The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 169

Mia's POV

I wake before my alarm, the twins already active. Gas lifts his head from his spot at the foot of the bed, watching as I push myself up with a quiet groan.

"Morning, buddy," I murmur, scratching behind his ears.

My phone chimes with an incoming email as I'm brushing my teeth. From Kyle's assistant, Linda:

Subject: Statement for Review As requested, please find attached the statement that will be released to the press at 9:00 AM. Mr. Branson would appreciate your feedback as soon as possible, if you have any concerns.

I finish brushing my teeth before opening the attachment, taking a deep breath as I prepare for whatever Kyle has concocted as damage control.

The statement is brief, professional, and surprisingly straightforward:

"Branson Industries wishes to address recent speculation regarding the personal life of CEO Kyle Branson.

The marriage between Kyle Branson and Mia Williams was a genuine relationship entered into with mutual consent and respect. Any suggestion that Ms. Williams was coerced, manipulated, or acted as a 'surrogate' is categorically false and defamatory.

Mr. Branson and Ms. Williams separated earlier this year by mutual agreement. They maintain a cordial relationship as they prepare to co-parent their expected children.

Branson Industries will be pursuing legal action against any publication that continues to spread false information about this private matter.

We respectfully ask that Ms. Williams' privacy be respected during this time."

I read it twice, then a third time. It's... fine. Better than fine, actually. It addresses the lies directly without creating new drama or revealing unnecessary details about our personal lives. It's exactly the kind of measured, professional response I would have hoped for.

I forward the statement to Robert for his legal opinion, then head to the kitchen for breakfast. Mom is already there, coffee mug in hand, scrolling through news on her tablet.

"Morning," she greets me. "Sleep well?"

"Surprisingly, yes." I move to the refrigerator, pulling out orange juice and yogurt. "Kyle sent the statement for review. It seems... reasonable."

Mom raises an eyebrow. "Let me see."

I hand her my phone, watching as she reads through the brief text. "Straightforward," she comments. "Professional. Addresses the main lies without adding fuel to the fire."

I settle at the counter with my breakfast. Robert calls as I'm finishing my yogurt. "I've reviewed the statement," he says without preamble. "It's solid from a legal standpoint. Directly refutes the false claims without creating new vulnerabilities."

What?

In an unexpected turn of events, Kyle Branson, CEO of Branson Industries, used this morning's scheduled press conference to make a personal declaration regarding his ex-wife, Mia Williams.

"I want to address the rumors directly," Branson stated to the assembled press. "The marriage between myself and Mia Williams was entirely genuine and entered into at my persistent request. Any suggestion that she manipulated, coerced, or used me in any way is not just false, but a complete inversion of the truth."

Branson went on to make the stunning admission that he pursued Williams for years and that their divorce was his "greatest regret."

"I failed to appreciate what I had," Branson declared. "I allowed outside influences to damage our relationship. The fault for our separation lies entirely with me, not with Mia."

Most shocking of all was Branson's declaration regarding their future: "I fully intend to win back my wife's trust and love. Our children deserve parents who are united, and I am committed to becoming the husband and father they both deserve."

Branson Industries stock dropped sharply following the unexpected emotional display from its usually stoic CEO, before rebounding amid speculation about what this means for the company's future...

I stop reading, my hands shaking as I set down my phone.

WHAT THE FUCK???