The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 271

Chapter 271 Maybe they weren’t coming

**Mia’s POV**

I didn’t continue discussing Scarlett’s love life.

I was already looking forward to the scene where Thomas discovers Morton and Scarlett together. The thought made me smile despite myself.

I wish I could punch Morton for him. I’ve had it with him for a long time.

“Mama!” Alexander’s voice interrupted my dark thoughts about my ex–brother–in–law. “Don’t forget about the nature hike!”

“What nature hike?” Thomas asked, looking up from his laptop where he’d been checking emails.

“The one Mrs. Rodriguez organized for this weekend,” Ethan explained patiently. “We’re going to Central Park to see real wildlife!”

I laughed. In Manhattan, what does “wildlife” refer to? Probably pigeons and squirrels.

“And maybe raccoons!” Alexander added excitedly. “Tommy Chen said his brother saw a raccoon eating pizza by the playground.”

“That’s not wildlife, that’s just New York,” Thomas said with a grin.

Mrs. Rodriguez did mention last week that there was an event this weekend. I almost forgot. The permission slip was probably buried somewhere in the mountain of papers that came home in the twins‘ backpacks daily.

To be honest, the twins‘ school often has these kinds of activities. Sometimes Thomas and I take them together.

But the thought of Victoria possibly coming with Madison gives me a headache.

Madison’s behavior at the wedding is likely to repeat itself. And I wasn’t sure I could handle another round of manufactured drama in front of all the other parents.

The children are very excited, so I don’t want to dampen their enthusiasm.

But I’ve decided not to let Thomas come along.

“Actually,” I said carefully, “I think I’ll take the boys to this one myself. You’ve been traveling so much lately, you should rest.”

Thomas looked up from his laptop, his brow furrowing slightly. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” I said firmly. “Besides, it’s just a nature walk. How complicated could it be?”

Famous last words, as my mother would say.

**

As it turned out, when I took the two children to the event on my own, I really regretted not letting Thomas come along.

1/3

Chapter 271 Maybe they weren’t coming

I was carrying a big bag on my back, like a donkey.

+25 BONUS

I spent twenty minutes packing what felt like enough supplies for a week–long camping expedition.

Snacks for the twins. Water bottles. Hand sanitizer. Wet wipes. Band–aids. Tissues. Sunscreen. Bug spray. Two changes of clothes because Alexander had a talent for finding the only mud puddle in a five–mile radius.

“Mama, why do we need so much stuff?” Ethan asked, watching me stuff energy bars into what was rapidly becoming an enormous bag.

“Because,” I said, checking.my list for the third time, “when you’re prepared for everything, nothing can go wrong.”

“That’s not true,” Alexander pointed out with four–year–old logic. “Remember when you packed seventeen snacks for the zoo and I still got hungry?”

“You ate all seventeen snacks before we got to the first exhibit,” I reminded him.

“I was excited about the penguins!”

The meeting point was near the Bethesda Fountain, which was already crowded with families when we arrived. I spotted Mrs. Rodriguez.

“Ms. Williams!” she called out when she saw us. “So glad you could make it. And Alexander and Ethan, don’t you two look ready for adventure!”

The boys were practically vibrating with excitement, dressed in their matching hiking boots and little backpacks. They’d insisted on bringing their own supplies – mostly consisting of toy dinosaurs and the fossil collection from Maxwell’s gift basket.

“Where should we put our things?” I asked, hefting my enormous bag.

“There’s a picnic table over there where parents are setting up,” Mrs. Rodriguez pointed toward a shaded area. We’ll circle back for lunch after our walk.”

As I made my way toward the designated area, I scanned the crowd of parents and children.

I didn’t see Victoria’s distinctive blonde hair.

Maybe they weren’t coming. Maybe I’d been worried about nothing.