The cost

3

Elizabeth watched Matthew press his lips into a tight line, a sense of unease creeping up her spine. She nervously tightened her grip on her clothing, gathering the courage to cling to his arm. With Mis finally out of the picture and her own health on the mend, Elizabeth dreamed of the day when Matthew would be hers, and her alone.

Meanwhile, Mia’s prenatal report was ready by 4 in the afternoon. Yet she had instinctively left her old number, making it impossible for the on–call obstetrician to reach her.

Mia’s situation was dire, her severe anemia required immediate treatment to avert potentially life–threatening complications Concerned, the obstetrician hurriedly accessed her medical file, searching for her emergency contact

Back at the Blackwood Mansion, Matthew sat alone in his study, the dim light casting long shadows Matthew absentmindedly caressed the wooden stamp in his palm, its delicate rose carving bringing back memories of Mia’s enigmatic allure

Suddenly, his private phone rang, slicing through his thoughts. Irritated by the disruption, he glanced at the glowing screen impatiently. Few knew this number because of his preference for peace and solinade.

With a flick of annoyance, he rejected the call. Yet, the persistent ringing continued, gnawing at his nerves. He then guessed if it could be Mia calling. The thought soured his mood even more.

With a deep frown, he finally answered the call, only to be met with an urgent voice from the other end. “Mr. Blackwood, good day. This is Pratti Hospital. We’ve got Mia’s prenatal results, but we’ve been unable to reach her directly. Thus, we had to contact the emergency number listed. Please inform her of the critical nature of her condition. She needs to be hospitalized immediately to manage her pregnancy safely With that, the obucinician finally let out a sigh of relict

The oburtrician’s words hung in the air, their weight almost tangible. ‘Prenatal report? Life–threatening” Matthew thought, the words echoing in Matthew’s head, hitting him like a thunderclap. Mix was pregnant! How dare sher His grip tightened around the phone, its frame creaking under the pressure of his rage.

“Mr. Blackwood, are you there?” the voice on the other end probed, snapping Matthew back to reality.

“Yes, I’ll let her know,” Matthew replied before hanging up, his anger giving way to a cold, tterly resilie.

His thoughts spun in a whirlwind of doubt and disbelief. If Max was pregnant, why had she chosen divorce? Is this another one of her schemes to worm her way back into my lifer Matthew pondered.

But Matthew shoved those thoughts aside. Right now, the only thing that mattered was Mia and the safety of her unborn child. He couldn’t let bis personal feelings jeopardize their lives. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

With a resolved sigh, he dialed John. “John, use whatever resources we have to find Ma immediately.

John was baffled. He thought, ‘Dida’t Matthew just say that Mia’s fate was no longer his concern

But questioning his boss wasn’t an option. John simply said, “Understood, Mr. Blackwood,”

Half an hour later, John stared at the flickering number on his phone, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. Matthew’s relentless calls were a stark contrast to his earlier detachment.

Resigned, John answered, only to be met with Matthew’s stern, rage–filled voice. “Any updates”

3

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