The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins novel Chapter 4

Mia's POV

I sat in the dark living room, watching the hours tick by. The house felt emptier than usual. Kyle hadn't come home since the incident at the office three days ago. I knew he was punishing me, but I still waited.

The clock struck midnight. Then one. Then two. No Kyle.

My phone buzzed, startling me. A message from an old college friend lit up my screen.

"Hey stranger! Long time no see. Coffee tomorrow?"

Jeo Parker. I hadn't heard from him in ages. Back in college, we'd spent countless hours together in the art studio. He'd always believed in my talent, even when I didn't.

I hesitated before replying. A coffee wouldn't hurt, would it?

"Sure. Where?"

The next morning, I found myself at a quiet café downtown. Jeo was already there, his familiar smile warming the room. He stood when he saw me, and I was struck by how well time had treated him. His dark hair was stylishly messy, his blue eyes as kind as I remembered.

"Mia Williams," he said, pulling me into a gentle hug. "Still as beautiful as ever."

I blushed, unused to such open affection. "You look good too, Jeo."

"I ordered you hot chocolate instead of coffee," he said as we sat down. "You never could stomach coffee in the morning."

The simple fact that he remembered made my throat tight. When was the last time someone had noticed such a small detail about me?

"So," he began, "I heard you're working at K.T. Enterprises?"

I nodded, stirring my hot chocolate. "In HR."

"Really?" His eyebrows rose. "The girl who painted that incredible mural in the university hall ended up in HR?"

"Things change," I said softly.

"They don't have to." He leaned forward. "That's actually why I wanted to meet. My design firm just landed a huge project. We're looking for fresh talent, and I immediately thought of you."

"Me?"

"Don't act surprised, Mia. You were always the most talented girl . Remember that scholarship you turned down?"

I did remember. It had been right after Kyle hired me as his secretary. I'd convinced myself that being close to him was more important than pursuing my dreams.

"I don't know, Jeo. It's been years since I've drawn anything."

"Just come see the studio," he pleaded. "No pressure. Just look around."

His enthusiasm was infectious. For the first time in days, I felt myself smiling. "Maybe I could—"

"Mia."

That voice. My smile froze.

Kyle stood at our table, his expression unreadable. He wore a crisp black suit. He looked perfect, untouchable.

"Mr. Branson," I said automatically, my voice small.

Jeo stood, extending his hand. "Kyle Branson? I'm Jeo Parker. I went to college with Mia."

Kyle ignored his hand. His eyes were fixed on me. "A word, Mia."

It wasn't a request. I stood shakily, avoiding Jeo's concerned look.

"Mia," Jeo called after me. "Think about what I said, okay?"

Kyle's jaw tightened. He led me outside, his hand on my elbow. His touch burned through my sleeve.

"Who is he?" Kyle's voice was low, dangerous.

"Just an old friend."

"Friends don't look at each other that way."

I pulled my arm free. "What way? The way you look at Taylor?"