The Other Woman

Mia's POV

Kyle walked out of the bathroom. I quickly turned away from his phone, my heart pounding. He picked up the device and left the bedroom without a word to me. The door clicked shut behind him.

I pulled my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around them. Even through the closed door, I could hear the low murmur of his voice. He always spoke to her in that gentle tone. That is a tone I'd never heard him use with me.

I pressed my face against my knees, trying to hold back my tears. My hand moved unconsciously to my stomach. What would Taylor say if she knew I was carrying Kyle's babies? My stepsister had already taken so much from me. My father, my home, my inheritance - and now she wanted Kyle back.

The memories came flooding back, making me feel sick. I was fifteen when my mother fell into a coma. I thought my father would be there for her. I was wrong.

A week after that, he brought home his new wife and her daughter Taylor. That's when my whole world fell apart. That's when I learned the ugly truth. Dad had been seeing them behind Mom's back for years. He'd only married my mother for her money. Taylor's mother had been his true love all along.

I got up from the bed, needing to move. The bedroom suddenly felt small and suffocating. I walked to the window, pressing my forehead against the cool glass. Outside, the city lights twinkled like nothing was wrong.

The sound of Kyle's voice grew louder as he walked past the bedroom door. "Thursday works perfectly. I'll make reservations at your favorite restaurant."

My fingers curled against the glass. Thursday. He was planning a date with her while I stood here carrying his children. Children he didn't want. Children that violated our contract.

I remembered the day Taylor first came to our house. She was thirteen, two years younger than me, but she acted like she owned the place. Maybe she did. Within days, my father had moved all of Mom's things to the attic. Within weeks, he'd redecorated the entire house to Taylor's mother's taste. It was like Mom had never existed.

"You're just like your mother," Taylor would say to me at school, her voice dripping with contempt. "Always in the way. Always trying to hold onto things that don't belong to you."

The bathroom door opened, and Kyle walked back in. I quickly wiped my eyes, but I couldn't hide how pale I was. My reflection in the window showed a ghost of a woman.

"You look sick," Kyle said, his voice cool and detached. So different from how he'd spoken to Taylor moments ago. "Go see a doctor tomorrow."

I turned to face him, wrapping my arms around myself. "Would you speak to Taylor like this?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Kyle's expression hardened. "You shouldn't mention that name. And don't compare yourself to her."

His words hit me like a physical blow. Of course. How could I forget? I was just the backup plan. The convenient wife who stayed in the shadows while he pursued his true love.

"You're right," I said, my voice trembling. "I'm not worthy. I'm just the girl you married because your board of directors insisted you needed a stable image. I'm just your secretary who pretends to be your wife."

Kyle's jaw tightened. " We had an agreement, Mia. You knew what this was from the start. Don't try to make it something it's not."

I laughed, but it sounded more like a sob. "A contract. That's all our marriage is to you, isn't it? Just another business deal.

"Yes," he said coldly. "That's exactly what it is. Make sure you stick to that."

My hand instinctively moved to my stomach before I caught myself. But Kyle had already turned away, heading for the door. "I have an early meeting tomorrow. Don't wait up."

The door closed behind him with a final click. I sank onto the bed, my legs no longer able to hold me up. The tears I'd been holding back finally spilled over.

How had I ended up here? When did I become this pathetic woman who accepted crumbs of attention from a man who loved someone else? Someone who happened to be the same person who had made my teenage years a living hell?

I remembered the first time I saw Kyle. It was at a high school party - one I wasn't supposed to be at. Taylor had made sure I knew I wasn't welcome, but I went anyway. Kyle was there with his friends, tall and handsome in his football jersey. He only had eyes for Taylor.

Everyone knew they were the perfect couple. Kyle Branson, the star quarterback from the wealthy family. Taylor Matthews, the beautiful cheerleader with the perfect life. And me? I was just the awkward stepsister who didn't belong anywhere.

But I fell for him anyway. Quietly, hopelessly, I fell in love with Kyle. Even after high school, when I got the job as his secretary at K.T. Enterprises, my feelings didn't change. If anything, they grew stronger.

Then came the scandal. Kyle's reputation was at risk, and the board insisted he needed to clean up his image. He needed a wife - someone quiet, someone who wouldn't cause problems. Someone who would sign a contract and stay in the shadows.

I was the perfect candidate. The quiet secretary who already knew how to be invisible. The girl who loved him enough to accept any terms, just to be near him.

Now here I was, three years later, carrying his twins while he planned dates with my stepsister.

I got up and walked to my purse, pulling out the ultrasound picture. In the darkness of the room, I could barely make out the two tiny dots that would change everything. My babies. Our babies. Even if Kyle never loved me, even if this pregnancy violated our contract, I couldn't give them up.

My phone buzzed with a text. It was from Linda, Kyle's assistant - and the only person who knew about our marriage.

"Are you okay? You seemed off today."

I stared at the message, my vision blurring with fresh tears. No, I wasn't okay. I wasn't okay at all.

But I had to be strong. For my babies, I had to find a way to be strong.

I texted back a simple "I'm fine" and turned off my phone. Tomorrow, I would have to go back to work. I would have to sit at my desk and pretend everything was normal. I would have to watch Kyle and Taylor together, knowing I carried his children under my heart.

As I lay in bed, one hand resting protectively over my stomach, I made a decision. I wouldn't tell Kyle about the pregnancy. Not yet. Not until I figured out what to do. These babies were mine. They are the only real thing in this fake marriage. And I would protect them, no matter what it cost me.

The sound of Kyle's car starting in the driveway made me flinch. He was leaving, probably heading to his penthouse apartment downtown. The one where he stayed when he didn't want to play house with his contract wife.

I curled up tighter under the blankets, trying to find warmth in the empty bed. Tomorrow would be another day of being the invisible wife. But tonight, in the darkness of our bedroom, I allowed myself to cry for everything I might lose when the truth finally came out.

Make Waves

Mia's POV

The morning sickness hit me as soon as I woke up. I barely made it to the bathroom in time. Dark circles under my eyes. Pale skin. I had to look better than this. I couldn't let anyone at work suspect anything.

Linda was waiting for me when I arrived at the office. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, much better." I forced a smile. Linda watched me carefully, but didn't push.

Linda’s expression as neutral as ever, holding out two cups of coffee. “He asked for these,” she murmured, her tone professional, yet I could sense a hint of pity in her eyes.

My stomach churned at the thought of coffee, but I nodded. "Sure."

I balanced the two cups carefully. Two cups. My heart sank. I already knew who the second one was for.

When I pushed open Kyle's office door, Taylor was perched on the edge of his desk. She wore a tight red dress that probably cost more than my monthly salary. Her perfectly manicured hand rested on Kyle's shoulder.

"Oh, look who it is," Taylor's voice dripped honey. "How nice to see you, Mia."

I set the cups down carefully, trying not to let my hands shake. "Your coffee, Mr. Branson."

"That's not how I like my coffee," Taylor pouted. She picked up the cup and took a sip. "Too much sugar. Be a dear and get me another one."

I clenched my fists. "I didn't make the coffee, Miss Matthews. Perhaps you should specify your preferences to the coffee shop directly."

Taylor's eyes narrowed for a moment before she laughed. "Oh, Kyle, isn't she adorable? So defensive over a cup of coffee." She turned to me, her smile never reaching her eyes. "You know, Mia, attitude like that is probably why you're still just a secretary."

Kyle didn't even look up from his computer. "That will be all, Mia."

I turned to leave, but Taylor wasn't done. "Actually, Mia, wait." She stood up, smoothing her dress. "Could you show me to the ladies' room? This building is so big, I always get lost."

I knew it was a trap. But with Kyle sitting right there, I couldn't refuse. "Of course."

The moment we entered the bathroom, Taylor's sweet facade dropped. She checked every stall before turning to me, her eyes cold.

"I know what you're doing," she hissed. "Playing the perfect employee, always so helpful, so eager to please. Everyone knows you’ve always been desperate for any scrap of attention. You’re just like your mother—always looking for something that isn’t yours"

My hands trembled. "Don't talk about my mother."

"Why not? Everyone knew what she was - a gold-digger who trapped my father with her money. And now look at you, following in her footsteps."

"That's not true." My voice shook. "My mother loved Dad. She didn't know—"

"She didn't know he was already in love with my mom?" Taylor laughed. "Please. She knew exactly what she was doing. Just like you know exactly what you're doing with Kyle."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Taylor stepped closer. "Don't play innocent. I've seen how you look at him. How you've always looked at him. It's pathetic, really. Do you think he'll ever see you as anything more than what you are? A convenient employee he can use?"

"Stop it." My stomach churned. Whether from morning sickness or stress, I wasn't sure.

"You know what's funny?" Taylor continued. "Kyle tells me everything. About his little arrangement. About how the board forced him to find a wife quickly after that scandal. And guess who was there, so eager to sign whatever contract he put in front of her?"

I felt the blood drain from my face. Kyle had told her about our marriage?

"Oh, don't worry," Taylor smirked. "Your secret is safe with me. It's too amusing to spoil. Kyle's fake wife, pining away while he spends his nights with me."

"You're lying." But my voice sounded weak even to my own ears.

"Am I? Where do you think he goes when he's not at your little love nest? Who do you think he's with?" She pulled out her phone, scrolling through photos. "Look. Last night, after he left you. And the night before that."

The photos showed Kyle and Taylor at various restaurants, clubs, looking intimate. Happy. Real.

"Stop." My voice cracked.

"You'll never be anything to him, Mia. I have told you, you're just like your mother, trying to hold onto things that don't belong to you. But you should remember what your mom got. "

Something in me snapped. I couldn't take it anymore.

The slap echoed in the tiled bathroom. Anger flared inside me, and before I could think, my hand flew up, landing a hard slap across her face. The sharp sound echoed in the empty hallway.

Taylor's head snapped to the side. For a moment, there was absolute silence. Then she started to smile.

"Oh, Mia," she said softly. "You shouldn't have done that."

She grabbed her own arm and squeezed hard, leaving red marks. Then she messed up her hair slightly and let tears fill her eyes.

The bathroom door burst open. Kyle stood there, his face dark with anger.

"Kyle!" Taylor sobbed, running to him. "I don't know what happened! I was just trying to be friendly, and she attacked me!"

"She's lying!" I said. "Kyle, she—"

"I saw enough," Kyle cut me off. His voice was ice cold. "Taylor, are you alright?"

She buried her face in his chest, her shoulders shaking with perfectly timed sobs. "I just wanted to talk to her. To try and be friends. I know our past is complicated, but..."

Kyle wrapped his arms around her protectively. The sight made me feel sick.

"Please," I whispered. "Kyle, let me explain."

Taylor touched her cheek, her expression shifting instantly to one of hurt innocence. “Kyle, I… I didn’t mean to upset her,” she said, her voice soft, pleading. “Please, don’t be angry with her.”

Kyle’s gaze was cold as he looked at me. “Apologize, Mia,” he ordered, his tone hard.

I met his gaze, refusing to back down, my heart breaking anew. “No,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I won’t apologize.”

Kyle’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought I saw something in his eyes—disappointment, maybe, or frustration. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

“Fine,” he said coldly. “You’re suspended. I’ll let Linda handle your work until further notice.”

The words were a knife in my heart, but I lifted my chin, refusing to let him see how much they hurt. “Understood.”

I walked away without another word, my heart aching, feeling like I had left a piece of myself behind.

A New Job

Mia's POV

I sat in the dark living room, watching the hours tick by. The house felt emptier than usual. Kyle hadn't come home since the incident at the office three days ago. I knew he was punishing me, but I still waited.

The clock struck midnight. Then one. Then two. No Kyle.

My phone buzzed, startling me. A message from an old college friend lit up my screen.

"Hey stranger! Long time no see. Coffee tomorrow?"

Jeo Parker. I hadn't heard from him in ages. Back in college, we'd spent countless hours together in the art studio. He'd always believed in my talent, even when I didn't.

I hesitated before replying. A coffee wouldn't hurt, would it?

"Sure. Where?"

The next morning, I found myself at a quiet café downtown. Jeo was already there, his familiar smile warming the room. He stood when he saw me, and I was struck by how well time had treated him. His dark hair was stylishly messy, his blue eyes as kind as I remembered.

"Mia Williams," he said, pulling me into a gentle hug. "Still as beautiful as ever."

I blushed, unused to such open affection. "You look good too, Jeo."

"I ordered you hot chocolate instead of coffee," he said as we sat down. "You never could stomach coffee in the morning."

The simple fact that he remembered made my throat tight. When was the last time someone had noticed such a small detail about me?

"So," he began, "I heard you're working at K.T. Enterprises?"

I nodded, stirring my hot chocolate. "In HR."

"Really?" His eyebrows rose. "The girl who painted that incredible mural in the university hall ended up in HR?"

"Things change," I said softly.

"They don't have to." He leaned forward. "That's actually why I wanted to meet. My design firm just landed a huge project. We're looking for fresh talent, and I immediately thought of you."

"Me?"

"Don't act surprised, Mia. You were always the most talented girl . Remember that scholarship you turned down?"

I did remember. It had been right after Kyle hired me as his secretary. I'd convinced myself that being close to him was more important than pursuing my dreams.

"I don't know, Jeo. It's been years since I've drawn anything."

"Just come see the studio," he pleaded. "No pressure. Just look around."

His enthusiasm was infectious. For the first time in days, I felt myself smiling. "Maybe I could—"

"Mia."

That voice. My smile froze.

Kyle stood at our table, his expression unreadable. He wore a crisp black suit. He looked perfect, untouchable.

"Mr. Branson," I said automatically, my voice small.

Jeo stood, extending his hand. "Kyle Branson? I'm Jeo Parker. I went to college with Mia."

Kyle ignored his hand. His eyes were fixed on me. "A word, Mia."

It wasn't a request. I stood shakily, avoiding Jeo's concerned look.

"Mia," Jeo called after me. "Think about what I said, okay?"

Kyle's jaw tightened. He led me outside, his hand on my elbow. His touch burned through my sleeve.

"Who is he?" Kyle's voice was low, dangerous.

"Just an old friend."

"Friends don't look at each other that way."

I pulled my arm free. "What way? The way you look at Taylor?"

His eyes flashed. "That's different."

"How? How is it different, Kyle?"

"Because you signed a contract." He stepped closer, crowding me against the wall. "You agreed to certain terms. No relationships with other men during our marriage."

I laughed bitterly. "Our marriage? Is that what you call this arrangement?"

"It's still legally binding." His breath fanned across my face. "Or have you forgotten?"

"No," I whispered. "I haven't forgotten anything. Including where you've been the past three days."

Something flickered in his eyes. Guilt? Anger? I couldn't tell anymore.

"What I do is none of your concern."

"But what I do is your concern?" I challenged. "That's not fair, Kyle."

"Life isn't fair." He straightened his tie. "Remember our agreement, Mia. Don't make me remind you again."

He turned to leave, then paused. "And tell your friend to stop wasting his time. You're not available."

"He's offering me a job," I said to his back.

Kyle stopped. Turned slowly. "What?"

"A job. At his design firm." I lifted my chin. "I used to paint, before..."

"Before what?"

"Before I became your secretary." The words tasted bitter. "Before I signed your contract."

Kyle's expression darkened. "You're not considering it."

"Why not? You've suspended me anyway."

"Temporarily." He stepped closer again. "You're my wife, Mia."

"Your wife?" I met his gaze. "Because it seems like I'm only your wife when it's convenient for you. When you need to show the board how stable you are. When you need someone to warm your bed."

His hands clenched into fists. "That's not true."

"Then where were you these past three days, Kyle? With Taylor?"

Kyle grabbed my wrist, not hard enough to hurt, but firm. "You knew what this was from the beginning. Don't act like I deceived you."

"No," I whispered. "I deceived myself. I thought maybe... maybe if I was patient enough, kind enough, if I followed all your rules..." I pulled my wrist free. "But I was wrong, wasn't I?"

Something flickered in his eyes. "Mia..."

"You don't get to control every aspect of my life, Kyle. Not anymore."

"The contract—"

"The contract says I can't have relationships with other men. It doesn't say anything about taking a job." I straightened my spine. "Unless you're jealous?"

His laugh was harsh. "Jealous? Of him? Don't be ridiculous."

"Then there's no problem, is there?"

We stood there, staring at each other. For a moment, I thought I saw something in his eyes. But then his mask slipped back into place.

"Fine," he said coldly. "Take the job. But remember your place, Mia. You're still my wife."

"No, Kyle. I'm your employee who happens to have signed a marriage contract. There's a difference."

"We'll discuss this at home," he said finally. Without another word, he turned and walked away. This time, I let him go.

My phone buzzed with a message from Jeo.

"Are you okay? Want to finish our conversation about the job?"

I stared at the message for a long time. And I typed back: "Tell me more about the position."