The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 179

Mia's POV

A knock at the door interrupted our banter. Morton poked his head in, looking slightly apologetic.

"Dinner's almost ready," he announced. "Nothing fancy, but there's roast beef, potatoes, and some vegetables. Mia, I assumed you'd stay? There's plenty."

Gas perked up at the mention of food, his tail wagging hopefully.

"Don't worry, buddy," Morton assured him. "I've got something for you too."

By the time we finished eating, however, Scarlett was visibly flagging, the brief burst of energy from leaving her sickbed rapidly depleting.

"You should get back to bed," I said gently, noting the renewed flush in her cheeks. "Your fever's coming back."

She nodded, too tired to argue. "I hate being sick. It's so boring."

"It's your body telling you to slow down," Morton advised, already moving to help her up. "Even Scarlett Wallace-Morton needs rest occasionally."

"Wallace-Morton," she repeated, leaning heavily against his arm. "That still sounds weird."

"Good weird or bad weird?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes watchful.

She considered for a moment. "Just weird. But not bad."

I smiled. "I should head home," I said, pushing back from the table. "Mom will start worrying if I'm out too long."

"Thank you for coming," Scarlett said, reaching to squeeze my hand. "Even though I told Morton not to bother you."

"As if that would ever stop me," I replied, returning the squeeze. "Call me tomorrow? Let me know how you're feeling?"

She nodded. "Promise."

Morton saw me to the door while Scarlett made her slow way back to the bedroom, Gas trailing faithfully at my side.

"Thank you for dinner," I said sincerely. "It was wonderful."

"Thank you for coming," he replied. "She'd never admit it, but she was miserable all day. Having you here cheered her up immensely."

I studied his face for a moment. "You really care about her, don't you?"

He didn't hesitate. "More than I expected to. More than I thought possible, honestly."

"Good," I said simply. "She deserves that."

"I know." He held my gaze, his expression serious. "And for what it's worth, so do you."

The drive home was quiet, the city streets less congested now that rush hour had passed. Gas dozed beside me on the leather seat, his even breathing a soothing counterpoint to the traffic sounds outside.

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