+25 BONUS
Chapter 225 Old Feelings
Mia’s POV
“Not formally?” Scarlett’s eyebrows shot up as she set down her wine glass. “What exactly does that mean, Mia?
I pushed the remnants of my tiramisu around the plate, suddenly finding the deconstructed layers fascinating. We’ve talked about the future in general terms. He’s mentioned ‘when we live together‘ a few times,”
“That’s not a proposal,” Scarlett said flatly. “That’s real estate planning.”
I laughed despite myself. “Not everyone needs the grand gesture, Scar.”
“My brother is the king of grand gestures! Remember when he flew that string quartet to Hong Kong just to play at the opening of his gallery?”
“That was for work,” I reminded her.
“Still,” she insisted, leaning forward with that intense look I knew so well. “Four years is a long time, Mia. You two are practically married already–he has his own drawer at your place, he cooks dinner with the twins, he’s teaching them how to use compasses, for god’s sake.”
I smiled at the memory of yesterday’s “expedition” through Central Park, the twins clutching their compasses with deadly seriousness as Thomas taught them to navigate by landmarks.
“I know you’re happy,” Scarlett continued, her voice softening. “I see it every time you’re together. And as Thomas’s sister, I can tell you he’s never been happier either.”
“We are happy,” I agreed, feeling a familiar warmth at the thought of him. “What we have works.”
“But?” Scarlett prompted, always able to detect the unspoken.
“No buts,” I said, perhaps too quickly.
Scarlett nodded slowly. “You know, it’s funny. I always thought Thomas only started having feelings for you after he came back from Hong Kong four years ago. When you needed someone most.”
“That’s what I thought too,” I admitted.
“But that’s not true, is it?” Scarlett leaned in, her eyes sparkling with the delight of someone who’d figured out
a long–standing mystery. “Thomas told me last month that he’s had feelings for you since college.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “What? That’s not possible.”
“Oh, it is.” Scarlett looked smug. “He’s been carrying a torch for you for over a decade, Mia.”
I
I sat back, genuinely stunned. “But he never said anything. Not once.”
“Of course not. By the time he gathered the courage, you were already with Kyle.” Scarlett shrugged. “And Thomas would never interfere with that.”
My mind r
raced back through countless interactions over the years. Had there been signs I’d missed?
1/3
Chapter 225 Old Feelings
+25 BONUS
“Remember when we thought he might be gay?” Scarlett said with a laugh, interrupting my thoughts.
I couldn’t help smiling at the memory. “Senior year, when he turned down Veronica Matthews. Everyone was shocked.”
“She was the hottest girl on campus! No straight man would say no to Veronica.” Scarlett grinned. “Turns out, he was just holding out for you.”
“Now you’re making him sound pathetic,” I protested. “Thomas dated plenty of women over the years.”
“Dating, yes. Serious relationships? None.” Scarlett signaled for the check. “Now I understand why. He was comparing everyone to you.”
“You’re romanticizing
“I’m stating facts. My brother remained single all these years because he was in love with you.” She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “And now he finally has you. So when are you going to make an honest man of him?”
“Scarlett,” I warned.
“What? I’m his sister, I’m allowed to be invested in his happiness.” She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “And yours. I couldn’t imagine anyone better for either of you.”
“Thomas hasn’t asked me to marry him,” I pointed out.
“Because he’s terrified of pushing you away.” Scarlett handed her credit card to the waiter without even glancing at the check. “After what happened with Kyle, he’s determined to let you set the pace.”
“I can’t wait to see your wedding,” Scarlett continued, her eyes gleaming, “And little Morgan–Williamses running around! My nieces and nephews will be gorgeous.”
My heart gave an unexpected lurch. “That’s… premature.”
The waiter returned with Scarlett’s card and receipts. As she signed, she changed the subject with her typical abruptness. “Oh, before I forget–have you heard anything about Taylor lately?”
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