The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 176

Mia's POV

"So we'd be each other's beards? Hiding from your mother and my ex-husband?"

His lips quirked into a small smile. "Something like that, yes."

I considered it for a moment. There was a certain appeal to the idea.

There was a small part of me that liked the idea of Kyle seeing me move on with my life. Realizing that his romantic grand gestures wouldn't automatically win me back, that I had other options, and that I wouldn't just sit around waiting for him.

"What about when the twins are born? We couldn't maintain this charade indefinitely. And what if you meet someone you actually want to date?"

"We'll cross those bridges when we come to them," Thomas said with a casual confidence I envied. "For now, it would just be a few weeks of strategic public appearances to establish a counter-narrative."

I looked at him intently for the first time. Thomas had always presented himself as a classic, clean-cut, handsome man. He was tall and fit, with strong features that were at the same time friendly. He genuinely cared about me, and that was obvious in his expression. There was no doubt about it, he was attractive.

But I didn't like him, not romantically, and that was also obvious. To both of us, I suspected.

People can be strange sometimes. Your mind can tell the difference between good and bad, but your heart doesn't always listen. Thomas was objectively perfect. He is handsome, successful, kind, thoughtful. The logical choice.

But my heart had never been particularly logical.

His gaze met mine, and I felt my face flush slightly. He really was a very, very good friend. If I hadn't met Kyle, maybe I would have fallen for Thomas. Maybe I would have been spared the emotional rollercoaster of the past few years.

Kyle was terrible. Not only had he brought me a terrible marriage, he had also marked my life with his presence in a way I couldn't seem to escape. Was this some kind of twisted fate?

Gas suddenly barked, breaking the awkward moment.

"Sorry," I apologized to the startled family before turning back to Thomas. "I should probably head home. My mother will be worried after the reporter incident, and I'm supposed to be resting."

Thomas nodded, not pushing further. "Think about my offer, Mia. No pressure. Just a potential option if things get too intense."

I laughed, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. "I'll think about it," I promised. "Truly."

"That's all I ask." He signaled to Edmund, who was waiting discreetly near the café entrance. "Shall I tell your driver you're ready?"

"Yes, please," I nodded, suddenly exhausted. "The boys and I need a nap."

I didn't argue, sinking gratefully into the cushions. Gas jumped up beside me, curling against my side with a contented sigh. As I stroked his soft fur, my phone buzzed with an incoming text. From Kyle:

We need to talk. About Thomas Wallace.

My stomach clenched. How had he found out so quickly? And what right did he have to question who I spent time with?

I ignored him. But I wanted to talk to Scarlett. Hearing Scarlett's voice can give me a physical sense of reassurance.

I smiled despite myself, then dialed Scarlett's number, bracing for the interrogation to come.

To my surprise, Morton answered after the second ring. "Mia," he greeted me, his normally composed voice sounding slightly harried.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, immediately concerned by his tone.

"Not exactly," he admitted. "Scarlett's running a fever."

"Scarlett's sick?" I sat up straighter, worry immediately replacing my fatigue.