Chapter Ten: The Cost of a Life
"We're sorry he's gone. There's nothing more we can do," the doctor said solemnly as he pulled a white cloth over the old man's body, covering him completely.
"Daddy, please don't leave us! Come back to life!" one of the sons cried, his voice breaking as he wept.
"We spent millions of dollars trying to save you," the second son added, his face contorted with grief. "Please don't let it all be in vain. Come back to us, Dad!"
Jaden, Richard, and Margaret watched from a distance, their hearts heavy with sympathy for the grieving family.
Meanwhile, Vanessa had already fallen asleep after receiving her treatment.
She was discharged on the third day, and her parents took her home.
Maggie Trent had come to visit her in the clinic, offering her support and concern.
During Vanessa's stay, Margaret, Richard, and their grandmother, Maggie Trent, returned home each night to rest. But Jaden stayed by Vanessa's side all three nights, never once leaving the hospital.
He didn't return to work until she was safely discharged.
On the third day after returning home, Maggie Trent noticed something unusual—Vanessa and Jaden were sleeping in separate rooms, which struck her as odd.
She gathered everyone in the living room to address the situation. Vanessa's parents, including her mother Isabelle, were present.
"Jaden," Maggie began, "where did you sleep last night?"
"I slept in one of the guest rooms," Jaden replied calmly.
"You two are supposed to be sleeping together. Is it because you haven't been officially joined?" She turned to him and asked pointedly, "When was the last time you two shared a bed?"
"We've never actually slept together," Jaden confessed. "She won't let me."
Maggie shook her head, clearly frustrated. "That's not fair. Jaden has shown how much he loves you. He was the only one who donated blood when you needed it most. I want both of you to go to the Civil Records Office tomorrow and finalize your joining."
She turned to Vanessa. "Do you remember the night you let him sleep on your bed? You both looked so happy. And now you're pushing him away."
"I told you," Vanessa replied, her voice tense, "I don't know how he got onto the bed. And nothing happened that night."
"But I saw the photo," Maggie insisted. "He was wearing only boxers, his trousers were on the floor, and he was lying beside you. And now you expect me to believe nothing happened?"
"I swear—" Vanessa began, but Maggie raised a hand to silence her.
"Enough. You're going to the Civil Records Office. That's final."
Vanessa searched her mind for something—anything—that might convince her grandmother to reconsider the forced marriage. Then she blurted, "I don't want to marry him, Ma. I don't even like him. He's a thug! He got into a fight at a restaurant... over a girlfriend!"
But Maggie remained unfazed. She didn't even flinch. Jaden had already explained the incident in full detail—how the confrontation began, who the woman was, and how it escalated.
"I know what you're trying to do," Maggie said, shaking her head. "You're just looking for an excuse to make me change my mind. But I won't. Jaden is not a thug. He told me everything, and I believe him. My decision stands. He loves you—he proved that by donating blood to save your life. That tells me everything I need to know."
With that, she stood and walked out, leaving behind a heavy silence.
The next morning, Vanessa woke at 7 a.m. The scent of breakfast already filled the air—Jaden had prepared it.
She bathed, dressed casually, and headed to the dining room. Margaret, Richard, Maggie, and Jaden were already seated and eating.
Maggie paused mid-bite, her eyes fixed on Vanessa.
"When are you two going to the Civil Records Office today?" she asked.
Vanessa felt the question land like a weight on her chest. Deep down, she knew the marriage wouldn't last. It was being forced on her, and her feelings for Jaden were confused at best—nonexistent at worst. Still, guilt lingered; he had saved her life.
She set down her spoon, met her grandmother's gaze with resignation, and said quietly, "This afternoon."
"Good," Maggie replied, and the room returned to an uneasy silence as everyone resumed eating.
After breakfast, Vanessa returned to her room to get dressed for work. Jaden did the same.
He finished first and waited in the living room. When Vanessa emerged, she looked him over critically.
"Who are you waiting for?" she asked sharply.
"You, of course," Jaden replied.
She frowned. "You do realize we're going to a government office to get married, right? And this is what you're wearing?" She gestured at his casual outfit. "Go change into a proper suit, or I'm not going."
Jaden nodded. "Alright. Please wait—I'll be right back."
He rushed to his room without waiting for a reply.
When he returned, dressed appropriately, Vanessa was gone.
"She must be in the car," he muttered and stepped outside.
But her main car was gone, and the second one sat empty. She had left without him.
Jaden's heart sank. He knew Vanessa had two cars—and even after everything he'd done for her, she hadn't offered him either. His motorcycle was still at the mechanic's, and he couldn't afford the repairs. Every day, he scraped together cab fare just to get to work.
Still, he chose not to dwell on it. He called a cab and went straight to the office, determined to focus on his duties rather than confront her.
The morning passed in silence. At exactly 2 p.m., Vanessa stepped out of her office and found Jaden on duty.
"Let's go," she said flatly, avoiding eye contact. She turned and walked briskly to her car.
Jaden followed quietly, slipping into the passenger seat as Vanessa started the engine. He opened his mouth to speak, but she didn't respond—her expression blank, her eyes fixed on the road. He took the hint and fell silent.
They didn't exchange a word until they reached the Civil Records Office. Vanessa parked without looking at him. They got out and walked in together.
At the registrar's desk, they went through the motions—signing forms, confirming identities, answering routine questions. When it was done, the registrar handed the marriage certificate to Vanessa. She glanced at it briefly, then passed it to Jaden.
"Keep this safe," she said, her tone flat. "I'm going back to the office."
Jaden took the certificate, unsettled by her coldness. He stood, and so did she. Still, neither of them spoke as they left the office.
Back in the car, he assumed they were heading home. For a moment, a fragile hope stirred—maybe she'd changed her mind. But that hope faded when, at the intersection, she turned and headed back toward her office without a word.