The cost
36

Chapter 36

Elizabeth's compatible blood donor was hard to find, yet there was one right before him.

At that time, Matthew was cold-hearted, with no understanding of love or marital affection. He did not love the stranger before him, but he would do anything for Elizabeth.

Matthew's deep eyes fixed on Mia as he asked, "I can marry you. The only condition is that whenever Beth needs a transfusion, you must donate your blood to her." Mia's eyes lowered for a moment before she lifted her head and softly smiled, "Alright."

Matthew used to think Mia had wanted to marry him just to secure a steady income. It was only now that he realized without love, what Mia had done for him would never have happened. Matthew couldn't understand why Mia had loved him so deeply back then. She even abandoned her status as the heiress of the Eldoria Group to marry him. She had sacrificed so much to love him. Gathering his thoughts, he looked up at John. "Is there anything else we missed about the Reeds?"

John hesitated before voicing his thoughts, "Logan originally had three sons and two daughters... But ever since his eldest son died five years ago, it's like his family has been cursed. They suffered misfortunes one after another. Mr. Blackwood, I have a feeling there's more to this than meets the eye."

'Five years ago? Logan's eldest son died? That was also when Mia married me under an alias, Matthew thought.

"Look into what happened to the Reed family five years ago." Matthew's instincts told him that this lead would uncover something significant. Even if Mia kept something from him, he could find out on his own.

He slowly stood up, leaving John behind with a puzzled face, and drove to Pratu Hospital.

John shook his head in resignation. "Mr. Blackwood seems unfazed by the previous failed attempts."

Matthew came to Olivia's office. Holding Mia's medical record, he asked Olivia in an earnest tone, "Dr. Liotta, I want to ask if my wife's condition necessitates regular check-ups?"

"Yes, and she needs to maintain a blood-enriching diet for some time. Besides, her emotional well-being is also crucial. Seeing the refined man before her, Olivia remarked, "Your wife has already been discharged, yet you still come to seek advice from me. You're such a considerate husband." A gentle smile spread across Matthew's face. He didn't know when it started, but his world had brightened. When it came to matters concerning Mia, he was always eager to know. ***Thank you, Dr. Liotta. I'm not sure about these matters. That's why I keep bothering you."

After a few more polite exchanges, Matthew turned to leave."

He then took Mia's medical records and drove to the outskirts of Pratu City, where a meticulously decorated building covered in pink roses stood before him. The cream-colored fence displayed the title: Mind Wellness Center. Matthew glanced up at the words before stepping inside without hesitation. He had barely entered the courtyard when a voice called out from the garden. "Matthew, what brings you here?"

Winston Reynolds, wearing a white lab coat and holding a glass of juice, stood up from the gazebo and waved at him. He was puzzled to see Matthew there, 'His illness has long been cured, but why would this workaholic find time to visit me?" thought Winston

Matthew strode over and handed Mia's medical records to Winston. He didn't hold back and gave a concise summary of recent events to Winston. Winston intently listened to his stories and then asked, "What are you thinking right now?" "I know she's disappointed in me, and I know the baby she's carrying is mine," Matthew said, his eyes downcast.

Winston was sensitive, and he quickly grasped Matthew's thoughts. "You don't understand why Mia loved you, why she suddenly stopped loving you, and why you feel like this now?"

Matthew was aloof and lacked empathy. He wouldn't feel guilty toward Mia because of the baby. His current sorrow was likely due to the abrupt removal of a long-standing habit.

"Ilave you heard of loss aversion?" Winston asked. He then explained softly, "When someone who loves you so much that their humility makes you indifferent and annoyed suddenly stops loving you, it creates an imbalance in your mind. It's like suddenly missing something, making you feel unsettled..."

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Chapter 36

There were two possibilities for the situation. One, he began to doubt his own appeal and felt a surge of resentment. Two, he had unknowingly fallen in love with Mia and was accustomed to her presence. For Matthew, it seemed to be the latter.

Winston, hands in his pockets, looked curiously at Matthew. That indifferent man only cared about two things: Elizabeth and his work. Despite knowing Matthew for over a decade, Winston and Vinson were never considered close friends by Matthew.

Matthew might be calm, wise, and formidable in other matters. However, losing his parents at a young age prevented him from forming attachment bonds. He grew up with only a foster sister, and his already cold nature developed a distorted view of relationships.

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