I’mperched in this cozy café, fidgeting in anticipation. Finally, the moment to meet Jason, the man I agreed to be a surrogatefor,hasarrived.Ourchatswereonline.Hesoundedlikeasweetperson,andifeverythinggoesright,I’llbesigning thecontracttoday.He’salsopayingadecentamount.
I take a deep breath, trying to process this bizarre situation “Okay, so ” I hesitate, knowing this part is always awkward.“Howmucharetheyoffering?”Iliftmycoffeetomylips,seekingmomentaryrefugeinitswarmth.
“Sofia, theychose youfor a reason You’re young, and your testresults show you’re more thancapable ofcarryinga healthychild.Theyspecificallyaskedforyou.”
Stacey’s expression remains calm but firm. “They are very prestigious clients. They’re unlikely to waver from this decision.However,Icouldpossiblynegotiateahigherpaymentforyou.”
Staceyleansin,hervoicesoftening.“Igetit,Ireallydo.Butthinkaboutwhatthisopportunitymeansforyou.Thisisn’t justa job, it’s a chance tochange your entire life Andwe’re here to supportyoueverystepofthe way Plus, the increased paymentcanbequitesignificant.”
Stacey opens her briefcase, sliding a revised contract across to me “They’re willing to go up to 12 million And remember,you’llhavethebestofcare,acomfortablelivingenvironment,everythingyouneed.”
“Absolutely,” Stacey replies, her tone firm. “Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We’ll be in constant communication,andyou’llhaveaccesstoeverythingyouneed.”
I take a deep breath, my hand hovering over the contract. This decision, it’s monumental, scary, but also potentially transformative Ipickupthepen,myheartracingasIsignmynameonthedottedline Thisisit,anewchapter,onefilledwith uncertaintybutalsoimmensepossibility.
This whole dayhas turned weird. Imean, who would have thoughtanoffer like this would come myway? Amillion dollarstocarryachildforthreewealthybusinessmen?It’salmosttoogoodtobetrue.Butsomethingaboutthewholesituation feelsoff,andIcan’tshaketheuneasyfeelingthat’ssettleddeepinmygut
Thesearchresultsload,andtheresheis,butnottheStaceyIjustmet TheStaceyonmyscreenisolder,withamaneof red hair, nothinglike the black-haired womanwho drove me home. That’s not the womanwho sat across fromme, talking aboutmillion-dollardealsandmansions
Panicpricklesthehairsonthebackofmyneck.Thatwasn’tmyboss.Thatwasn’ttheStaceyJonesfromtheagency.Who wasshethen?Andwhatdidshewantfromme?Notonlythat,butIalsoletherdrivemehome Now sheknowsmyaddress MyhearthammersinmychestasItrytopieceittogether.
She’stheperfectcandidateforourplan.Nofamilyties,noonewho’dcomelookingifshewentoffthegridforawhile. Justa few online friends, and that’s it. It’s harsh, butit’s the truth. Ifshe disappeared for nine months, nobodywould really notice
We need anheir, plainand simple Love isn’tinthe cards for me, Ivan, or Viktor That’s notwhatthis is about It’s a businesstransaction,nothingmore.I’mhereforonethingonly,thebaby.Thesurrogate’sdesires,herneeds,they’resecondary. Aslongasshecanprovideuswithanheir,nothingelsematters.
Her face drains ofcolor, and she looks genuinelyscared. Ican’tsayI’msurprised;this isn’tthe kind ofvisitanyone expects
Itake a momentto reallylookather. She looks evenbetter thaninher photos. Healthy, glowing. She has a slender waist,andthecurveofherhips?Perfectlyformedforchildbearing.
And she’s beautiful, too, more so thanI’d anticipated Her blonde hair looks luxurious, her lips desirable But thenI remindmyselfnoneofthatreallymattersinthegrandschemeofthings.
Itakeaseatonthecouch,pullingoutmyphonetocheckmessageswhilewaiting.NothingfromIvanorViktor.Themost recentoneisfromKayla,Everythingishandled,here’stheaddress. Nice work posing as Stacey, Kayla
IsendaquicktexttoIvanandViktor,She’llbereadytoleaveinasecond They’reinthecaroutside,readytostepinifneeded.Ididn’twanttobringthemuphere,twomorestrangersmighthave scaredher evenmore.For now,it’s justaboutgettingher outofhere smoothlyandtothe house.That’s where the real work begins
“Putyourhandsbehindyourback,”Icommand,myvoicecoldandcommanding Wecan’taffordanymoresurprises She complies, slowlyloweringher hands and interlockingthembehind her back. Her shoulders slump withdefeat. I neverwantedtomakeherfeelthisway,butthere’snoturningbacknow
We step outside into the cool nightair, the dimlylitstreetcastinglongshadows onthe pavement. Ivanand Viktor are waitinginasleekblackcarjustafewmetersaway Theyknowwhatneedstobedone
Then,theunmistakablesoundofsirensslicesthroughtheair,gettinglouder,comingcloser “Fuckingdrive!”IbarkatViktor,who’sinthedriver’sseat.“Whatareyouwaitingfor?” Sofia’s bodysuddenlygoes limp beside me, her head lollingonto myshoulder. She musthave passed out, poor thing. “She’sout.”
As Istep onto the deck, Ifeel her stir inmyarms and continue forward. Her eyelids flutter, a signshe’s comingto. I bracemyselfforthereactionIknowiscoming
Iunlockthecuffs,freeingherhands.Thetensioninhershoulderseasesslightly,buthereyesstillholdawariness,aclear signthis ordeal is far fromover.Ihandher the cupofwater,anolive branchinour tense standoff.Ineedtokeepher calm, cooperative.Thisisjustthestartofaverylongjourney.
Itryto make her understand the gravityofthe situation “Look, Sofia There’s no turningbacknow You’ve seenour faces,andwecan’tjustletyouwalkawayunless...”
Her eyes widen in surprise, clearly not expecting me to agree so readily. I can see the gears turning in her head, reassessingthesituation,reassessingme.
It’s a steep price, but it’s a small one to pay for what we need fromher. This is about more than money; it’s about securingafuture,gaininganheir Andifpayinghermoreiswhatittakestoensurehercooperation,sobeit Herexpressionshifts,amixofreliefandsuspicion.It’sastart,asmallcrackinthewallshe’sputupbetweenus.Ineed tokeepbuildingonthis,toensuresheunderstandsthataslongasshecooperates,shewillbetakencareof.
Imprisoned.That’s whatitfeels like,despite their promises ofpaymentandsafety.Moneyis good,sure,butfreedom? That’spriceless.Andrightnow,itfeelslikeI’vetradeditawayforafewmilliondollars.
CanIeventrustthem?Theirwords,theirpromises?Doubtgnawsatme.Escapeisafleetingthought,butwithnophone, no idea how to operate a yacht, and no clue where I am, it’s just a fantasy Would I evenwant to escape frommillions of dollars?
ThenIspother. There she is, rightatthe door. The fake ‘Stacey,’her hands clasped infrontofher. She’s wearingthe sameoutfitshehadonearlier,asmirkplasteredonherface.Ragebubblesinsideme.Ican’tstandthesightofher,thewoman whodeceivedme,thereasonI’mcaughtinthisweb.
Fury propelling me forward, I close the distance between us in a few strides. My hand connects with her face in a resoundingslap “Youbitch!Youliedtome!”
She reels fromthe slap, her eyes flashing with the intent to retaliate. But before she can react, Maxymsteps in. He catchesherhandmid-air,hisvoicestern “Getyourhandsoffher,Kayla”Hepositionshimselfbetweenus,abarrierofmuscle andauthority.
“Let’s get this clear,” Maxymbegins, his voice steady, “You’re here for a purpose, Sofia. Cooperate, and you’ll be compensatedasagreed.Butanymoreoutburstslikethis,”hepauses,glancingbrieflyatKayla,“willnotbetolerated.”
“Fine,” Isaythroughgrittedteeth,seeingnochoice buttorelent.“Butshe stays onthe other side ofthe house.Idon’t wanttoseeherunlessabsolutelynecessary”
“Here, let me take youto your room,” he offers, gesturingfor me to follow him. Relieved to be leavingthe volatile situationbehind,Ifollowhim,leavingMaxym,Kayla,andViktorintheroom
Ivan leads me to what is apparently my room, and I can’t help but be taken aback by its size and luxury. It’s more spaciousandlavishthanmyentireapartment “So,willyoulockmeinhere?”Iask,half-joking,half-serious “No,”Ivanrespondswithadrychuckle.“You’refreetoleave.”
“What?”
“That’s whatI’mhere to talkto youabout,” Ivancontinues, his tone unusuallysoft “Iknow we kind offorced youto comehere,butI’mofferingyouachoice.You’veseenwe’relegitimate.Wecanprovideyouwithanythingyouwant,almost instantly.Iunderstandwebroughtyouhereagainstyourwill,soI’mgivingyouonechance,Sofia.Toleave.Ifyouwantout, here’syouropportunity Butyouwon’tgetanyofthis”
Ivanmoves towards the briefcases as the menstep back He flips themopenone byone, revealingstacks of money, neatlyarrangedandfillingeachcasetothebrim.Thesightisstaggering–it’smoremoneythanI’veeverseeninmylife.
Ivanwalkscloserandsitsrightnexttomeonthebed “Wecomefromalonglineofpowerfulindividuals,”Ivanstarts, his voice carrying the weight of history. “In our world, bloodlines are everything. They represent strength, loyalty, and influence.Withoutanheirtocarryonthefamilylegacy,werisklosingeverything.”
Despitemyinitial reluctancetobelievehim,there’s sincerityinhis gazethatspeaks volumes.“Andyouseemeas the meanstosecurethislegacy?”
Ivan’s face softens, his hand reachingout to gentlycaress mycheek. “Sofia,” he starts, his voice laced withgenuine concern “Iunderstandthisisoverwhelmingforyou ButbelievemewhenIsaywewill doeverythinginour powertokeep yousafe.”
Ipull awayfromhis touch How canItrusthim? How canItrustanyofthem? They’ve takenawaymyfreedom, my choices,andnowtheyexpectmetoplaytheirgamewithoutquestion.
Gatheringmycomposure, I decide to steer the conversationtowards the practical aspects of this whole arrangement “So,howwillthis,pregnancy,work?”
Ivan’ssmirkfadesslightlyasherealizesI’mseriousaboutunderstandingthelogisticsandnotjustthebasicmechanicsof pregnancy. “Ah, Isee. Well, we’ve arranged for top-notchmedical care for you. The implantationwill be done bya highly skilledteam.They’llensureeverythinggoessmoothly,andthatthepregnancyisascomfortableaspossibleforyou.”
Ican’tbelieve we are goingthroughall this hassle justto have anheir. We could have found someone more willing, more compliant,butno,we endedupwitha girl whoneededtobe coerced.Andnow,it’s costingus a fortune.Perfect,just perfect
“I don’t know about this, Viktor,” he says, the weight of our actions apparent in his tone. “She’s not cut out for our lifestyle We’redraggingherthroughhellforwhat?Achild?”
He sighs, runninga hand throughhis hair “How would Ifuckingknow? Idon’tdo small talkwithwomen I’mmore aboutaction,lessaboutthechit-chat,especiallyoutsidethebedroom.”
As we sit,myfingers brushagainsther legalmostwithoutthought.Tomysurprise,she doesn’tpull away.It’s a small sign,perhaps,thatshe’snotentirelyclosedofftome
“Itwas...uhm...Itwasgood.”
Inotice her gaze drop to myfingers, lingeringthere She’s bitingher lip, a subtle reaction, butitspeaks volumes It’s clearshe’sonedge,conflicted,maybeevencurious.
Breakingawayfor a moment to catchour breaths, Itrail a pathofhot kisses alongher jawline, nippinggentlyat the sensitiveskinbeneathherearlobe.Ifeelherpulsequickenagainstmylips.
Shetightensaroundmyfingers,herwallspulsingasshereachesherclimax.Withafinalthrustofmyfingersandaflick of mythumb, I pushher over the edge Sofia’s bodytrembles withthe force of her orgasm, a sheenof sweat coveringher flushedskin.
Seizingthe moment, Idecide to leave the door openfor future encounters, tryingto sound nonchalant “Whenever you needarelease,youcancomebymyroom,”Isay,asmileplayingonmylips.
Oneofmyfavoritethings,somethingI’vealwayslongedtodobutcouldrarelyindulgein,istotakealong,hotshower, shavemylegs,andthenslipintocleansheets.Backinmycrampedapartment,thissimpleluxurywasoftenjustadistantdream. Buthere, inthis extravagantplace, Ifeel like a literal queen. Wrappingthe softcashmere bathrobe around me feels sinfully delightful.
This is utterly ridiculous, yet in the best possible way
IneverimaginedIwouldexperiencesuchluxury Tobehonest,I’dbelyingifIsaidIhatedit Hell,it’samazinghere I havemyownpersonalchef,fooddeliveredtomydoorwheneverIwant,andifIwishtoseeksomephysicalpleasure,Viktor’s roomisn’tfaraway.
As I prepare to take the test, mythoughts brieflyflicker to the eggdonor I wonder who she is Did she choose this willingly,or wasshecoercedlikeme?Thethoughtleavesasour tasteinmymouth,butIpushitaside.Rightnow,Ineedto focus.
As Iwaitfor the resultofthe pregnancytest, mymind wanders, reflectingonthe bizarre turnmylife has taken. This wholeexperiencefeelslikeastrange,twistedvacation.Sometimes,IalmostforgetIwasessentiallykidnapped,broughthere againstmywill ButthenIrememberthatfirstday,themomenttheygavemeachoice AndIchosetostay Forthemoney,for theopportunityitpresented.Andtruthbetold,Idon’tregretthatdecision.
The luxuryof this house, the waymyeveryneed is catered to, it’s hard to continuouslyfeel like a victimwhenI’m surroundedbysuchcomfort.It’saconstantbattlebetweengratitudeandguilt,freedomandconfinement.
I’mallowedtoleave the house,totake strolls alongthe beach.Butofcourse,they’re always watching.The realityis, there’snowhereformetogo,evenifIwantedtoescape.AndwhywouldI?I’msafehere,andthere’sapromiseofafutureI never could’ve imagined But that safety comes with a price My freedom and a piece of my soul, traded for luxury and security.
Seatedatthetable,I’mimmediatelycaptivatedbythevibranthuesofthegrilledsalmon,theenticingaromawaftingfrom theplate.Thequinoasalad,adornedwithanarrayoffreshvegetables,isaburstofcolors.It’safar cryfromthedull health foodIhadanticipated.
There’s a brief silence as I ponder his question. It’s complicated. Kayla’s deceptionwas the beginningof this entire ordeal,buthadshebeenhonest,wouldIhaveevenagreedtothis?
“I guess not,” I admit finally, the truth of it settling in Despite everything, Kayla’s lie led me here, to this strange, luxurious,andcomplicatedlife.
As IwatchMaxym’s easydemeanor,apartofmewonders abouthis past Whowas hebeforeall ofthis?Hecouldn’t have always beenthis complexfigure, a mixofhardness and unexpected kindness. Myknowledge ofhimis limited, framed onlybyrecentevents,butthere’sadepthtohimIhadn’tanticipated.
MaybeI’vebeentooquicktojudge,tooreadytopainthimwithasinglebrushbasedonourinitialinteractions.There’s more to him than meets the eye, layers I’m only just beginning to uncover. It’s a realization that leaves me curious and, admittedly,abitconfused UnderstandingMaxymisliketryingtosolveapuzzlewithoutallthepieces
He closes the distance betweenus, his presence enveloping “Well, for starters, I could show youaround the house Thereareroomshereyouhaven’tseenyet.Placesthatmight...piqueyourinterest.”
“But here’s the thing,” he continues, his voice low and smooth, “I’m not a man who gives in easily If you want something,”hepauses,standingbehindmenow,hisvoiceasoftrumbleinmyear,“youhavetocomeandtakeit.”
She’srightinfrontofme,herbackturned,butIcansensehereverymovement,everybreath.I’mclose,socloseIcatch thescentofherperfumemixedwithhershampoo,cherryandstrawberry,asweet,tantalizingfragrancethatseemstoembody her
She smells soft, delicate, just like she is Fragile and seemingly vulnerable, like she needs protection But there’s a strengthinhertoo,aresilience.It’sanintoxicatingmix,anditdrawsmeinevenmore.
I’m not sure how it started, but suddenly we’re right there, face to face Our eyes lock, heavy with exhaustion and somethingmoreprimal.Then,withoutwarning,we’rekissing,andit’snotjustagentlepeck.No,we’redevouringeachother likewe’vebeenstarvedofthiscontactforyears
She pushes me to the sofa and Ifall back, lettingher take control. Iwatchas she straddles me, her eyes filled witha mixtureofdesireanddetermination Shebendsdowntokissmeagain,andourlipsmeetinadesperateembrace
Her other handmoves downtocupmyballs,gentlymassagingthemas she strokes mydick.Itfeels like a dream,like I’veenteredanotherrealmwhereallmydesiresarefulfilled
And with that, she straddles me once more, her eyes filled with determination and desire This time, as she lowers herselfontome,Iknowwe’regoingalltheway.
I can feel it building, I know she wants this as much as I do She’s not holding back, she’s giving herself to me completely.
Her fingers dig into my shoulders as she thrusts harder, her body arching back in pleasure I can feel her wetness surroundingme,hermusclesclenchingaroundme,pullingmedeeperintoher.
She’swhimpering,hervoicehoarsewithdesireasshethrustsherselfagainstme Hernailsdigintomyshoulders,bites ofpainthatonlyservetofurther fuel thepassion.Ican’thelpbutrunmyhandsoverher hips,feelingherskinheatunder my touch
We’re bothpanting, tryingto catchour breaths, the intensityofthe momentstill hangingheavyinthe air. Iruna hand throughmyhair,frustrationandconfusionswirlinginsideme.“Fuck,thisshouldn’thavehappened,”Imutter,thewordstasting bitter.
Her response is immediate, laced witha defiance thattakes me bysurprise. “Who gives a shitaboutwhatshe wants? Andthatmethoddidn’tworkoutanyway.So,I’drathercarrymyownbiologicalbabythanhers.”
Herwordshitmewiththeforceofaslap.She’sright,inaway.Themethodwechosedidn’tyieldtheresultswewanted, and here she is, offering a solution, albeit a complicated one Her willingness to take control of the situation, to make a decisionwhichaffectsherdirectly,it’ssomethingIhadn’texpected.
There theyare, half-naked and clearlyjustas surprised to see me as Iamto find theminthis state. FuckingMaxym. I knewhehadawildstreak,butthis?It’sreckless,evenforhim.
Maxym’sstancehardens,hisjawclenched.“It’snotthatsimple,andyouknowit.Yes,Iscrewedup,butwecanmanage this Wealwaysdo”
Iscoff, disbeliefand anger minglingina toxic cocktail “Manage this? Do youevenhear yourself? What about trust, Maxym?Whataboutthefuckingagreementweallmade?”
He steps forward, a dangerous glintinhis eyes. “And whatabouther rights, Ivan? She’s notjustsome vessel for our plans.She’saperson,withherownwillandchoices.”
As we fight, Ican’thelp butwonder how itall came to this. We were supposed to be inthis together, butnow we’re tearingeachotherapart.Andinthebackofmymind,asmallvoicewhispersthatnomatterwhowinsthisfight,we’vealready lostsomuchmore.
“Yeah, Max. Why don’t you tell her?” I challenge, wiping the blood frommy nose with the back of my hand. It’s a deflection,a waytopass the buck,butIcan’tbringmyselftosaythe words,toreveal the truththat’s turnedus againsteach other.
Maxym, wiping a trickle of blood fromhis lip, gives me a wry smile before facing Kayla The roomis thick with anticipation,everyoneofusholdingourbreathforwhat’sabouttounfold.
“Sofia decided to be the eggdonor, Kayla. So, you’ll no longer need to be the biological mom,” he states, his voice steady,butIcanseethetensioninhisjaw.
As Kayla’s footsteps fade away, we both turn to Sofia. Her eyes are glistening with unshed tears, the weight of the confrontationtoomuchtobear.“Sofia,areyoualright?”Iask,concernlacingmyvoice.
