The cost

Chapter 28

“Mia, what are you on about? I just said hi because our companies are about to collaborate Kirsten justified herself.

“Whatever, I still have to see my friend.” She made a hasty excuse and rushed back to Reed Villa.

The noise from the renovations in the master bedroom on the second floor irritated Kirsten.

Ivan asked with a frown. “Why the long face? What happened?

“Nothing. Mia is indeed pregnant, but I don’t think her baby

y is Matthew’s Kirsten blurted out her suspicion.

David’s eyes darkened as he pondered. He felt there was something odd about the collaboration between the Blackwood Group and the Eldora Group. The former had originally planned to acquire the Eldoria Group.

He quickly dialed Robert’s number. “Mr. Gower, didn’t we agree that….”

Before he could finish, the call was abruptly ended. It was clear Robert wanted no further contact with him now.

“Mia, what kind of leverage do you have over Matthew? David wondered

As twilight descended, the night gently cloaked Pratu City like a veil

Mia had been hospitalized for six days.

She stood on the balcony of her ward to feel the breeze

Though the city Lights were bright, her heart was unsettled.

Mia sighed, looking at the hundreds of unread messages on her WhatsApp She hadn’t used the account for five years.

All her contacts were still saved, yet she only kept in touch with her assistant, Eliot.

She snapped a picture of the city’s nightscape and posted it on her long–dormant social media, captioned: [Mia is back.]

Time Bew, and everyone had gone their separate ways. She wasn’t sure how many friends would remember her. She just felt nostalgic for the old days

Soon, Mia’s phone vibrated continuously.

She opened one message and was surprised to see it was from her best friend, Queenie. [The missing girl finally came back? Do you know how long you’ve been gone?]

Queenie: I sent you thousands of messages. You never pick up or text back. I seriously thought you might be dead.]

Queenie: [Look at this ugly photo of you |

Then, a pho

a photo was sent to Mia. The photo showed Mia sitting at a bar and rolling her eyes with long hair.

The memories of that night flooded into her mind. Queenie was then dating a rich playboy. When Queenie was crying over the breakup, Mia cursed that jerk while comforting Queenie.

However, Queenie still couldn’t let it go and talked about how nice the jerk was. Mia couldn’t stand it and ended up scolding Queenie sharply.

Back then, Mia never imagined that she would also be a fool in the face of love.

Mix

Queenie, it’s so good to

to see you’re still around.

Queenie sent a picture of herself with tears streaming down her face, surrounded by vibrant neon lights. [I thought your account was hacked! Turns out you’re really back. I’m at Haven Lounge. See you soon.]

I had been a long time since Mia had gone out to relax, but she couldn’t drink now

She changed into a loose dress and gently touched her slightly rounded belly, a smile tugging at her lips.

At 8:30 PM, the famous singer–songwriter Vinson Geldof was slouched in a leather chair at Haven Lounge and looked at Matthew, who seemed to be preoccupied

H

SLID GIFT

They had known each other for over a decade, and this was the first time Vinson had seen Matthew so troubled,

“What’s wrong, dude? Still worried about Beth? Didn’t the surgery go well!” Knowing Matthew was a man of few words, Vinson kicked off the chat “Come on, you’re on my turf. Just relax yourself

Matthew held a mint cigarette between his long fingers. He took a shallow drag, his gaze wandering as he downed another tequila sunset.

Engrossed in smoking and drinking! Vinson found out that Matthew was not being himself.

Vinson racked his brain to figure out what besides Beth could make Matthew act so out of character. Could it be..a woman!

An idea formed in Vinson’s mind as his eyes drifted to a beautiful woman sitting at the bar. “Matt, check out that chick..

The woman wore a bright pink dress, her curly hair case adding over her shoulders. She looked serene and was just Matthew’s type,

Matthew continued to drink, unmoved. “Vinson, what if a woman is pregnant with your baby but doesn’t tell you? What does that mean!”

Vinson was so shocked by Manhew’s sudden question that he almost spit out his drink. He couldn’t believe what he heard. “What what did you just

“Nothing” Matthew’s face darkened as he looked down, feeling he had lost his composure

For so many years, he thought he understood everything and could see through everyone. Yel, he couldn’t fathom what Mia was up to.

Over the past six days, he had avoided seeing Mia only to clear his mind.

Vinson, knowing how proud Matthew was, thought about Manhew’s cryptic words. “She must be really disappointed”

“Disappointed. The word hit Matthew like a dagger in his heart

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