Chapter 51 Unexpected Offers
Chapter 51 Unexpected Offers
**Mia’s POV**
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“Mia?” His voice confirmed iny guess. “Mind if I come in?”
“Of course not,” I said, automatically turning my face toward his voice. The darkness that had become my constant companion pressed in around me.
“I was starting to worry,” he said, settling into what sounded like the chair beside my bed. “You haven’t responded to any messages about the children’s center.”
A small laugh escaped me despite everything. “Am I that predictable?”
“Let’s just say I’ve noticed you’re not the type to leave work messages unanswered.” His tone held gentle amusement. “Even at three in the morning.”
“I didn’t realize I was so transparent,” I said, feeling heat rise in my cheeks. “Though we haven’t known each other long, it seems you’ve figured me out pretty well.”
“Professional dedication is easy to spot.” Papers rustled – he must be reviewing my charts. “Speaking of which, I have talked with your doctor. And I have some good news about your condition“.
My hands twisted in the blanket. “Oh?”
“The latest test results are very promising. I think he also told you? The blindness is temporary, just as suspected. Your blood pressure is already responding well to the medication.”
“Are you sure?” I couldn’t keep the doubt from my voice. “It still feels so… complete.”
“Trust me, Mia.” The smile was audible in his voice. “I didn’t become a top neurosurgeon by making wild guesses. You should have your sight back well before your mother’s second surgery next week.”
“That seems… optimistic.”
“It’s not optimism – it’s medical fact.” His chair creaked as he leaned forward. “Your mother’s recovery is progressing beautifully, by the way. The initial surgery site is healing exactly as we hoped.”
Relief washed through me. “Thank you. For everything you’ve done for both of us.”
“That’s what friends are for.” He paused, “Though speaking as a friend rather than your mother’s doctor… I may notice you seem to be going through some personal challenges.”
I tensed slightly. “I’m fine.”
“Are you?” His voice gentled. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you might benefit from a change of scenery. A fresh start, maybe.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have some connections in Europe – good ones. There’s a leading architectural firm in Paris that’s doing incredible work with therapeutic spaces. Their head architect is an old friend.”
My breath caught. “Nate…”
“Just hear me out,” he continued. “They’re always looking for fresh talent, especially someone with your unique perspective on healing environments. One word from me, and you could have an interview tomorrow.”
The offer hung in the air between us. It’s was too tempting to resist Part of me wanted to grab it with both hands. But…
“That’s… incredibly generous,” I said carefully. “I’m a little surprised you have such extensive connections.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad that surprised you.”
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Chapter 51 Unexpected Offers
“Still, I said, choosing my words carefully, “I can’t accept.”
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The offer doesn’t have a time limit,” lie said easily. “Just something to keep in mind. Sometimes the best way to heal is to start fresh somewhere new.”
“I appreciate the thought, truly.” I managed a small smile in what hoped was his direction. “But if I ever join an organization like that, I want it to be because of my own abilities, not someone else’s influence.”
“Admirable.” His voice held what sounded like genuine respect. “But don’t let pride stand in the way of opportunities, Mia. Sometimes we all need a helping hand.”
“Maybe,” I conceded.
I heard him stand. “I should let you rest. But think about what I sak?”
“I will. And Nate? Thank you. For caring enough to offer.”
After his footsteps faded away, I let myself sink back against the pillows. The darkness felt less oppressive somehow, as if Nate’s confidence in my recovery had lightened it slightly.
I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, I was blinking in confusion at what seemed to be… light? Not clear vision, but definitely a change in the darkness – subtle variations in shadow that hadn’t been there before.
“Kyle?” I called out softly, somehow knowing he was there. His cologne gave him away – that subtle, expensive scent I’d learned to recognize over three years of marriage.
“How did you know?” His voice came from near the window.
“You really shouldn’t just come into my room without announcing yourself,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite how his presence affected me.
He didn’t respond to that. Instead, his voice took on an edge I knew too well: “What did Pierce want?”
“That’s none of your business.” I turned my face away, though I couldn’t actually see him. “And don’t pretend to be jealous. We both know you don’t care.”
“Don’t tell me what I care about.” His voice was closer now, tight with something that sounded almost like anger.
“Why are you really here, Kyle?” I asked tiredly. “Shouldn’t you be with Taylor?”
“Is that what Pierce was talking about?” He ignored my question completely. “Taylor?”
“No, actually. But you don’t need to know.” I couldn’t keep the bitterness from my voice. “Kyle, I don’t want this anymore – this back and forth, this pretense that you actually care.”
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“You think I’m pretending?” Now he definitely sounded angry. “You think I enjoy seeing you like this?”
“I think you feel guilty. I don’t why. But maybe you found something. Or maybe this is another trick from you and Taylor.” I said quietly. “And I think this from–nowhere guilty is making you act like the husband you never really were. But I don’t need your guilt, Kyle. I don’t need anything from you anymore.”
The silence that followed was deafening. I could hear him breathing, could almost feel the tension radiating from him. “The doctors say your sight is improving,” he said finally, his voice carefully controlled again. “That’s… good news.”
“Yes,” I agreed, matching his professional tone. “Now you really should go.”
He didn’t move. “Mia…”
“Go, Kyle” I whispered. “Just go.”
His footsteps moved toward the door, then paused. “I’ll have Linda bring over some things from the house. Anything specific you need?”
Chapter 51 Unexpected Offars
“No.” I tarned my face toward the window, where I could almost
need right here.”
The door closed behind him with quiet finality.
Chapter 51 Unexpected Offers
+25
BONUS
“No.” I turned my face toward the window, where I could almost almost distinguish light from shadow. “I have everything I
need
Tright
here.”
The door closed behind him with quiet finality.
