Chapter 93 Back Home
Mia’s POV
The journalists wanted to eat me.
Martinez frowned. “We can take you in through the service entrance,”
“I’ll handle them,” Nate said firmly. “You focus on getting Mia inside safely.”
He stepped out first, Gas at his heels. The reporters descended imediately, microphones extended, questions overlapping:
“Sir, what’s your connection to Mia Williams?
“Is it true Taylor Matthews attempted murder?”
“Dr. Pierce, are you and Ms. Williams romantically involved?”
Martinez held up his hands, his posture straight and commanding “Ms. Williams has no comment at this time. She’s been through a traumatic experience and asks for privacy as she recovers.”
His authoritative tone made several reporters step back. Gas positioned himself protectively between the cameras and the car door as Martinez helped me out. The flashes were blinding, making me stumble slightly.
“Ms. Williams! Is it true you’re pregnant?”
The question hit like ice water. I froze.
“No questions,” Martinez said firmly, shielding me as we moved toward the service entrance.
The reporters persisted, shouting increasingly personal questions. I kept my head down, focusing on the ground in front of me. Gas stayed close, occasionally growling when someone got too near.
I leaned against the wall when I finally home.
Martinez’s radio crackled. She listened, then turned to me. “They’ve booked Ms. Matthews. She’ll be arraigned tomorrow morning.“.
I nodded, too tired to respond further. When the elevator finally reached my floor, I could hear Mom’s voice before the doors even opened.
“–don’t care what your protocol is! That’s my daughter out there!
She was in the hallway, leaning heavily on her own ankle, arguing with a uniformed officer who’d clearly been assigned to guard the apartment.
“Mom!” I called, hobbling forward on my crutches. “What are you doing up? Your ankle-”
“My ankle?” She whirled, eyes widening at the sight of me. “Mia! Oh my God!” She pushed past the officer, nearly falling in her rush to reach me.
“Careful,” I warned as she pulled me into a fierce hug. “We’re a matching pair now.”
She drew back, eyes scanning me frantically. “Why didn’t you tell me? I woke up and you were gone, and then I saw the news-
“You need to rest,” I said simply. “And I’ve taken care of it.”
“Taken care of it?” She cupped my face in her hands. “Taylor tried to kill you!”
“I’m okay.” I leaned into her touch, suddenly feeling like a little girl again, needing my mom. “Really. Just tired.”
She hugged me close again, her voice breaking. “Are you sure you’re okay? And the babies?”
“We’re all fine.” I closed my eyes briefly, letting myself feel the safety of her embrace.
“1
Chapter 93 Back Home
+25 BONUS
Nate cleared his throat gently. “Let’s get you both inside. You need to elevate that ankle, and Sarah, you shouldn’t be putting weight on yours either.”
Mom finally seemed to notice him. “Dr. Pierce. Thank you for bringing her home.”
“Gas did most of the work,” he said with a small smile, nodding to where my dog was vigilantly watching the elevator. “He’s been quite the protector.”
Between Nate and Officer Martinez, they managed to get us both settled in the living room, Mom and 1 side by side on the couch with our injured ankles propped on cushions: Gas flopped betweet us, his head resting protectively on my lap.
“I’ll make some tea,” Nate offered, moving toward the kitchen like he’d been there dozens of times.
Martinez checked the apartment thoroughly, then positioned herself by the door. “I’ll be outside if you need anything. Another officer will relieve me at midnight.”
After she left, Mom turned to me, her eyes still worried. “Mia.”
I recounted the day’s events, trying to keep my voice steady. When I described jumping out of the way of Taylor’s car, Mom’s hand tightened almost painfully around mine.
“She could have killed you,” she whispered. “You and the babies.”
“But she didn’t.” I squeezed her hand. “I’m okay.”
Nate returned with tea and a plate of small sandwiches.
My phone buzzed again. It had been doing that constantly since we’d arrived home. I ignored it, focusing on the sandwich Nate had practically forced into my hand.
“That’s probably Scarlett,” Mom said. “She’s been calling non–stop since the news broke.”
My stomach dropped. Scarlett. She’d be devastated that I hadn’t called her immediately. I reached for my phone, finding not just messages from her but from dozens of friends, acquaintances, and even a few business contacts.
Scarlett’s most recent text glared at me: *What the hell is going on? I just saw the news! Why didn’t you call me?! I’ve finished my honeymoon. I’m on my way back RIGHT NOW.*
I typed quickly; *I’d feel guilty for the rest of my life if your honeymoon ended early because of me. I’m safe now. Scar, please enjoy your honeymoon. I promise to tell you everything afterwards. *
Her response was immediate: *TOO LATE. Already at the airport. Morton understands. Be there tomorrow morning. DO NOT GET MURDERED BEFORE I ARRIVE.* 1
Despite everything, I smiled. Trust Scarlett to maintain her dramatic flair even in crisis.
More messages flooded in. Jeo checking if I needed anything, Thomas (how had he found out?) offering security personnel, Kelly freaked out. Even Mrs. Chen asking if I wanted her to come by.
Then I saw it. The message I’d been dreading.
*We need to talk. – Kyle*
My heart stuttered.
“Mia?” Nate’s voice pulled me back to the present. “You’ve gone pale. What is it?”
CHAPTER 94 Too Much Only Mand
