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."

Unwanted Feelings

Kyle's POV

I couldn't focus on work. The image of Mia with that man kept playing in my mind. Jeo Parker. Even his name irritated me.

"Linda," I called through the intercom. "Get me everything you can find on Jeo Parker."

"The designer?" Linda's voice was carefully neutral. "Right away, sir."

I loosened my tie. The office felt too hot. What would Mia be doing at his design firm? Would she be alone with him? Would they work late together? Artists do that sort of thing, don't they?

The thought of them in his studio made my jaw clench. Would he teach her how to hold a brush? Would his hands touch hers? Would they work on portraits? Would she pose for him?

I yanked my tie completely off. The images wouldn't stop. Mia smiling at him the way she used to smile at me. Mia staying late at his studio. Mia letting him get too close.

"Stop it," I muttered, pouring myself a drink. This was purely professional concern. Nothing more. Mia was my wife. On paper, at least. I had a right to know about her work environment.

Linda knocked and entered with a thick file. "Jeo Parker's background, sir."

I flipped through it, my frown deepening with each page. Award-winning independent designer. Guest lecturer at prestigious art schools. His work had been featured in major galleries across Europe. Forbes' 30 Under 30. Private commissions from celebrities and royalty.

Something uncomfortable settled in my stomach. "Find out more about his personal life."

Linda hesitated. "Sir?"

"Is he married? Dating anyone?"

"I'll check." She paused. "There's something else you should know."

I looked up.

"Miss Williams was an art major in college. She had a full scholarship offer to Paris."

I stared at her. "What?"

"She turned it down when you hired her as your secretary." Linda's voice was careful. "Her professors said she was exceptionally talented."

The uncomfortable feeling in my stomach grew. Why hadn't I known this? Had I ever asked Mia about her interests? Her dreams?

"Should I look into acquiring his company?" I asked abruptly.

Linda gave me a long look. "Is that really what this is about, sir?"

"Get our lawyers to—"

"Mr. Branson," Linda interrupted, something she rarely did. "Maybe you should talk to your wife instead of trying to buy her colleague's company."

I dismissed her with a wave. My phone buzzed. Taylor. I ignored it.

Taylor. She used to mean everything to me. Now... now her calls felt like interruptions. When had that changed?

I drove home early, something I never did. The house was quiet when I entered. Mia was in the living room, sketching something in a notebook. She looked up, surprised to see me.

"You're home early."

I walked over, studying her face. She looked tired. Pale. Was she working too hard? Was she sick? Or was she just excited about her new job with him?

Without thinking, I pulled her up from the couch. She felt small in my arms, familiar. Right. I lowered my head to kiss her.

She turned away suddenly, her hand flying to her mouth. Before I could react, she ran to the bathroom. I heard her retching.

"Mia?" I followed her, concern overriding my annoyance. "Are you sick?"

She emerged pale, wiping her mouth. "I'm fine."

"You don't look fine." I reached for her, but she stepped back.

"I won't be your backup plan anymore, Kyle." Her voice was tired. "I won't share you with Taylor."

"This isn't about Taylor." The thought of Taylor felt distant, unimportant.

"Then what is it about?" Her green eyes challenged me. "Why are you really here?"

Because I can't stand the thought of you working with him. Because the idea of another man making you smile makes me want to destroy something. Because— "Because you're my wife."

"Your contract wife," she corrected bitterly.

I noticed her reaching for something in the bathroom cabinet. A pill bottle. "What are those?"

"Nothing." She tried to hide them, but I caught a glimpse of the label.

"You've been taking a lot of pills lately."

"They're just vitamins." She clutched the bottle tightly.

"For your new job?" I couldn't keep the sarcasm from my voice.

"Yes, actually. I need to be healthy." She tried to move past me.

I blocked her path. "Tell me about this job."

"Why? So you can try to stop me from taking it?"

"I want to know what you'll be doing."

She laughed, but it wasn't a happy sound. "Now you're interested in what I do? After three years of treating me like your convenient bedroom arrangement?"

Her words stung more than they should have. "That's not fair."

"No? When's my birthday, Kyle? What's my favorite color? What did I study in college?" Her voice cracked. "You don't know anything about me because you never cared to ask."

"I know enough."

"You know what's in our contract. That's all." She pushed past me. "I need to get ready for bed."

"We're not done talking about this job."

She spun around. "Yes, we are. You made your choice a long time ago, Kyle. You chose Taylor. Now I'm making my choice."

"This isn't about Taylor," I repeated, my voice hard.

"Then why did you spend the last three days with her?"

Because I was angry. Because I needed to prove I didn't care what you did. Because being with her felt wrong now, and I don't understand why. "That's none of your business."

"Exactly." She smiled sadly. "Just like my new job is none of yours."

I watched her walk away, feeling strangely helpless. When had everything become so complicated? This was supposed to be a simple arrangement. A marriage of convenience. Nothing more.

So why did the thought of her working with Jeo Parker make me want to destroy everything he'd built?

My phone buzzed again. Taylor.

For the first time, I didn't want to answer. Instead, I found myself walking to my study, opening my laptop. I typed in the name of the pills I'd seen Mia taking.

Something wasn't right. She was hiding something. And I was going to find out what.

But first, I had another call to make. "Linda? Find out everything you can about art studios. Working hours. Common practices." I paused. "And get me Jeo Parker's complete schedule."

I had a feeling I wouldn't be sleeping much tonight. The thought of Mia in his studio, spending hours alone with him... No. I wouldn't let that happen.

She was my wife. Contract or not, she belonged with me.