The cost

Chapter 1

“Congratulations. Ms. Reed! You’re three months along. But the bad news is you’re showing signs of severe anemia. You need to take extra care of yourself for the baby’s sake. Otherwise, you could lose the baby and put yourself at risk.” The doctor’s stern warning echoed in Mia Reed’s mind as she paced the sterile hospital corridor.

Mia gently ran her hand over her slightly swollen belly, a jumble of joy and heartache swirling inside her

Before she could even begin to sort through all those tangled emotions, her phone suddenly buzzed with a new message – Hospital, now! Beth is critical, and she needs a blood donation.]

Mia glanced down at the familiar number, letting out an exhausted sigh. This wasn’t the first time she’d gotten one of these frantic calls – in fact, it seemed like she was constantly being hit up for blood donations. She was just plain sick of this never–ending cycle of torment.

Mia had been in love with Matthew Blackwood for seven years and had been his wife for the past five. But during those five years of marriage, she had found herself repeatedly being called upon to donate blood for the ailing Elizabeth Blackwood – the woman Matthew had fallen head over heels for

The shrill ringing of her phone suddenly jolted Mis out of her thoughts. She hesitated briefly before picking up.

“Where are you?” Matthew’s voice sounded strained, almost abrasive.

“At the hospital,” Mia answered, worrying her lip between her teeth. “Not feeling too hot today, to be honest. She was hoping the hint would make him take pity on her, rather than ask her yet again to give blood for Elizabeth Bur Mia knew better than to expect that kind of consideration from Matthew.

“I said Beth needs a blood donation. Didn’t you hear me? Get over here, now,” Matthew demanded, his words cutting through Mia like a knife.

Mia’s voice quivered as she begged, “Matthew, please, I really don’t feel well.”

“We’ll get you checked out by a doctor after you donate. Just quit the drama and get moving. Beth’s in a bad way and can’t wait,” he said coldly, like he was just talking about the weather.

“Mathew, I’m telling you, I can’t keep doing this,” Mia said, despair creeping into her voice. “Four times this month alone – it’s killing me.”

There was a long pause on the other end. Then Matthew insisted, “Mia, you know why we got married. Don’t you dare push your luck. I need you here in 30 minutes Before Mia could get another word in, be abruptly hung up.

Clutching her test results, Mia felt as if her world had come crashing down. A hollow laugh bubbled up as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Of course, she knew the truth – Matthew had married her solely to keep his beloved Flizabeth alive, using Mia as a means to that end. Love had never been part of the equation.

Mia had put up with this twisted, unnatural arrangement for years, but now she was done. She scrolled to a number she almost never called and dailed. I’m in. Just get over to Brookside Lane in ten,” she said, her voice flat and empty. The sadness in her eyes hardened into cold, unyielding determination

After a quick touch–up in the washroom, she tossed the test results in the trash and stepped out of the hospital. Just then, a sleek luxury car pulled up beside her. The well–dressed driver came out, opening the back door respectfully. “Ms. Reed”

“Take me to Pratu Hospital, Mia said flatly as she slid into the backseat.

The driver, sounding puzzled, asked, “Aren’t we supposed to be going back to Reed’s place?”

“Nah, I’ve got some loose ends to tie up first. After that, I’ll take over the whole family operation, just like I promised.” Mia’s voice was totally flat, no emotion. “My patience is wearing thin, so let’s skip the chit–chat, alright?” she added firmly,

“You got it!” the driver replied hastily, and they were off

Half an hour later, Mia found Mathew standing there motionless at the VIP ward entrance, all wrapped up in this slouchy brown coat that made him look so thin. But even so, his sharp features still had this air of quiet nobility and aloofness that seemed to run deep in his veins.

The very next moment, their eyes met. Matthew’s piercing gaze was a wild mix of ice and fine. Before Mia could even blink, he surged forward and clamped a hand on her arm. “Mia, cut the pitiful act already. We had a deal, remember! So just can it,” he snapped

But Mia didn’t hesitate for a second–she shrugged off his grip like it was nothing. Matthew stared at her, utterly perplexed, and that’s when Mia’s cool, even voice rang out

‘Matthew, we’re through. I want a divorce.”

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