The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins novel Chapter 5

Kyle's POV

I couldn't focus on work. The image of Mia with that man kept playing in my mind. Jeo Parker. Even his name irritated me.

"Linda," I called through the intercom. "Get me everything you can find on Jeo Parker."

"The designer?" Linda's voice was carefully neutral. "Right away, sir."

I loosened my tie. The office felt too hot. What would Mia be doing at his design firm? Would she be alone with him? Would they work late together? Artists do that sort of thing, don't they?

The thought of them in his studio made my jaw clench. Would he teach her how to hold a brush? Would his hands touch hers? Would they work on portraits? Would she pose for him?

I yanked my tie completely off. The images wouldn't stop. Mia smiling at him the way she used to smile at me. Mia staying late at his studio. Mia letting him get too close.

"Stop it," I muttered, pouring myself a drink. This was purely professional concern. Nothing more. Mia was my wife. On paper, at least. I had a right to know about her work environment.

Linda knocked and entered with a thick file. "Jeo Parker's background, sir."

I flipped through it, my frown deepening with each page. Award-winning independent designer. Guest lecturer at prestigious art schools. His work had been featured in major galleries across Europe. Forbes' 30 Under 30. Private commissions from celebrities and royalty.

Something uncomfortable settled in my stomach. "Find out more about his personal life."

Linda hesitated. "Sir?"

"Is he married? Dating anyone?"

"I'll check." She paused. "There's something else you should know."

I looked up.

"Miss Williams was an art major in college. She had a full scholarship offer to Paris."

I stared at her. "What?"

"She turned it down when you hired her as your secretary." Linda's voice was careful. "Her professors said she was exceptionally talented."

The uncomfortable feeling in my stomach grew. Why hadn't I known this? Had I ever asked Mia about her interests? Her dreams?

"Should I look into acquiring his company?" I asked abruptly.

Linda gave me a long look. "Is that really what this is about, sir?"

"Get our lawyers to—"

"Mr. Branson," Linda interrupted, something she rarely did. "Maybe you should talk to your wife instead of trying to buy her colleague's company."

I dismissed her with a wave. My phone buzzed. Taylor. I ignored it.

Taylor. She used to mean everything to me. Now... now her calls felt like interruptions. When had that changed?

I drove home early, something I never did. The house was quiet when I entered. Mia was in the living room, sketching something in a notebook. She looked up, surprised to see me.

"You're home early."

I walked over, studying her face. She looked tired. Pale. Was she working too hard? Was she sick? Or was she just excited about her new job with him?

Without thinking, I pulled her up from the couch. She felt small in my arms, familiar. Right. I lowered my head to kiss her.

She turned away suddenly, her hand flying to her mouth. Before I could react, she ran to the bathroom. I heard her retching.

"Mia?" I followed her, concern overriding my annoyance. "Are you sick?"

She emerged pale, wiping her mouth. "I'm fine."

"You don't look fine." I reached for her, but she stepped back.