The cost

Chapter 20 Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Mia was savoring the cool evening breeze, letting it wash away the remnants of her day, when a sharp honk pierced the air behind her.

Annoyed, she glanced in her rearview mirror and wondered, “What’s this dude’s problem? I haven’t even done anything. Why is he following me so closely Already in a bad mood, she coldly shot a glare.

When the Maybach’s window rolled down, revealing Matthew’s stern face, Mia rolled her eyes in exasperation. Great, just what I need. He’s a psycho, like a bad dream that wouldn’t go away, she bellowed inwardly.

With a smirk, she abruptly changed lanes at the intersection, pulling her sleek sports car into a narrow alley, thinking, ‘Let’s see you’re gonna keep up now, you jerk”

Throwing a coat over her shoulders, Mia got out of the car and began strolling down the bustling street. The lively atmosphere was a stark contrast To the turmoil in her mind. Couples walked hand in hand, laughing and sharing bites of street food. For a fleeting moment, she envied them, but quickly pushed the thought away.

The mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat and spices filled the air, making her stomach growl. Her appetite had been fickle lately due to morning sickness, but tonight, she craved a barbecue. She knew it wasn’t the best choice for her condition, but she needed it to settle the churning inside her.

After a long search on her phone, she reluctantly ordered a plate of grilled vegetables, trying to compromise with her conscience.

Half an hour later, the food finally arrived and its smoky fragrance made her mouth water.

The street market was alive with chatter and laughter, a cacophony of sounds that only heightened her sense of isolation.

Mia couldn’t help but think, ‘Matthew would never be caught dead in a place like this But as she lifted a grilled onion ring to her lips, she froze. There he was, standing right next to her.

Is he stalking me now? What did I do to deserve this? she wondered, exasperated. He ignored me for years, and now he’s pestering me. following me wherever I go. What’s his game!”

Suppressing her irritation, she looked him dead in the eye with a mocking smile. “Matthew, are you out of your mind?”

Seeing what she was about to put in her mouth, Matthew seethed inwardly. ‘So she doesn’t even give a crap about her health now?”

His eyes darkened, his concern barely masking his frustration. “Come on, we’re going to the hospital”

Mia’s irritation flared into anger. She cursed internally. This overbearing jerk. Who does he think he is to patronize me? Does he really think I’m a pushover

She pushed her plate away, appetite thoroughly ruined. Frowning, she shot him a death glare.“Are you insane? Stay out of my business, Matthew. We’re divorced, remember? Whatever we had is dead and gone. Wake up”

Her cruel words hit him like a slap, stoking the anger already simmering beneath the surface. “Mia, stop messing around! The doctor said you need to be hospitalized to protect the baby, otherwise, you will be in grave danger. Even if the child was not his, he couldn’t just watch and let Mia put her own life in danger.

Mia thought, barely able to contain her bitter laughter, Is he serious? Where was this concern when he was using me as Elizabeth’s blood donor? And now he’s acting concerned? Guess what, it’s too late

Raising an eyebrow, she smiled. “Matthew, my health issues are all thanks to you. I’ll go to the hospital when I’m ready, but right now, you can get lou” She couldn’t stand the sight of him any longer.

Matthew flinched, her words hitting him harder than he expected, “All thanks to me? Yeah, that makes sense. Over the past five years, I do owe Mia a lot, he thought, gazing down. The realization crept in slowly, gnawing at him. Now, a part of him felt hollow, like something vital was slipping through his fingers

Clanring around, he noticed a group of drunks nearby, their rowdy beluvior adding to lids unease. He sighed and pulled up a chair across from Mia without a second thought, saying in a commanding tour, “Fine. But after you finish this, I’ll take you to the hospital?

He’s always like thika, päding me around like he’s the boss of ine, Mia bellowed internally.

Mudidn’t bother responding She knew better than to waste her breath arguing with him. Instead, she focused on her food, tuning out the man who still believed he could control her

In the tiny, crowded shop, people were laughing and chatting, some already tipsy from too much cheap beer. Matthew, in his tailored suit, stuck out like a sore thumb, more like a misplaced kniglu dun a regular dude.

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Just as Mia was beginning to dig in, a disturbance caught her eye. A sleazy, half–drunk man had sidled up to a young woman nearby, his hand creeping toward her back. “Hey there, sweetheart. How about you give me your number?”

The girl tried to brush him off with a polite smile. “No, thank you.”

But the man wasn’t deterred. He reached for her chest, a disgusting leer spreading across his face. “Come on, don’t be shy.

The girl recoiled in fear, pushing his hand away. “What are you doing? Get away from me!”

“What am I doing? You should be flattered that I asked for your number, you bitch. The man, seething with rage, swung his hand and slapped the girl across the face,

The girl cried out, her eyes wide w

with fear, but he didn’t back off and kept groping her.

Mia didn’t hesitate. She shot up from her seat and strode over to the girl, pulling her safely behind her. “Back off! Hitting a girl? You think that makes you a man?” The disgust in her voice was palpable. Mia couldn’t believe this man had the nerve to get physical just because the girl said no.

Matthew watched her, a frown creasing his brow. He thought, Who is this woman? I’ve spent five years with her but still know almost nothing about her. What is she really like!”

The man’s eyes lit up as he took in Mia’s striking features. He licked his lips, stepping closer. “Oh, I’d rather keep you company instead.”

Mia’s temper flared as she pondered. ‘First Matthew, now this creep. What a night. She clenched her fists, stepping closer to the man. “You touched her with this filthy hand, didn’t you?”

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