Chapter 121 A Scene
Mia’s POV
Thomas looked at me. So sincere. “Of course,” he said, his tone controlled.
“Scarlett seems to have some… ideas about us,” I continued, choosing my words, “About you and me. I just want to make sure we’re on the same page.”
“Ah.” The single syllable revealed nothing of his thoughts. “Scarlett’s matchmaking efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, then.” I laughed softly, relieved he wasn’t pretending ignorance. “They’re about as subtle as a billboard in Times Square.” He took a sip of coffee. “My sister has many talents. Subtlety has never been among them.”
“No, it hasn’t.” I took a sip of water, gathering my thoughts. I’m afraid I’m imagining things. But I have to talk to Thomas. Í sighed.
“I just wanted to say that I appreciate your friendship, especially now when everything’s so…” I gestured vaguely at my pregnant belly, “complicated. But I’m not in a place where I can think about anything more than that.”
Thomas’s expression softened. “Mia. I understand completely. And I hope you know that I genuinely enjoy your company, Mia. No pressure. We’re friends, aren’t we?”
“Yes, we are.” The knot of tension in my chest loosened. “Thank you, Thomas. I just…I didn’t want any misunderstandings.” Thomas smiled. “I don’t think there’s any misunderstanding between us, as long as you’re willing to accept a little company.” A waiter appeared at our table, offering a selection of herbal teas and light refreshments. I selected a caffeine–free lavender blend that promised to prolong the relaxation effects of the massage.
As the waiter departed, I noticed a subtle shift in Thomas’s expression–a slight narrowing of his eyes as he focused on something beyond my shoulder. Curious, I turned to follow his gaze.
My heart stuttered in my chest.
Kyle stood just inside the garden entrance, his tall figure impossible to mistake even at this distance.
He wore a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, the fabric emphasizing his broad shoulders and athletic build. His dark hair was styled in that deliberately casual way.
Even from across the room, I could sense the controlled energy that always seemed to radiate from him.
He hadn’t seen me yet. He was speaking to the maître d‘, his expression serious as he gestured toward the private dining section at the far end of the garden.
Why is Kyle here?
I haven’t answered his messages for a few days. He’s demanding that I accept a huge fortune from him as his gift for babies. The thought of it makes me irritable. I spent ten years desperately trying to get close to Kyle, and now I don’t want to face him at all.
“Mia?” Thomas’s voice broke through my momentary paralysis. “Are you alright?”
“Kyle’s here,” I whispered, the words feeling strange on my tongue.
Thomas turned slightly. His expression remained neutral, but I noticed the subtle tightening of his jaw.
“Would you like to leave?” he asked quietly.
Before I could answer, Kyle turned in our direction. Our eyes met across the garden, and I watched recognition dawn on his face, followed quickly by something darker and more complicated–surprise, maybe, or anger. His gaze shifted to Thomas, and the muscle in his jaw visibly clenched.
1/2
Chapter 121 A Scene
+25 BONUS
Thomas and Kyle used to be friends, I guess. They went to the same high school. Actually, we all went to the same high school, just in different grades.
My stomach churning with a nauseating mix of anxiety and something else I refused to name “Ife’s seen us.”
For a moment, Kyle seemed frozen in place. Then, with deliberate purpose, he began walking toward our table, his stride measured and controlled in that way that always signaled tightly leashed emotion.
“Thomas,” I said under my breath, “I don’t want a scene,”
“There won’t be one,” he promised.
Kyle reached our table. His storm–gray eyes moved between us.
“Mia,” he said. “Wallace.”
I swallowed, “Kyle. What are you doing here?”
“Business meeting,” he answered smoothly.
“I hope your meeting goes well. I have to go now.” I smiled faintly.
Kyle’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What are you doing here, Mia?”
“I think Mia said she was leaving.” Thomas replied.
Irritation crossed Kyle’s face. “I am asking her.”
The tension between them was palpable.
“It doesn’t matter,” I said, pushing myself to standing. The movement drew Kyle’s eyes to my pregnant belly. His gaze lingered there for a heartbeat too long before returning to my face.
“We were just leaving anyway,” I continued, gathering my cardigan. “Thomas?”
He immediately stood, offering his arm for support. Kyle’s jaw tightened perceptibly.
“Of course,” Thomas replied, his focus entirely on me rather than Kyle. “Are you feeling alright? You look a bit flushed.”
The genuine concern in his voice only seemed to darken Kyle’s expression further.
“I’m fine. Just need to walk a bit after sitting so long.”
Kyle stepped slightly to the side. “Mia, we need to talk. You’ve been avoiding me for weeks.”
“I haven’t been avoiding you,” I lied, the words tasting sour on my tongue. “I’ve been busy. And now I’m on vacation.”
“Don’t lie to me, Mia. Please, I truly think we need to talk. “Kyle’s expression hardened. “I was concerned about-”
“My babies?” I cut in, past caring about making a scene. “I’m on vacation. I really don’t want to discuss anything with ex- husband.”
Thomas stepped closer to me, his presence a steady anchor beside me. “I think this conversation is over,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Mia doesn’t need this kind of stress right now.”
Kyle’s eyes flickered to Thomas, then back to me. “Just give me five minutes, Mia. Just you and me.”
The implication hung in the air between us, charged with something that felt dangerously like jealousy.
Before I could formulate a response, Thomas spoke, his voice level but with an underlying steel I’d rarely heard from him. “Mia and I are together now, Branson. I’d appreciate if you respected that and kept your distance.”
The statement hit me like a physical blow. I stared at Thomas, stunned by the lie. Or was it a lie? Had I completely misinterpreted our earlier conversation?
