4

DANTE'S POV.

I strolled into Alexa's room to see her laying on her bed. She seemed to be so taken with whatever she was seeing on her phone, that she didn't notice I was in.

"Earth to Alexa?" I asked, and she jumped in fear. "Silly to think that anyone can hurt you in here."

"That makes you silly as well, then." She shot back, and I frowned. "I mean, you are the one who always comes to my room to check up on me, first thing after you return from your trips." She shrugged.

For a quick second, my mind traveled back to the most recent time I did that. I had entered her room to see something else. Or rather, someone else.

"I don't do that because I'm scared you aren't safe here." I corrected her, walking closer to her bed. "I do that because that's just a subconscious way of showing that you're the most important person in my life."

Finally, she looked away from her phone and looked at me. A small smile made its way to her face, and I leaned closer to give her a forehead kiss.

While at that, my eyes caught glimpse of what she was looking at on her phone this entire time.

It was the very same Collombo witch, who had consistently plagued my mind from time to time, this past week. It was a picture of the Collombo lady and Marco Russo, together in a mall. Probably posted by one of those blogs.

"You need to forget about that lady." I said. "She has shown you what side she's on, and It's definitely not ours, Alexa."

"I don't think she willingly wants to marry him, Dante."

"Enough of this, Alexa. I have somewhere to be this morning, and I only thought to keep you abreast of my most recent plans."

"You're finally getting married again?" She blew a raspberry, looking bored.

"Stop it." I bit out, not the least bit amused.

"I'm sorry." She sighed, her shoulders slumping.

The place went silent for a while, before I spoke again.

"You're not really far behind though. I may never have plans of remarrying, but I still do want an heir."

She slowly locked gazes with me, a small smile appearing on her face.

"I was afraid you might have given up on that."

I was also afraid I had given up.

As a result of prostate cancer years back, I underwent a surgery which reduced my chances of naturally impregnating a woman, to zero.

Luckily, my doctor had stored up some of my sperm for the future, when I was ready to have a child.

After the last failed insemination, which was also the sixth by the way, I decide to give it a break.

"During my recent business trip, I got talking with one of my associates. Turns out he experienced an even worse situation than mine. He had done over 12 IUI procedures, which all failed. But guess what?"

"What?"

"He just had his first child last month!" I grinned. "The 13th procedure worked."

"Oh, wow!"

"Yeah. So I believe there is hope for me too." I nodded, actually feeling hopeful. "The doctor has adviced we make use of younger surrogate this time. He claims it increases chance of fertilization "

"That's true. Research has shown that fertility declines with age." She nodded in agreement. "So, when is the next procedure?"

"Not sure. But I'm supposed to meet up with the selected surrogate today, in about.... an hour."

"Ohh? Get going already, so you don't be late." She softly pushed me away.

"Eager for a nephew, huh?" I teased, and she released a chuckle.

"Go already."

********

As I stepped into the doctor's office, my eyes fell on the reserved looking lady by the corner.

"Good morning Mr Ferrari." Doc stood to greet me, and I eagerly shook hands with him.

"Is this she?" I asked, going straight to the point.

"Yes, that is she." He nodded. I stared at her for a while, a bit bothered she wasn't saying a word.

"Doesn't she speak?" I asked at some point, and the Doctor released a chuckle.

"Of course, she does."

"I.. I sp..... speak!" She rushed out, stuttering as she did. "My name is Elizabeth Colombo." She stretched her hand for a shake.

"Miss Colombo..." I called, her name sounding annoyingly familiar. "I'm sure you know who I am already. And I'm sure the Doctor also briefed you about the non disclosure agreement?"

"Yes, he did." She nodded. "I signed them already."

"Good then." I nodded. "But why does it seem like you're unsure about this?" I asked, and she looked away, confirming my suspicion.

"If you're uncomfortable with this arrangement, then it's better we canc...."

"Not at all!" She rushed out. "It's just the nerves. They would be gone before you know it. It's my first time doing this, and..... I guess it's normal to feel nervous."

"Miss Colombo....."

"I promise, you have nothing to worry about." She cut me off. "I really need this money, sir." She pleaded, making me release a sigh.

After a moment of thought, I nodded in agreement.

"So Doctor, has a date been fixed for the procedure?"

"Yes sir. In two days time. She had her reproductive health check last week, and is supposed to have begun her ovulation by now."

"Great." I nodded. "Would I be required to show up for the procedure?"

"Not at all. Except you want to."

"Alright Doc. Is there anything more?"

"None for now. We would contact you after the procedure is done, and when the results are ready. Congratulations in advance sir."

"I hope so."