering pans drew me to the kitchen. I stopped dead in the doorway, certain I must still be dreaming.

Kyle Branson – immaculate, perfectionist Kyle – stood at the stove surrounded by chaos. Eggshells littered the counter. A dusting of flour marked his otherwise pristine grey suit. Something that might have been an omelet sizzled ominously in the

pan.

“What are you doing?” The words came out more bewildered than intended.

He looked up, and for a moment I glimpsed uncertainty in those storm–grey eyes. “Making breakfast.”

“You cook?” I couldn’t keep the skepticism from my voice.

“How hard can it be?” He turned back to the stove, frowning at the pan’s contents. “There are instructions. Steps to follow. Like any other process.”

“Cooking isn’t like running a board meeting, Kyle.”

Mrs. Chen hovered in the doorway, looking physically pained at the state of her usually pristine kitchen. “Sir, I could-”

“No, thank you, Mrs. Chen.” Kyle’s tone was firm. “I want to do this myself.”

I watched him struggle for a moment, torn between amusement and confusion. In three years of marriage, I’d never seen him attempt anything more complicated than making coffee.

“Here.” I moved beside him, reaching for the spatula. “Let me help before you destroy Mrs. Chen’s favorite pan.”

“No.” He gently but firmly reclaimed the utensil. “Please. Let me do this.”

The ‘please‘ caught me off guard. When had Kyle ever said please to me? Something shifted in the air between us,

undefined.

fragile and

Ten minutes later, we sat at the kitchen island with slightly overcooked eggs, unevenly toasted bread, and coffee that at least

Kyle could make perfectly.

We ate in strange silence, the morning sun painting patterns across the kitchen island.

“Mia.” His voice was careful, measured. He set down his coffee cup with precise movements. “Give me today.”

I looked up from my plate. “What?”

“One day. Let’s do something… normal. What couples do.”

The word ‘couples‘ hit like a physical blow. “We’re not a couple, Kyle. We’re a contract.”

“Then let’s celebrate your success with the Havers project.” He wouldn’t meet my eyes, studying his coffee instead. “As…

friends,”

Friends. The word tasted bitter.

“Fine,” I found myself saying. “One day.”

“Really?” He looked up.

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Chapter 28 Unexpected Triggers

“Don’t make me change my mind.” I stood, gathering our plates.

A ghost of a smile crossed his face. “I’ll have the car brought around.”

+25 BONUS

The luxury boutiques of Milan Square stretched before us, a glittering monument to excess. Usually, the artistry captivated me the way fabrics draped, the interplay of textures and colors, the attention to minute details. Today, though, the displays felt hollow, meaningless.

“Miss!” A sales assistant materialized at my elbow, all perfect makeup and practiced charm. “We have this in several colors. The cut would be perfect for your figure.”

“I’m not really-‘

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“She’ll try them all,” Kyle interrupted smoothly. “And the matching pieces from the new collection.”

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