Chaos in his domain

ATLANTIC HOSPITAL

Diana received the payment confirmation the next morning, and her sister’s surgery had been scheduled. Diana made her way to her sister’s ward; she had been transferred to a private ward on the third floor.

Diana had the confirmed receipt of payment and Bella’s medical files in a folder, clutching it to your chest. Bella flashed her a weak smile when she stepped in.

“Hey Diana,” She mumbled weakly. “You look happy.”

“Of course! Guess what?”

“You know, I am bad at guesses.”

Diana waved the receipt in the air dramatically. “Your lovely big sister is your savior.”

Bella’s eyes widened when she read the paper. “Is this real?”

“Payment cleared. And your surgery has been scheduled.”

Relief bloomed across Bella’s face. Tears welled up in her eyes. “I’m going to live? Oh my God…Diana…I’m not going to die.” she stuttered.

Diana gently brushed strands of hair away from her face. “You’ll live, Bella.” she wiped her tears. “Please don't cry.”

Bella sniffed. “But how did you get the money?” she asked tremblingly.

And there goes the question Diana had prayed Bella wouldn't ask. She had prepared a thousand answers for it. To lie. To say a friend helped. A miracle. A loan. Or a lottery. But Bella deserved to know the truth.

“I entered an agreement with a man,” she said.

“A man?”

“Yes. It's a legal agreement. I agreed to be a surrogate. And I have signed the contract.”

Bella stared at her, eyes slowly widening in disbelief. “Wait…you’re going to have someone’s baby?”

“Yes. I'm going to do the procedure next week.”

“Diana…why would you—”

“I know it sounds crazy, but it's legal.”

“But Diana, why would you do that? Why would you go through such a thing for me? Why would you give your body like that to a stranger?” she cried.

“I couldn't watch you die when I had a way to save you. I know it’s risky, but I love you, Bella. More than my comfort.”

More tears rolled down Diana’s cheeks. “I didn't ask you to do that for me.”

Diana took her hand. “I’d do it again if I had to, Bella. You're my sister.” Bella snatched her hand away and covered her face.

“I hate this. I hate myself. I hate that you have to sacrifice yourself for me.”

“This is my choice. Please, Bella, I choose this. If being pregnant for a few months means I’d see you healthy, happy, and alive, then it's a good choice.” She reached out to hug her, rubbing her back until Bella stopped crying.

“So, who is this man?” she asked between sniffles.

“His name is Theodore Smith.”

“What? The Theodore Smith of Smith Global?!” she gasped.

“Yeah. You know him?”

“Who doesn't know Theodore Smith? He is a billionaire!”

“Yes. I guess he's loaded.”

“So, are you living with him during the entire time?”

“Yes. I'm moving in after the procedure is done.”

“Well, I hope he falls in love with you.” Bella teased.

“What? No. This is a business arrangement. According to the contract, there is no romantic involvement. No parental claims.”

“People get attached, Diana. And pregnancy is no child’s play—”

“I know. And I understand. But I’m walking away in the end.”

Bella smiled weakly at her sister. “Thanks, Diana, for doing this to save me. I promise to get better.”

Diana embraced her. “I love you, Bella.”

“I love you more,” Bella said softly.

          **********

Two weeks had passed since the surrogacy procedure, the memory still lingering in Diana’s mind as if it was yesterday. Now, she was about to dedicate twelve months to a stranger and fulfill her part of the contract. The weight of her decision had settled heavier on her shoulders.

The black limousine pulled up the front of Theodore Smith's mansion; the building was impressive and perfectly sculpted but looked cold, just like its owner. White marble floor gleaming so perfectly, Diana feared she might smudge them with the sole of her kicks.

A woman in her fifties with graying hair opened the door. “Miss Diana, welcome. I am Carissa, the head of staff. Mr Smith assigned me to get you settled.”

He wasn't available to greet her. Diana smiled, clutching the handle of the big boxes she had wheeled in.

“Thank you. But it's Diana.”

The house's interior was as she imagined it: Expensive and luxurious. The walls were white with minimalist decor: no family photos, no artwork, but so much silence.

Diana looked around as Carissa led her through a long hallway. The house had too much space, and it didn't look like anyone lived in most of the rooms.

Diana hastened her footsteps to meet up with Carissa. She cleared her throat. “Does anyone live here?” she whispered.

Carissa chuckled softly. “Mr Theo enjoys his privacy. Everyone who works here lives here, though.”

Carissa introduced two other staff members who passed: an older man in his sixties who appeared to be the butler, Kevin, and a woman in her late twenties; she was dressed in a housekeeping uniform, Bianca. By the time they got to the guest wing of the house, Diana was already met about five staff members. They greeted and welcomed her like she was already family.

“This room is yours,” Carissa said, opening the door that revealed a suite larger than her entire apartment. She could see the beautiful garden from the large windows; the walls were pale gray, and the furniture was modern and sleek. The bed was a queen size and could fit in more than four humans. Everything in the room felt untouched.

“Wow. This looks like a hotel.” she breathed. It's heavenly.

“If there’s anything you need, please let me know.”

Diana looked at her with a wide grin. “There is. Where can I set up to paint?”

Carissa's eyebrows creased in confusion. “Paint?”

“Yes. I'm an artist. I paint…oils, acrylics, canvases. I don't want to make a mess here, so I need peace.”

“Oh! There's a sunroom at the back. No one uses it.” Carissa replied.

“Perfect.” Diana beamed.

Carissa led her to the sunroom with large windows and good light. It looked perfect but only needed a few changes.

“Thank you, Carissa. I can handle things from here.”

Diana got to work immediately. One of the big boxes contained a few painting tools. An hour later, the moving truck brought her stuff, mostly painting equipment. She spent the next few hours setting up. She unpacked brushes, tubes of paint, and rolls of canvas. She moved furniture, spreading drop clothes over the floor. She played music and danced to the upbeat pop.

While Diana was doing her thing, Theo watched her through the security monitor from his study. Through the split screen, he could see everything happening in the house.

Theo leaned back in his chair, staring at the monitor. He was supposed to be working on contracts and negotiating deals, but his eyes were glued to the screen, where Diana stood barefoot in her paint-stained leggings, hair pulled into a messy bun, and cheeks stained with paint.

“Chaos in my domain,” Theo mumbled

Diana had turned the room into a riot of color. He should have stopped her and be annoyed, but it somehow intrigued him. The way she painted a portrait like she was possessed, every dance movement bold and intense. Theo knew he should shut down the screen, but he didn't.

He watched her talk to herself as she painted with intense expression.