The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57 An Unknown Number

**Mia’s POV**

“Would you like water?” Dr. Sarah Matthews asked, already reaching for the glass carafe on her side table. “You seem tense today.”

“Just tired,” I admitted, accepting the water gratefully. “Gasoline decided 3 AM was the perfect time for a barking concert.”

She smiled, settling into her chair. “Tell me about him. Pets can be incredibly therapeutic.”

F

“He’s…” I found myself grinning. “He’s chaos incarnate. Yesterday he decided my architectural sketches would make excellent chew toys. But then he gives me those eyes, and somehow I can’t stay mad.”

“Having something to care for can be healing,” Dr. Mattliews observed. “How are you sleeping, aside from canine concerts?”

“Better, actually. The nightmares about the stairs are less frequent” I traced the rim of my water glass. “Though sometimes I still wake up thinking I feel them – the babies, I mean. Moving.”

Q

“That’s completely normal,” she assured me. “Grief has its own timeline. How do you handle those moments?”

“I used to cry. Now I just… remember them. Talk to them sometimes.” I met her eyes. “Is that crazy?”

“Not at all. It’s a healthy way of processing loss.” She made a note on her tablet. “What about the anxiety? Any panic attacks recently?”

MX

“Not for three weeks.” I felt a small surge of pride saying it. “The breathing exercises help. And having projects to focus on.”

“The children’s center?”

“Among other things. I’ve been learning to cook – really cook, not just heat things up. Mom used to make these amazing curries…” I smiled at the memory. “I finally figured out her secret ingredient.”

“Speaking of your mother, her second surgery is next week, correct?”

I nodded. “Dr. Pierce says her readings are strong. But still…‘

“You’re worried.”

“Terrified,” I admitted. “What if something goes wrong? What if she never-‘

“1

“One step at a time,” Dr. Matthews interrupted gently. “You’ve made incredible progress these past two months, Mia. Don’t let anxiety pull you backward.”

After the session, I headed to the hospital. The pediatric ward was having some kind of celebration – balloons and streamers brightened the usually sterile corridors.

“Birthday party in Room 302,” Emma explained as I passed the nurses‘ station. “Little girl just finished her last round of chemo.

11

“That’s wonderful,” I smiled, thinking of the children’s center designs spread across my desk at home. “Send her my congratulations.”

Mom’s room was quiet except for the steady beep of monitors. Someone had placed fresh flowers by her window – probably one of the nurses. They’d all grown fond of her over the months.

“Hey, Mom,” I settled into my usual chair. “You should see Gasoline’s latest adventure. Remember how you always said no dogs on furniture? Well…” I pulled out my phone, scrolling through photos. “He’s decided my design table makes an excellent bed. Right on top of the blueprints, naturally.”

I showed her pictures, describing each one. “And here’s his new friend Marie – she’s this tiny Yorkie who thinks she’s a Great Dane. They met at the dog park…” I paused. “I haven’t told you about Nate, have I? He owns Marie. He’s… well, he’s been kind. To both of us.”

The sound of heels clicking on tile made me turn. Catherine stood in the doorway, elegant as always in a powder blue suit.

“I hope I’m not intruding,” she said softly.

“Catherine?” I blinked in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“Linda mentioned the upcoming surgery.” She moved into the room with characteristic grace. “I brought magazines – the nurses said you read to her sometimes?” She placed a stack of glossy publications on the bedside table. “Though I may have gone overboard. I wasn’t sure what she’d like,”

“She loves gardening magazines,” I said, touched by the gesture. And anything about cooking.”

“Perfect.” Catherine settled into the chair opposite mine. “Now, dear, how are you really? And don’t give me that ‘I’m fine‘

nonsense.”

I had to smile – she’d always seen through my facades. “I’m better Therapy helps. And having Gasoline.”

“Ah yes, the infamous shoe incident.” Her eyes twinkled. “Kyle was quite put out, wasn’t he?”

Q

“I bought him new shoes,” I defended, though I couldn’t help laughing. “Gasoline just… has strong opinions.”

“Good judge of character, that dog.” She winked.

My throat tightened unexpectedly. “I’d like that. But… Catherine, there’s something you should know.” I took a deep breath.” Kyle and I… we’re getting divorced. After Mom’s surgery.”

She was quiet for a long moment, studying me. “I suspected as much. Though I had hoped…”

“I know.” I met her eyes. “You’ve always wanted us to work out. But maybe

some things aren’t meant to.”

”

“Or some people aren’t ready for what’s meant to be.” She reached across the bed, taking my hand. “My son… he’s his father’s child in many ways. Brilliant with business, terrible with emotions.” She studied me for a moment. “You know, when Kyle first brought you home, I thought finally – finally he’s found someone real. Someone who could see past the money and the power to the man underneath.”

“I tried,” I whispered. “For three years, I tried so hard to be what he needed.”

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