The cost

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Mia’s mocking smile had a magnetic pull, making a nearly impossible for anyone to look away. But for Matthew, that familiar curve of her lips now felt like a stranger’s, a bitter reminder of how much she’d changed.

His expression grew conflicted as he forced himself to say. “Mia, don’t even think you can use pregnancy as some kind of scheme

Mia almost laughed at the absurdity as she thought, He really thinks I’m scheming? Am I just a jealous shrew in his eyes? She let out a low, sarcastic chuckle. “You’re hilarious. What does my pregnancy have to do with you?”

Matthew was stunned. Her words cut deep, and for a moment, he was lost in his thoughts as he pondered, What did she mean by that? Had she been pretending to love me all this time Did she actually cheat on me! Is that why she couldn’t wait to divorce me?

The doubts gnawed at Matthew as he recalled that they rarely had sex in the last five years, and the last time they did it was about three months ago With anger swirling in the depths of his eyes, Matthew asked in a quivering voice, “Is the child mine?” He hadn’t realized until now how afraid he was of her answer.

Mia felt a rush of fury, a helpless rage that twisted her insides as she thought, ‘Ridiculous! The man I loved for five years doesn’t trust me at all. He’s even shredding what’s left of my dignity: Her voice turned bone–chilling as she replied, “It has nothing to do with you anymore. With that, she sighed inwardly. This is probably for the best. I should have cut him off a long time ago.

Their tense exchange left the onlookers whispering, trying to piece together what was going on. They speculated, “Wasn’t Mr. Blackwood just helping that woman a moment ago? What’s the story here?!

Suddenly, a sugary voice sliced through the tension. “Matt, there you a

you are!”

Elizabeth popped up, dressed in a pure white gown, her smile sweet and innocent. Her long, flowing hair added to her angelic facade.

She called out to Matthew with such affection that it made everyone freeze in place. Someone came to their senses, guessing internally. This girl must be Matthew’s mysterious lover. Seems he’s into the innocent type!

Elizabeth had been lurking nearby, eavesdropping on Mia and Matthew’s conversation. When she heard Mia was pregnant, her anger flared as she pondered. ‘So that’s why she’s been so smug. She’s trying to use the baby to win Matt back. But no way in hell‘

Matthew was rendered speechless by Mia’s cold words, but Elizabeth’s timely arrival spared him further embarrassment.

Elizabeth forced herself to stay composed, burying her disgust for Mia as she slipped her arm through Matthew’s, staking her claim on him Elizabeth thought, It doesn’t matter if you are pregnant. My years with Matt won’t be undone that easily!

“Mia, I’m sorry” Elizabeth said, her voice dripping with false humility. “I shouldn’t have argued with you over that dress” She lowered her head as if in shame, her soft voice concealing the simmering anger beneath.

Matthew’s brow furrowed as a memory resurfaced–the day he’d found Elizabeth in the car, her face swollen, trying to hold back tears. There had been unmistakable finger marks on her cheek. He’d asked her who’d done it, but she’d only lowered her head in silence. Now, the pieces fell into place

Matthew grabbed Mia’s hand fiercely, his eyes burning with r

rage. “Did you hit Beth?

Elizabeth played the part of the fragile damsel well, but Mia had long grown weary of her a replied coolly, “Mr. Blackwood, kindly control yourself in public,”

In an instant, the atmosphere thickened with tension.

act. Yawning lazily, Mia shook off Matthew’s grip and

Walking over, Elizabeta weakly tugged at Matthew’s hand, playing her role to perfection. “Maut, I’m fine,” she murmured, casting a withering glance

Juut arpothet one t

one of her nasty tricks, Mia thought. “But unfortunately for her, I couldn’t care less about Matthew anymore;

She shrugged indifferently, her tone dripping with indifference. “Beth, you’re truly a natural actress. But l’in not interested in playing along. You guys have fun. Bye” With that, she turned and walked away from the charity gala without a second thought.

Matthew’s mood darkened as he watched her leave, the sight of the bright red roses in the garden only adding to his irritation.

Having been with Manhew for many years, Elizabeth could easily sense his agitation and tried to soothe him with a gentle smile. “Matt, how about a

walk ounder

Matthew stroked Elizabeth’s fuir absently, his voice still tender but with an un Despite the usual warmth and affection in his words, Elizabeth felt a stab of unease. Is lie planning to go after Mia” she thought..

an undercurrent of distance. “Beth, you should.

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12:17 PM

Before Elizabeth could react, Matthew had already walked away.

At the entrance to the Rose Garden. Matthew caught sight of Mia driving off in her deep blue Ferrari. He wondered, She didn’t take a cent from the divorce, so how did she afford that car? Mia, how many secrets are you hiding?

His face clouded with a mix of anger and determination. He spotted his assistant John sitting in the Maybach and barked. “Get out. I need the car. Have someone take Beth home”

Without waiting for a response, he slammed on the accelerator, the Maybach roaring to life as he sped after the blue Ferrari.

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12:17 PM