The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 276

Chapter 276 The victims protect their abusers

Mia’s POV

Nate paused for a moment. “Proving child abuse is complicated, Mia. We’d need medical records showing malnutrition. Evidence of physical abuse. Testimony from credible witnesses. Ideally, we’d need the child to cooperate.”

I think that’s almost impossible.

Children naturally love their mothers. No matter what a mother does, a child will never think she is bad.

It’s the most heartbreaking aspect of child abuse.

The victims protect their abusers out of love and loyalty.

“Madison is only six years old,” I said, watching my boys play with the dogs across the patio. “She won’t testify against Victoria.”

“Exactly,” Nate nodded. “Children that young rarely understand that what’s happening to them is wrong. They think it’s normal.”

The waiter approached our table, looking slightly flustered by the chaos of dogs and children gathered around us. Five dogs of various sizes were now mingling with my twins, creating a scene that was both adorable and mildly overwhelming for other diners.

“Have you decided what to order?” he asked hesitantly.

“Give us a few more minutes,” Nate said with a charming smile. “Thank you for your patience with our… big family.”

The waiter smiled and backed away.

“Uncle Nate!” Ethan ran over, his face flushed with excitement. “Come look! I taught all the dogs to sit in order!

“In what order?” Nate asked, setting down his water glass.

“By size!” Ethan announced proudly, gesturing toward the impressive lineup he’d created. “From the biggest to the smallest!”

We all turned to look, and I had to admit I was genuinely impressed. The six dogs were sitting in a perfect row, arranged from Einstein down to a small terrier that belonged to another family but had apparently joined Ethan’s training session.

This was truly quite remarkable for a four–year–old.

“Son, maybe you could be a professional dog trainer someday,” I couldn’t help but say.

“That’s amazing, buddy,” Nate stood up to admire Ethan’s work more closely. “How did you get them to understand what you wanted?”

“I used treats,” Ethan explained seriously, looking very pleased with himself. “And I was very patient. Alexander wanted to use force, but I told him that’s not how you teach animals.”

Alexander ran over, slightly out of breath and looking mildly indignant. “I didn’t want to use force! I just thought if we moved them ourselves, they’d learn faster!”

“Both methods have their merits,” Nate said, ruffling both boys‘ hair. “But Ethan’s method might be less stressful for the dogs.”

“Can we order now?” Alexander climbed onto my lap, wrapping his small arms around my neck. “I’m hungry, and I think the dogs are hungry too.”

“Dogs don’t eat restaurant food,” Ethan corrected him. “They have special dog food that’s made just for them.’

“This is a Greek restaurant, boys,” I explained gently. “They probably don’t have chicken nuggets or mac and cheese.”

“We have chicken souvlaki,” the waiter suggested enthusiastically. “They’re like chicken nuggets, but on bamboo skewers. Very popular with children.”

“That sounds perfect,” I said gratefully.

“And we have rice pilaf instead of macaroni,” the waiter continued. “It’s very mild and delicious.”

The boys looked at each other, conducting one of their silent twin consultations that still amazed me after four years.

“Okay,” they agreed in unison.

Once our order was placed and the boys had returned to their dog training activities.

“Mia, I want you to think this through very carefully,” Nate said, his voice dropping. “If Victoria finds out you started investigating her, she’ll make your life incredibly difficult.”

I gave him an awkward smile, feeling the weight of his warning. “Actually, she’s already making my life difficult. She hates me, Nate. The woman genuinely despises me.”

“But I can’t just do nothing,” I said. “Nate. That little girl’s hungry all the time. And everyone’s just pretending it’s normal because her mother is wealthy and connected.”

“I understand that impulse,” Nate said, “Be careful, Mia. Or don’t do it at all. But whatever you decide, make sure you’re prepared for the consequences.”

I nodded, understanding the weight of his warning. “Of course.”