The cost

Chapter 2

Mia’s words sliced through the tension like a knife, making the already heavy air almost unbearable. Matthew’s eyes bore into hers, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “What did you just say?”

She didn’t flinch. “I want a divorce” Mia’s hands trembled as she clutched her sleeves, her heart pounding like a jackhammer. She forced herself to take a steadying breath before continuing. Im done donating my blood to your beloved Elizabeth. It’s time for me to get a fresh start.”

“Shut it, Mia! Im gonna pretend you didn’t say that Matthew snarled, his voice oozing with anger. He was now like a powder keg, ready to explode

at any moment.

But Mia stood her ground, finding a wellspring of courage she hadn’t known she possessed. “I want a divorce.” For the first time in five years, she stood up to Matthew, knowing it would also be the last.

She gazed at the man she had once adored for five years, who was still as breathtakingly handsome as the day they met. But Mia knew now this marriage was a nightmare she had to escape.

When the moment of clarity hit her like a cold splash of water, Mia realized Matthew had never really loved her, not even for a second. To him, she was just a convenient blood donor on call.

Her defiance only fueled his rage. “You want a divorce, huh? Fine. One last donation, and you’re free to go”

“Why?” Mia felt a wave of bitter amusement. Even the last shred of affection she had for him seemed to evaporate. “Matthew, it’s my choice to make, not yours! You can’t make me do it!”

With a surge of courage she couldn’t quite fathom, Mia fished the divorce papers out of her bag and slapped them down in front of Matthew. that I’ve already signed. Just do us both a favor and let me go, okay? Don’t let things get ugly” she said, her voice dripping with mockery.

In their five years of marriage, Mia had learned just how arrogant Matthew could be. His world revolved around Elizabeth, and anyone else was just collateral damage.

Matthew’s face darkened, like a storm gathering on the horizon. “Mia, don’t ever regret this!”

Mia scoffed. “Oh, not even in a million years, Mr. Blackwood

Her bold response instantly infuriated Matthew, who shot her a death glare. With a swift, almost violent motion, he snatched up a pen and scrawled his name across the divorce papers before tossing them back at Mia. Relief washed over Mia’s face as she saw the ink dry on the paper, but Matthew’s frown only deepened, his anger simmering just below the surface.

They had been married for years, but it seemed like he never really knew her for who she actually was or even bothered to learn anything about her. In less than a day, she became utterly unrecognizable to him, as if possessed by a defiant soul that wiped out her obedience. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what had changed, pet the sense of losing control gnawed at him, leaving him uneasy.

“Here, it’s done. Now you owe me one. And one last donation isn’t too much to ask for, right?” Matthew’s voice cut through her thoughts, stopping her in her tracks. Mia turned to look at him, and for a moment, a wave of gut–wrenching pain washed over her. She couldn’t believe the man she had been madly in love with for years was still trying to squeeze every last bit of value out of her. She should have known better–Matthew was just a heartless prick

“You want my blood?” Mia’s voice was hoarse, laced with bitterness. “As you wish. Then she immediately strode into the ward before Matthew could utter another word.

Inside, Elizabeth was lounging against some soft pillows, chanting cheerfully with the carer. Her delicate face was a perfect mask of innocence, the kind that instantly won people’s favor. Mia hadn’t fallen victim to her hypocrisy and deception until Elizabeth declared her relationship with Matthew while mocking Mia’s foolish delusions,

Mia envied that face. It wasn’t particularly beautiful, but it could always melt Matthew’s heart

Elizabeth batted her bambi eyes as she masked her contempt with a sweet smile. “Mia, sorry to trouble you again”

The next second, a sharp slap landed on Elizabeth’s face, leaving her stunned.

Mia grabbed Elizabeth’s hair, her voice chilling to the bones. “Well, look at you. You’re not that desperate for a blood transfusion, are you?”