The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178

Mia's POV

I took her hand, squeezing gently. "Mom sent chicken soup. The magical cure-all kind that she used to make when we were kids."

"Your mom is a saint," Scarlett sighed, sinking back into her pillows. "Morton's been amazing, but he's clueless about the whole sick day thing. Keeps asking if I need a specialist or if we should go to the emergency room."

"He's worried about you," I observed.

Something soft flickered across her fever-flushed face. "Yeah. It's... nice."

This was new territory for Scarlett, who had always fiercely maintained her independence.

"When did you start feeling sick?" I asked, changing the subject before she could retreat behind her usual sardonic defenses.

"Yesterday afternoon," she admitted. "Just a headache at first. I thought it was from staring at spreadsheets too long. Then around dinner time, I started feeling achy all over. By bedtime, Morton said I was burning up."

"And you didn't call me?"

She had the grace to look slightly abashed. "You had just visited the children's center and dealt with those reporters. I figured you had enough on your plate."

I frowned. "How did you know about the reporters? I didn't mention that when we spoke."

Scarlett hesitated. "Thomas called Morton."

Of course. I should have known their network of communication would be active.

Before I could pursue that line of questioning, Morton returned with a tray bearing three steaming mugs and a small plate of crackers.

"Ginger tea with honey," he announced, setting the tray on the nightstand. "Dr. Klein recommended it for your throat."

Scarlett smiled up at him with surprising softness. "Thank you."

I watched their interaction with fascination.

"Can you help me sit up a bit?" Scarlett asked, and Morton immediately moved to adjust her pillows, his hands gentle as he supported her back.

"Better?" he asked when she was settled.

She nodded, accepting the mug he offered with careful hands. "Much."

Their fingers brushed during the exchange, and neither pulled away too quickly.

"I brought soup," I said, breaking the moment before I started imagining wedding bells. "Mom's special recipe. Should I heat some up for you?"

"Maybe in a little bit," Scarlett replied, bringing the tea to her lips for a cautious sip. "The tea is helping my throat."

Morton settled on the edge of the bed beside her, "Did you take more medicine?" he asked, placing a hand on her forehead to gauge her temperature.

She nodded. "About an hour ago. It's helping, I think."

"Your fever's down a little," he confirmed, relief evident in his voice.

"Told you it was just a bug," she mumbled, though she leaned slightly into his touch, contradicting her dismissive words.

Gas, perhaps sensing he was being ignored, whined softly from his position at my feet.

"Is that Gas?" Scarlett peered over the edge of the bed. "You brought my favorite furry nephew!"

"He insisted," I said, scratching behind his ears. "Wanted to check on his Aunt Scarlett."

"Come here, handsome," she cooed, patting the bed beside her.

Gas looked to me for permission, his tail wagging hopefully.

"Not on the bed, buddy," I said firmly. "Scarlett's sick. We don't want you catching anything."

"Dogs don't catch human viruses," Scarlett protested, but her voice lacked its usual force. "Do they?"

"Probably not, but let's not risk it," I said reasonably. "Besides, if he jumps up there, he'll never want to get down, and you need your rest."

She sighed, conceding the point. "Fine. But he gets extra treats next time you both visit."

"You called the dean of students at three in the morning to complain about the cafeteria's lack of pudding options," I reminded her.

"The concept of pudding was very important to me at that moment," she defended weakly, a hint of her usual humor returning despite her illness.

We both laughed, and for a moment, it felt like simpler times—before complicated pregnancies and billionaire ex-husbands and media scandals. Just Scarlett and Mia, best friends since freshman orientation, facing life's challenges together.

"I've missed this," I said suddenly, the words escaping before I could filter them.

Scarlett's expression softened. "Me too."

"I've been so wrapped up in my own drama lately," I admitted, guilt creeping into my voice. "Kyle, the twins, the media... I haven't been a very good friend, have I?"

"Don't be ridiculous," she scoffed, reaching for my hand. "You're growing two humans inside you while dealing with a psychotic ex-stepsister, a love-struck billionaire ex-husband, and reporters stalking your construction sites. I think you get a pass on perfect friendship right now."

"Still," I insisted, "I should have checked in more. Made sure you were okay."

"I'm always okay," she said with a dismissive wave that would have been more convincing if she didn't look like death warmed over. "Besides, there hasn't been much to report. Work, home, the occasional charity gala with Morton. Boring adult stuff."

Something in her tone caught my attention. "Boring adult stuff, huh? Like developing actual feelings for your husband of convenience?"

The blush that spread across her cheeks couldn't be entirely attributed to fever. "I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to," I replied gently. "It's written all over your face whenever you look at him."

She huffed, crossing her arms defensively. "It's the fever. Makes me look all soft and gooey."

"Sure, blame the fever," I teased. "But for what it's worth, I think he feels the same way."

"We're not talking about this," she declared firmly. "I'm sick and delusional. Anything I say right now should be discounted entirely."

"Of course," I agreed solemnly. "Completely delusional. Couldn't possibly be developing genuine affection for the handsome, successful man who's currently making you dinner from scratch and checking your temperature every thirty minutes."

She threw a small decorative pillow at me, which I easily caught despite my pregnant reflexes. "You're mean to sick people. I'm revoking your best friend card."

"Too late. You're stuck with me for life."