The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67 Best Friend of James Morton

*Mia’s POV**

The Grand Majestic lived up to its name tonight. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across marble floors, while arrangements of white roses and orchids transformed the already opulent ballroom into something from a fairy tale. Looking around, this was exactly the kind of over–the–top elegance Scarlett deserved.

“There’s my girl!” Scarlett’s voice carried across the room as she hurried toward me, red hair bouncing with each step. Her emerald green gown made her look like a flame given human form “You’re early!”

“Of course I’m early.” I hugged her carefully, mindful of her perfectly styled hair. “Someone has to make sure you don’t start the party without your maid of honor.”

“As if I’d dare.” She pulled back, studying my face. “You look gorgeous. That dress is perfect – I told you the blue would work!”

I smoothed the silk of my gown self–consciously. The color reminded me of twilight, deep blue fading to silvery gray at the hem. “It’s not too much?”

“It’s exactly enough.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Speaking of exactly enough – where’s that delicious doctor of yours?” “He’s parking the car. And he’s not my anything.”

“Yet She grinned wickedly. “Just wait until he sees you in that dress. I had it tailored perfectly in all the right places. I am sure he can make Kyle jealous when he- oh shit.”

“What?”

But I’d already followed her gaze to the ballroom entrance. Nate stood there in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, looking like he’d stepped out of a magazine. But it wasn’t Nate that had caused Scarlett’s outburst.

Because right behind him was Kyle.

My heart stuttered in my chest as Kyle’s eyes met mine across the crowded room. He looked devastating in black tie, his storm- grey eyes intense even at this distance. But what was he doing here?

Why is Kyle here? At Scarlett’s engagement party?

I knew Scarlett’s fiancé James came from old money. It’s not strange when old money all runs in the same circles.

Sure enough, James Morton III was making his way toward us, Kyle at his side. They moved with that particular grace of men born to wealth and power, parting the crowd without effort.

“Darling!” James swept Scarlett into a kiss that made several nearby society matrons clutch their pearls. When he finally released her, his grin was boyish despite his elegant appearance. “You look incredible.”

“James.” Scarlett’s smile was genuine, if slightly dazed. “I see you brought a friend?”

“My best friend, actually.” James turned to Kyle. “Though I thought you weren’t coming tonight?”

Best friend. Funny. I never knew Kyle had such a best friend. It’s not surprising. I didn’t even know Kyle had any friends. Because he never introduced me to his friends, his contract wife.

“Changed my mind.” Kyle’s voice was neutral, but his eyes never left my face.

“Have you met Scarlett’s maid of honor?” James gestured toward me. “This is-”

“Mia Williams.” I cut in smoothly, extending my hand. “Lovely to meet you both.”

Kyle’s fingers closed around mine, the touch sending electricity up my arm. “Kyle Branson. The pleasure’s mine.”

Nate chose that moment to appear at my side, his hand settling naturally at the small of my back. “Sorry I’m late. Valet was backed up.”

Chapter 67 Best friend of James Morton

I felt Kyle’s grip tighten fractionally before he released my hand.

“Dr. Pierce.” Kyle’s tone could have frozen hell itself. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Mia invited me.” Nate’s smile was pleasant but firm. “I hope that’s not a problem?”

+25 BONUS

The tension crackled between them, making the air feel thick. James looked between them, confusion evident on his handsome face.

“Do you all know each other?”

“Dr. Pierce is handling my mother’s medical care,” I explained quickly. “She’s recovering from surgery.”

“Oh! How wonderful.” James turned to Kyle. “Isn’t that the case you were asking about last week? The innovative neural procedure?”

I felt Nate go still beside me. Kyle’s expression remained carefully blank.

“I should check on the catering,” Scarlett announced suddenly. “James, darling, come help?” She practically dragged her fiancé away, leaving the three of us in awkward silence.

“I need to…I’d like to use the… the ladies‘ room.” I managed, already turning toward the terrace doors.

“Running away?” Kyle’s voice stopped me just outside the bathroom door.

I turned slowly, finding him much closer than expected. His cologne wrapped around me.

“Excuse me.” I tried to step around him, but his hand shot out, catching my wrist.

“We need to talk.”

“No, we really don’t.” But I couldn’t quite pull away.

“Pierce?” His fingers tightened slightly. “Really, Mia?”

“What about him?”

“Explain yourself.” His voice dropped lower, that commanding tone that used to make me shiver. “Now.”

“Explain myself?” I yanked my wrist free, anger finally overwhelming the complicated mess of other emotions. “I don’t owe you any explanations, Kyle.”

“You’re my wife.”

“No.” I met his eyes directly. “I’m your almost–ex–wife. And you’re James Morton’s best friend who’s dating my stepsister. Funny how these things work out, isn’t it?”

Something dark flickered in his expression. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

“The only game here is the one you’ve been playing all along.” I forced steel into my voice. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my date.”

“Date?” He actually laughed, the sound harsh in the quiet hallway. Kyle moved closer, backing me against the wall. “Careful, Mia.”

“Or what?” I tilted my chin up defiantly. “You’ll what, Kyle? Control me? Punish me? Save it.” I pressed my hands against his chest, pushing him back. “I don’t want to hear any more lies. What I want is for you to sign the divorce papers and let me go.”

He was quiet for a long moment, his eyes stormy with something I couldn’t read. When he spoke again, his voice was different – rougher, almost desperate. “Mia…”

“Don’t.” I turned away, unable to bear whatever was in his expression.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify