Chapter 5

Mia’s mother, Charlie Larson, had passed away a week ago.

She had been in the late stages of brain cancer. Despite Nick’s arrangements for her to stay in the best hospital in the country, her condition continued to deteriorate day by day.

Her moments of clarity grew shorter, and her confusion lasted longer. Most of the time, she couldn’t even recognize Mia.

The attending doctor had warned that they couldn’t delay any longer. A surgery was necessary. Otherwise, Charlie might not make it through the week.

Mia didn’t know what to do. She called Nick, hoping to get his advice.

The first three calls went unanswered, and when he finally picked up on the fourth, he lashed out before she could even speak. “Why are you calling for no reason? I’m busy! Stop bothering me!”

The attending doctor, knowing Mia was Nick’s wife, suggested having Nick bring in foreign specialists to collaborate with the domestic team for a medical consultation. This would increase the chances of a successful surgery.

Mia thanked the doctor, then sat in the hospital corridor with her phone, counting the seconds and minutes until 6 p.m.—Nick’s usual time to leave work.

Summoning her courage, she called him again.

He didn’t pick up. She reasoned he might be working late and decided to wait a bit longer.

This time, she waited until midnight before calling, but no matter how many times she tried, the line wouldn’t connect.

It took her a moment to realize the truth. Nick had blocked her.

For the next week, Nick didn’t come home. Her calls didn’t go through, and her messages went unanswered. Meanwhile, Charlie missed the optimal window for surgery and passed away.

Was Nick really that busy?

So busy that he still found the time, in that same week, to pick out welcome-home gifts for Xena and order her a birthday cake?

Mia couldn’t let herself think about it any longer. She closed her eyes, steadying her trembling hands as she clutched the divorce papers. Without another word, she left the study.

At lunchtime, Mrs. Zimmer prepared a table full of delicious dishes. But Jenna, who had come over to mooch a meal, started nitpicking right away before even sitting down.

“Mia, didn’t you usually do the cooking? Why didn’t you cook today?” Jenna asked provocatively. “Is it because Xena moved in? Do you think you’re too important now to cook for her?”

Hearing this, Nick’s expression darkened, and he cast a cold, piercing glance at Mia, clearly waiting for her response.

How ironic, Mia thought bitterly. Even as his wife, she didn’t have the right to refuse cooking for his "one true love."

“I’m better at making spicy dishes,” Mia said softly, lowering her gaze. “Miss Quinn prefers lighter flavors. I was afraid she wouldn’t like what I make.”

“Then why not just skip the chili?” Jenna shot back, still dissatisfied.

“Jenna, don’t be like that,” Xena interjected, stepping in with a gentle smile. “Mia is your sister-in-law, and you should treat her with respect. Besides, I think Mrs. Zimmer’s cooking tastes wonderful…”

Before Xena could finish her sentence, she suddenly frowned and clutched her stomach, her face contorting in pain.

“Xena, what’s wrong?” Nick exclaimed, rushing to her side immediately to steady her.

“Nicky, my stomach hurts,” Xena whispered weakly, her face pale as she collapsed into his arms, looking delicate and helpless.

Nick frowned deeply. “How could your stomach hurt all of a sudden?”

Jenna’s face lit up with dramatic realization as she pointed accusingly at Mia. “Oh, I get it! No wonder you refused to cook today. You must’ve drugged Xena! You’ve been feeling guilty, so you stayed out of the kitchen on purpose!”