Chapter 1 Shattered Surprises

Mia paced back and forth in the expansive living room, the soft click of her heels echoing on the marble floor as she directed the event planners. The decorators moved with practiced precision, draping soft, pastel-colored fabrics over the chairs and adjusting floral arrangements of lilies and roses on the dining table.

"Check the symmetry on that centerpiece," she called, her voice firm but not unkind. Her sharp gaze darted to the floral arrangements where soft lilies and roses were artfully intertwined. "No, not like that. The lilies should face outward," she called, her eyes scrutinizing the arrangement. "And don't forget the candles-white, not cream. They need to match the theme perfectly."

The catering staff entered with trays of hors d'oeuvres, and Mia gestured toward the dining area. "Set those on the side table for now, but keep the champagne chilled. I don't want anything out until Ethan gets here."

"Yes, Mrs. Stone," one of the staff responded, nodding as they hurried to follow her instructions.

Mia glanced at the clock on the wall, her stomach fluttering with anticipation. This wasn't just any anniversary; it marked five years since she and Ethan had said their vows. It had been a quiet ceremony, born out of a business contract neither was it publicly acknowledged, but it was still their day. Despite their unconventional start and Ethan's aloofness, she was determined to make this evening special.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the shrill ring of her phone. Fishing it out of her pocket, she saw Ethan's name flashing on the screen. A warm smile spread across her lips as she answered.

"Hi, Ethan," she greeted, her tone light with excitement.

"Where are you?" Ethan's voice came through, dry and detached.

Her brow furrowed slightly at his tone, but she quickly masked her concern. "I'm at home," she replied, carefully avoiding any mention of the surprise she was orchestrating.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice holding a strange edge.

"Nothing much," she said, her voice laced with cheer. "Just... waiting for you."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, filled with the faint hum of background noise. Then, a burst of laughter erupted, followed by a familiar voice-female, light, and unmistakably Jenna's.

"Is that Jenna?" Mia asked, her smile faltering.

Ethan's response was dismissive, neither denying or affirming. "I'm busy, Mia. I'll be home soon."

Her grip on the phone tightened, but she forced herself to sound unaffected. "Alright. I'll see you then."

Before hanging up, Ethan added, "I have something to announce when I get back."

Her breath hitched. "Oh? What is it?"

"You'll find out soon enough," he said curtly before the line went dead.

Mia stared at her phone, unease curling in her chest. Something about his tone, paired with Jenna's laughter in the background, unsettled her. Shaking her head, she pushed the thought aside. This was their anniversary-she couldn't let her doubts ruin the night.

Forty-five minutes later, the hum of an engine broke the silence. Mia hurried to the window, her heart leaping as she saw Ethan's sleek black car pulling into the driveway. The security guards opened the gate, smiling and waving as they wished him a happy anniversary.

Ethan's response was barely audible, but the scoff that followed went unnoticed by Mia.

As the car rolled into the garage, Mia smoothed down her dress, adjusting the delicate pearl necklace around her neck. She wanted everything to be perfect when he walked in.

But then she saw it-a second figure in the car. A woman.

Meanwhile, the passenger door opened, and Jenna stepped out, her laughter ringing through the quiet evening air. Mia froze, her mind racing as she watched Ethan and Jenna exchange a glance through the window.

"You really think she'll take it well?" Jenna asked, her tone amused.

Ethan smirked, shutting the car door with a sharp click. "Whether she takes it or not doesn't concern me. She'll find out soon enough."

Jenna's hand moved to her stomach, and she smiled. "I'm just saying, you might want to break it to her gently. After all, it is your wedding anniversary."

Ethan snorted, stepping closer to her. "Gently? Please. Mia's tough. She'll survive."

Mia's heart sank, her hands trembling as she stepped back from the window. The world seemed to tilt as her mind struggled to process what she'd just seen.

The sound of the front door opening echoed through the house. Ethan and Jenna were here. Mia turned to face the living room, the beautiful decorations now feeling like a mockery of her efforts.

Her heart raced as she heard their footsteps approaching, Jenna's light laughter blending with Ethan's deeper voice. Whatever announcement Ethan had to make, Mia knew it had a lot to do with Jenna and her stomach and it was about to shatter everything.

The door to the main living room creaked open, and there they stood. Jenna's hand was still resting on her stomach, her gaze locking with Mia's in a way that felt both triumphant and pitying. Mia felt the blood drain from her face. Her knees wobbled as Jenna's hand moved over her stomach again. She couldn't be... no, it wasn't possible. Ethan stepped forward, his expression unreadable.

"Mia," he began, his voice unnervingly calm. "We need to talk."

Mia's knees threatened to give way, but she forced herself to stand tall. "What's going on, Ethan?"

Jenna smirked, her hand once again moving to her stomach. "Oh, Ethan, just tell her already. She deserves to know."

Ethan shot her a warning glance before turning back to Mia. "Sit down, Mia," he said, gesturing to the couch.

"I'd rather stand," Mia replied, her arms crossed.

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Fine."

He paused, and for a fleeting moment, Mia thought she saw a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. But then his jaw tightened, and his usual mask of indifference returned.

"I didn't want you to find out like this," he began, his voice cool and measured. "But there's no point in delaying it any longer."

Mia's pulse quickened. "Find out what?"

Jenna stepped forward, her smile widening. "About us."