Chapter - 3

Two years later…

( Damien )

“Damien, I am nervous. I don’t know what will be the result. Your mother isn’t pleased with me. I don’t know how will she react if the reports aren’t positive.”

My wife’s nervous voice put a pause on my thoughts and I grimly looked up at her. She was playing with the hem of her dress.

“Let’s meet the doctor first, Ava. We should not think negative all the time.” I said to her to boost her moral but inwardly, I was also losing my hopes.

It’s been two years since Madeline left me. She blessed me to have a happy family, kids that we couldn’t have together but the fate seems to punish me for leaving Madeline. The fate cursed my second wife’s womb. After so many failed attempts, she’s still barren. My mother’s impatience and her taunts are increasing day by day.

We reached at the private hospital. We had to keep her treatment a secret so our family won’t come into any rumours. My family dislikes being dragged into scandals after my divorce with Madeline and my second marriage within three months under my parents’ constant pressure.

“Mr. Rosewood, Mrs. Ava’s reports have arrived and I examined them thoroughly. I am sorry to tell you this but your wife can’t conceive either naturally or through IVF. Her body isn’t responding to any latest medical technologies.” The doctor broke the news which both I and Ava were dreading.

I closed my eyes and let her words sink into my mind. This was heartbreaking for me but I have to accept the decision of my fate. Ava broke down. It was more tragic for her. I feel bad for my wife because I can’t even love her. Our marriage is purely based on the agreement between us. I just patted her back. I can’t express my feelings to another woman after Madeline.

“Ava, calm down. It is true that you can’t conceive a baby but you both still can have your own baby through another process.” The doctor said and we both looked at her with confusion though I knew what was she going to suggest.

“Are you suggesting us to….” I paused because she nodded her head positively.

“Yes, I am talking about surrogacy. I can give you a list of suitable candidates if you want to proceed with the process. I know your family has been pressuring you. Mrs. Rosewood called me multiple times since morning to know the test results.” The doctor said.

I was again thrown into predicament. My mother is a woman who gets what she wants at any cost and her only motive in life is to see her heir.

“Damien, I am ready for this. I don’t want your mother to throw me out of your life just like your first wife. I won’t be able to do that. Please, just say ‘yes’ to this procedure. At least, we’ll have our child.” Ava said while crying. I could see fear more than pain.

There was no emotional connection between us. She just wanted to fulfil the conditions of the agreement my mother forced her to sign before our marriage. I didn’t stop her because there was no way I could marry Rachel.

I couldn’t find myself to picture Rachel as my wife.

“Let’s discuss it with our family first, Ava. I don’t want any complications in my life later. I am tired of dealing with this shit again and again.” I said in exhausted tone because my family’s expectations won’t allow me to live peacefully even for a moment. The last time I was actually happy when I fell in love with Madeline and we had created many beautiful memories together.

*******************

“What? Have you lost your mind?” My mother yelled as I predicted when we told her about doctor’s advice. Her angry demeanour frightened Ava who started crying hysterically.

“Mother, calm down. You are scaring her.” I tried to convince my mother.

“Damien, how can you think about this? I can’t accept a child born from another woman who isn’t your wife. When I requested you to marry Rachel, you refused because that witch filled your ears. See the outcome of your stubbornness, this wild grass is also useless.” My mother looked at Ava disdainfully.

“Mother, it’s not her fault. Do not blame her for something which isn’t in her control. If you want us to have an heir, then we’re going to take help of a surrogate or just forget about it. I want peace and stability in my life.” I said in a bit stern tone which left my mother flabbergasted.

“Lydia, listen to our son. He married twice but there is still no heir to this family. If you keep behaving like a oppressor, I believe our family will break away and it is not good for our reputation.” My father spoke for the first time in the argument and I felt relieved because even mother can’t go against his decision.

“David, are you serious? What will the society say if they find out that the daughter-in-law of our family failed to provide us with an heir. Our son isn’t a father yet.” My mother, who could lose the fight, said.

My father turned to face me, “Damien, your mother is right. It disappoints me how you married women from families who aren’t to our level but we respected your decision. We are again ready to accept your decision if you want to go with this process but keep it very private. Make sure that the woman who will carry your child, will never come into light, sign a non-disclosure agreement with her. Most importantly, her identity, her background must be cleaned.” My father, who himself had a child out of wedlock advised me but I kept silent because it would be the end of my miserable life.

“Alright, I’ll meet you within two weeks with the good news.” I said triumphantly.

A wrong decision still hurts me. I always live with the guilt and anger that I could have talked to Madeline and asked her why did she betray me. Perhaps, we could be together. If having a child through this was in my fate, I could have a child wi

th the woman I loved.

Or perhaps I still love her.