Chapter 8) Signed Away!

"Sir, that's my personal matter," I said firmly, trying to avoid his question. I didn’t want any more involvement with the man who had ruined my dreams.

He stepped closer, his gaze sharp. “Miss Lily, don’t act innocent. I know everything about you. So, tell me.”

I gritted my teeth. “Sir, our relationship ended long ago. Why are you suddenly so interested in your ex’s life again?”

I could feel his fury building. If I had been a punching bag, he would have thrown a hundred punches by now. His clenched fists and tense posture made it obvious how hard he was trying to control himself.

He was the reason our love story had collapsed.

“Lily Stephens,” he said, his lips curling slightly, “you’ve already spent a night with me.”

Was that supposed to be a threat? A form of blackmail?

I responded sharply, “Yes, sir. Consider it a one-night stand.”

He turned away and walked a few steps before stopping and glancing back. “You’re free from today. I won’t bother you anymore.”

Free?

Did he really think I was still emotionally bound to him? That I belonged to him in some twisted way? Never.

Ten days passed.

I was working nonstop, sleeping barely three hours a night, determined to prove I deserved the promotion. All thanks to the person who had sabotaged my original project.

As I sat immersed in my thoughts...

“Lily Stephens? Lily Stephens?”

The voice grew louder.

“Lily Stephens!”

I jolted awake. I had fallen asleep at my desk again.

I turned to find my boss glaring at me. He looked furious and embarrassed. Behind him stood a group of people—William Thomas and his inspection team.

A surprise inspection.

My heart sank.

This was the first time I had seen William in over ten days. But he wasn’t his usual self. He radiated authority, disappointment, and something colder.

I swallowed hard. My boss’s expression told me all I needed to know — I had ruined his credibility.

William stood silently, his presence heavy. I bowed slightly and murmured, “I’m sorry, sir.”

But it was too late.

Three words dropped like a bomb.

“You’re fired.”

I didn’t protest. I didn’t beg. It was my fault—I had fallen asleep on the job, no matter how hard I had been working.

I shut my laptop, packed my things, and left without a word. The elevator was already on my floor. I stepped in.

Ting.

As the doors closed, tears streamed down my face. I hadn’t expected this. After everything I’d gone through, this was the end?

My eyes grew heavy again.

I didn’t even realize when I drifted into unconsciousness.

“Everything looks fine. Nothing alarming in this case,” a voice said.

I stirred slightly, my eyelids heavy.

Another voice replied, “Thank you, doctor.”

Doctor?

I forced my eyes open and found myself lying in a hospital bed. William was seated next to the doctor, who soon walked out of the room.

William took a seat in front of me.

“I didn’t know you were so clever,” he said.

Clever?

How could I be clever? I just got fired for sleeping at my desk.

“What happened?” I asked weakly.

“You’re pregnant,” he said plainly. “And the child is mine.”

What?!

I was stunned.

I didn’t want to ruin my life for a child—especially not one with him. Marriage was never in my plans anymore. And now this?

I looked at him, my expression blank. His cold smile told me he already knew how I would react.

I stood up shakily. “I don’t want this child. Please.”

He didn’t flinch. He folded his arms and replied coolly, “I don’t want you. But I do want the child.”

“But I don’t!” I snapped.

He shrugged. “That’s fine. Give birth, and you can leave. Just act as a surrogate mother.”

I stared at him, speechless.

“I’ll pay you,” he added, without a hint of emotion.

The offer was tempting. I had no job. The fifty thousand dollars he had given me earlier was locked in savings, untouched. I was trying to build a future—maybe a house, a new life.

He pulled out a document.

“You just have to sign this.”

I eyed it cautiously. “What’s in it?”

“You agree to give birth to my child, get paid for it, and walk away forever. No contact with me or the baby. Ever.”

I looked at him in disbelief. He had planned this so quickly, as if it were a business deal.

Still... I signed.

If this would get me out of this twisted chapter — and if it paid well enough to start a new life — so be it.