Chapter 0005

Mia stared into Hunter’s eyes for a long moment before smiling and saying, “Sacrifice me for her? Not a chance! And by the way, I’ve already decided. I want a divorce. Whenever you have time, let’s go to the county courthouse and settle it. It won’t take long.”

The brighter her smile, the deeper her pain.

She had always known Hunter favored Jenna, but she hadn’t realized just how biased he was. If he thought he could push her aside to let Jenna rise, he was dreaming!

“If you want a divorce, then settle the issue with Jenna’s media scandal first, and I’ll grant you what you want. But if I have to step in, it won’t just be about clearing her name!” Hunter snapped back, still angry, not even thinking before he spoke.

To him, Mia asking for a divorce was just another tactic to get his attention. He didn’t believe for a second that she really wanted to leave.

After all, Mia had used every trick in the book to marry him back then, and for the past three years, she had kept a low profile and taken great care of him. A woman who was so used to treating him well wouldn’t just walk away so easily.

Suddenly, Mia felt her heart harden. She nodded. “Fine, I agree. But remember what you just said. And Summer’s situation? That gets cleared up too.”

Since the outcome would be the same no matter what, she might as well take control of the situation. At least this way, she could minimize the damage to her own life.

For a brief moment, Hunter felt a pang of unease as he looked into Mia’s emotionless eyes. But it passed quickly, and he returned to his usual self-assured demeanor. Mia was just being stubborn. Soon enough, she would be back, begging for his forgiveness.

“I’ll be waiting for your update,” Hunter said before turning and heading back into the hospital room.

With his overwhelming presence gone, Mia felt her entire body go weak. She braced herself against the wall, taking deep breaths.

Hunter had agreed to the divorce, and she should have been happy. But her heart ached painfully.

Once she had composed herself, Mia adjusted her clothes and turned to leave. Just before stepping out, she caught a glimpse through the slightly open door.

Hunter was leaning down to kiss Jenna, a tender, romantic scene playing out between them.

Mia’s eyes stung, and her hands clenched into fists.

She had loved him for nine years. Even though she had asked for a divorce, it wasn’t easy to just stop loving him.

Suddenly, her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. She checked the screen and it was her assistant, Mandy Lowe.

“Hey, Mia. Just a reminder, there’s a divorce case scheduled for ten this morning.”

“I’m on my way to the office,” Mia replied before hanging up and leaving the hospital without a backward glance.

Back in the hospital room, Jenna had just finished her examination. Noticing the dark look on Hunter’s face, she guessed that he and Mia had argued again.

As soon as the doctor left, she asked, “Hunter, what’s wrong?”

Hunter pressed his lips together before speaking coolly, “Even if you wanted to punish Summer, you shouldn’t have resorted to hitting yourself.”

Jenna felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Her expression flickered with discomfort, and she stammered, “She called me a homewrecker and said I was stealing Mia’s husband. I got so angry that I just…”

What had that wretched Mia said to him earlier? Why was he suddenly bringing this up?

Hunter cut her off, not interested in hearing more. “It’s over. Let it go.”

Jenna obediently nodded. “I understand.”

But there was no way she was letting this go. There was no way she would let that slap be for nothing.

“I'll have Mia give you an explanation about the media scandal. And from now on, don't mess with her,” Hunter said.

He wasn’t interested in stirring up drama with Mia. Regardless of his feelings for her, divorce had never crossed his mind.

In their social circle, most men kept mistresses on the side, but he had never wanted that. Mia was the only one he wanted in his bed. Maybe it was because, aside from her beauty, her body was soft, and they were always in sync physically. Every time they were together, it left him feeling completely satisfied, both body and mind.

He had never considered replacing her with someone else.

Jenna’s eyes filled with tears as she said, pitifully, “I never once tried to mess with Mia!”

What had that wretched woman said to Hunter this time?

Hunter frowned but stayed silent.

Jenna wasn’t sure if he believed her or not, and the uncertainty gnawed at her.

*

Mia spent the entire day working non-stop at the law firm.

Just before the end of the workday, Mr. Jasper Sr. called. She set her work aside to answer.

“Mia, come home for dinner tonight. I’ve had the kitchen prepare all your favorite dishes.” Mr. Jasper Sr.’s strong voice warmed her heart.

In the entire Jasper family, he was the only one who genuinely cared for her, treating her like part of the family and always doting on her.

If she divorced Hunter, she knew she would never have the chance again.

“Grandpa, I have to work late tonight. I need to organize some case files for court tomorrow, so I can’t make it,” Mia said, trying to gently decline.

“I’m sending a driver to pick you up! No excuses!” Mr. Jasper Sr.’s voice was playful but firm. “Are you saying you’re tired of your old grandpa and don’t want to eat with me?”

Mia quickly relented. “Okay, I’ll finish up and head over soon.”

He was getting older, and despite the house being full of staff, he still ate most of his meals alone. In the past, she had often made time to have dinner with him, keeping him company. Even though she was divorcing Hunter, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse his request.

“Good! I’ll have the driver ready to take you home. And don’t forget that you owe me a drink tonight!” he said cheerfully before hanging up.

Mia sighed, rubbing her temples before getting back to work.

With a driver coming, there was no rush.

Half an hour later, Mr. Jasper Sr. called again.

“Grandpa?”

“Mia, come down, the driver’s here!”

She tidied her desk, grabbed her bag, and headed out.

When she stepped out of the firm, she was surprised to see Hunter’s car waiting for her.

For a moment, she hesitated.

After their unpleasant argument at the hospital earlier, the last thing she wanted was to share a car with him.

Just as she was about to refuse, Hunter’s irritated voice interrupted her thoughts, “Grandpa asked me to pick you up, so get in.”

He already had little patience with Mia, and having been forced by his grandfather to fetch her only made his mood worse.

Biting her lip, Mia pushed down her emotions, opened the door, and jumped into the car quickly, not wanting to make a scene.

She moved swiftly, hoping no one from the firm would see her. The office was full of gossips, and if anyone caught her getting into a luxury car like this, there would be endless rumors.

Not that she cared about what they said behind her back, but if she could avoid the unnecessary chatter, she would.

Hunter glanced at her and felt a flicker of annoyance. Was she really that afraid of people knowing they were married?

Inside the car, Mia sat as close to the window as possible, keeping her distance from him.

Hunter raised an eyebrow.

Usually, Mia couldn’t wait to cling to him whenever she saw him. But today? She was sitting as far away as possible.

Mia, lost in thought, didn’t notice the shift in Hunter’s mood.

Suddenly, the car made a sharp turn.

Caught off guard, Mia was thrown right into Hunter’s lap.

Her soft body pressed against him, and the familiar, tempting scent of her filled his senses.

Hunter’s body reacted immediately, and he let out a low, involuntary grunt.