Chapter 2

chapter2

A flicker of mockery flashed in Mia’s eyes. In the past, seeing a woman like this in her home would have torn her apart. But now that the divorce papers were signed, it didn't matter how many women Timothy invited into the villa. He was no longer her concern.

Mia stepped forward, her voice professional. “Hi—”

Before she could finish, the beautiful woman brushed past her, ignoring her entirely. She began pacing the living room, eyes darting around with clear distaste. Finally, she turned to the butler, Kaleb Gould.

“Those curtains are hideous, and that couch is an eyesore,” she snapped. “Get rid of them. And make sure the mattresses in the bedrooms are replaced with the brand I prefer.”

Mia watched in disbelief as this "guest" criticized every corner of her home. She finally spoke up, her tone blunt. “Excuse me? Who exactly are you? We aren’t planning any renovations.”

The woman turned, offering a condescending smile. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Maya Lane, the future mistress of this household. Naturally, that means I call the shots when it comes to the décor.”

“You’re Maya Lane?”

A cold bitterness crept into Mia’s heart. It all made sense now—why Timothy had suddenly brought home a divorce agreement. Maya was back. The "First Love" had returned, which meant Mia, the cheap substitute, was no longer required.

“I see you’ve heard of me,” Maya said, her eyes scanning Mia with contempt. “In that case, hurry up and sign those papers. You’ve occupied this position for three years; it’s time to return it to its rightful owner.”

Mia remained calm, though her hands were clenched at her sides. “You talk as if you’ve always loved Timothy. If that’s true, why didn't you marry him three years ago—back when he was in a coma?”

Maya’s expression stiffened.

Three years ago, Timothy had been in a horrific accident. His grandmother, Laura Graham, was desperate for him to have a wife and leave an heir before it was too late. But the socialites who had once swarmed around him vanished the moment they realized he might never wake up.

At the time, Mia was Laura’s caregiver. Laura had treated her with kindness, even lending her money to settle her family's debts. Unable to watch the old woman wither away from grief, Mia had agreed to the marriage. Everyone believed it was a symbolic union for a dying man. But to everyone’s shock, Timothy had regained consciousness.

Ever since, Mia’s position had been an embarrassment to the Barretts. The wealthiest family in Bern City was the talk of the town—not for their power, but because their heir had married a lowly caregiver. That was why their marriage had been kept a secret for three long years.

“That’s because my brothers refused to let me marry a man in that state!” Maya hissed. “They locked me at home. I lost my chance because of them, and you swooped in like a vulture. But let me warn you—I am the heiress of the Lane family from Nord City. My brothers are powerful men. If you try to fight me, you should worry about what happens to your family.”

Mia’s gaze turned icy. “Don't you dare lay a finger on my family.”

“Then sign the agreement,” Maya said smugly, glancing at the coffee table. She had waited three years for this triumph.

“I’ve already signed it,” Mia said flatly.

“At least you’re not a complete idiot.” Maya reached into her designer bag and pulled out a check. “Here. A million dollars. Consider it a parting gift.”

Mia didn't reach for the money. The mockery in her eyes deepened.

“Don't tell me you think it’s too little,” Maya scoffed. “This is ten years’ worth of a caregiver’s salary. Take the money and stay out of our lives. Timothy and I are a perfect match. You? You’re just a country bumpkin. You don't belong in our world.”

Maya’s words were like shards of glass. Dazed, Mia turned and walked toward the master bedroom. Even without Maya’s grand entrance, she would have left today anyway. There was no reason to stay in a house that was never a home.

As she began to pack, Mia realized with a pang of sadness how little she actually owned. Her belongings couldn't even fill a single suitcase. The last three years felt like a fever dream that was finally breaking.

She looked at the pregnancy test result on the bedside table and took a deep breath. It was time to end this.

Suddenly, Maya strode into the room as if she already owned the deed. She was still clutching the divorce agreement. “Are you done packing yet?”

Her eyes darted around the room, landing on the piece of paper on the nightstand. She caught a glimpse of the header: Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Confusion flashed across Maya’s face.

Mia reacted instantly, grabbing the paper and crumpling it into a ball.

Maya’s eyes widened in realization. “Wait… are you pregnant?”