An Unbreakable Addiction

Mia had known the doctor for three years, and while they were familiar with each other, their conversations usually centered around her grandmother's health.

They weren't close enough to discuss personal matters openly, so she quickly changed the topic. "I spoke to Hunter about the new medication. We should have it by tomorrow. Once my grandmother starts using it, do you think her condition will improve?" She had always hoped her grandmother would recover enough to go outside, to see the world beyond the hospital.

Noticing her reluctance to discuss her relationship with Hunter, the doctor held back his opinion, even though he felt bad for her. "We'll have to wait and see how she responds to the medication. I can't make any promises just yet."

The patient's condition could deteriorate at any time, so the doctor couldn't make any guarantees.

Mia felt a pang of disappointment but nodded. "I understand. I'll go check on my grandmother."

"Go ahead."

After she left, the doctor sighed. He had a feeling she would regret her choice to keep her marriage a secret someday. How many men were truly faithful when given the chance to hide things?

With a heavy heart, Mia entered her grandmother's hospital room. Seeing her, the caregiver, Mrs. Perez, quickly pulled up a chair beside the bed. "Miss Smith, please, have a seat."

Mia gave her a warm smile. "Thank you! You've been working hard lately."

Mrs. Perez shook her head with a smile. "No trouble at all! It's not hard work."

Compared to other patients she had cared for, Mia's grandmother was a joy. She was gentle and kind-hearted and Mrs. Perez genuinely liked her. In addition, her monthly salary was more than fair, making any hard work well worth it.

"Why don't you take a break? I'll stay with her."

Mrs. Perez nodded. "I'll step out then. Call if you need me."

She made sure the blanket was snug around Mia's grandmother before leaving.

Mia sat by the bed, looking at her grandmother's wrinkled face, her heart aching.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

"Hunter promised he'd get the medication, Grandma. Once you start using it, you won't be so drowsy all the time. Your health will improve, and soon you'll feel stronger. You have to keep fighting!

"When I was little, you used to tell me how you'd never left that small town and always wanted to see the world. Once you're better, I'll take you traveling. We'll visit every place you've dreamed of.

"Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you some good news, Grandma. I'm pregnant. The baby is just over six weeks along, healthy and calm. She's such a sweet, well-behaved little one. I think she'll be a lovely daughter, and I want to give her all the love I have." Her voice softened, tinged with sadness. "The only regret is that she might never have her father by her

side from the day she's born."

Her voice choked up, tears filling her eyes. If Hunter cared for her even a little, she would have told him about the pregnancy. But his heart was completely wrapped up in Jenna. The thought of everything he had put her through only made her feel worse. She stayed by her grandmother's side until noon, when Hunter's call suddenly came through. Mia hesitated, not sure why he was calling out of the blue, but after a moment, she picked up.

His deep, magnetic voice came through the line, a hint of warmth in his tone. "Have you had lunch yet?"

Mia cleared her thoughts, taking a breath. "I'm in my grandmother's hospital room. I haven't eaten yet."

"What would you like? I'll have Sam bring it over." His voice was gentle, and for a moment, it brought a flicker of warmth to her weary heart. Maybe he did care about her, after all.

But then she heard Jenna's playful voice in the background, "Oh, Hunter, weren't you going to have Mia join us for lunch? Why send Sam to her?" Her sweet tone instantly shattered the moment.

Mia felt the warmth drain from her, her whole body tense and cold. Just moments ago, she had allowed herself to feel touched by his unexpected kindness, hoping he genuinely cared.

But reality struck her hard. Jenna had suggested he call, and he simply did it without a thought for how it would make her feel.

Of course. Her feelings didn't matter to him. As long as Jenna was happy, as long as the child she carried was safe, he would do anything.

• "We're at the Opal House. Come join us for lunch," Hunter said, as if completely oblivious to how his words might affect her.

"I've already ordered, Mia. Come over quickly," Jenna added, playing the part of the gracious hostess with an air of entitlement.

Mia took a deep breath, her tone icy as she replied, "No, thanks." She hung up immediately.

On the other end of the line, Hunter frowned at the abrupt dial tone. Such a temper!

Noticing his expression, Jenna guessed that Mia had hung up but feigned innocence. "When is Mia coming?"

"Forget about her. We'll eat on our own," Hunter replied, showing little concern for Mia's feelings.

He didn't love her, so her mood hardly mattered to him. He had invited her to join them, and if she didn't want to come, that was her choice, not his problem.

"Do you think Mia's upset?" Jenna asked softly, biting her lip with a look of worry. "Will she argue with you? Hunter, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked you to take me out for lunch."

Hunter glanced at her. "I'm not responsible for managing her emotions. Weren't you hungry? Let's eat."

Jenna nodded obediently, picking up her glass and taking a sip of water, but inside, she was thrilled. When Hunter finally grew tired of Mia, he would surely cast her out. Then Jenna could rightfully take her place and marry Hunter.

"The doctor said your health isn't ideal. You should avoid going to the law firm for now. I'll send someone

to handle things there," Hunter said, taking a sip of tea.

He knew that Mia had worked at HH Law Firm for several years and had established a solid network of connections there. With Jenna suddenly being placed as her superior, Mia might not readily follow her

lead.

Considering Jenna's recent pregnancy, it was essential for her to stay in a positive frame of mind. Working alongside Mia would inevitably lead to tension, which could affect Jenna's mood and, consequently, the baby's health. In the worst case, it could even risk a miscarriage.

Hunter decided it would be best to keep them apart for now. Once Jenna's pregnancy was further along, she could return to work at the firm.

"Hunter, is this your decision, or is it Mia's idea?" Jenna looked at him, feigning a look of disappointment. Do you think I'm less capable than Mia? Or is it because she doesn't want to see me at the firm?"