The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins novel Chapter 6

Mia's POV

Linda entered. "Mrs. Branson called. She wants both of you home for dinner tonight."

My mother-in-law was the only person who treated our marriage as real, who saw me as more than Kyle's convenient arrangement.

Kyle's jaw tightened. "Tell her we're busy."

"I already tried, sir," Linda replied, "She insisted. Said, and I quote, 'Tell my stubborn son that if he doesn't bring my lovely daughter-in-law home for dinner tonight, I'll come to his office myself.'"

"Fine. We'll go." Kyle said.

The drive to the Branson mansion was silent. I watched the familiar neighborhoods pass by, each getting progressively more exclusive until we reached the tree-lined street where Kyle had grown up. The mansion stood proud and elegant, its windows warmly lit against the darkening sky.

Catherine was waiting at the door, her silver hair perfectly styled, her emerald dress matching her eyes.

"Finally!" She exclaimed, "My darlings!"

She embraced me first, holding me tight. Her familiar Chanel No. 5 perfume wrapped around me like a comfort blanket. "Mia, sweetheart," she pulled back, studying my face with motherly concern. "You look pale. Has my workaholic son been keeping you up too late at the office?"

"Mother," Kyle's voice held a warning tone.

"Oh, hush," Catherine waved him off, pulling me toward the house. "Come in, come in. Mrs. Reynolds has outdone herself with dinner tonight."

The mansion's interior hadn't changed since the last time we visited. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the antique furniture and family portraits. Everything spoke of old money, tastefully displayed yet comfortable. Catherine had always managed that delicate balance.

Catherine smiled as the first course was served. A delicate mushroom soup that filled the room with an earthy aroma. "Though I do miss the days when this table was fuller. Remember the Sunday dinners we used to have, Kyle? All your cousins would come..."

"That was a long time ago, Mother," Kyle replied.

Catherine sighed, stirring her soup. "Everything changes, doesn't it? Eva next door just became a grandmother last month. Her daughter had twins." She looked up at us, her eyes twinkling. "Speaking of which, when can I expect grandchildren?"

Kyle's fork clattered against his plate. "Mother—"

"Don't 'mother' me," Catherine cut him off. "You've been married three years. Three years! Do you know how many of my friends are already grandmothers twice over?"

"Work keeps us busy," Kyle said.

"Work!" Catherine's voice dripped. "Always work with you, Kyle. A woman needs more than a busy husband to be happy. She needs to be loved."

The word 'loved' hung in the air like a physical presence.

"The company is going through an important phase," Kyle said stiffly. "We can discuss children later."

Catherine's eyes narrowed. "That's an excuse and you know it. When I was pregnant with you—"

"Mother, we've discussed this," Kyle cut in, his voice sharp. "My priority right now is expanding the company into international markets. Children would be... inconvenient."

Inconvenient. The word hit me like a physical blow. My stomach churned violently as the smell of the food suddenly became overwhelming. Black spots danced at the edges of my vision as waves of nausea washed over me.

"May I be excused?" I interrupted, "I need some air."

Catherine's expression softened immediately. "Of course, dear. Use the garden. The night blooming jasmine is beautiful this time of year."

I wandered through Catherine's immaculate garden, past perfectly trimmed hedges and blooming flowers, until I reached the stone bench by the fountain.