The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 214

Mia's POV

The Branson Estate looked exactly the same on the outside. It's always imposing, elegant, with manicured grounds that seemed to defy the lingering chill of early spring. I sat in the car for several minutes, staring at the grand entrance where I'd first arrived as Kyle's wife nearly four years ago.

"Mrs. Branson?" The driver's voice broke through my thoughts. "Would you like me to wait?"

"Yes, please," I replied, gathering my courage. "This shouldn't take long."

I turned to check on the twins in their matching car seats. Both were sleeping peacefully after their morning feeding. The doctor had assured me that a short outing would be fine, but I still felt anxious bringing them out so soon after their homecoming.

"We'll just be a few minutes," I whispered to them. "Mommy needs to check something."

With a deep breath, I rang the doorbell. The familiar chime echoed inside, bringing a rush of memories. Kyle loosening his tie as he walked through the door. Late night conversations in the kitchen. Arguments that ended with and icy silences.

The door opened, revealing Mrs. Chen's surprised face.

"Mrs. Branson!" She gasped, her eyes widening. "You've come home!"

Her choice of words stung unexpectedly. This wasn't home anymore. It hadn't been for a long time.

"Hello, Mrs. Chen," I smiled politely. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"No, no, of course not. Please, come in." She stepped aside, peering past me toward the car. "Are the babies with you?"

"Yes, they're sleeping in the car. I won't be staying long." I stepped into the marble foyer, immediately struck by how unchanged everything was. The same artwork on the walls. The same fragrance of Mrs. Chen's lemon polish in the air. "I'm actually looking for Kyle."

Mrs. Chen's expression shifted subtly. "Mr. Branson isn't here, Mrs. Branson. He hasn't been home in some time."

"Do you know where he is?" I asked, already anticipating the answer.

She shook her head. "He didn't say."

I nodded, unsurprised but still disappointed. "When was the last time you saw him?"

"The day after you were both admitted to the hospital," she replied. "He came home briefly with some security men. They packed a few things, and he left instructions about maintaining the house."

"Did he say anything else? Leave any messages?" I felt pathetic asking, but I needed to know.

"He asked me to make sure everything was ready for you and the babies, should you ever wish to return." She hesitated. "Would you like to see?"

Curiosity won over pride. "Yes, please."

Mrs. Chen led me upstairs. My old bedroom looked untouched—the bed made with fresh linens, my favorite lotion still on the nightstand, books arranged neatly on the shelf. It was as if time had stood still here while my entire world had changed.

"Through here," Mrs. Chen gestured to a door that had previously been a guest room.

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