Chapter 80 Choices
Chapter 80 Choices
Mia’s POV
+25 BONUS
“Could this fucking be true?” Scarlett desperately swiped her phone, and I remember that I took a picture of them that day.” Gosh, this bitch is literally everywhere!”
“Look!” She finally pulled up the photo she’d taken that day. Taylor wrapped around a man who was very definitely Morton’s younger brother. “It’s his brother!!!”
Gas was startled by Scarlett’s scream through the screen.
“Holy shit.” Scarlett sat up so fast her wine nearly spilled. “Taylor been sleeping with Morton’s brother? While she’s supposedly with Kyle?”
I take back the thought I just had about “I’ve learned the truth about Taylor.” She can always do something that I can’t understand. One second she’s saying she’s pregnant with Kyle’s baby, and the next she’s dating Alexander Morton. Has she ever told the truth?
My hand drifted instinctively to my stomach, where my babies grew oblivious to all this drama. “I guess she’s not as devoted to Kyle as she pretends.”
“Should we tell him?” Scarlett asked carefully. “Kyle, I mean.”
Istared at the photo, studying Taylor’s expression – that practiced adoration I’d seen her direct at Kyle so many times.
“No,” I said finally, closing the image. “Kyle made his choice. Whatever’s going on with Taylor isn’t my problem anymore.” My voice came out sharper than intended. “I have enough to deal with right now without getting involved in their drama.” “Okay, I can respect that. But I’ll be sure to tell Morton. How can Alexander hang out with that bitch?” Scarlett was fuming. “I don’t know, Scar. What if they really do fell in love?”
“You’re kidding, right? Does your step–sister really look like she could fall in love with anyone? She’s addicted to family destruction!”
Scarlett was right.
Mom appeared in my doorway then, carrying a steaming mug that filled my room with the scent of ginger and honey. Her eyes moved between my face and the phone, concern evident in her expression.
“Everything okay?” She set the tea on my nightstand.
“Fine,” I managed, though my voice shook slightly. “Just… small world stuff.”
“Very small,” Scarlett muttered. “Like, microscopic. Oh my god, I can’t even imagine what will happen in the Morton family! Should I say his brother is sleeping with Kyle Branson’s girlfriend?
“Ex–girlfriend,” I corrected automatically. “And Scar, I don’t think you should say too much. After all, we are only guessing at the moment.”
Mom settled on the edge of my bed, her hand finding mine. She didn’t ask, but I could feel her quiet support.
“But-” Scarlett started.
“No buts.” I took a careful sip of tea, letting the warmth settle my still–queasy stomach. “Look, Scar, I’d rather Taylor and Alexandria fall in love. Otherwise, once she finds out you’re the one who ruined her thing, she’ll never stop.”
Scarlett’s voice rose an octave. “Mia, when have I ever been afraid of that bitch? I’d like to see what she can do! Aren’t these billionaires crazy to circle around this witch!”
“Think about it.” I stroked Gas’s fur, gathering my thoughts. “Scar I don’t care about anything else. I need you to be safe.”
1/3
Chapter 80 Choices
Scarlett’s expression softened, “I know that.”
Mom squeezed my hand. “You’re too good sometimes, you know that?”
+25 BONUS
“It’s not about being good.” I set the tea aside, suddenly exhausted “I’m just… done. With all of it. The drama, the games, the constant wondering what Taylor’s going to do next. I have more important things to focus on now.”
My hand drifted to my stomach again. At fourteen weeks, the bug was still small enough to hide under loose clothing, but I could feel the changes in my body. The way my clothes fit differently, the constant awareness of the life growing inside me.
“How are my niece and nephew doing anyway?” Scarlett asked, clearly trying to change the subject. “Still making you miserable?”
“Very much so.” I managed a small smile: “Mom thinks they’re boys.”
“Really?” Scarlett brightened. “Two little mini–Kyles running around? That would be” She caught herself. “Sorry. I didn’t
mean…”
“It’s okay.” But I couldn’t quite meet her eyes. “They’re just… mine. That’s all that matters.”
“Okay, I should go,” Scarlett said after an awkward pause. “Morton’s parents are hosting some ridiculous brunch tomorrow, and I really need to clear my head.”
I tried to smile. I want to warn more. But I know Scarlett won’t be convinced by me.
“Please, I’m a delight.” She blew a kiss at the screen. “Love you. Call if you need anything – and I mean anything.”
After she hung up, the room felt too quiet. Mom stayed beside me, her fingers running through my hair the way she used to when I was little and couldn’t sleep.
“Want to talk about it?” she asked softly.
“Not really.” I leaned into her touch. “It’s just… weird, you know? Finding out Taylor’s been lying to everyone this whole time.”
“Are you surprised?”
I thought about it. “No, actually. It’s very… Taylor. Using people, playing games.”
“Maybe you should talk with Kyle.” Mom’s voice was gentle, but I heard the question beneath her words.
“I don’t know.” I picked at a loose thread on my blanket. “Part of me thinks he deserves to know he’s being played again, But another part…”
“Wants to protect yourself?”
“Is that selfish?” I looked up at her. “Choosing not to get involved?”
“Baby girl,” Mom shifted to face me properly, “you’re carrying twins. You’re building a new life, starting over. That’s not selfish – that’s smart.”
Gas whined softly, bumping his nose against my hand. Even he seemed to sense my turmoil.
“I just keep thinking…” I swallowed hard. “What if he finds out about the babies someday? What if they ask about their father? What am I supposed to tell them?”
“The truth.” Mom’s voice was firm. “That you loved their father very much, but sometimes love isn’t enough. That you chose to give them a peaceful, happy life instead of a complicated, painful one.”
“But what if that’s wrong? What if they hate me for keeping them from him?”
“Hey.” She caught my chin, making me meet her eyes. “These babies are going to be so loved, so cherished. They’ll have me, Scarlett, all your friends. A mother who would do anything to protect them. That’s more than enough.”
2/3
Chapter 80 Choices
+25 BONUS
Tears spilled over despite my best efforts. “I’m scared,” I whispered.
“Of course you are.” She pulled me close, letting me cry into her shoulder. “Being scared means you care. It means you’re going to be an amazing mother.”
We sat like that for a long time, her arms around me while Gas pressed warm against my legs. The ginger tea grew cold on my nightstand, but my stomach had finally settled.
“You should try to sleep,” Mom said eventually. “It’s been a long day.”
I nodded, suddenly exhausted. Between dinner with Nate, the nausea, and the revelation about Taylor, I felt wrung out.
“Stay?” I asked in a small voice. “Just until I fall asleep?”
“Always.” She settled back against my headboard, her fingers returning to my hair. “I’m not going anywhere.”
As I drifted off, I thought about choices. Alexander Morton choosing love over duty. Taylor choosing games and manipulation Kyle choosing… well, whatever he was choosing. And me, choosing my babies, my peace, my future.
Maybe Mom was right. Maybe that was enough.
The last thing I felt before sleep claimed me was Gas settling more firmly against my legs, his steady presence a reminder that I wasn’t alone. That I’d never be alone again.
