"It seems you have a thing for contracts, Kitten. How about we sign one again? A Contract to be mine forever." * When Avery's life turns around in mere seconds, she is forced to make a critical decision or watch all her father's hard work go down the drain. A surrogacy contract for an unknown individual seems to be the fastest solution but she doesn't expect the drama that comes with it. Ethan Lorenzo is the country's most powerful billionaire with legal businesses and the underworld. He detests dishonest people and has only a few trusted individuals around him. Scarred from the events of the past, he hates commitment and plays around with different women;But when he can't get his surrogate out of his head even after five years and catches her stalking his children, he finds himself scheming to get her to stay by his side. His principles are shaken and it's only a matter of time before the walls built around his heart crumble.
View MoreAvery's POV
"Stop running around!""I came first!""Who started the race?""Don't play with the swing!"The noise from the children in the kindergarten fills my ears as I stand in the distance, watching them. My eyes sting with unshed tears as I watch the little boys run happily around the slide. Vivid memories of when I first held them in my arms flood my mind, and I bit my lip to prevent myself from sobbing loudly and attracting attention.A nice-looking lady, presumably the kindergarten teacher, holds the children to play with the rest of the other kids who were running around with so much energy in the open space of the kindergarten playground.I finally move my feet and settle on a bench,some distance away from the playground. The cool breeze and the noise from the children in the background bring a kind of serenity to me—a rare occasion for my turbulent mind. Sometimes,it is hard to face reality, and I still can't believe my reality from five years ago, when my whole life came crashing down.I lost my mother when I was three and had been singlehandedly raised by my dad,a businessman who ran one of the fastest-growing logistics companies across the entire country.He showered me with so much love and attention that I hardly felt the absence of my mom, despite his busy schedule. I was the typical rich brat who went shopping all the time with her friends, and I always cringe whenever I remember how I behaved back then.Then the unexpected happened. I was on my usual shopping spree one day when I had my card declined and received a call informing me that my father had been rushed to the hospital. I raced off the mall and wasted no time in arriving at my father's VIP hospital room.For the first time,I saw my father wear a dispirited look. He confessed to me about a failed project that rendered the company bankrupt and how we were in serious debt to the tune of a billion dollars. I had cried, promising to find a way out, but he gave me a weak smile and told me not to worry.Like a solution to the promise I had made to my father. The next day, when he was about to be discharged,I overheard a conversation between the hospital's dean and a man about a surrogacy plan with a payment of one billion dollars. I waited for the other man to leave before approaching the dean, who was shocked at my request to apply to be a surrogate but nevertheless agreed to assist, and I made him promise my father didn't know about my request.Unexpectedly,I received an email two days later requesting my presence at the hospital. I was made to go through all kinds of tests,some of which I can't even remember, and five days later, after convincing my father that I had a new job that required me to leave the country,I signed the contract and the money was transferred to my father's account as I had requested. I was later blindfolded into a mansion in an unknown location.After nights of sleeping with my client, whose face I never saw,I was confirmed pregnant a month later after arriving at the mansion. receiving care from the best professionals and was never allowed to step a foot outside the mansion unless necessary till I gave birth, and all means of communication with the outside world were blocked. I had given birth to twins—both boys—on a rainy night. I cried when I held them because the thought of handing them back after three months, as stated in the contract, was devastating, but I clearly underestimated who was their father.Exactly three months later, after taking dinner and returning to my room for the night,I woke up in a hotel room the next morning with a letter informing me the contract was over. I nearly lost my mind because I had already formed a bond with the children, but I reminded myself that dad needed me the most. Nothing in the world could prepare me for the news that greeted me when I went back home.Dad had died in an accident while I was away, and all our properties were seized by the authorities. I was broke, and there was absolutely nobody to help me. Even the so-called friends ignored my calls and avoided me like a plague whenever I ran into them. I managed to find a job as a waitress in a club, but it was barely enough to cover my expenses. I was so broken that I never knew the point of living until one day when I received a package from an unknown sender. contents was a photo of the twins who were already six months old. This person never relented in updating me about the twins, which is why I knew their kindergarten even though it was not allowed.The fact that I can watch them from a distance is probably enough for me, and thankfully, I made a new friend over the years, Jake. He is an artist and also loves photography.My phone vibrates continuously beside me, momentarily distracting me from my thoughts, and a smile finds its way to my lips as I pick up the phone, speaking of the devil. "Hello, dear friend,""What are you doing?" His bright voice questions cheerfully. Jake has a vibrant aura, and I sometimes envy his happy-go-lucky personality.I am about to jokingly reply that we have no business together when a handkerchief is pressed into my nose from behind. I try to struggle, but my efforts are futile, and I hear Jake's fading voice asking if everything is okay. As I slowly succumb to the darkness,I wonder if this is the end of my unbelievable reality.Ethan's POVThe air in the conference room is oppressive, and a smirk finds its way to my lips as I watch the man who is giving the financial report for one of my hotels stutter. The bastard thinks I am an idiot and is trying to manipulate the figures for a financial year."You must think I am stupid, and you dare to steal from me." A mirthless chuckle escapes my throat before I continue."At least make an effort when you are trying to lie to me. Your accounts are not corresponding, and I can even spot your fraud at a glance."Anger fills me as I speak. Even my four-year-old sons would complain if their sums were not adding up, and this filth probably thinks he can steal from me.His eyes widen in fear, and he falls to his knees. "Forgive me—""I don't forgive your type. Take him out." I instruct coldly. The loud wails from the man fade into the distance as my men drag him away.This is why I never easily trusted people; give them an inch, and they want a mile from you. I never entertained dishonest people and was termed ruthless by the entire city because of the way I treated dishonest people, but I don't care about such insignificant talks.Marcus,my secretary, signals me. Ah,good news, at least.I rise to my feet and walk out of the conference room, ignoring the look of relief that appears on the faces of the old men in the conference room. Those old fools, I would be back for them.Taking the private elevator,we arrive at the underground garage where my limited edition Maybach is parked, and my guard quickly opens the back seat door where I settle before taking off my tie and massaging my temples,my eyes slowly closing in relaxation.The car speeds through the city, and my thoughts wander. The twins would soon be five and usually ask of their mother, to which I skillfully divert the topic each time. The question always reminds me of the woman I chose as a surrogate.It has been five years since I saw her, and how she constantly appears in my dreams all these years is beyond me. It doesn't help that the younger twin has her piercing green eyes, and I am constantly reminded of her.I had changed the contents of the contract when I saw her picture from the application. She is stunningly beautiful with her shoulder-length red hair and green eyes. I am not into commitments, and all I do are flings with no strings attached, and there should be no difference with her. The only people I would ever be fully committed to are my kids.I received a strange report months ago from my men about a woman stalking the twins. It was quite a surprise that the stalker was actually the surrogate, and I am not surprised that I was at a loss for what to do.The fact that I know she is the one stalking my sons doesn't help me either; I unknowingly find myself thinking about her more. I wonder if she has ulterior motives for stalking the kids.It is probably just lust.Thank goodness,I have a way to clear that little minx out of my head. A smirk forms on my lips as a plan concocts in my mind.Call me whatever,but I am not ready to get committed to anyone except my sons. I have been scarred from trusting people, and they are part of the things that built me to be this successful, and I wouldn't allow moments of pleasure to disrupt my thoughts or the personality I have built over the years.Avery's POV *Five years later*“No Ethan. It's already morning, let's get dressed.” I said, stifling a moan as I felt his hot tongue trail my skin.“Kitten, are you sure?” He rasped, his voice heavy with desire.It was hard to refuse, but we had to be up and doing. Today was going to be a long, eventful day.“I am very sure, honey.” I took a look at his grumpy expression and giggled. “We will have all the time later in the evening. Get dressed.” I instructed, my tone leaving no room for argument. He grumbles before climbing down the bed to pick up his joggers that we had discarded on the floor last night as we gave into our passion. I try so hard not to stare as he wears his joggers, but who am I kidding? Even after all these years, Ethan is still as breathtaking as ever, and it feels like he grows hotter as he ages.“I can feel your eyes on me, kitten.” He turned to face me with a smirk. “Let's just have a qui—”The door pushed open at that instant, and a beautiful, angelic voice fo
Avery's POV **Three months later**“The baby cannot stop kicking, and most of the time I am tempted to check for the gender, but I want to do that with you, honey. The boys won a math competition, and every time I think about it, I can't stop being proud of them because they did an incredible performance.” A smile formed on my lips, and I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I am glad they didn't take after me; I hate math and can't stand it. I think our baby is going to be good in math too. And oh, speaking of babies, did I mention that Estella and Anita had given birth on the same day?”That was a month ago. I guess I must have mentioned it over and over again, but it didn't stop me. I have read that patients in coma could hear what was going on around them, so I didn't mind repeating some stories just to keep him from being lonely.A lot has happened in three months. Emilia had committed suicide two days after my visit that day to the detention center. Nana didn't bother to show any f
Avery’s POVThe cold salt water pushes into my lungs and eyes, but I swim harder, searching in the dark sea water for him.Ethan.Just as I desperately call for him in my heart, a stream of bright white light appears, and I see him slowly sinking into the depths. No! I swim faster, kicking my legs desperately and pushing my arms forward just in time to catch his hand.“Ethan!” My eyes snap open at once, and I realize it was a dream. My memories slowly returned to me, and a mixture of fear and anxiety welled up in me—the sound of gunshots echoing in my mind. I must have fainted.“Avery, please calm down.”“Try to take a deep breath.”“Call the doctor.”But I can't see anyone. I want to see Ethan. “Ethan. Where is he?” I yelled hysterically, trying to get down, and I felt two people pull me back. My vision slowly focused, and the worried faces of everyone in the ward were what I first noticed. Camilla and Anita still had their firm hold on my shoulders while Nana and Estella stood watc
Avery's POVMy eyes opened with a start, and a stream of light entered my vision. The horrid smell of gasoline filled my nose at once. I take in the sight of the small spaced room with iron plated walls and a small window that let in light. A small stair with about ten steps that led up to an iron door was on my left and another door,three steps away,stayed to my right. Unlike before when I had felt fear,I am filled with determination to leave this place. I had to,not just for myself but for my baby too.My hands are tied to an iron pole behind me, and a frustrated groan left me as I struggled to loosen the rope. I place my feet firmly on the floor and use my body weight to drag the chair forward, attempting to loosen the rope from my hand. Big beads of sweat rolled down my face, and a wave of tiredness started to grow in me, but I didn't give up.I am still struggling to loosen the rope when the door on my right is pushed open, Jake's voice following. “Don't worry about that, Red. Yo
Ethan's POVI couldn't find the courage to come outside the car. Immediately I left Avery in the house, I had ordered my men to find that ‘woman's’ location and report in less than an hour. The location was sent to me in ten minutes, and presently, I stared at the simple bungalow building located in the city’s developing area.Estella's annoyed sigh brings me out of my thoughts. “I still don't understand why you dragged me out here with you. I should be picking the right dress for the evening’s dinner.”“Estella.” I call, my voice low.She was still not listening as she continued to complain. “Or do you want to buy the houses around here? I really don't have too much knowledge about this t—”“She is here.” I interrupted, this time my voice firm and audible. “She has been in the city and met my wife to setup that dinner.”I don't need to clarify who this'she’ is because we both know. We had both gone through that phase together and somehow always knew when one of us meant to talk about
Avery's POV “Make sure to enjoy your weekend at Nana's place.” I instructed as I escorted the boys to the car that was waiting to take them to school.A small pout appears on Carlos face.“But I want to stay with you and baby.”“Yeah, mummy, I want to read a storybook to baby.” Lucas adds,I understand them. Just yesterday evening, we told them about the exciting news of the baby, and this morning, I am sending them to spend the weekend at Nana's. But I can't help it.Today is the day for the dinner meeting I set up for Camilla to meet Ethan and Estella. I am not sure of how Ethan might react when he returns from dinner later in the evening, so I am sending the boys to spend the weekend at Nana’s in case things don't go as planned.I bend down to their height and ruffle their hair. “You are going to spend the whole time with the baby when you are back.” They don't look convinced, and I quickly add. “Your daddy and I might move back to our old house after this.”Wide smiles appeared on
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